I’ve been seeing 3 tab shingles on Markham roofs for as long as I can remember. They’re a flat, single-layer asphalt shingle with three tabs cut into the bottom edge, used mostly on residential roofs to protect homes from rain and snow. Edmunds has been replacing roofs across York Region for decades, and I’ve installed thousands of them on homes from Unionville to Cornell.
This guide is for Markham homeowners considering roof repairs or replacements. Choosing the right shingle impacts your home’s protection, appearance, and budget.
Key Facts About 3-Tab Shingles:
Among the most affordable roofing options
Typical lifespan: 20–30 years with proper maintenance
Wind resistance: generally rated for 60–70 mph
Single-layer design places less weight on your roof
Classic, traditional appearance
Main manufacturers: IKO (Marathon), GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed (XT 25), Atlas Roofing (GlassMaster)
Compared to architectural shingles: less durable, shorter lifespan, lower cost, simpler installation
What Are 3 Tab Shingles Used For?
3 tab shingles are a type of asphalt shingle used mainly to keep rain and snow out of your house. Each one is a flat strip, 12 inches by 36 inches, made from a fibreglass mat coated in asphalt. Older versions used organic felt instead.
Definition and Key Features of 3-Tab Shingles:
Made from fiberglass or organic felt and asphalt
Each shingle measures 12 inches by 36 inches
Single-layer design places less structural weight on roofs compared to multi-layer options
Provide a classic and traditional aesthetic
Two slots cut into the bottom edge split each shingle into three tabs. Once installed, the tabs line up into neat, even rows. That classic appearance has been around for almost a century, since the product came out in 1935.
Because they’re a single layer, tab shingles put less weight on the roof structure than multi-layer products. That can matter on some older Markham homes, especially when you’re weighing timing, materials and contractor choices during a full roof replacement. Even on architectural roofs, we still cut 3-tabs into starter strips and ridge caps.
What Is Another Name for 3-Tab Shingles?
You may also hear 3-tab shingles called strip shingles or composition shingles. “Strip” comes from their flat, even shape. “Composition” refers to the layered materials in each shingle.
3 Tab Shingles vs Architectural Shingles
The main difference is thickness. 3 tab shingles are one flat layer, while architectural shingles bond two or more layers together for a thicker, textured look.
Here’s how the two types compare:
Feature | 3 Tab Shingles | Architectural Shingles |
|---|---|---|
Material price | Lower | Higher |
Typical lifespan | 20 to 30 years (shorter in Ontario, see below) | 25 to 30+ years |
Wind warranty | About 60 to 70 mph (100 to 110 km/h) | Often 110 to 130 mph (175 to 210 km/h) |
Manufacturer warranties | Usually 20 to 25 years | Often limited lifetime |
Appearance | Flat, uniform rows | Dimensional, shadowed look |
Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
The wind row is the one homeowners ask most about. Many 3 tab shingles pass the same ASTM D3161 wind test as architectural ones. The practical difference is the warranty, since manufacturers usually back 3-tab products at a lower wind speed. | ||
Many homeowners choose architectural shingles for the look and for better performance in rough weather, since they often last longer, offer better warranties, and have greater durability than 3-tab shingles. Appearance is also important to homeowners, and the thicker profile can enhance a home’s beauty. That doesn’t make 3-tab a poor product. Installed properly, it’s a quality shingle that gives a home reliable protection. | ||
Are 3 Tab Shingles Being Discontinued?
3 tab shingles aren’t fully discontinued, but manufacturers are phasing them out because most homeowners now choose architectural shingles. Several big names in the roofing industry have trimmed or dropped their 3-tab lines over the past decade, and it’s more important than ever to be sure you’re not getting counterfeit shingles passed off as Canadian-made products.
In the Markham homes we work on, the bigger problem shows up at repair time. When only a few shingles need replacing on a semi-detached or townhouse, coordinating a shared roof replacement in Markham with your neighbour can be just as tricky as finding matching materials. Finding a colour that blends in with a 15-year-old roof is often the hard part because the variety of matching options on older 3-tab roofs is much smaller now. If that colour is no longer made, patching starts to look worse than the damage. At that point, it’s worth weighing the cost of continued repairs against replacing the roof altogether.
Can You Still Get 3 Tab Shingles in Markham?
Yes, contractors in Markham will still install 3 tab shingles if you ask for them and a supplier has them in stock. Expect fewer colours to pick from and, sometimes, a longer wait on special orders.
