Tab

A tab is defined as the exposed portion of a shingle that is visible after installation, as distinguished from the headlap portion that is covered by the course above. In a three-tab shingle, the cutouts between tabs create the appearance of three separate pieces from a single shingle strip. In architectural shingles, the tab area features a laminated overlay that creates a dimensional shadow pattern. Tab exposure (the height of the visible portion) is specified by the manufacturer, typically 5 to 5-5/8 inches for standard shingles.