Most homeowners searching for architectural shingles already know the name, but the details can feel unclear. You may have heard that they last longer, look better, or help your roof perform better in storms, but the reasons behind those claims are not always explained well.
This guide will walk you through exactly what are architectural shingles, how they work, how long they last, the brands that make them, and which versions are best for your home. By the end, you will understand your options with confidence and know which shingle type is right for your roof.
What are Architectural Shingles?
Architectural shingles are upgraded asphalt shingles made with multiple layered sections that are bonded together. They use a strong fiberglass base coated in asphalt and topped with textured granules. This layered design creates depth, shadow lines, and a much richer appearance than basic 3 tab shingles.
The extra thickness gives architectural shingles better wind resistance, greater protection during a storm season, and stronger roof performance during freeze and thaw cycles. They are also designed to mimic building materials like cedar shake or slate, which gives your roof an enhanced curb appeal without paying luxury pricing.
Architectural Laminated Shingles
Architectural shingles are often called architectural laminated roofing shingles, dimensional shingles, or simply laminated shingles. All of these names refer to the same product. The word describes the way the shingles are built. Manufacturers bond two or more layers of material together to create a thicker, heavier shingle. This structure gives architectural shingles their durability, texture, and multi-dimensional look.
If you see the term “laminated,” “architectural,” or “dimensional” in product descriptions, it is talking about this same multi-layer design. The names vary, but the roofing materials are the same.
How Long Do Architectural Shingles Last?
Architectural shingles typically last 30 to 50 years. Their lifespan depends on the brand, the home’s ventilation, and the quality of the installation. Weather plays a role too. Humidity, wind, summer heat, and icy winters all place stress on a roof over time.
Roof shingle quality is only one part of the roofing equation. Most roofs fail earlier than they should because of poor installation. The way the entire roof system is put together has a direct impact on its lifespan, from small details like proper nailing patterns to larger concerns such as how valleys and flashing are installed.
Poor attic ventilation is also one of the fastest ways to shorten the life of an architectural roofing shingle roof. We have seen roofs age in half the expected time simply because hot air could not escape the attic. When contractors fail to balance intake and exhaust airflow, heat builds beneath the shingles and throughout the roof assembly. This causes the asphalt to dry out faster, increases granule loss, and leads to early cracking and curling.
30-Year Architectural Roof Shingles
Some manufacturers still offer 30-year architectural shingles. These are usually the budget-tier option within a brand’s product lineup. They are lighter, use fewer laminated layers, and have lower wind ratings.
Many builders use 30-year architectural roofing shingles on new construction home because they offer a good balance of cost and appearance. They look better than 3 tab roofing shingles but keep material and labor costs down, which helps builders stay within budget while still giving buyers an appealing roof.
Pros
- Lower upfront cost
- Common choice for new construction
- Good for short term ownership
- Easy to match with basic exterior styles
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
- Lower resistance to storms
- More prone to granule wear
Brands like Tamko and IKO offer 30-year architectural products. They work well for homeowners who want an affordable upgrade but do not need the longest lifespan.
50-Year Architectural Roofing Shingles
Fifty-year architectural shingles are the most popular type for homes and businesses. They feature thicker construction, stronger reinforcement layers, and higher wind and impact ratings.
Benefits
- Longer lifespan in humid climates
- Better performance in wind, rain, and storms
- Deeper hue blends and stronger curb appeal
- Better resistance to granule loss
These asphalt shingles commonly provide 35 to 50 years of protection when installed correctly. They are the best balance of value and durability for most homeowners.
Shingle Brands and Their Product Lines
Once you understand the basics of architectural shingles, it helps to see how the major manufacturers build their own versions. Every brand takes a slightly different approach. Some focus on thicker mats, others lean into bold colors, and some prioritize wind resistance or algae protection. These design choices explain why architectural shingles can vary so much in price, durability, and overall performance.
CertainTeed Architectural Roof Shingles
CertainTeed is known for producing some of the heaviest and most durable architectural shingles for a roofing system on the market. Their thicker mats and strong asphalt formulation help these shingles perform well in Maryland’s humidity, rain, and shaded conditions.