Most roofers in the GTA will steer you toward architectural shingles simply because they’re easier to source. If budget is tight on your roofing project, 3-tab is still a fair choice. It’s just not the default recommendation anymore.
Top Manufacturers of 3 Tab Asphalt Shingles
A handful of companies still make 3-tab asphalt shingles, but what York Region suppliers carry changes from year to year. Ask your roofer what’s actually in stock, then choose based on your local climate, the roof area being covered, and your project requirements before you settle on a product.
IKO: Marathon line, renowned for durability and affordability. Based in Ontario.
GAF: Has offered 3-tab asphalt shingles for decades, though most of its current range is architectural.
Owens Corning: 3-tab offering carries a Class A fire rating.
CertainTeed: XT 25 series, known for durability and weather resistance.
Atlas Roofing: GlassMaster 3-tab series, less common at Ontario suppliers.
How Much Do 3 Tab Shingles Cost in Markham?
3 tab shingles are usually the cheapest roofing material option for a Markham home. The bundles carry a lower price than architectural shingles, which is where most of the savings come from. It makes sense for a lot of budgets.
On most jobs we quote, the shingles themselves are a smaller share of the bill than people expect. Tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and any deck repairs can move the total more than the shingle choice does, especially on homes near the lake where roof lifespan in Markham is heavily influenced by moisture and freeze–thaw cycles. Our guide to roof replacement costs in Markham breaks those pieces down.
If you’re comparing quotes mainly on upfront cost, 3-tab will generally come in lower. Planning to stay for many years? Then weigh that saving against the lifespan and warranties in the table above, or against an option like metal roofing, and take time to visualize different styles using a roof shingle viewer tool before you decide.
How Long Do 3 Tab Shingles Last in Ontario?
A well-maintained 3 tab shingle roof can last 20 to 30 years, but in Markham most land at the low end of that range because lifespan depends heavily on Ontario’s climate. Those figures come from milder climates. Here, freeze-thaw cycling and ice dams along the eaves wear a single-layer shingle down faster.
In York Region, we usually see 15 to 22 years from a 3-tab roof without regular maintenance. When I inspect an older one, I look for curling tabs and exposed nail heads. I also check for bare patches where granules have washed off. Regular upkeep helps address early wear before leaks develop.
Summer storms add wear too, and Ontario winters can be hard on single-layer shingles when ice dams form along the eaves. After a bad one, it’s worth checking for hail damage to your roof before bruised shingles start to crack. Clearing debris out of your eavestroughs each fall also helps protect the roof from the elements. If you’re comparing materials, here’s how long a roof lasts in Markham for each.
Installation Basics for 3 Tab Shingles
3 tab shingles are one of the simpler roofing materials to install, which is a big reason they stayed popular so long, partly because crews can complete installs faster than with heavier laminated products. On a Markham re-roof, we tear the old shingles off down to the deck and replace any soft boards.
Next comes drip edge, then ice-and-water membrane along the eaves and underlayment over the rest of the roof surface, after the roof surface is clean and dry. The Ontario Building Code requires that eave protection, and U.S. DIY guides often skip it. At the same time, making sure your soffit and fascia are in good condition keeps ventilation working so those 3-tab shingles last as long as possible.
The shingles are installed from the eaves up, with each row overlapping the one below so water drains off. Each one is fastened with roofing nails, trimmed around vents and chimneys, and the peak is finished with ridge caps.
Between ladder safety and getting the details right, this is a job for a pro. You can learn more about our roof installation in Markham.
Get a Free 3 Tab Shingle Quote in Markham
If you’re weighing 3 tab shingles or another roofing material for your Markham home, Edmunds Home Improvements can help you make the right choice with peace of mind about quality and long-term protection. We also handle siding installation and other exterior upgrades in Markham, so we can look at your home’s envelope as a whole. We’ll inspect your house and provide a straight answer with a clear price.
If you only need a few shingles replaced, our roofing repair services cover that too. Contact us for a free estimate.
Steve Gibson
President & CEO, Edmunds Home Improvements
Steve Gibson has over 35 years of hands-on experience in home renovation across
Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. As President and CEO of Edmunds Home
Improvements — a company serving the community since 1947 — Steve specializes in
roofing installation and repair, siding, window replacement and installation, and
door installation. A longtime local resident, he took ownership of Edmunds in 1989
and has built the company into one of the GTA’s most trusted exterior renovation
contractors. Edmunds is fully insured (WSIB and $5 million public liability) and
is a BBB Accredited Business and ENERGY STAR partner.
