3-Tab vs Architectural Shingles: Which Is Best for Oklahoma Homes?
When it comes to choosing roofing shingles for your Oklahoma home, you’re not just picking a color or a brand—you’re deciding how your home will stand up to hail, wind, tornados, and everything else this unpredictable state throws at you. Two of the most common choices are 3-tab shingles and architectural (laminate) shingles. If you’re not sure what the difference is—or which one’s right for your home—you’re not alone.
At Tier-One Roofing, we help homeowners make this decision every day. We’re based in Oklahoma. We live here. We’ve repaired and replaced roofs after more storms than we can count, and we know what lasts and what doesn’t.
So, in this no-fluff, genuinely helpful guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about 3-tab vs architectural shingles—what they are, how they perform, and which one we’d trust over your head if it were our own home.
What Are 3-Tab Shingles?
Let’s start with the basics.
3-tab shingles are named for their design: each shingle has three uniform, flat tabs that create a clean, horizontal appearance when installed. They’re made from a single layer of asphalt and are the most budget-friendly option on the market.
These shingles were the industry standard for decades. They still exist because they’re cheap, lightweight, and relatively easy to install. But "standard" doesn't always mean "smart," especially when you're living in the middle of tornado alley.
What Are Architectural Shingles?
Architectural shingles—also called laminate shingles or dimensional shingles—are thicker, heavier, and made from multiple layers of asphalt fused together. The result is a more durable, longer-lasting shingle that adds depth and dimension to your roof.
These shingles cost more upfront but are specifically engineered to resist wind uplift, hail impact, and UV degradation better than 3-tab options. They also offer more design options, colors, and textures, often mimicking the look of cedar shakes or slate.
Think of architectural shingles as the evolution of the 3-tab shingle: stronger, better looking, and built to last longer.
Oklahoma Weather Isn’t Just a Problem—It’s The Problem
Here’s the thing: your shingle decision is directly tied to where you live. And in Oklahoma, we’re not just dealing with a few gusty days and the occasional drizzle.
We’re talking:
Straight-line winds exceeding 70mph
Quarter to baseball-sized hailstorms
Tornadoes in spring and fall
Intense UV exposure in the summer
Sudden freeze-thaw cycles in winter
So, the better question isn’t “What’s the cheapest shingle?” It’s “What’s going to protect my home when the sirens go off at 2am?”
3-Tab Shingles: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
Budget-friendly: If cost is the primary concern, 3-tab shingles will save you some money upfront.
Lightweight: Their lighter weight can be easier to work with during install—especially on older structures with load-bearing limitations.
Simplicity: Some homeowners prefer the clean, uniform look of 3-tab shingles.
❌ Cons
Lower wind resistance: Most 3-tab shingles are rated for up to 60mph. That’s fine if you live somewhere calm. It’s not fine in Oklahoma.
Shorter lifespan: You’re typically looking at 12–20 years at best. Many need replacing around year 15.
Less durability: They don’t stand up well to hail or heavy wind. Granule loss and cracking are common.
Higher maintenance: Repairs and patch jobs are more frequent, especially after storms.
Poor resale value: In competitive markets like Tulsa, homes with architectural shingles often appraise better.
Architectural Shingles: Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
Wind resistance up to 130mph: That’s more than double what you get with 3-tabs.
Impact-rated options: Many brands now offer architectural shingles with Class 3 or Class 4 hail resistance ratings. Insurance companies love this.
Better lifespan: Expect 25 to 30+ years, depending on product and install.
Stronger warranty support: Manufacturers often back architectural shingles with longer warranties when installed by certified contractors (like Tier-One Roofing).
Improved curb appeal: The layered look adds depth and texture that boosts home value and aesthetics.
Less prone to curling, cracking, or granule loss: They’re built for battle.
❌ Cons
Higher upfront cost: On average, you’ll pay 20-30% more for architectural shingles.
Heavier weight: Some roofs may require inspection before install, but for most Oklahoma homes, it’s not an issue.
Cost Comparison in Oklahoma
Let’s be honest: price matters.
