Asphalt Shingles: 3-Tab vs Architectural and Why One is the Better Choice

Jan 12, 2024Architectural Shingle Roof, best shingles, Blog, Central Florida

 

Are you considering a new asphalt shingle roof installation for your home in Central Florida? When undergoing a new roof installation, you must pick a type of roofing that will last for many years and protect you from hail, wind, hurricanes, tornadoes, tropical storms, and severe rain events. There are a variety of asphalt shingle types, but an architectural shingle roof is the best choice for your home in Central Florida. 

In this article, we’ll compare 3-tab asphalt shingles to architectural shingles and then dive into why architectural shingles are the better choice. 

 

 

Central Florida Roofing: 3-Tab vs. Architectural Asphalt Shingles

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

 

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Style & Composition: 3-tab asphalt shingles are made from asphalt and designed with a flat, uniform look and three tabs. These shingles are constructed with granules and adhesives for the outermost layer and fiberglass for the backing.

Sturdiness & Longevity: 3-tab shingles do provide durability against a variety of climates, but these types of shingles are not recommended for Florida weather. This type of asphalt shingle typically needs to be replaced more often than other types of asphalt shingles. These ratings may range, but 3-tab asphalt shingles are often rated for winds of up to 60 miles per hour. 

 

Architectural Asphalt Shingles

 

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Style & Composition: Architectural shingles have a visually striking and dimensional look and have multiple layers. These types of shingles are made from asphalt and have fiberglass for the backing and granules and adhesives for the outermost layer. Architectural shingles are made with stronger adhesives and with higher-quality asphalt and are a lot more textured and durable than 3-tab shingles. 

These shingles can be designed to resemble cedar shake or slate roofing. In addition, architectural shingles are a great choice for an energy-efficient roofing material and offer superior light deflection and cooling.

Sturdiness & Longevity: Due to their high-quality design and durability, architectural shingles will not need to be replaced quite as often as 3-tab shingles. Florida experiences a range of harsh weather such as hail storms, strong winds, and intense heat and architectural shingles will have long-lasting resistance against these weather conditions and can withstand heavy winds of up to 120 miles per hour. 

If properly maintained and installed correctly, an architectural asphalt roof can last around 20 to 25 years in Central Florida.  

 

 

Why Architectural Shingles are The Best Choice: A Summary

To recap, architectural shingle are the best shingles for homeowners in Central Florida because:

  • They last longer than 3-tab shingles
  • Are more durable than 3-tab shingles
  • Often have a higher wind rating than 3-tab shingles
  • Are more usually striking than 3-tab shingles 

 

 

Why Choose McHale Roofing? 

Ultimately, architectural asphalt shingles are the most popular type of shingle in Central Florida because they strike the perfect balance of form, function, and finances. A new architectural shingle roof is affordable, highly customizable, easy to install, and more durable and longer-lasting than a 3-tab shingle roofing. You can’t go wrong with a new architectural asphalt shingle roof!

McHale Roofing is a local, top-rated roofing company in Central Florida that has built a business on the desire to offer superior service to the local community. Through McHale Roofing, Central Florida residents have access to high-quality and durable roofing and home improvement solutions that will fortify their roofing against climate and boost the curb appeal of their residences. When you work with McHale Roofing, no job is too big or too small.

Call McHale Roofing today to learn more about our services and to receive a free estimate!