Why three-tab shingles are generally not my first choice for a new roof in San Antonio, Texas, and what to do if your house already has one.
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Why three-tab shingles are generally not my first choice for a new roof in San Antonio, Texas, and what to do if your house already has one.
Published October 3, 2026 · 5 min read · David Rodrigues
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Are Three-Tab Shingles Still a Good Choice for a New Roof in San Antonio, Texas?
When a San Antonio homeowner is choosing a new roof, three-tab shingles are generally not my first choice.
They carry lower wind ratings and shorter warranties than architectural shingles from the same manufacturer, and San Antonio roofs have to live through real wind and hail. But if your house already has a three-tab roof, that fact alone does not mean it needs to be replaced. Its actual condition decides that.
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Watch the San Antonio Three-Tab Shingle Video
Watch this San Antonio, Texas three-tab shingle video on YouTube.
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What the Video Shows
- A quick field note on how common three-tab shingles are across San Antonio
- Why three-tab is not the standard I would pick for a new roof today
- An open invitation to reach out if you have questions about your own roof
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What Is a Three-Tab Shingle?
A three-tab shingle is a single, flat layer of asphalt shingle with two cutouts along the bottom edge, which makes it look like three equal tabs once it is on the roof. That is the flat, uniform, brick-pattern look you see on a lot of older homes.
An architectural shingle (also called laminated or dimensional) bonds layers together. The result is a thicker, heavier shingle with a varied, shadowed look.
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Why Is Three-Tab Not My First Choice for a New Roof?
The cleanest comparison is inside one manufacturer's own product line, because the ratings come from the same company under the same warranty terms. Here is what Owens Corning lists on its product pages, as read on September 29, 2026:
- Supreme (three-tab): 60 mph wind resistance, 25-year limited warranty
- TruDefinition Duration (architectural): up to 160 mph wind resistance when Owens Corning component requirements are met and starter shingles are installed on the eaves and rakes, limited lifetime warranty
Read the fine print
Wind ratings on a shingle are warranty terms tied to proper installation. They are not a promise that any roof will come through every storm undamaged. Always read the actual warranty for details and limitations.
That gap is the whole point of the video. Three-tab is usually the lower-cost shingle up front, but for a roof you expect to live under for many years in Texas weather, the wind rating and warranty difference is worth weighing. When a homeowner asks, I lay the options side by side so the choice is theirs, with the numbers in front of them.
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Why Does This Matter in San Antonio?
San Antonio is hail country. The April 12, 2016 hailstorm that hit the San Antonio area was estimated by the Insurance Council of Texas at about $1.36 billion in insured losses, which at the time made it the costliest hailstorm in Texas history. Spring and summer storms also bring strong wind, and wind is where a flat, lighter three-tab shingle tends to show its weakness: lifted tabs, broken seals, and missing pieces.
That does not mean every three-tab roof in San Antonio is failing. It means that when you are choosing a new roof here, wind and hail exposure should be part of the decision.
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Already Have a Three-Tab Roof?
The shingle type alone does not tell you whether your roof needs replacement. Start with its actual condition and a documented inspection. A proper look should cover:
- Age, and how the shingles have held up in the sun
- Brittleness, because older three-tab shingles can crack when lifted for a repair
- Seal strength along the tabs, and any tabs that are lifted, creased or missing
- Granule loss and exposed mat
- Prior repairs, and whether replacement shingles can be matched
- Storm history for the address
From there, the honest answer is one of three things: it is fine for now, it can be repaired, or it has reached the end of its service life. Photos and notes should back up whichever one it is. For a closer look at storm damage on this shingle type, see what homeowners should know about 3-tab wind damage.
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What About Insurance and Impact-Rated Shingles?
If hail is your main concern, ask about shingles tested to UL 2218 Class 4 for impact resistance. Some insurance companies offer a premium credit for them. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the amount of any discount, the testing they accept, and the paperwork they require are set by each insurance company. So ask your carrier in writing before you decide, and ask whether accepting a credit changes any of your coverage. Class 4 means the shingle passed a specific impact test. It does not mean hail proof.
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Common Homeowner Questions About Three-Tab Shingles
Are three-tab shingles still sold?
Yes. Owens Corning still lists its Supreme three-tab shingle. Color availability varies by supplier, which matters if you ever need matching shingles for a repair.
Does a three-tab roof have to be replaced?
No. Age, brittleness, seal strength, missing or lifted tabs, granule loss, prior repairs and storm history decide whether it can be repaired or has reached the end of its service life.
What is the difference between three-tab and architectural shingles?
A three-tab shingle is a single flat layer. An architectural shingle bonds layers together for a thicker, heavier shingle, and within the same manufacturer's line it typically carries a higher wind rating and a longer warranty.
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Homeowner Takeaway
If you are picking a new roof in San Antonio, compare three-tab and architectural shingles on wind rating and warranty, not only on price. If you already have three-tab shingles, do not let anyone tell you the shingle type alone means replacement. Get the roof inspected, get it documented, and make the decision from what the roof actually shows.
Ask about your San Antonio roof
Call or text 512-575-5052, or request help online.
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The Roof Shepherd
The Roof Shepherd provides practical roofing and property guidance for Texas homeowners who want clear documentation before making storm, repair, or replacement decisions.
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Sources: Owens Corning, Supreme 3 Tab Shingles and TruDefinition Duration Shingles (read September 29, 2026); Insurance Journal, San Antonio Hailstorm: Costliest Ever in Texas? (May 2, 2016, reporting the Insurance Council of Texas estimate); Texas Department of Insurance, roofing discounts.
This article is for general homeowner education. Roof condition, repairability, insurance decisions, and replacement recommendations depend on the actual condition of the property, policy terms, carrier requirements, and current documentation.
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