CertainTeed Landmark
Landmark is CertainTeed’s standard architectural shingle. It features a dual-layer laminate build that gives the roof a dimensional look and reliable long-term performance.
Wind rating: 110 mph (130 mph when CertainTeed starter and ridge accessories are installed on the roof)
Landmark is one of the most popular roofing shingles because it balances price, durability, and appearance.
CertainTeed Landmark PRO
Landmark PRO is the upgraded version of the standard Landmark line. It uses a heavier base mat and richer Max Def hue blends that increase roof curb appeal and improve granule retention.
Wind rating: 110 mph (130 mph with required roof accessories)
Landmark PRO is a strong choice for homeowners who want better hue depth and a longer-lasting architectural roof.
GAF Architectural Shingles
GAF is the largest shingle manufacturer in the U.S., and their standard and designer architectural shingles are known for reliable performance and longevity. Many homeowners choose a GAF roof for their balanced price-to-performance ratio. It is also a common pick among contractors who want a shingle they trust to install and stand behind.
GAF Timberline HDZ
Timberline HDZ is GAF’s most recognized architectural shingle. It features the popular LayerLock technology that improves fastening strength and helps resist wind uplift.
Wind rating: Unlimited wind warranty when installed with the full GAF roof system
Timberline HDZ offers great durability, attractive hue blends, and strong protection for any storm season.
GAF Timberline UHDZ
Timberline UHDZ is the premium version of the Timberline HDZ roofing shingle. It offers a thicker profile, enhanced shadow lines, and deeper, high-definition hue blends.
Wind rating: Unlimited wind warranty with the full roof system
UHDZ is ideal for homeowners looking for a premium architectural shingle without stepping into luxury slate or shake prices.
Owens Corning Architectural Shingles
Owens Corning roofing shingles are known for bright color palettes. The signature SureNail Technology strip helps make roof installation more accurate and consistent.
Owens Corning Duration
Duration is Owens Corning’s flagship architectural shingle. It comes with the SureNail strip, which creates a reinforced nailing zone that helps the roof resist blow-offs during storms.
Wind rating: 130 mph
Duration roofing shingles are a strong fit for homes because they offer dependable wind protection and bold, blended colors.
Owens Corning Duration Designer
Duration Designer offers thicker shadowing, richer blended colors, and a more dimensional appearance than the standard Duration line.
Wind rating: 130 mph
This line is popular among homeowners looking for stronger curb appeal with the same trusted performance.
Tamko Architectural Shingles
Tamko is known for vibrant colors and competitive roof pricing. Their architectural shingles are commonly used when building a new construction project and also for budget-conscious roof replacements.
Tamko Heritage
Heritage is Tamko’s standard shingles architectural shingle. It provides solid durability for the roof and classic color blends at a budget-friendly cost. This represents an updated design approach that balances traditional aesthetics with modern manufacturing techniques.
Wind rating: 110 mph
Heritage works well for homeowners who want an attractive roof without stretching their budget.
Tamko Titan XT
Titan XT is Tamko’s enhanced architectural shingle designed for stronger fastening strength and improved wind performance. It uses a reinforced nail zone and an AnchorLock layer that help the roofing shingle stay secure during severe weather.
Wind rating: 160 mph
Titan XT is a strong choice encouraged by contractors for those looking for an upgraded wind protection for their roof, reliable durability, and bold color options without stepping into the luxury shingle category.
Atlas Architectural Shingles
Atlas is known for bold color blends, polymer-reinforced construction, and their 3M Scotchgard algae protection system. This technology helps prevent dark streaking and keeps your roof looking cleaner for longer, even while being in a humid climate. Their architectural shingles deliver dependable durability and strong curb appeal, making Atlas a solid roof option trusted by many contractors.
Atlas Pinnacle Pristine
Pinnacle Pristine is Atlas’s standard architectural shingle. It features dimensional styling, wide color blends, and reliable performance at an affordable price. The asphalt shingles include algae-resistant granules that help maintain their appearance in humid climates.