As of 2025, here’s a rough cost breakdown in Oklahoma (material + labor included):
3-tab shingles: $275–$350 per square (100 sq ft)
Architectural shingles: $350–$500 per square
That difference adds up, sure—but let’s also factor in longevity, maintenance, and protection. If a 3-tab roof lasts 15 years and an architectural roof lasts 30, you’re replacing the roof twice instead of once. That's not saving money—it's delaying an expense and doubling your risk.
If you’re worried about budget, let’s talk. At Tier-One Roofing, we’ll walk you through financing options and phased upgrades if needed. We’ll also show you which architectural products qualify for insurance premium discounts—because yes, many do.
▶️ Request a free estimate from Tier-One Roofing today and let’s find the best fit for your home and budget.
Performance in Oklahoma's Wind Zones
Oklahoma is part of Wind Zone III, meaning we're subject to some of the most severe wind events in the country. Insurance companies know it. Roofers know it. You should too.
3-tab shingles: Tend to lift, flap, or tear off during high winds.
Architectural shingles: Often include reinforced nailing zones, heavier construction, and staggered layering for added wind resistance.
Some newer shingles—like TAMKO Titan XT or Owens Corning Duration—have special adhesive strips and oversized nailing zones. These hold tight even during straight-line winds of 130+ mph, which Oklahoma has absolutely seen.
We’ve been up on roofs after those storms. The difference is real. If you’ve ever had to chase shingles through your backyard, you already know what we’re talking about.
Impact Resistance: How They Hold Up Against Hail
Every year, Oklahomans spend millions on hail damage repairs. And every year, we see the same pattern:
3-tab roofs get torn up.
Architectural shingles hang tough—especially Class 3 or Class 4 rated ones.
Hail that’s 1.5" in diameter or more can split a 3-tab shingle like a potato chip. With architectural shingles, you get multiple asphalt layers and thicker mats, making them harder to penetrate.
Plus, certain architectural shingles (like GAF ArmorShield or CertainTeed IR) are designed specifically for hail zones. And guess what? These shingles can even qualify you for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance.
▶️ Not sure if your current shingles are hail-rated? Call Tier-One Roofing. We’ll inspect your roof for free and tell you exactly what condition it’s in.
Warranty Differences You Should Know
When installed by a certified contractor, architectural shingles often come with lifetime warranties. Many manufacturers also offer extended coverage if you use their full system (underlayment, starter shingles, ridge vents, etc.).
In contrast, 3-tab shingles usually come with limited warranties in the 20–25 year range, and that’s if they’re installed perfectly.
Here’s what really matters: warranty support is only as good as the installer. If your roofer cuts corners or fails to follow manufacturer specs, your warranty can be voided.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’re Oklahoma-certified, manufacturer-approved, and we don’t mess around with shortcuts. Your warranty is safe with us, and so is your home.
Visual Appeal & Property Value
Want to boost your curb appeal or resale value? This one’s simple:
3-tab shingles: Flat, one-dimensional, older look.
Architectural shingles: Textured, dimensional, and available in richer colors.
Buyers notice. Appraisers notice. Even your neighbors notice.
Homes with architectural shingles often sell faster and for more money—because the roof looks newer, stronger, and more premium.
And if you’re putting your house on the market in the next 5–10 years, you’ll recoup much more of your investment with architectural shingles.
Which Shingle Should You Choose?
If you're flipping a house and need to keep costs down, 3-tab shingles might still have a place. But for most Oklahoma homeowners looking to protect their home, increase resale value, reduce maintenance, and sleep better during storm season, architectural shingles are the clear winner.
We’re not just saying that because we install them. We’re saying it because we’ve been the ones answering the phone after the wind tears through. We’ve climbed up on damaged 3-tab roofs and helped families navigate the insurance claims. We know what lasts in Oklahoma—and we’ll always recommend the roofing system we’d want on our own homes.
It’s Not Just About the Shingles—It’s Who Installs Them
A high-performance shingle installed poorly won’t protect your home. A cheap shingle installed perfectly still won’t last through a hailstorm.
It’s about both. Quality product and quality install.
At Tier-One Roofing, we’re veteran-owned, local to Oklahoma, and proud of the standard we set. We’ve built a reputation on honesty, precision, and results that last—not patch jobs and gimmicks.
When you're ready to protect your home the right way, we're ready to help.
▶️ Call Tier-One Roofing now to schedule your free inspection. Let’s find the roofing solution that’s built for Oklahoma—and built for you.