Three-tab asphalt is a single flat layer of mat, saturated in asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. It is the entry point of the market and it is what sits on a large share of American housing stock.
Its virtues are cost and availability. Every crew in the country can hang it, every supplier stocks it, and a repair can be matched years later. Its limitation is the flat profile: with one layer there is nothing to resist wind lift at the tab, so it is rated lower for wind than a laminated shingle and it shows its age sooner.
If you are selling within a decade, or roofing a garage or a rental, it does the job for the least money. If you are staying, the step up to architectural is usually worth it.
The trade-off, honestly
What it gives you
- Lowest installed cost
- Fast to install and easy to repair
- Available everywhere
What it costs you
- Shortest life of any pitched material
- Lower wind rating
- Flat, uniform appearance
You click. We climb. Deal?
Tell us what you need and we will handle the rest. No ladders required on your part.
