What is the difference between architectural and 3‑tab shingles?

The core difference is construction. A 3-tab shingle is one layer with cutouts that make it look like three separate tabs. An architectural shingle, also called laminated or dimensional, bonds two layers together. Owens Corning's evaluation report for its asphalt shingles describes its 3-tab line as made with a single fiberglass mat and its laminated line as made with 2 layers of fiberglass mat, each coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules.

The table compares one product of each type from the same manufacturer, so the numbers line up.

Specs come from the Supreme data sheet and the Duration data sheet. Other brands have their own numbers, so read the data sheet for the exact product on your quote.

How do architectural and 3-tab shingles look different?

A 3-tab roof reads as a flat grid. Every tab is the same size and the rows line up. Laminated shingles stack a second layer under the first, so the face has thick and thin areas that cast shadows. Owens Corning markets Duration on that depth, calling it deep dimension.

Size also differs. Supreme measures 12 by 36 inches with a 5 inch exposure. Duration is larger, about 13 by 39 inches. Fewer, larger pieces cover a square.

We do not quote weights here. They vary by product and plant, and neither data sheet lists one. If weight matters for your framing, ask for the exact product's spec.

Are architectural shingles more wind resistant than 3-tab?

By lab classification, not necessarily. Two standard tests rate asphalt shingles for wind.

Those class descriptions come from NRCA's Professional Roofing magazine, which also explains that D7158 results depend on how stiff the shingle is and how strong its self-seal strip bonds.

The Owens Corning wind classification bulletin puts its whole asphalt shingle catalog at D3161 Class F and D7158 Class H. The budget Supreme 3-tab is on that list. Under the International Residential and Building Codes, the bulletin says, those classes cover areas with an allowable stress design wind speed of up to 150 mph, with four nails per shingle.

The real gap between the two lines is the warranty. The bulletin separates wind classification from wind warranty. Codes reference the classification. The warranty is a separate promise, and the shingles must thermally seal before wind coverage starts.

Do both shingle types meet Florida code?

Florida treats roofing as a product category that needs statewide approval. Under Florida Statutes s. 553.842, a statewide approval means local jurisdictions cannot demand more testing, as long as the product is used within the conditions of its approval.

For Owens Corning shingles, that approval is FL10674. Its evaluation report against the 2023 Florida Building Code lists Supreme as a fiberglass 3-tab shingle and Duration as a laminated shingle. Both appear in its wind table under Class F and Class H. The report limits Class H to exposure category B or C and buildings 60 feet tall or less. Anything outside that needs a design professional's calculations.

You can look up any product by manufacturer or FL number on the Florida Building Commission product approval search.

After Hurricane Michael, FEMA's Florida recovery advisory pointed to unsealed shingles and wrong nail placement as likely causes of shingle failures. It advises checking that shingle packages are labeled for ASTM D7158. Installation matters as much as the shingle type. Our Florida Building Code roof requirements guide covers deck nailing and underlayment.

How do the warranties compare?

These terms come straight from the two Owens Corning data sheets. Each sheet says to read the actual warranty for full details, limits and requirements.

The Duration sheet says the 160 mph figure applies only when Owens Corning component requirements are met and starter shingles go on the eaves and rakes. The same sheet rates Duration Class 3 for impact under UL 2218 and FM 4473, and states that hail damage is excluded from its warranty.

Can you still buy 3-tab shingles in Florida?

Yes, at least from Owens Corning. Its Supreme data sheet, printed February 2026, lists Florida Product Approval and Miami-Dade County Product Approval. Supreme also appears in the 2023 code edition of approval FL10674.

Availability at a given supplier is a separate question, and colors vary by region. Our published shingle price is for architectural shingles only. The Orlando roof replacement cost page has that price, what it covers and prices for metal and tile.

Which one should you choose?

Compare the warranties you would actually get and the product on the quote. If you expect to own the house for a long time, the longer limited warranty and higher wind warranty on a laminated line are the main reasons to choose it. Ask your roofer for the data sheet and the Florida approval number for the exact shingle.

If you are still deciding between shingles, metal and tile, start with our shingle vs metal vs tile comparison. For expected service life in Central Florida, see how long does a roof last in Florida.

Not sure what shingle is on your house now? A free roof inspection answers that, checks the plywood under it and ends with a written price for the shingle you pick. Our shingle roofing service page explains how we install.