What roofing material should you choose for your home or business? Selecting a material from the various types of roofing available out there is tricky. You will need to understand your options to make the best decision for your home, budget, and aesthetic desires.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website SANGOBUILD.
Keep reading for a closer look at two common roof shingle types: 3-tab and laminate. Once you&#;ve decided which type of shingle is best for your new roof, let our roofing team take care of you.
Is it time to replace your Central Illinois roof? Contact Sundown Exteriors, the best roofing company in Bloomington, about installing your new roof. As a five-star CertainTeed Select Shinglemaster and Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, our team proudly serves Bloomington, Normal, and Lincoln, Illinois. Call today at (309) 275- for a free estimate.
Read on to decide if 3-tab shingles or dimensional laminate shingles might be a good fit for your roofing needs and budget.
Typical asphalt shingles are 3-tab shingles. This asphalt shingle is lightweight, flat, and uniform in size and shape.
Laminate shingles are a subtype of asphalt shingles, also known as architectural or dimensional, that have a triple layer of fiberglass, so they are thicker and useful as design elements. They create a three-dimensional pattern using different shapes and sizes.
Three-tab and laminate (architectural) are different types of asphalt shingles. Although they are composed of similar materials, they differ in durability, cost, and other factors.
A simple asphalt shingle has three layers: the fiberglass backer, the asphalt adhesive, and the protective granules. When comparing 3-tab roofing shingles to dimensional laminate shingles, these same materials comprise both types of shingles. However, each type offers homeowners different drawbacks and benefits.
These two shingle types use the same general materials but in different ways. In general, laminate (architectural or dimensional) fiberglass shingles use higher quality asphalt, three layers of fiberglass to create a heavier backer, and more granules for a more robust shingle.
Roofing shingles contend with all types of weather, but wind can be one of the most significant when it comes to possible damage. Because they are heavier and sturdier, laminate shingles tend to hold up better to higher winds than 3-tab shingles do.
Laminates can typically withstand winds from 80 to 120 miles per hour, whereas the thinner, lighter 3-tab shingles rate up to 60 miles per hour. Because of this, 3-tab shingles are more likely to get ripped away by strong winds.
Laminate shingles are heavier and thicker, so they typically outlast 3-tab shingles. Under optimal conditions (minimal wind, rain, snow, ice, and sun), a laminate roof will last up to 30 years, which is twice the average lifespan of a 3-tab roof. A laminate roof will last up to 20 years in a climate prone to severe weather, whereas a 3-tab will only last about ten years.
As you may expect, laminate shingles can be more expensive to install than their 3-tab counterparts, but 3-tabs will require more maintenance as the roof ages. These two options balance out with laminate shingles costing more upfront and 3-tab shingles costing more over time, as repairs and replacements become necessary.
Which type of shingle you choose for your roof may depend more on the desired appearance than any other factors. If you&#;re looking for a flat, uniform aesthetic, a 3-tab roof will suit you better than laminate. On the other hand, laminate will provide you with a more dynamic, architectural look with shingles of varying sizes.
In general, laminate shingles offer a more durable, longer-lasting roof. They are thicker, heavier, and more resistant to wind and other weather conditions.
We&#;ve covered the basics in this article, but if you have further questions about choosing 3-tab shingles versus dimensional laminate shingles, our tam at Sundown Exteriors can answer them to help you make an informed decision regarding what type of shingle to use on your new roof.
Contact our residential roofing professionals at Sundown Exteriors through our website or by calling us at (309) 275- for a free estimate. We serve the roofing needs of property owners in Bloomington, Lincoln, and Normal, IL.
It&#;s important that homeowners consider their options as shingles can significantly impact the appearance, durability, and longevity of their roofs. Two popular options that frequently dominate the market are 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. While both serve the purpose of protecting your home from the elements, they differ in design, performance, and cost. Understanding the distinctions between these two types of shingles is essential for making an informed decision that aligns with your aesthetic preferences, budget, and long-term goals.
In this article, we will delve into the differences between 3-tab and architectural shingles, exploring their unique characteristics, pros and cons, longevity, pricing, and potential impact on insurance premiums. By examining these key factors, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of each shingle type and be equipped to make the right choice for your roof replacement.
We want to help you make informed decisions for your roof. To help you decide the best shingles for your roof, we&#;ll compare 3-tab and architectural shingles across five factors: design, durability, price, longevity, and their impact on insurance premiums.
· Design: 3-tab shingles have a traditional flat design with three evenly spaced tabs, resulting in a uniform appearance on the roof. On the other hand, architectural shingles have a more dimensional and textured look, often mimicking the appearance of slate or cedar shakes. Architectural shingles offer a more visually appealing option, while 3-tab shingles provide a simpler look for your home. It&#;s important to ask your roofing contractor to see finished projects with the type of shingle and color you&#;re interested in.
Want more information on 3-tab roof shingles? Feel free to contact us.
