Despite millions of U.S. households with 3-tab asphalt roof shingles, fewer manufacturers are producing them, a potential dilemma amid hurricane season.

The study conducted by itel of its own proprietary data signals a key issue ahead of hurricane season’s peak. Manufacturers have begun to wind down the manufacture of the once popular asphalt shingles as a result of rising costs, consumer preference and changing regulations.

According to the data, 3-tab asphalt shingle production is down 68 percent in the past five years. This is, in part, due to the rising popularity of architectural shingles due to their variability and durability.

Historically, over 40 percent of home-related claims are due to wind and hail damage. That number rises when accounting for all severe weather.

In the U.S., insurance carriers are one of the largest consumers of asphalt shingles.

The percentage of asphalt shingle claims involving 3-tab shingles in the U.S. is considerably high.

In the Northeast region of the U.S., they account for 65.8 percent of claims.

In the Southeast region of the U.S., they account for 54.8 percent of claims.

In 2024, the frequency with which a matching 3-tab shingle is not available in the open market for a claim has grown to 54 percent. In 2020, it was just 17 percent.

The lack of 3-tab shingles equates to higher costs to replace them with other shingles.

It also leads to sustainability issues. For example, 10 million tons of asphalt shingles end up in landfills every years and it takes 300-500 years for asphalt shingles to disintegrate.

According to property database firm, property insurers will face underwriting pricing issues, repairability issues and slowing of claims processing as a result.