Buying a house, 3-Tab vs Dimensional Shingles?

So, you are buying a house and you’ve heard that dimensional shingles are better than 3-tab shingles. But you don’t know how to tell the difference between the two. Since the roof is perhaps the most expensive system in the house to replace it is worth knowing what you have.

Take a look at these two pictures. Notice how the one on the left looks a little flatter or smoother. That’s a traditional old school 3-tab shingle we see a lot less of here in the Dayton Ohio area. The one on the right has a rougher, more layered look.  Almost like there are lots of smaller pieces of shingles all put together. The look is deceiving because each dimensional shingle is actually the same size as the 3-tab.  

You may have heard them called a laminated or architectural shingle. More than once I’ve heard dimensional referred to as 3-dimensional shingles which is sure to elicit a snicker from your roofer if you call them this. The smaller pieces have a stacked or laminated appearance and the shingle is thicker and stiffer than a 3-tab. It will last longer and do better in high wind conditions because of this.     

As a local Realtor in the Dayton Ohio real estate market when I’m showing homes to buyers I always try to educate along the way. Just reach out with any questions.