3-Tab Shingles Are Being Discontinued Faster Than You Think
A Real Effingham County Roof Repair Turned into a Bigger Lesson for Homeowners
If you’re a homeowner in Effingham County, GA, this is something you need to know—especially if your roof is less than 10 years old.
We were recently called out to do a simple storm damage roof repair on a home here in Effingham. The roof was only two years old, and the homeowner just needed a few shingles replaced after a recent storm. Easy job, right?
🚨 Not exactly.
Their roof was covered in 3-tab Weatherwood shingles—and when we went to match the material, we discovered that the shingle color had already been discontinued.
🤔 Why We Couldn’t Match a 2-Year-Old Roof?
We thought this kind of thing would only affect older roofs, but this situation made it clear:
The 3-tab shingle phase-out isn’t coming—it’s already here.
Manufacturers like Owens Corning and GAF are actively removing 3-tab options from production across the country—including in Georgia. In fact, Owens Corning officially discontinued their Supreme® 3-tab line in Georgia markets back in January 2025.
In fact, Owens Corning officially discontinued their Supreme® 3-tab line in Georgia markets in January 2025.
What does that mean for homeowners in Effingham County?
If your roof was installed recently with 3-tab shingles, replacements may no longer be available.
If storm damage happens and we can’t match the shingle, insurance may require a full replacement instead.
This could leave you in a tough spot if your original installer didn’t explain the risks of 3-tab roofing.
👀 What Are 3-Tab Shingles, and Why Are They Being Phased Out?
3-tab shingles are a traditional roofing material made from a single layer of asphalt with cutouts (or “tabs”) along the bottom edge. They’re lightweight, flat, and have been widely used for decades due to their affordability. But while they were once a go-to choice for budget-conscious builds, they’ve fallen out of favor for several important reasons.
Why Are 3-Tab Shingles Being Phased Out?
❌ Lower Wind Resistance – Most 3-tab shingles are rated for 60–70 mph wind, which doesn’t hold up well in Georgia storm seasons.
❌ Shorter Lifespan – 3-tabs typically last 15–20 years, while other options offer 30+ years.
❌ Less Curb Appeal – Their flat, uniform look doesn’t offer the same dimensional texture that homeowners now expect.
❌ Discontinued Products – As manufacturers shift focus to higher-performing materials, 3-tab lines and even popular colors are being pulled from production.
Why Are 3-Tab Shingles Being Phased Out?
Most Georgia homeowners are now choosing architectural shingles instead:
✅ Built with multiple layers for strength and style
✅ Rated for up to 130 mph wind
✅ Better protection, better warranties, and better resale value
At Roof Medics, we don’t install 3-tabs anymore—especially not in Georgia’s hot, humid, and storm-prone climate. We only use roofing systems we can stand behind and warranty.
The image above shows the difference between flat, uniform 3-tab shingles (left) and the layered, dimensional architectural shingles (right). Not only do architectural shingles look better on most homes, they perform far better in high wind zones like ours in coastal and inland Georgia.
🏡 Local Roofers You Can Trust
At Roof Medics, we’re proud to be one of Effingham County’s trusted roofing companies—but we also believe in giving credit where it’s due..
✅ Rewis Roofing – Known locally for their no-nonsense approach and quality work.
✅ Patriot Pros Roofing – A dependable crew that takes pride in showing up and standing behind their jobs.
We may wear different logos, but we’re all out here doing the work that matters—keeping homes dry, safe, and protected.
If you ever need help navigating a roofing decision and don’t know where to turn, we’re happy to offer advice—even if we’re not the right fit. That’s just how we believe business should be done.
💼 Ready for a Roof Check-Up?
If you’re shopping for a new roof or dealing with storm damage, it’s important to know that now is not the time to install a 3-tab shingle. With so many products being discontinued, even newer 3-tab roofs are becoming unrepairable—and that can cause big headaches with insurance.
✅ If you already have a 3-tab roof and it’s been damaged, we’ll inspect it, document it, and help guide you through repair or replacement options without pressure.
We’re here to make sure your next move is the right one—whether that means patching, planning, or replacing.
📞 Call Roof Medics Roofing today or schedule online at roofmedicsroofing.com
Serving Effingham County, Chatham County, Bryan, Liberty, and surrounding areas.
