What Are Architectural Shingles?

What makes a shingle "architectural"

An asphalt shingle is a mat of glass fiber soaked and coated in asphalt, with mineral granules pressed into the top. The granules give it color and shield the asphalt from sunlight. That much is the same for every asphalt shingle on the market.

The difference is how many layers there are. A 3-tab shingle is one sheet.

Two notches, called cutouts, split its lower edge into three equal tabs, so the finished roof looks like neat rows of flat bricks.

An architectural shingle is a base sheet with one or more extra pieces bonded on top. The top pieces are cut into uneven shapes, so the roof shows thicker and thinner patches and darker shadow lines.

One maker describes its laminated line as "dual-layered" and says these shingles give "a thicker and richer appearance on the roof" ³.

The word "architectural" is a sales name, not a code term. The building code just says "asphalt shingles" and points to the ASTM D3462 standard for all of them ⁴. So on a quote, the useful facts are the product line, its layers, and its tested ratings.

The stack shows the one real difference from a 3-tab: the laminated top layer.

How the layers work on the roof

Shingles are laid in rows, starting at the eave (the bottom edge) and working up. Each row covers the top part of the row below, so only a band of each shingle shows. That visible band is the exposure.

On one laminated product sheet it is 5⅞ inches ¹. On one 3-tab sheet it is 5⅝ inches ². Each product has its own exposure, and the roofer must follow it.

Nails go through a marked strip in the middle of the shingle, where they are covered by the next row.

Just below the nails, a strip of factory sealant softens in the sun and glues the shingle to the one beneath it. That seal is what keeps wind from lifting the edge.

NRCA notes that a shingle needs this factory-applied self-sealing strip to be tested under ASTM D7158 at all ⁵.

On an architectural shingle, the extra layer sits on the part that shows. It adds thickness where weather hits, and its random shapes hide small differences in how each row lines up. On a 3-tab roof, the tabs and cutouts must line up in a strict pattern, so uneven rows are easy to see.

The figures show why the product line matters: exposure and nailing come from the maker's sheet, not from the word "architectural".

Architectural vs 3-tab shingles, side by side

This table compares the two styles using one published data sheet for each, plus a maker's category description and the code. Figures from a data sheet belong to that product only. Other products in the same style can differ, so read the sheet for the shingle on your quote.

The surprise for many homeowners is the wind row. These two example products carry the same top wind classes. A blanket rule that 3-tab shingles only resist 60 mph wind is not true of every product. The rating is in the test result on the wrapper, not in the style.

Types of asphalt shingles, from flat to premium

Makers sort their asphalt shingles into three broad groups. The names vary by brand, but the groups are much the same ³. A UL evaluation report for one large maker, for example, lists its range as "three-tab shingles, laminated shingles and hip & ridge shingles" ⁶.

• Strip shingles (3-tab). One layer, flat look, the lightest asphalt shingle. CertainTeed says they are "generally designed to look like slate" with "a very flat appearance."
• Dimensional (architectural) shingles. Two or more layers, a thicker look, and usually heavier. This is the group most people mean by "architectural."
• Premium or designer shingles. Also laminated, but cut and shaded to look like slate or wood shake. Some are made impact resistant, which can help with hail.
• Accessory shingles. Starter strips for the eaves and rakes, and hip and ridge caps for the peaks. These are separate products, sold by the linear foot or bundle, and are matched to the field shingle.

Worked example: one roof, two shingle styles

A plain gable roof measures 20 squares (2,000 square feet of roof surface). Here is how the two example products from the table count out, before any waste, starter or ridge cap:

Illustrative roof. The bundle counts are almost the same, so the material count does not change much between styles.

What changes is the product's weight, its rated performance and the price per bundle.

The nail figures use the code minimum of four per strip ⁴ and the six-nail steep-slope pattern on the IKO sheet ¹.

Where architectural shingles are used

Architectural shingles go on sloped roofs, the same as any asphalt shingle.