Wind rating: 130 mph
Pinnacle Pristine is a dependable choice for homeowners who want a good-looking architectural shingle without stepping into the premium category.
Atlas StormMaster Shake
StormMaster Shake is Atlas’s premium architectural shingle designed for stronger wind and impact protection. It uses polymer-modified asphalt technology, which increases flexibility, impact resistance, and long-term durability. This makes it a strong performer during hailstorms and severe wind events.
Wind rating: 150 mph
Impact rating: Class 4
StormMaster Shake is ideal for homeowners who want top-tier roofing protection, especially in storm-prone areas where wind and hail are more common.
Best Architectural Shingles: Our Recommendation
Choosing the “best” architectural shingle comes down to your roofing goals, your budget, and how long you want the roof to last. After installing thousands of roofs, we have seen one product line consistently outperform the others in real-world conditions.
We recommend Owens Corning Duration as the best overall architectural shingle for your roof. It has one of the strongest track records among contractors and holds up extremely well in mixed weather.
Why we recommend Owens Corning Duration:
- Proven long-term reputation
- Reinforced SureNail strip that improves fastening strength
- Excellent wind performance in real storm conditions
- Strong national support and dependable warranty structure
Owens Corning points to past hurricanes as proof of performance. Their data shows zero blow-off warranty claims when the roof is installed using their fastening pattern. That result builds trust and gives homeowners confidence in both the shingles and the installation system.
When Budget Matters: Tamko 30-Year Shingles
If your priority is keeping the project cost lower, Tamko’s 30-year architectural shingle is a strong value roofing option.
Why Tamko works for budget-conscious homeowners:
- Lower upfront cost
- Classic laminate appearance
- Good performance for moderate storm conditions
- Commonly used in new construction
It does not match the lifespan or wind resistance of premium architectural shingles, but it delivers reliable performance for the price.
CertainTeed, GAF, and Atlas remain excellent asphalt shingle choices as well. All three offer durable architectural shingle lines with dependable warranties and long-term roofing performance.
Contractors often recommend them for:
- Thick construction and heavier mats (CertainTeed)
- Industry-leading nail zones (GAF HDZ and UHDZ)
- 3M Scotchgard algae protection and bold color blends (Atlas)
- Trusted manufacturer support across all three brands
These asphalt shingle manufacturers are reliable, well-established, and proven companies. Their asphalt roofing materials are known to perform throughout winter, humidity, high winds, and different seasons.
Understanding architectural shingles is easier when you know what features matter most. The video below walks through how to evaluate wind ratings, impact resistance, nailing zones, granule adhesion, color blends, and overall construction. Once you know how to compare these features, choosing the right brand becomes much simpler.
Architectural Roof Shingle Colors
One of the biggest advantages of architectural shingles is the variety in colors. Because they use blended granules, they create natural shadowing and depth that basic shingles cannot match. Most manufacturers offer two main lines of color options: a standard coloring line and a high-definition coloring series. The standard options provide a clean, classic look, while the high-definition versions use richer blends and deeper shadow lines for a more dramatic appearance.
Architectural shingles also come in a full spectrum of colors, from bright whites and soft neutrals to deep charcoals and solid black. Homeowners can match almost any exterior style, whether they want a traditional look or something bold and modern. The shingles architectural design flexibility makes it easy to coordinate with siding, trim, and other exterior elements. If you want to preview how different colors will look on your roof, you can test them out using our shingle visualizer tool.
Are Architectural Shingles Impact Resistant
Architectural shingles naturally resist impacts better than 3 tab shingles because of their thicker, laminate construction. The extra layers help absorb small impacts and reduce damage from falling branches or debris. However, not all architectural shingles are officially impact rated. To carry an impact rating, a shingle must pass specific testing under the UL 2218 standard.
What Class 4 Impact Resistance Means
Class 4 is the highest rating in the UL 2218 impact test. This test drops steel balls onto the roofing shingle to simulate hail strikes.
To earn a Class 4 rating, the shingle must show:
- No cracking
- No rupturing
- No splitting
- No exposure of the fiberglass mat
In plain terms, a Class 4 roofing shingle can take a beating and still protect the home.
