3-Tab Shingles are the oldest asphalt shingles in the marketplace. They were one of the first successful shingle designs and were popular for many years, but have been passed over as architectural shingles have become the standard in modern roofing. Still, you may have a roofing company that’s offering to install 3-tab shingles on your home. 

Are 3-Tab Shingles Made of Asphalt? 

Yes! Asphalt is the primary raw material in many roofing products, including traditional 3-tab shingles and more modern architectural shingles. It is a cost-effective option that is tough, flexible, and waterproof.

Asphalt shingles are made by saturating a base mat of cellulose fibers (organic 3-tab shingles) or glass fibers with asphalt. Ceramic-coated granules are then applied to the shingles. The granules protect the shingles from UV light and fire, as well as give the shingles their color. 

Read more about asphalt shingles.

What Are 3-Tab Shingles? 

A 3-tab shingle is a flat, rectangular asphalt shingle that’s split into 3 tabs at the lower edge of the shingle. When they are installed, 3-tab shingles look like they’re a brick pattern. 

Organic shingles are a type of 3-tab shingles that use an organic cellulose base coated with asphalt. For a time, they were an improvement over regular fiberglass shingles.

The 3-tab shingle has been the standard asphalt shingle for decades. The design dates back to the early 1900s. 

When Were 3-Tab Shingles Invented?

3 Tab shingles were invented in 1935 as an improvement over 2 tab shingles, which had been in use as early as the 1920s. The strips of three shingles were 12 inches by 36 inches, which is still the industry standard measurement for 3-tab shingles today.

What are the Pros of 3-Tab Shingles?

They’re inexpensive compared to other roofing materials, although the retail price difference is only a few dollars per bundle. They’re fairly durable and have a life span of around 10-15 years, making them a suitable product for roof replacement. The installation process is straight forward, making them a popular shingle for DIY purposes and smaller buildings like sheds. They’re currently still available at local stores.

Do They Still Make 3-Tab Shingles?

3-tab shingles are still being manufactured as of right now. However, they’re being phased out of the industry since better roofing materials are available. You may not be able to match your 3-tab shingles. You also may struggle to find a reputable roofing company that will install them. 

A roofing contractor who only recommends 3-tab shingles is a red flag.

Reasons To Avoid 3-Tab Shingles

Compared to architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles are inferior asphalt shingles. 3-tab shingles aren’t as strong, durable, or long-lasting. The average lifespan of an asphalt 3-tab shingle is only 10-15 years, meaning that although the roof is cheaper up front, the roof will last roughly half as long as an architectural shingle roof. 

Here’s our breakdown on 3-tab shingles vs architectural shingles.

Are Three Tab Shingles Right For Your Roof? 

Chances are, the answer is no.  Comparatively speaking, you get a much bigger return on your investment if you use architectural shingles. Architectural shingles are known for their durability to stand up to hail and high winds, and their longevity when compared to 3 tab shingles.

Read more about architectural vs asphalt shingles. 

3-Tab Shingles 

Once a modern marvel, these asphalt shingles were popular for decades as an inexpensive, fire-resistant, and durable roofing material. 

However, architectural shingles have surpassed them in all ways, making three-tab shingles obsolete.  While many homeowners still have 3-tab shingles, we recommend replacing them with architectural shingles when the time is right. 

Are All Asphalt Shingles 3-Tab Shingles?

No. While the 3-tab shingle is an asphalt shingle, it is not the only asphalt shingle on the market. Architectural and luxury shingles are also made of asphalt. These alternatives offer greater durability, enhanced aesthetics, and improved performance compared to traditional 3-tab shingles.

If you’re ready for roof replacement, Volpe Enterprises is happy to help. Contact us and we’ll get you a free quote.