What's the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?

3-tab shingles are a single, flat layer cut into three even tabs, so the roof looks uniform. Architectural shingles are made from laminated layers, so they're thicker and heavier, look more dimensional, and generally carry higher wind ratings and longer expected lifespans.

What shingles does Allabaugh Construction install?

We install architectural asphalt shingles on our roof replacements. As a GAF-certified contractor, we can walk you through the colors and styles available for your home, and our new roofs are backed by lifetime manufacturer's warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty.

Are 3-tab shingles still available?

Some manufacturers still make them, but they've become much less common as architectural shingles have taken over the residential market. Most homeowners replacing a roof today choose architectural shingles.

How long do architectural shingles last in NJ and NEPA?

Architectural shingles often last 25 to 30 years or more when they're installed correctly with good attic ventilation and maintained. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice dams and summer heat all play a part, so ventilation and ice barrier at the eaves matter here.

Which Types of Asphalt Shingles Are Best for Residential Roofing?

By the Allabaugh Construction team · August 18, 2023 · Updated September 25, 2026

When it comes to picking a roofing material for your home, asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice, and for good reason. They offer a strong mix of durability, affordability and style options. In this guide, we'll walk through the main types of asphalt shingles so you can make an informed decision for your roof replacement.

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: Classic Simplicity

3-tab shingles are the basic option. They're a single flat layer, cut into three equal tabs, which gives the roof a neat, uniform look. They come in a range of colors and were the standard shingle on many homes built in past decades, so you'll still see plenty of them in older neighborhoods across New Jersey and Northeast Pennsylvania.

The tradeoff is durability. Because they're thinner and lighter, 3-tab shingles often last around 15 to 20 years and typically carry lower wind ratings than architectural shingles. They've also become much less common as the industry has shifted toward architectural shingles.

Architectural Asphalt Shingles: Dimensional Appeal

Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminated shingles, are what most homeowners choose today, and they're what we install. They're built from multiple layers bonded together, which makes them thicker and heavier and gives the roof a textured, shadowed look that can resemble wood shake.

Architectural shingles are more durable than 3-tab shingles and often last 25 to 30 years or more with proper installation and ventilation. They generally hold up better to wind, which matters when nor'easters and summer thunderstorms roll through. They come in a wide range of colors and blends to suit anything from a Cape Cod to a large colonial.

Designer (Luxury) Asphalt Shingles: Premium Looks

Designer or luxury shingles are the top tier of asphalt roofing. They're heavier still and are shaped to mimic high-end materials like slate or cedar shake, without the weight or cost of the real thing. They often carry longer manufacturer warranties than standard architectural shingles. If you want the look of slate on a home that can't carry a slate roof's weight, they're worth a look.

Major Shingle Manufacturers

The brand and product line affect your roof's look, performance and warranty options. A few of the best-known manufacturers:

GAF

GAF is one of the largest roofing manufacturers in North America, best known for its Timberline line of architectural shingles. Allabaugh Construction is a GAF-certified contractor.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed makes the Landmark line of architectural shingles, along with designer lines styled after slate and shake.

Owens Corning

Owens Corning's Duration line is its main architectural shingle, offered in a wide range of colors.

Every manufacturer has its own warranty terms and installation requirements, and having the roof installed correctly matters as much as the brand you choose.

What Matters Most in Our Climate

Whatever shingle you choose, a few details decide how long it lasts in New Jersey and Northeast Pennsylvania:

Ice and water barrier at the eaves and in valleys, to protect against ice dams.
Balanced attic ventilation, so heat and moisture don't cook the shingles from below. See our roof ventilation page.
Proper nailing and flashing, done to the manufacturer's instructions.

Choose the Right Shingles With Our Help

The right shingle depends on your priorities: budget, appearance and how long you plan to stay. For most homes, architectural shingles hit the sweet spot.

If you're planning a roof replacement anywhere in Mercer County, NJ or Luzerne County, PA, we'll walk you through colors and styles and give you a free written estimate. Our new roofs come with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty, and financing is available. Call NJ (609) 477-0487 or PA (814) 330-4897, or get a ballpark with our Instant Roof Quote.