What Are Three-Tab Shingles?
You have a number of options for roof replacement in the Twin Cities, as shingles come in various styles. One of the three most common styles is three-tab shingles.
Three-tab shingles are made of a single layer, laying flat across your roof. The bottom of this layer hosts three tabs to connect to another layer to the first one, much like a puzzle piece. Let’s look at three-tab shingles and see if they're right for your next roofing project!
Three Tab Shingle History
The asphalt shingle we use today was produced in the early 1900s. It wasn’t until mid-century that roofing contractors found a more straightforward and more economical way of installing roofing with the three-tab shingles.
The first three-tab shingles had dimensions of 12.5 inches by 20 inches in their first few decades. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the roofing industry agreed upon a standard of one foot by three feet that is still used today.
Three Tab Shingles: Pros
There are plenty of reasons why we use three-tab shingles today:
Simple Installation
Because three-tab shingles are made of a row, they are simple to lay out and install. Instead of having to nail every separate shingle into your roof, all it takes for three-tab shingles is to roll it out, cut it to fit, and nail sections of the roll into place. Then, the next row is a cinch as you just connect them with the three tabs.
Affordable Installation
Three-tab shingles are some of the most affordable roofing installations out there when it comes to exterior work. Since the installation of three-tab shingles is simplified, the cost to do so is more affordable than architectural shingles.
So, if you’re short on time or money, three-tab shingles work well for your situation.
Lightweight
Three-tab shingles are lightweight, so they will not put as much extra stress on the construction of your roof. This also helps make installation easier and can reduce the need for additional structural support.
Widely Available
Because three-tab shingles are the most common, they’re very easy to find. They come in many styles and colors, and it’s easy to find the right roofing contractor to install them. Three-tab shingles will look great when you choose a color that matches your home’s aesthetic.
Three Tab Shingles: Cons
Three-tab shingles can show occasional weaknesses, including:
Less Resistance
To make three-tab shingles easy to install, their design leaves something to be desired as far as protection goes. The thin asphalt membrane of three-tab shingles makes it more susceptible to storm damage.
Shorter Lifespan
Three-tab shingles tend to wear out faster. Their roofing warranties usually cover 20-25 years but may only last 15 or so years before showing severe signs of wear.
Lower Resale Value
If you plan to sell your home soon, then three-tab shingles will not help you increase your home’s value by very much. If you want to increase your home’s value, you can choose to upgrade to architectural shingles.
Vulnerable to Wind and Hail
In a climate like Minnesota, three-tab shingles may not hold up well against windy winter days and hail storms. If your particular area sees a lot of nasty weather, three-tab shingles might not be the right choice for your roof for longevity.
In fact, there is a specific way that shingle manufacturers measure wind resistance for shingles. There are several “classes” of shingles that indicate the maximum wind speed that the shingle can hold up against. Class A can handle 60 mph winds, while Class H can handle up to 150 mph.
Contact Trinity Exteriors for Roofing Installation
Whether you go with three-tab shingles or architectural shingles, Trinity Exteriors has your back when it comes to quality installation. We have over 15 years of experience working with roofs and other home exterior projects.
Not only can we install three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, or metal roofs, but we can also handle window replacements, gutter installation, and siding installation. For a one-stop shop for all things exterior, consider Trinity Exteriors.
Receive a free estimate online or give us a call at 952-920-9520 today!