When it’s time for a new roof, the first thing you’ll want to do research reputable, local roofing contractors. Once you have narrowed your search down and received a few quotes, you’ll notice they usually have a couple of pricing tiers listed, and the higher ones will feature architectural shingles as opposed to standard three tab shingles. Are architectural shingles worth the higher price?
In most cases, the answer is a yes without a doubt.
Key Takeaways
💡Three tab shingles vs architectural shingles is mostly a question of durability, appearance, wind performance, and long-term value.
💡Architectural shingles usually offer a thicker, more dimensional look than three tab shingles, which can help improve curb appeal.
💡In Asheville and Western North Carolina, storm exposure, wind gusts, rainfall, and freeze-thaw conditions make shingle quality and installation details especially important.
💡Three tab shingles may cost less upfront, but architectural shingles often make more sense for homeowners who want stronger performance, longer warranty options, and better resale appeal.
What Are Architectural Shingles?
Three tab and architectural shingles are both asphalt shingles. The difference between the two is that architectural shingles are constructed with a thicker layer of a more refined type of asphalt, that provides a number of added benefits, that we will discuss.
Architectural shingles are also known as laminated, composite, or dimensional—the latter being due to the three dimensional appearance they provide.
There are many different manufacturers of architectural shingles, like Atlas, CertainTeed, and GAF. Each company carries different lines of architectural shingles. It is important to ask your roofer to explain the benefits of the new shingles in your quote.
The Benefits
Architectural shingles look great and while their three-dimensional appearance might emulate the look of slate, architectural shingles weigh less than slate. Architectural shingles do not require the additional support slate tiles required which means you will obtain great curb appeal for a lot less money.
Architectural shingles are somewhat heavier than three tab shingles and are able to sustain higher wind speeds. We seldom get tornados in Asheville, but we do endure severe storms in the spring and fall that produce very high wind gusts. While it is difficult to protect your home from these types of storms, some architectural shingles can withstand wind speeds up to 130 mph. A three tab has more vulnerability of being blown off the roof off by even straight line winds.
Warranty is also a factor when choosing a new roof shingle. Architectural shingles generally carry a warranty ranging from 30 to 50 years, sometimes advertised as a lifetime warranty. While three tab shingles normal warranty is 20 to 30 years. When considering architectural shingles, look at the warranty length and cost. In the end, architectural shingles are more economical with regard to your roof life expectancy (with proper maintenance), warranty and re-sale value of your home.
When it comes to choosing architectural shingles or three tab shingles, it boils down to taste and economics. Three tab shingles are less expensive but will cost you more in the end because your roof will need to be replaced much sooner since they are less durable. Also, let’s not forget to figure in re-sale value. three tab shingles may make your home look more dated.
Why This Comparison Matters for Asheville Roofs
For Asheville homeowners, the debate around three tab shingles vs architectural shingles is not just about appearance. It is also about how the roof handles local weather. The National Weather Service Asheville climate page shows that the Asheville area tracks rainfall, snowfall, freeze data, wind records, and heavy rain events. Those conditions matter because asphalt shingles have to perform through heat, rain, wind, cold snaps, and seasonal weather changes.
The National Weather Service also documents historic tornadoes in the North Carolina mountains, including events in and around Western North Carolina. While tornadoes are not the everyday roofing concern for most Asheville homes, severe storms and strong wind gusts can expose weak shingles, poor fastening, old seal strips, and aging roof edges. That is one reason Litespeed Construction recommends comparing three tab shingles vs architectural shingles through the lens of long-term roof performance, not just the lowest estimate.
Wind Resistance and Installation Quality
When comparing three tab shingles vs architectural shingles, homeowners should remember that the product itself is only part of the equation. Installation quality matters just as much. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s asphalt shingle roofing guidance for high-wind regions emphasizes that asphalt shingles in high-wind areas should be selected and installed with attention to wind resistance, attachment, underlayment, eaves, rakes, hips, ridges, and flashing details.
That matters because shingles are not designed to work alone. They are part of a roof system. Starter strips, proper nail placement, roof decking condition, ventilation, flashing, and manufacturer instructions all affect performance. A better architectural shingle installed poorly can still fail. A three tab shingle installed on aging decking or with inadequate fastening can be even more vulnerable.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology has also noted ongoing research into asphalt shingles, wind-induced uplift forces, rainwater intrusion, environmental weathering, and how shingles perform over time. That reinforces an important point for homeowners: shingles age, sealants weaken, and weather exposure changes how a roof performs year after year.
Energy, Heat, and Shingle Selection
Three tab shingles vs architectural shingles is primarily a durability and appearance comparison, but energy performance can also matter. The U.S. Department of Energy explains that cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less solar energy than conventional roofs. DOE also notes that conventional roofs can reach 150°F or more on sunny summer afternoons, while reflective roofs can stay more than 50°F cooler under the same conditions.
That does not mean every Asheville homeowner needs a cool roof, but it does mean shingle color and reflectivity should be part of the conversation. A darker roof may create a different heat load than a lighter or more reflective roofing option. For homeowners comparing three tab shingles vs architectural shingles, Litespeed Construction can help explain not only the difference in cost and appearance, but also available color options, algae-resistant options, warranty differences, and how the new shingles fit the home’s ventilation and attic insulation system.
Which Shingle Is the Better Investment?
For most homeowners replacing a roof in Asheville, architectural shingles are usually the better long-term investment. Three tab shingles can still serve a purpose when budget is the controlling factor, but architectural shingles generally provide stronger curb appeal, better dimensional appearance, more robust warranty options, and improved resistance to storm-related wear.
The best choice depends on your home, budget, neighborhood, roof slope, roof complexity, and how long you plan to stay in the property. If you are preparing to sell soon, architectural shingles can help the home look more updated from the street. If you plan to stay for years, architectural shingles may reduce the chance that you are facing another replacement sooner than expected.
Litespeed Construction Asheville can inspect your current roof, explain three tab shingles vs architectural shingles in plain language, review manufacturer options, and provide a clear roof replacement estimate. The goal is not just to sell a more expensive shingle. The goal is to help you choose a roof system that protects your home, improves curb appeal, and makes financial sense.
