What Are Shingles Made Of for Your Roof in Texas?

When it comes to protecting your home from the harsh Texas weather, your roof plays a vital role—and at the heart of every roof are the shingles. But what exactly are shingles made of? And how do different types compare? Whether you're in Houston or Austin, understanding the makeup of your shingles can help you make better decisions about roof replacement, repairs, or even new construction. At Martin Roofing and Solar, a trusted roofing company in Houston and Austin, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate these decisions with confidence. Let’s break down everything you need to know.

What Are Architectural Roof Shingles Made Of?

Architectural shingles, sometimes called dimensional or laminated shingles, are the most popular type of shingle we install in Texas. These shingles are known for their durability, aesthetics, and long lifespan—making them a top choice for any roofing company in Houston or Austin.

Composition:

Architectural shingles are made of a fiberglass mat base that is coated with asphalt and then topped with ceramic-coated mineral granules. The fiberglass provides strength and durability, while the asphalt makes the shingles waterproof. The granules protect against UV rays and give the shingles their color and texture.

How They're Made:

Fiberglass Mat Creation – A continuous fiberglass mat is formed, which becomes the base layer.
Asphalt Coating – The mat is saturated and coated with asphalt to make it waterproof.
Granule Application – Ceramic-coated granules are embedded in the top layer of asphalt. These granules also help reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
Lamination – A second shingle layer is added and laminated, giving it the dimensional look that architectural shingles are known for.

Benefits of Architectural Shingles:

Longer Lifespan (often 25-30+ years)
More Durable in High Winds (great for storm-prone areas like Houston)
Better Curb Appeal with a textured, dimensional look
Algae-Resistant Coating (very helpful in humid climates like Houston & Austin)
More Hail Resistant (helpful in cities like Houston & Austin where we get multiple hailstorms a year)

Architectural shingles are specifically designed to stand up to strong UV exposure, high humidity, heavy rain, and occasional hail—making them a smart investment for roofing in Texas. 90%+ of what we install is going to be these architectural shingles and you can read all about the different roof shingle brands here!

These are what Architectural shingles look like with overlaps and dimensions/different shapes

What Are 3-Tab Roof Shingles Made Of?

3-tab shingles are the traditional, flat asphalt shingles that you’ll still find on many homes, particularly older ones or some new construction homes where builders may opt for a lower-cost option.

Composition:

Like architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles start with a fiberglass mat that’s coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic-coated granules. The main difference is in the design—3-tab shingles have a uniform, flat appearance and consist of a single layer.

How They're Made:

Single Layer Fiberglass Mat – Thinner and lighter than architectural shingles.
Asphalt Coating – Provides basic waterproofing.
Granule Coating – Similar granules as architectural shingles, though with less variation and depth.

Drawbacks of 3-Tab Shingles:

Shorter Lifespan (typically 10-15 years)
Less Resistance to Wind and Hail
Flat Look – Not as attractive or modern
More Susceptible to Warping, Curling & Creasing

In climates like those in Austin and Houston, where high winds and severe storms are common, 3-tab shingles are often not durable enough to last their full expected lifespan.

These are what 3 tab shingles look like with flat unison appearance

Architectural vs. 3-Tab Shingles in Texas

When comparing architectural shingles to 3-tab shingles, the differences in value and performance are clear—especially in Texas.

Feature	Architectural Shingles	3-Tab Shingles
Layers	Two (laminated)	One
Lifespan	25–30+ years	10–15 years
Wind Rating	Up to 130 mph	Around 60–70 mph
Appearance	Dimensional	Flat
Cost	Slightly Higher	Lower
Value	Excellent	Poor

While 3-tab shingles can save you a few dollars upfront, the slightly higher investment in architectural shingles pays off long-term in durability, appearance, and peace of mind—especially important when dealing with Texas storms and weather.

If you're looking for the best roofing company in Houston or the best roofing company in Austin, it's important to ask what kind of shingles are being quoted in your estimate. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples not only in the type of shingles but also the brand!