The code allows asphalt shingles only on roofs with a slope of 2/12 or steeper, meaning at least 2 inches of rise for every 12 inches across.

Between 2/12 and 4/12, two layers of underlayment are required ⁴. You can read more about slope on our roof pitch guide.

They are now the main shingle on new homes and reroofs. Several makers have moved most of their range into laminated lines and kept only a small 3-tab offer. 3-tab shingles are still sold and still used, often on sheds, garages, rentals and repairs where the new shingles must match an existing 3-tab roof.

Hip and ridge caps, the shingles that run over the peaks, are a separate product. A laminated roof normally gets a matching ridge cap from the same maker.

Why most homeowners choose architectural shingles

Limits of architectural shingles

• They are still asphalt. Granules wear off over time, and heat and sun age the asphalt. The extra layer does not change what the shingle is made of.
• Heavier bundles. More weight per square means more load to carry up a ladder and onto the deck. A roofer checks the frame on older homes.
• Repairs can be hard to match. Colors and cut patterns change between runs and years, so a patch may stand out.
• The label is loose. "Architectural" does not promise a wind class, impact rating or warranty length. Each product line differs.
• Low slopes still need care. On roofs from 2/12 to 4/12, extra underlayment is required whatever shingle you pick ⁴.

What drives the cost of an architectural shingle roof

This page gives no prices, because they change by market and month. Sourced, dated figures are on our roofing cost guide. These are the things that move the number:

• Roof size, counted in squares of 100 square feet, plus a waste allowance for cuts.
• The product line. Standard laminated, premium and impact-rated lines are priced differently.
• Pitch and shape. Steep roofs and roofs with many valleys and dormers take longer and waste more.
• Tear-off. The number of old layers to remove and haul away.
• Deck repair found after tear-off, usually priced per sheet.
• Edge and seal items such as starter, ridge cap, drip edge and ice barrier.
• Local rules on permits, inspections and high-wind nailing.

How an architectural shingle roof goes on

A licensed roofer does this work. Roof edges are a fall hazard, and IKO's own data sheet warns that working at heights on sloped roofs "can be dangerous" ¹. These steps help you follow the job and check the quote.

1. The old roof is removed down to the deck, unless the code allows a layer over the top. The code permits no more than two layers of roof covering in all ⁴.
2. The crew checks the wooden deck and replaces soft or rotten sheets. Asphalt shingles must be nailed to a solid deck ⁴.
3. Drip edge goes on the eaves, then underlayment, then drip edge on the rakes. In cold areas an ice barrier goes along the eaves.
4. A starter strip is laid along the eaves so the first row has a sealed edge.
5. Shingles go on in rows from the bottom up, at the exposure and nail count the maker sets.
6. Valleys, walls and chimneys get flashing. Vents and ridge cap finish the roof.
7. The site is cleaned and, where required, the building department inspects the work.

Caring for an architectural shingle roof

Look at the roof from the ground twice a year and after big storms. Binoculars help. Look for missing or lifted shingles, bare patches where granules have worn away, and bent flashing. Do not climb onto the roof yourself; call a roofer if something looks wrong.

Keep gutters clear so water does not back up under the bottom rows. Trim branches that rub the roof. Clear leaves out of valleys. Some lines carry an algae-resistant granule, which helps with dark streaks; the IKO sheet lists this feature for its laminated product ¹.

Keep the paperwork. The exact product name, color and install date help with warranty claims and with matching repairs later. Many owners also keep a spare bundle in the garage, because colors vary between production runs.

Warning signs on an architectural shingle quote

• The quote says "architectural shingles" with no maker or product line named.
• There is no wind class stated, in an area where the code table calls for one ⁵.
• The nail count is not stated. The code minimum is four per strip shingle, or more if the maker says so ⁴.
• The roofer plans to lay new shingles over two existing layers. The code allows no more than two layers in total ⁴.
• Starter, ridge cap and drip edge are missing, or are from a different maker than the warranty requires.
• Underlayment is a single layer on a roof between 2/12 and 4/12 ⁴.

