The current standard for residential roofing in Colorado — a heavier, multi-layered asphalt shingle that outperforms basic three-tab shingles in durability, wind resistance, and hail protection.
What an Architectural Shingle Is
An architectural shingle — also called a dimensional shingle — is a multi-layered asphalt shingle designed to create a textured, three-dimensional appearance on the roof. Unlike basic three-tab shingles, which are flat and uniform, architectural shingles are laminated with multiple layers of asphalt material that add thickness, weight, and visual depth.
They are the current standard for residential roof replacements in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and throughout the Front Range — and for good reason. Architectural shingles are significantly more durable than three-tab shingles, better at resisting wind uplift, and more resistant to hail impact. On a Class 4 impact-resistant version, they are the strongest asphalt shingle option available.
Architectural vs. Three-Tab Shingles
If your home has an older roof, there is a good chance it was originally installed with three-tab shingles — the flat, single-layer shingle that was the residential standard through the 1990s. The difference between three-tab and architectural shingles matters for both performance and your insurance claim.
Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are a single layer of asphalt with three cutouts along the bottom edge that create the appearance of three separate shingles. They are lighter, thinner, and less expensive than architectural shingles — but they also carry lower wind ratings, shorter lifespans, and greater vulnerability to hail impact. Most manufacturers have discontinued or significantly reduced three-tab product lines.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are laminated from two or more layers of asphalt bonded together, creating a thicker, heavier shingle with a dimensional appearance. They carry higher wind ratings — typically 110 to 130 mph — longer manufacturer warranties, and better overall performance in Colorado’s hail and wind environment.
Why the Difference Matters for Your Claim
When your insurance company replaces your roof, the settlement should reflect the current standard for residential roofing — which is architectural shingles. If your adjuster’s estimate specifies three-tab shingles for a replacement, that estimate is likely underfunded. Most Colorado carriers now recognize architectural shingles as the standard replacement material, but it is worth verifying in your estimate.
Class 4 Impact-Resistant Architectural Shingles
Within the architectural shingle category, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles represent the highest hail-resistance rating available under the UL 2218 testing standard. They are tested by dropping a 2-inch steel ball from 20 feet and must show no cracking or fracture to achieve the Class 4 rating.
For Colorado homeowners, Class 4 shingles are worth understanding for three specific reasons:
- Insurance discounts — many Colorado carriers offer premium discounts of 20–30% for homes with Class 4 shingles installed. The discount varies by carrier and policy, but on a $2,000 annual premium the savings add up quickly.
- Better performance in hail — Class 4 shingles sustain less damage in hailstorms, which means fewer claims and less out-of-pocket expense over the life of the roof.
- Some carriers require them — a handful of Colorado carriers now require Class 4 shingles as a condition of coverage on older roof replacements in high-hail areas. This is worth confirming with your agent before selecting materials.
Architectural Shingles and Your Insurance Claim
Architectural shingles come up in roof insurance claims in several important ways:
Replacement Standard
Your insurance policy covers replacement with materials of “like kind and quality.” In today’s market, architectural shingles are the standard — which means a replacement estimate specifying three-tab shingles may not meet that standard. If your home had three-tab shingles originally, your carrier may replace them with three-tab, but it is worth asking whether architectural shingles are available at minimal or no additional cost given how close the pricing has become.
Matching
If storm damage requires replacing one slope of your architectural shingle roof, the replacement shingles need to match the undamaged sections in color, texture, and profile. Architectural shingles vary significantly in appearance between manufacturers and product lines — and discontinued colors or profiles strengthen a matching argument if your carrier resists replacing additional slopes for consistency.
Depreciation
Architectural shingles depreciate differently than three-tab shingles under most carrier formulas because of their longer expected lifespan — typically 30 to 50 years versus 20 to 25 years for three-tab. If your adjuster is applying a depreciation schedule designed for three-tab shingles to an architectural shingle roof, that calculation may be incorrect and worth challenging.
Class 4 and Recoverable Depreciation
Some carriers apply more favorable depreciation treatment to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles because of their demonstrated performance advantage. If your roof currently has Class 4 shingles, make sure your adjuster’s estimate reflects that — it can affect both the depreciation calculation and whether your carrier will require Class 4 on the replacement.
Common Architectural Shingle Questions
Are architectural shingles worth the extra cost over three-tab?
In Colorado, yes — consistently. The combination of better wind resistance, longer lifespan, Class 4 availability, and potential insurance discounts makes architectural shingles the better long-term value in virtually every situation. The price difference between three-tab and standard architectural shingles has narrowed significantly over the years, and the performance gap has only grown.
Will my insurance pay for architectural shingles if my old roof had three-tab?
It depends on your policy and carrier. Most carriers will cover architectural shingles as the replacement standard since three-tab has largely been phased out. Some carriers will cover the cost of three-tab and ask you to pay the difference for architectural — which is often a modest upgrade cost worth paying. Ask your contractor and adjuster directly before assuming either way.
How do I know if my current roof has architectural or three-tab shingles?
Look at the roof from the ground or from a photo. Three-tab shingles have a flat, uniform appearance with visible cutouts creating a staggered pattern. Architectural shingles have a textured, layered appearance with varying shadow lines and depth. If you’re unsure, a contractor or roof consultant can identify the shingle type during an inspection.
Do Class 4 shingles really make a difference in a Colorado hailstorm?
Yes — measurably. Class 4 shingles are specifically engineered to resist the impact sizes common in Colorado hailstorms. They won’t eliminate damage in extreme events, but they consistently outperform standard shingles in independent testing and real-world storm performance. The insurance discount alone often justifies the modest premium over standard architectural shingles.
How Claim Advocacy Helps With Architectural Shingle Claims
Shingle type and quality affect your claim in ways that aren’t always obvious from the adjuster’s estimate.
- Verifying replacement standard — confirming the estimate reflects architectural shingles as the current replacement standard, not a lower-grade material
- Depreciation accuracy — ensuring the depreciation schedule applied matches the actual shingle type and expected lifespan on your roof
- Class 4 documentation — if your existing roof has Class 4 shingles, making sure that is reflected in the estimate and depreciation calculation
- Matching disputes — supporting matching claims when partial replacement creates visible inconsistency across roof slopes
- Upgrade coordination — helping homeowners understand the cost and insurance implications of upgrading to Class 4 on a replacement
Related Glossary Terms
- Asphalt Shingle
- Impact Resistance
- Three-Tab Shingle
- Matching
- Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
- Depreciation
- Hail Damage
- Scope of Loss
Need Help With an Architectural Shingle Claim?
Whether your estimate specifies the wrong shingle type, applies incorrect depreciation, or misses a matching issue — getting the shingle details right can meaningfully affect your settlement. A free inspection can identify what your roof actually has and what your claim should reflect.
📞 Call to discuss your claim: (719) 210-8699
📧 Email: gerald@winik.io