3-Tab vs Architectural Shingles: What Rhode Island Homeowners Should Know

Most older roofs in Rhode Island are 3-tab asphalt shingles. Almost every new roof we install is architectural. If your roof is getting older, here is what the difference means for you.

How to Tell Which You Have

3-tab shingles are a single, flat layer with cutouts that make three even “tabs” across each shingle, so the roof looks like a uniform grid. Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated) are made of two layers bonded together, so the roof has a thicker, shadowed, random look.

The Differences That Matter

• Thickness and weight: architectural shingles are heavier and thicker, which helps them resist wind and lie flat.
• Wind resistance: architectural shingles generally carry higher wind ratings than 3-tab, which matters near the coast and in exposed areas.
• Lifespan and warranty: architectural shingles typically last longer and come with longer manufacturer warranties.
• Looks: architectural shingles hide minor deck irregularities and look more like slate or wood.
• Cost: architectural shingles cost a bit more, but 3-tab has largely been phased out of residential product lines.

Is Your 3-Tab Roof Done?

Not necessarily. Age alone does not mean a roof has failed. When we evaluate an older 3-tab roof, we look for the signs that actually matter: widespread curling or cupping, heavy granule loss, cracked or missing shingles, deteriorated edges, and leaks. A 3-tab roof that is lying flat and holding its granules can sometimes be repaired and monitored for a few more years. We will tell you which one you have.

What We Install

We install GAF and CertainTeed architectural shingles, with ice and water barrier at the eaves and valleys, underlayment, new flashing and drip edge. Shingle roofs typically run $600 to $650 per square, with plywood decking replaced only where needed at $100 per sheet.