Should I use 3-Tab or Dimensional Asphalt Shingles?
What is the better choice with asphalt shingles, 3-tab or dimensional architectural shingles?
I get this question all of the time. I am sure the answer is probably different depending on where you live. This blog is the opinion of living in Florida which is a hurricane state.
The 3-tab shingles, which are used often, provides that smooth look across your roof with the shingles laying flat. Many homeowners like this look as it is uniform. In Florida, the life expectancy of this shingle can vary between 13 to 17 years with the average being about 15 years of life.
The dimensional or architectural shingles as they are sometimes called are layered on your roof. When looking across your roof, it does not look flat. It is more of a feathered look. This shingle provides stronger roof protection in a storm. In Florida, the life expectancy of this shingle can also vary from 18 years to 22 years with the average being about 20 years of life. As you would imagine, this shingle is a little more expensive than 3-tab shingles.
Insurance companies today in Florida, prefer your roof to be less than 10 years old with at least 3 years of life on the roof when quoting an insurance policy. They don't seem to make a distinction between the 2 types of shingles in their premiums.
So, what is the better choice? My vote is for architectural shingles for the extra strength and longer life for the dollar.
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