Previously, we have discussed the different types of asphalt shingles, wherein they differ greatly from the base layer, which is organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles and fiberglass shingles have different pros and cons and it is very important to consider your home’s weather condition as one can be of lesser benefit over the other. 

To recap, let's summarize the pros and cons of each. 

Organic asphalt shingles are made from felt paper being soaked with asphalt and will then be coated with more asphalt and ceramic granules. Organic asphalt shingles are much more durable and better in colder climates but it is much heavier and prone to warp as it is more water-absorbent and less fire-resistant. 

Fiberglass asphalt shingles, on the other hand, use woven fiberglass as a base layer and then be coated with asphalt and ceramic granules. Because it has lesser asphalt content, it is much lighter and easier to install and due to the fiberglass, it is less water-absorbent and more fire-resistant compared to the organic shingles. Lesser asphalt content also means not as durable as organic materials. It is also more prone to brittleness in colder climates. 

Now that you have chosen your shingle material, we may now proceed with the style. What style of shingles is best for you? Roof shingles can be of two different styles, three-tab shingles, and architectural shingles. And the choice lies with you!

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1. Three-tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles look like separate shingles but really are three shingles pieced together and installed as one. Three-tab shingles are also flatter and thinner which cost less and can be installed easier. They also give a more uniform look compared with the other style. 

The thing is three-tab shingles are more prone to and easily damage which can last shorter compared to the architectural shingles. And because of its style, three shingles pieced together, it is less versatile and can only have one look. It also has a shorter warranty compared to the other option because of its durability. 

2. Architectural Shingles 

Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional shingles. This is because the architectural shingles are created by laminating two shingles together which gives them more bulk or “dimension”. It comes in different sizes and styles, versatile with your taste. And because of these, it is more durable, wind-resistant, and has a longer life span compared with the three-tab shingles. 

Due to these reasons, architectural shingles are much heavier compared with the three-tab shingles which need more cost and manpower during the installation and should have greater roofing support. Plus, they are much more costly compared with the other shingle style. 

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Final point is that three-tab shingles are much cheaper and easier to install but architectures are more durable and heavier. Despite these, shingles are still inexpensive compared to other roofing materials. Another is, that it can be of different sizes and colors which can last long throughout its service life because of its ceramic coating. The most important thing after choosing and installing your preferred roofing is maintenance.