Is Your Roof Ready for a Klamath Winter? Why We Choose Architectural Shingles Over "Old School" 3-Tab
Hey folks, welcome back to the Shield Wall blog. It’s Matt here, thinking about the one thing that keeps us all warm when that Klamath basin snow starts piling up: the roof over our heads.
We get asked a lot about the difference in shingle types. You’ll hear terms like "3-tab" and "architectural" thrown around, and it’s easy to think, "It’s all just asphalt and fiberglass, right?"
Not exactly. When we say we build "fortresses," we mean it. And to build a fortress, you need the right armor. Here is why we almost exclusively recommend Architectural Shingles for our neighbors in Klamath Falls, Chiloquin, and beyond.
The "Old School" Option: 3-Tab Shingles
You’ve seen these on older homes. They lie completely flat and look like... well, a checkerboard.
The Vibe: Simple, flat, and budget-friendly upfront.
The Weakness: They are thinner and lightweight. They usually only have a wind rating of about 60 mph.
The Reality: In our area, where gusts can whip through the valley, these tabs can lift, crack, or blow off entirely. They typically last about 15-20 years before they need a refresh.
The Shield Wall Choice: Architectural Shingles
This is the modern standard for a reason. Also known as "dimensional" shingles, these are the heavyweights of the roofing world.
The Vibe: They have depth. Because they are laminated with an extra layer, they create a shadowed, 3D look that makes a roof pop. It looks premium because it is premium.
The Strength: These shingles are thick. We’re talking wind resistance ratings of 110 mph to 130 mph. That is double the protection of the old-school stuff.
The Lifespan: Because they are thicker, they handle our Klamath freeze-thaw cycles much better. You are looking at a 30 to 50-year lifespan.
Why It Matters for Klamath County
Look, we all know the weather here. We average over 37 inches of snow a year. That is heavy, wet weight sitting on your roof.
3-tab shingles are thinner; they get brittle in the cold and can crack under that stress.
Architectural shingles have that laminated layer that acts like a shield, handling the snow load and resisting the urge to curl up when the temperature drops.
The Verdict?
At Shield Wall Construction, we believe in doing it right the first time. We want your home to be a fortress. While 3-tab shingles might save a few bucks on day one, architectural shingles save you a headache (and a wallet-ache) down the road.
Ready to fortify your home? Give Mathew or Austin a call at 541-219-6136. Whether you're in Keno, Merrill, or right here in the Falls, let us show you the difference quality makes.
Shield Wall Construction… We’ve Got You Covered!