Roofing Guide

Asphalt Shingle Types: 3-Tab, Architectural, and Designer

One of our jobs is ensuring our customers know what types of materials they’ll be choosing for the job. That’s why we always take the time to explain the types of materials used to finish the job right.

Composition shingles

Also called asphalt shingles, composition shingles are leading the market for Americans looking for a quality product. They’re also durable, and there are many selections to choose from.

So what are composition shingles?

Composition shingles are either organic- or fiberglass-based products. Fiberglass shingles are made up of small glass fibers, which are then covered with a layer of asphalt and then granules to protect the shingle from inclement weather.

Different types of composition shingles

Strip shingles - Three-tab shingles are the most common type of strip shingle. The installer has the ability to achieve pleasing shading effects depending on the number, shape and alignment of the shingles.

Laminated shingles - A favorite amongst homeowners and roofing contractors, laminated shingles are also called three-dimensional shingles because they create depth on a roof and give your home a nice, custom-made look. The shingles are extra thick because they contain more than one layer of tabs.

Interlocking shingles - Great if you live in a windy part of the country, interlocking systems lock each shingle to one another and really stand up well to Mother Nature. Besides coming in numerous sizes, interlocking shingles come in a variety of design styles.

Three categories of shingles

Actually, it’s pretty simple if you break shingles down into three categories.

3-Tab Shingles - These are the most common type of shingles on the market. They have a very flat appearance and are what most people picture when they think of the word “shingle”.

Architectural Shingles - If appearance is an influential factor in addition to function, these value-added shingles have a number of different looks and color blends giving the roof a “layered” look.

Designer Shingles - These are the flagship shingles of their respective manufacturers. Each are unique in appearance and designed to give a specific look.

Fungus resistant shingles

Damp, humid climates can encourage the growth of fungus on asphalt shingles. The result is unsightly green and black streaks that are especially noticeable on light-colored roofs.

Shingles become fungus resistant by the addition of copper granules to the shingle surface.