Caution: New Construction Roofs in Texas

You might assume that a new home automatically comes with a high-quality roof, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Many homebuilders—especially in large developments in Houston and the surrounding suburbs—cut costs by installing the cheapest possible 3-tab shingles. Some even cut corners by skipping essential materials like proper underlayment or drip edge.

This means that while your home is new, your roof may begin failing in less than 10–15 years, especially in Houston’s intense heat or Austin’s severe weather. Homeowners are often shocked when they discover their “new” roof wasn’t built to last.

When buying a new home, it’s smart to have a professional roofing inspection done by a reputable roofing company in Austin or Houston to evaluate the materials and installation quality.

Very Old Roof Shingles- Fiberglass shine:

As asphalt shingles age—especially under the intense Texas sun and unpredictable storms of Houston and Austin—they begin to wear down, and one clear sign of this is the appearance of a shiny, thread-like material known as fiberglass shine. This happens when the protective asphalt layer deteriorates enough to expose the fiberglass mat underneath, which is the base structure of both 3-tab and architectural shingles. Fiberglass mats are made by weaving together fine glass fibers and bonding them with resin, forming a strong, flexible base. Manufacturers then coat this mat with layers of asphalt and ceramic granules to create the finished shingle. When that top layer wears off, the shiny fiberglass becomes visible—indicating your shingles are well past their prime and your roof is at serious risk. If you’re seeing fiberglass shine on your roof in Houston or Austin, it’s definitely time to call a trusted roofing company for an inspection. But, congrats on your roof shingles for lasting such a long time here in Texas!

If your roof starts to have a slight shine or shimmer when looking at your shingles, this is fiberglass shine

Why Architectural Shingles Are Better for Houston and Austin Homes

Houston and Austin both experience a wide range of weather extremes—from blistering heat to heavy rainfall and hail. Here's why architectural shingles are the smarter choice:

Wind & Hail Resistance: Architectural shingles stay secure during hurricanes or strong storms and hail that commonly hit Houston, Austin and nearby areas.
UV Durability: With the relentless sun in both Houston and Austin, granule loss and fading are a big concern with 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles hold up better.
Moisture and Algae Resistance: High humidity in both cities makes algae a real concern. Many architectural shingles are treated with algae-resistant technology.
Better Insurance Rates: Insurance companies often offer better rates for homes with architectural shingles due to their improved storm resistance.

When you're considering your next roof replacement, remember that the climate in Texas makes durability absolutely essential. Architectural shingles are well worth the small increase in price.

How Knowing Your Roof Type Helps with Insurance Claims

If you ever need to file an insurance claim for roof damage after a hailstorm or windstorm, it’s essential to know what type of shingles you have. Your insurance company will only cover the cost to replace what’s currently installed. If you have 3-tab shingles, they won’t approve a full upgrade to architectural shingles unless you pay the difference.

This is another reason why many homeowners in Houston and Austin choose to upgrade to architectural shingles when they replace their roofs after a storm. It’s a smart long-term investment and often makes sense while your insurance is already covering a significant portion of the cost.

Choose Martin Roofing and Solar – Best Roofing Company in Houston and Austin

At Martin Roofing and Solar, we are proud to be a top-rated roofing company in Houston and a trusted roofing company in Austin. We specialize in architectural shingle installation, roof replacements after storm damage, insurance claim support, and roofing inspections.

We serve Houston, Spring, Jersey Village, The Woodlands, Katy, Tomball, and all surrounding areas with expert roofing services tailored to the region’s extreme weather. For Austin homeowners, we offer the same commitment to quality in West Lake Hills, Dripping Springs, Round Rock, and Cedar Park and all surrounding areas.

When you choose Martin Roofing and Solar, you get:

Experienced, local roofers who understand Texas weather
Honest roof inspections and detailed reports
Help with your insurance claims from start to finish
Top-quality materials and workmanship
Outstanding customer service and communication

If you’re not sure what kind of shingles your roof has or want to upgrade to something better, schedule a free inspection today. As your go-to roofing company in Houston or roofing company in Austin, we’re here to help you protect your home and get the most value for your investment.

Contact Martin Roofing and Solar now for your free roof inspection in Houston or Austin!