Understanding the Risks of 3 Tab Shingles and Your Insurance Coverage in NM

If your home in New Mexico still has 3 tab shingles on the roof, you could be facing serious challenges. These shingles no longer meet current building codes, and their limited wind resistance puts your home at risk. More importantly, insurance companies are tightening their rules and may deny claims or cancel policies for homes with outdated roofing materials. This post explains why 3 tab shingles are problematic, how they affect your insurance, and what you can do to protect your home.

What Are 3 Tab Shingles and Why Are They Out of Code?

3 tab shingles are a traditional roofing material that has been widely used for decades. They are flat, rectangular shingles with three tabs cut out, giving the appearance of separate pieces. While they were popular for their affordability and ease of installation, they have significant limitations:

• Wind resistance rating between 65 and 80 mph

This rating falls short of New Mexico’s current building code, which requires roofing materials to withstand winds up to 120 mph.

• Shorter lifespan compared to newer options

Typically, 3 tab shingles come with warranties ranging from 20 to 30 years, but many start showing damage well before that.

• Susceptibility to damage

They are more prone to curling, cracking, and losing granules, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Because of these factors, 3 tab shingles no longer comply with modern building standards in New Mexico. If your roof still has them, it may not pass inspection or meet insurance requirements.

How 3 Tab Shingles Affect Your Insurance Coverage

Insurance companies in New Mexico are increasingly cautious about homes with older roofing materials. Here’s how having 3 tab shingles can impact your coverage:

• Higher risk of claim denial

Insurers may deny claims for roof damage if they determine the damage is due to wear and tear rather than a covered event like a storm. Since 3 tab shingles age faster and show damage sooner, this risk is higher.

• Policy cancellations or non-renewals

Some insurance providers have started canceling policies or refusing to insure homes with outdated roofs. They do this because they expect to pay for roof replacements if claims are filed, which can be costly.

• Lower wind rating means higher vulnerability

With a wind resistance rating below current code, your roof is more likely to suffer damage during storms. This increases the chance of claims and potential disputes with insurers.

• Architectural shingles and metal roofs offer better protection

Newer roofing materials like architectural shingles come with warranties of 20 to 50 years and meet or exceed wind resistance codes. Metal roofs often carry lifetime warranties and withstand winds well above 120 mph.

Why Waiting to Replace Your 3 Tab Shingles Is Risky

Delaying roof replacement can lead to bigger problems:

• Increased damage over time

As shingles age, they lose granules, crack, and curl, exposing the roof deck to water damage.

• Higher chance of insurance denial

The more worn your roof becomes, the more insurers view damage as wear and tear, which is not covered.

• Potential for policy cancellation

Insurance companies may cancel or refuse to renew policies on homes with roofs that do not meet code or show significant deterioration.

• Lower home value and resale challenges

An old roof can reduce your property’s market value and deter buyers who worry about future repair costs.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Home and Insurance Coverage

If you have 3 tab shingles, consider these steps:

• Schedule a professional roof inspection

A roofing expert can assess the condition of your shingles and recommend whether replacement is necessary.

• Upgrade to architectural shingles or metal roofing

These materials meet current codes, offer better protection, and improve your chances of insurance approval.

• Keep documentation of roof upgrades and inspections

This helps when filing insurance claims and shows insurers you maintain your property.

• Talk to your insurance agent about your roof

Ask how your roofing material affects your policy and what options you have to maintain coverage.

• Act before damage worsens

Replacing your roof proactively can save money and stress in the long run.

Final Thoughts on 3 Tab Shingles and Insurance in New Mexico

Homes with 3 tab shingles face growing challenges in New Mexico due to outdated wind ratings and increased insurance scrutiny. These shingles do not meet current building codes, putting your home at risk during storms and making insurance claims more difficult. Waiting too long to replace your roof increases the chance of claim denial or policy cancellation.