FRIDAY INSURANCE INSIDER: TYPE OF ROOF SHINGLES

As the real estate market continues to evolve, buyers are becoming more informed — and that includes asking smarter questions about home components, especially the roof.

Recently, we’ve seen a growing trend among insurance providers, most notably State Farm, which has started to decline writing home insurance policies for homes with composition 3-tab shingles in certain areas. Instead, they are now requiring composition architectural shingles or better to qualify for coverage.

🔍 What’s the Difference Between 3-Tab and Architectural Shingles?

• 3-Tab Shingles: These are the more traditional, flat, uniform shingles. They’re usually more affordable but less durable.

• Architectural Shingles: Thicker, layered, and more dimensional in appearance, architectural shingles offer enhanced durability and a longer lifespan — not to mention a more upscale look.

Not sure what kind your home has? Here’s a quick visual guide:

(Insert comparison photo here if available)

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💡 Why This Matters for Buyers and Sellers

• For Sellers: If your roof has been replaced with architectural shingles, it may be worth noting that in your Seller’s Disclosure or even your listing description. It could serve as a subtle upgrade that gives your home a competitive edge.

• For Buyers: If you’re looking at a home with an architectural roof, your agent may want to point that out — it could save you money on home insurance. The savings may not be massive, but they’re real. When quoted side by side, rates for homes with architectural roofs are typically lower than those with 3-tab.

While State Farm is currently the only known insurer implementing this restriction, as we’ve seen in the past, when one company makes a change, others often follow. This roofing detail might soon become a standard conversation point in home showings and insurance discussions.

If you’re preparing to list or you’re a buyer evaluating options, it’s worth taking a moment to check what’s overhead — literally.

1. Material Composition

 

3-tab shingles are composed of asphalt and adhesive with an outside layer of external granules and a fiberglass backing.

Architectural shingles have a similar composition but are usually made with higher-quality materials, resulting in a thicker, sturdier, and more durable shingle than 3-tab shingles. The adhesives used in architectural shingles are typically more robust than those used in 3-tab shingles. On top of that, the external granules are finer, more packed together, and of a larger quantity than 3-tab shingles; this makes for more durable and long-lasting shingles.

2. Lifespan

 

Architectural shingles are made out of higher-quality materials and are composed more durably. When properly maintained, they can last for up to fifty years.

3-tab shingle roofs, on the other hand, typically last between ten and twenty-five years.

3. Wind Resistance

 

Architectural shingles are thicker and use stronger adhesives, meaning that they are often rated up to 120 mile-per-hour winds.

3-tab shingles are typically rated up to 60 miles per hour winds.

4. Water Resistance

 

Architectural shingles are more water resistant because they are laminated and coated in fine, tightly packed external granules.

3-tab shingles have a water-resistant coating that deflects UV light. They aren’t nearly as waterproof as architectural shingles.

5. Cost

 

On average, architectural shingles are 20% to 50% more expensive than 3-tab shingles. Not only are they made of higher-quality materials and heavier duty, but they also take longer to install.

The best compliment you can give me is a referral!

 

TAMMY FARMER

“Best Insurance Agent,” D Magazine, 2022

Insurance Agent | HomeServices Insurance, Inc.

P. 469.589.4047 | F. 833.645.1775 | C. 802.591.0809

A. 5950 Berkshire Lane, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75225

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