Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Architectural vs Three-Tab

Three-tab shingles are flat, uniform and cheap, with wind ratings around 60 mph and a practical life of 15–20 years. Architectural (dimensional/laminate) shingles are built from multiple bonded layers, which gives them depth, a wind rating of 110–130 mph and a realistic 25–30 year life. In Chicago, where winter wind off the lake is a genuine load case, the price difference is far smaller than the performance difference — and we recommend architectural on nearly every home. Three-tab still makes sense on garages, rentals and outbuildings where up-front cost dominates.

Installation Details That Protect Your Warranty

Shingle manufacturers deny warranty claims on improperly installed roofs, and most homeowners never learn this until they need the warranty.

• Correct nail count and placement in the nailing zone — not high, not overdriven
• Manufacturer starter strip at eaves and rakes, never inverted field shingles
• Ice & water shield at the eaves — essential in this climate, and often skipped by cheap bids
• Synthetic underlayment across the entire deck
• Matching hip-and-ridge cap product from the same shingle system
• Proper offset so joints never stack between courses
• Drip edge installed in the correct sequence with the underlayment
• Balanced ventilation, so heat and moisture do not cook the shingles from below