· Durability: Architectural shingles are much more durable and resistant to various weather conditions compared to 3-tab shingles. They are constructed with multiple layers of material, making them thicker and better equipped to withstand wind, impact, and hail damage. 3-tab shingles are thinner and less robust, making them more susceptible to damage under severe weather conditions. Most 3-tab shingles have a manufacturer note that they are only graded for wind speeds up to 50 miles per hour.
· Price: 3-tab shingles are typically more affordable than architectural shingles. The simpler design and lower material costs contribute to their lower price point. If budget is a primary concern, or you do not plan to live in your home very long, 3-tab shingles may be a suitable option. However, it&#;s important to consider the long-term cost-effectiveness, as architectural shingles generally offer superior durability and longevity.
· Longevity: Architectural shingles tend to have a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles. While 3-tab shingles typically last around 15-20 years, architectural shingles can last 20-30 years or more. The increased durability and thicker construction of architectural shingles contribute to their extended lifespan, making them a more durable and long-lasting roofing option. If you plan to live in your home for a long time, and want to take advantage of a long lasting roof, architectural shingles may be the right choice for your home.
· Insurance Premiums: Insurance premiums can be influenced by the type of roofing material used. Generally, architectural shingles may have a positive impact on insurance premiums due to their enhanced durability and resistance to damage. Insurance companies often offer discounts for roofs that are less likely to be damaged in severe weather events. While the exact impact on premiums may vary depending on the insurance provider and other factors, architectural shingles&#; durability can potentially lower insurance costs over time.
In summary, the main differences between 3-tab and architectural roofing shingles lie in their design, durability, price, longevity, and potential impact on insurance premiums. Architectural shingles offer a more visually appealing appearance, increased durability, longer lifespan, and potential insurance benefits. However, they come at a higher price compared to 3-tab shingles, which have a simpler design, lower cost, but shorter lifespan and reduced durability. The choice between the two ultimately depends on budget, aesthetic preferences, and long-term goals for your roofing investment.
Once you&#;ve received a few bids on your roofing project, it&#;s time to select a contractor. Roofing bids are not created equal, and it can be difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison. Keep in mind, expensive does not mean quality and cheap does not mean value. To ensure you&#;re getting the best deal for your home, compare your roofing bids across these four criteria:
1. Materials: You&#;ll want to make sure you compare the brand and grade of shingles being used for your roof replacement. 3-tab shingles are cheaper than mid or high grade architectural shingles, but have their downsides as well. You&#;ll also want to examine the type of deck protection being used. There are notable longevity (and price) differences in felt and synthetic underlayment. You&#;ll want to make sure your bids are quoting the same quality of material so you are able to make a true apples to apples comparison.
2. Warranty: There are two types of warranties when it comes to your roof. Manufacturer warranties (the warranty provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials) and craftsmanship (this is provided by the company installing your new roof). Robust craftsmanship warranties show the roofer is confident in their work, and give you peace of mind in the long term. If one of your cheaper bids does not spell out a comprehensive manufacturer or craftsmanship warranty, you&#;ll want to take note of that when making your final decision.
3. Installation Specifics: It&#;s important to examine each bid and inquire with the roofing contractor about what exactly is getting replaced. Some good questions to ask your roofing contractor include:
· Does your bid include a replacement for your flashing and pipe boots?
· Will someone be supervising the jobsite?
· How will you protect my landscape?
· What insurance policies do you carry?
· How many nails per shingle?
· Are you tearing off my old roof or is this an overlay?
4. Reviews & Reputation: Lastly, make sure you do your homework on your roofing contractor. Peruse their website, social media channels and reviews (Google and the Better Business Bureau are great places to check!). A company who takes reviews and social media presence seriously will resolve any customer complaints to prevent bad reviews.
We hope these tips will help you make a true apples to apples comparison across roofing bids. Comparing these factors will help you feel confident you&#;re selecting a Louisville roofing company that best fits your roof replacement project.
Roof issues are stressful. Whether you have a roof leak, hail damage to your roof or are in need of a roof replacement, let us take the stress out of the process. After reading this article, we hope you feel more confident tackling your issue.
Whether your roof issue can be fixed with a simple repair or you&#;re in need of a full replacement, be sure to check out our Learning Center and YouTube Channel to find answers to all your roofing questions.
AIC Roofing and Construction has served homeowners in Louisville, Lexington and Richmond since . We are in the top 2% of roofing contractors in North America to obtain the GAF MasterElite certification &#; a certification we renew every year as part of our commitment to excellence.
We would love to see if we would be a good fit for your project. If you&#;re ready to get a free estimate on your roof repair or replacement, contact us today!
3-tab attics barns chimney choosing a contractor commercial cost curb appeal DIY estimate financing flashing flat roof GAF glossary gutter replacement gutters gutter size gutter system ice dams inspections insurance missing shingles roof design roofing materials roofing system roof leak roof maintenance roof materials roof repair roof replacement roof shapes roof types shingle ratings shingles siding siding materials siding replacement skylights storm damage underlayment ventilation warranty winter
Contact us to discuss your requirements of end caps for roof tiles. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.