3-Tab shingles are the most basic style of shingle available today. This is a simple, flat shingle, with two notches that give it the namesake "three tabs" look. They are cheap, have the widest berth of colors, and are the easiest to install. However, 3-Tab shingles also have a lower lifespan (up to 30 years), lower wind ratings (up to 80 mph) and an overall lower aesthetic appeal compared to other roofing products. For those reasons, 3-Tab shingles are being phased out of the roofing industry in favor of AR shingles.

The main difference people will notice between 3-Tab and AR shingles is the design. AR shingles have a raised, layered profile that comes in a number of different varieties. AR shingles have a lifespan nearly double that of their 3-Tab counterpart: up to 50 years. They also come in nearly the same amount of colors as 3-Tab shingles and can carry wind ratings up to 110 mph.

The difference comes in the design of the two types of shingles. 3-Tab shingles are composed of two layers of asphalt with a third fiberglass core layer in between. This is then topped with the granules (typically ceramic) you see on the shingle that are designed to weather with time. AR shingles are like two 3-Tab shingles combined, giving it the added resilience 3-Tabs lack without much increase in price.

Because of the quality difference between 3-Tab and AR shingles, we only use AR shingles when installing a new roof, unless you specifically ask for 3-Tab.