Only Certain Shingles Are Class 4
Most standard architectural shingles are not Class 4. Each roofing manufacturer offers specific Class 4 versions built with enhanced roofing materials or polymer-modified asphalt.
Common Class 4 architectural options include:
CertainTeed NorthGate – Class 4
Owens Corning Duration STORM – Class 4
GAF Timberline AS II – Class 4
Atlas StormMaster Shake – Class 4
Tamko StormFighter IR – Class 4
These roofing shingles are engineered for severe weather performance and stronger impact absorption.
Should Maryland Homeowners Consider Class 4?
Class 4 shingles are worth considering if a shingle roof is exposed to:
Older trees that drop branches
Wind-driven debris during storms
Occasional hail
Areas with frequent freeze-thaw cycles that stress roofing shingles
Even if you are not in a state that experiences a lot of hail, the extra durability can extend roof longevity and reduce maintenance over time.
Architectural Shingles vs 3-Tab
Architectural shingles and 3 tab shingles are made from similar base roofing materials, but their construction and performance are worlds apart. The difference comes down to shingle thickness, durability, and how well each option stands up to real weather conditions.
Architectural Shingles
- Multi-layer laminated design
- Stronger wind ratings
- Longer roof lifespan
- Dimensional, textured appearance
- Better resale value
Architectural shingles use bonded layers to create roofing depth, durability, and resistance to severe weather. They hold their colors longer, help the roof shed water more efficiently, and provide a far richer look on the home.
3 Tab Shingles
- Single thin layer
- Shorter roof lifespan
- Lower wind resistance
- Flat, uniform appearance
- Lowest upfront roof cost
Architectural laminated shingles are often described as the premium choice for residential roofing. Architectural shingles use bonded layers to create roofing depth, durability, and resistance to severe weather. They hold their colors longer, help the roof shed water more efficiently, and provide a far richer look on the home. These shingles deliver superior performance compared to traditional options.
Which Is Better for Maryland?
Architectural shingles are the clear winner for Maryland homes. They handle coastal winds, humidity, heavy rain, and the winter months much better than 3 tab roof shingles. If you want a roof that lasts longer, looks better, and protects your roofing investment against Maryland weather, architectural shingles are the smart investment.
Why Maryland Homeowners Choose RoofPRO
RoofPRO has installed architectural shingle roofs across Maryland since 2004, with roofing systems built for local weather. Our contractor team is certified by CertainTeed, GAF, and Tamko, and we work with both Class 3 and Class 4 impact-resistant architectural shingles. We understand local building codes, storm patterns, and roof material performance in Maryland’s climate. Although asphalt shingles are the popular roof style we service, our expertise extends into slate, metal roofing, and other specialty systems found throughout Maryland. Helping to guide homeowners toward the right roofing materials for their home and budget.
Curb appeal and home protection extend beyond your shingle roof. That’s why RoofPRO delivers contractor services to realize your home’s full potential! We can provide solutions for your property’s siding, roofing, windows, gutters, and more. Check out our full list of residential services here.
Contact Us for a Free Estimate
Your shingle roof is one of the most important investments for your home’s protection and enhancement. With RoofPRO as your contractor, you can feel confident getting the highest quality architectural shingle installation and exterior upgrades. Don’t postpone improving your home any longer!
We make the whole shingle roof process hassle-free and convenient from start to finish. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation roofing estimate. Our contractors come out and inspect your roof, recommend roofing materials that fit your home’s style and budget, and provide a detailed quote with transparent pricing.
Author Bio
Tim Taylor – Owner & Founder of RoofPRO
Tim Taylor began his roofing career in 2003 and founded RoofPRO in 2004 with a mission to fix the poor workmanship that often causes roof leaks. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, he’s earned elite credentials like CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster Wizard certification, HAAG inspection certifications, and OSHA safety training. His expertise in leak repair, flashing repair, and post-storm restoration has made RoofPRO one of Maryland’s most trusted roofing companies. Tim continues to lead with the same principle that built his reputation—roof it right the first time.