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 fit Maryland homes’ roofing need best. 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, better protection during Maryland’s storm seasons, and better performance during freeze and thaw cycles. They are also designed to mimic building materials like cedar shake or slate, which gives homeowners more control over 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 material is 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. Maryland weather plays a role too. Humidity, wind, summer heat, and winter freeze cycles all place stress on a roof over time.
Roof shingle quality is only one part of the equation. Most roofs fail earlier than they should because of poor installation. The way the entire roofing 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 shingle roof. We have seen roofs age in half the expected time simply because hot air could not escape the attic. When installers fail to balance intake and exhaust airflow, heat builds beneath the shingles. 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 on new construction homes because they offer a good balance of cost and appearance. They look better than 3 tab 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 choice for Maryland 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 shingles commonly provide 35 to 50 years of protection when installed correctly. They are the best balance of value and durability for most Maryland homeowners.
Each Brand and Product Line for All Asphalt Shingles
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 with CertainTeed starter and ridge accessories)
Landmark is one of the most popular options across Maryland roofing 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 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 architectural lines are known for reliable performance and consistent availability. Many Maryland homeowners choose GAF for their balanced price-to-performance ratio.
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 roofing system
Timberline HDZ offers great durability, attractive hue blends, and strong protection in Maryland’s storm season.
GAF Timberline UHDZ
Timberline UHDZ is the premium version of Timberline HDZ. It offers a thicker profile, enhanced shadow lines, and deeper, high-definition hue blends.
Wind rating: Unlimited wind warranty with the full 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 shingles are known for bright color palettes and the signature SureNail Technology strip that makes roof installation more accurate and consistent.
Owens Corning Duration
Duration is Owens Corning’s flagship architectural shingle. The SureNail strip creates a reinforced nailing zone that helps the roofing material resist blow-offs during storms.
Wind rating: 130 mph
Duration shingles are a strong fit for Maryland because they offer dependable wind protection and bold, blended colors.
Owens Corning Duration Designer
Duration Designer offers thicker shadowing, a richer blend of 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 pricing. Their architectural shingles are commonly used in new construction and budget-conscious replacements.
Tamko Heritage
Heritage is Tamko’s standard architectural shingle. It provides solid durability and classic color blends at a budget-friendly cost.
Wind rating: 110 mph
Heritage works well for Maryland 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 shingle stay secure during severe weather.
Wind rating: 160 mph
Titan XT is a strong choice for homeowners who want upgraded wind protection, 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 roofs looking cleaner for longer in Maryland’s humid climate. Their architectural lines deliver dependable durability and strong curb appeal, making Atlas a solid option for homeowners who want both roof performance and long-term appearance.
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 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 depends on your goals, budget, and how long you want the roof to last. But after installing thousands of roofs across Maryland, one product line continues to outperform the others in real-world conditions.
Owens Corning Duration: Our Top Pick
We recommend Owens Corning Duration as the best overall architectural shingle for most Maryland homes. It has one of the strongest track records in the industry 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 has documented strong performance in past hurricanes, where roofs installed with their fastening pattern reported zero blow-off warranty claims. That consistency gives homeowners confidence in both the shingles and the installation method.
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 option for your roofing system.
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 choices as well. All three offer durable architectural shingle lines with dependable warranties and long-term roofing performance.
Homeowners often choose 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 manufacturers are reliable, well-established, and proven to perform in Maryland’s ice winters, humidity, high winds, and occasional 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 their colors. Because they use blended granules, they create natural shadowing and depth that basic shingles cannot match. Most manufacturers offer two main style lines: a traditional option and a high-definition 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. If you want to preview how different colors will look on your home, 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 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 home 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
While Maryland is not a top hail state, 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 thickness, durability, and how well each option stands up to real weather conditions.
Architectural Shingles
- Multi-layer laminated design
- Stronger wind ratings
- Longer lifespan
- Dimensional, textured appearance
- Better resale value
Architectural shingles use bonded layers to create a thicker roofing material that increases durability and improves resistance to severe weather. They hold their color longer, help the roof shed water more efficiently, and provide a far richer look on the home.
3 Tab Shingles
- Single thin layer
- Shorter lifespan
- Lower wind resistance
- Flat, uniform appearance
- Lowest upfront cost
3 tab shingles are the most basic roofing option. Their lightweight design keeps costs down, but it also makes the roof more vulnerable to curling, blow-offs, and early wear.
Which Is Better for Maryland?
Architectural shingles are the clear winner for Maryland homes. They handle coastal winds, humidity, heavy rain, and winter cycles much better than 3-tab shingles. If you want a roof that lasts longer, looks better, and holds up against Maryland weather, architectural shingles are the smart investment.
Why Maryland Homeowners Choose RoofPRO
RoofPRO has installed architectural shingle roofs across Maryland since 2004. Our contractor team is certified by CertainTeed, GAF, and Tamko, and we work with both Class 3 and Class 4 impact-resistant 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 material for their home and budget.
Curb appeal and home protection extend beyond your roof. That’s why RoofPRO delivers comprehensive exterior 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 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 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 the perfect solution for 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.