Gone are the days when there were not many options available to choose from in terms of roofing materials as well as roofing structures. As a modern homeowner looking to install or replace a roofing system, it is important that you know your options. Due to technological advancements, the residential roofing market boasts a variety of choices.
One such popular roofing material is 3 tab shingles. Many materials have been introduced, but these traditional asphalt shingles still remain in popular contention. In this blog, we will look at whether they still hold value in today’s scenario and whether you should buy them or not?
What Are 3 Tab Shingles?
These are the oldest and most common type of asphalt shingles present in the market. They are very affordable and have a single layer of shingles that can be installed on your roof.
They’re called 3 tab shingles because each individual piece has three tabs: one at the top and two on either side. So while it may seem like there are 3 shingles in place, it is actually a single asphalt shingle.
The tabs make it easier to install than other styles, but also lend themselves to some drawbacks we’ll discuss later in this article.
What Are The Pros Of 3 Tab Shingles?
What are the benefits that these traditional roof shingles can provide you? Let’s find out in the following section:
Affordable
3 tab shingles are the most cost-effective roofing material available on the market.
If you’re looking for a roofing option that will help you keep costs down, consider using three-tab shingles. With this type of asphalt shingle, you’ll be able to get a high-quality roof at a price that won’t hurt your pocket. As a result, you will find them on most roofs in Massachusetts.
Easy To Install
There are some materials that involve a very complicated method of installation. The contractors need time to install these. Also, most contractors do not handle roof replacement.
However, if you go for 3 tab shingles for your roof then you do not have to worry about complexity. This is very easy to install. What’s more, is that almost every roofing contractor is trained to install asphalt shingles so you would not have a hard time finding the right roofing installer.
The tabs in the shingle make it easier to know where your cuts should be made as well as where each piece will fit on the roof. The contractor won’t need any special tools or materials either. All these ensure faster work so you can enjoy your home.
Flexible and Lightweight
3 tab roofing shingles are lightweight in nature. You and the roofing contractor you hire can both handle them with ease. Also, these are one of the most flexible roofing materials available in the market. So whether your home has a gable roof, dutch roof, hipped roof, or any other roof type, this material can easily be installed in all of them.
Beautiful Colors
A great choice in colors is one of the major strong points of asphalt shingles. Nowadays, your roof is not just for protecting you, it is now a crucial part of your home’s visual appearance. With the right roof, you can enhance your curb appeal.
With 3 tab shingles, you can give your roof a new look. These shingles come in a variety of colors. You can mix and match it with your exteriors and boost your curb appeal.
Cons Of 3 Tab Shingles
The single-strip shingles are not as popular as they were back in the days; why? There are several reasons for that. Let us look at some of them.
Do Not Last Long
3 tab shingles are a great choice if you are looking for something inexpensive. These types of shingles are made from recycled materials, so they will cost much less than traditional asphalt roofing products. However, these strip shingles may not last as long as some other expensive roofing options. Their lifespan is in the range of 15-20 years. This is very low when compared to other roofing materials, especially when we compare to metal or tiles.
Thus, chances are that you will need to replace them every 15 years, ultimately adding to the overall roofing cost. Thus, in the long run, they can lead to high costs.
Low Wind Resistance
Shingles that have three tabs on them are not as strong as other, more traditional shingles.
Due to their design, they are not recommended for areas that receive heavy winds or snowfall. If you live in an area with frequent high winds, such as coastal climates, it’s best to look into other types of roofing options.
This is because these shingles can easily be blown off when the wind strikes due to their extremely lightweight nature and single-strip design. Due to this reason, these shingles do not receive high wind ratings as well.
They Are Not As Durable
Another disadvantage is durability. Not only wind resistance, but they lack in other areas as well. 3 tab shingles are not as durable as other types of shingles. They are less likely to withstand heat, ice, and even humidity. So when tough weather conditions hit your area, these get damaged. Thus you need to constantly check your roof’s condition and call for repairs if necessary if you have these roof shingles.
Additionally, removing old 3 tab shingle roofs requires extra care because these sheets tend to break easily during removal due to their weak construction design.
Less Energy Efficient
While some of the disadvantages of three-tab shingles can be mitigated or avoided, it’s a fact that their overall energy efficiency leaves much to be desired. Compared to other types of roofing materials— such as Metal, Slate, and Tile—3 tab shingles are not as effective at keeping your home cool during summer months and warm during winter ones. This is because they’re made from foam which traps heat instead of reflecting it as well as other types of roofing materials.
This means that you’ll have to spend more money on electricity during those long, hot summers just so that you can keep your house at an acceptable temperature for your family members who don’t want to roast alive in their own homes!
Warranty Issues
The biggest disadvantage of asphalt shingles is the limited warranty.
While many types of roofing materials come with a lifetime warranty, these asphalt shingles only offer a limited one. This is because of the fact of relatively less durable design. This means that if you have problems with your roof after 10 or 15 years or so, you will have to pay for repairs yourself.
Is Susceptible To Algae Growth
Algae and mold growth are one of the most common problems associated with a roofing system. The 3 tab shingles are light and can let in moisture underneath them. This is a serious concern if you reside in a humid area. This trapped moisture can give rise to a number of problems. This can lead to decay in the roof deck as well as aid in the growth of mold and mildew.
The algae growth can be seen as black streaks on the shingles. Though these are not harmful, they put a damper on the visual appeal of your roof. Once visible, these become hard to clean. However, some of the roof shingles now come with algae resistance technologies.
Want Quality Roof Shingles? Contact Us Now
3 tab asphalt shingles are one of the oldest roofing materials present and are also the most inexpensive ones you can consider. You can also find a variety of shingle colors to choose from. However, there are some limitations to these types of shingles as well.
These are not built to withstand tough weather conditions and have a short lifespan as well. However, if you purchase quality roof shingles and maintain them well, then you can get a good value and performance.
If you want to install a 3 tab shingle roof, then be sure to contact Mayflower Roofing. Our experience with this type of roofing is extensive. We have worked on projects that range from the simple to those that are more complex.
We have done everything from installing new roofs to repairing old ones. We also offer replacement services. Contact us now at (508) 841-3622.
