Defining the Different Grades of Roof Shingles
Not all asphalt shingles are created equal. There are a few different grades and types to choose from, depending on your preferences, the style of your home, and your budget. From economy to architectural to designer, let’s explore the three main grades of roofing shingles for your home.
Each one will offer different levels of protection for your home, have a different lifespan, and cost more or less depending on what you choose. It may help for you to visualize each grade as “good”, “better,” and “best”.
Three Grades of Shingles
When shopping for the best shingles for your home, this tiered system features lower-priced economy products, followed by mid-range products, and then high-end premium shingles. There are many factors that separate them and make them unique, from durability and cost to aesthetics and warranty longevity.
The three main shingle grades are:
- 3-tab shingles
- Architectural or dimensional shingles
- Luxury or premium shingles
Let’s go more in depth on each of them.
3-Tab Shingles
The original and most basic of all the types, 3-tab shingles can last about 15 years with proper care. Featuring a relatively simple, consistent appearance, each of the shingles are all the same shape, laying flat next to each other and being perfectly rectangular in shape. These shingles have been a mainstay in the roofing business for many decades, with a flat look, minimal thickness, and the shortest warranty durations.
Popular among builders of new economy homes, 3-tab shingles are the most affordable, but they have the lowest lifespan of the three options. Also known as strip shingles, 3-tab shingles are comprised of one layer of asphalt that are then cut up into equal strips. They happen to be the lightest type of shingle on the market, which adds to their affordability over architectural and designer shingles.
Due to their lightweight nature, 3-tab shingles are more likely to blow off in high winds, a possibility that’s not only dangerous but expensive and inconvenient too.
Pros
- Because 3-tab shingles are made from a single layer, they are very easy to install and thus affordable for many homeowners.
- They come in a multitude of colors to match your home.
- They are easy and quick to install.
Cons
- 3-tab shingles don’t last as long as dimensional and luxury shingles.
- They lack the aesthetic appeal of the two better grades.
In the end, 3-tabs are limited in their aesthetic options. If you want a more upscale look, go with architectural or designer shingles. In the short term, three-tab shingles are economically wise for budget homes and rental properties.
Architectural (or Dimensional) Shingles
Also known as laminate or dimensional shingles, architectural shingles are the most popular style. During manufacturing, the base mats get two or more layers, creating a multi-dimensional appearance on the roof.
They are extra durable due to the extra layers and added weight. Within this grade, there are two more categories: regular and upgraded architectural.
Architectural shingles are comprised of two layers of asphalt bonded together. More durable than 3-tabs, they offer a multi-dimensional appearance and texture, with a lifespan of 25 years or longer.
These happen to be the most popular type of shingle for American homes. Dimensional shingles are heavier in weight than 3-tab, or strip shingles, and have improved warranty protections, ranging from 30 years to lifetime.
Pros
- They have better warranties than 3-tab.
- They are multi-dimensional in appearance, and thus can easily replicate wood shake.
Cons
- They cost about 25 percent more than 3-tab shingles.
Luxury (or Premium) Shingles
The highest-quality asphalt shingle available, luxury shingles boast a unique appearance that’s in a whole different class than the rest. They have a lifespan of 30 years or more, with better wind resistance compared with the other shingles due to their weight. Luxury shingles provide the most realistic representation of wood shake and slate roofs, yet without the high cost and intensive labor requirements of those natural materials.
Many premium shingles are manufactured as impact resistant, designed to protect the shingle from hail storms while extending the life of the roofing system.
Pros
- They add high-quality beauty to any roof.
- They provide the highest-quality coloration and dimensionality.
- They are extremely durable yet cost less than natural slate or cedar.
Cons
- They are much more expensive than 3-tab and dimensional shingles.
- Not all roofs are able to support their weight.
At double the weight of three-tab shingles, luxury shingles have the extra strength that’s needed to shield against impact and tears. This makes them an ideal addition to homes in extreme weather-prone regions.
Book Your FREE Roofing Consultation With NVB Contracting Today!
Our team would be happy to further explain the differences in the various grades of asphalt shingles, and help you determine the best one for your needs and budget. Book your free inspection now online or call us at (877) 682-4044.