Code rules for architectural and 3-tab shingles

The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) treats all asphalt shingles alike. Section R905.2.4 says: "Asphalt shingles shall comply with ASTM D3462" ⁴. That standard sets limits on shingle mass and physical properties ⁵.

Section R905.2.2 allows asphalt shingles only on slopes of 2/12 or more, with double underlayment between 2/12 and 4/12. Section R905.2.6 requires at least four fasteners per strip shingle, or more if the maker says so.

Section R905.2.1 says shingles must be fastened to solidly sheathed decks ⁴.

Section R905.2.4.1 deals with wind. It requires shingles to be tested under ASTM D7158 and to meet the class that Table R905.2.4.1 sets for the local design wind speed, with the class shown on the wrapper ⁴.

As NRCA explains, D7158 sorts self-sealing shingles into Class D, G or H, tied to wind speeds of 115, 150 and 190 mph.

Shingles without a factory seal strip are tested under ASTM D3161 instead, which sorts them into Class A, D or F at 60, 90 and 110 mph ⁵.

Section R908.3.1.1 limits a roof to two layers of covering in all ⁴. These are model code rules. States and cities adopt different editions and add their own changes, so check with your local building department.

Sources: [4] [5]

Common mix-ups about architectural shingles

Myth Architectural shingles are a different material from regular shingles.

Reality They are the same asphalt, glass mat and granules. The difference is the extra bonded layer and the cut pattern. Both meet ASTM D3462.

Myth 3-tab shingles only resist 60 mph winds.

Reality Some do, but it depends on the product's test result. One current 3-tab data sheet lists ASTM D3161 Class F and D7158 Class H, the same top classes as a laminated product.

Myth Every architectural shingle is impact resistant.

Reality No. Impact ratings such as UL 2218 Class 3 or 4 belong to specific products. IKO also notes that its impact rating is for insurance discounts and is not a warranty against hail damage.

Myth "Lifetime" on the label means the roof lasts forever.

Reality A warranty is a contract with terms, limits and proration. Read what it covers, for how long at full value, and whether it moves to the next owner.

Sources: [2] [1] [3]

Does where you live change the right shingle?

Yes, in two ways. First, wind. The IRC ties the required wind class to the local design wind speed, so a coastal or high-wind area may need a higher class and more nails than an inland one ⁴.

Some products also carry regional approvals; the IKO sheet lists Miami-Dade and Florida high-velocity hurricane zone approvals for shingles sold in the southeast ¹.

Second, cold. Where ice dams are a known hazard, the code requires an ice barrier at the eaves, whatever shingle goes on top ⁴. And in hail areas, some insurers offer discounts for impact-rated shingles. Ask your insurer before you choose.

Codes are adopted city by city and state by state, and some areas add their own rules. Your local building department, or a roofer licensed there, can tell you which edition and wind map apply to your address. We do not list local rules here that we have not checked.

How to choose between architectural and 3-tab

1. Start with the look you want. Laminated shingles give a thicker, textured roof; 3-tab gives a flat, even one.
2. Check what your area requires for wind, and confirm the product's class on its data sheet.
3. If hail is common, ask your insurer whether an impact-rated product lowers your premium.
4. Compare warranties line by line: length, full-value period, and transfer to the next owner.
5. For a repair, match the existing roof. A 3-tab roof gets 3-tab patches.
6. Ask each roofer to name the exact product, color and accessory parts on the quote.

If two quotes name different products, ask each roofer for the data sheet and compare the ratings side by side.

Keep going

• Roof material selectorCompare shingle and other roof types
• Roof cost calculatorSquares to a sourced price range
• Roofing materials guideAsphalt, metal, tile and more
• Choosing a rooferWhat a complete quote includes

Related terms

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are roofing pieces made from a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules, laid in overlapping rows so water runs off the roof.

3-Tab Shingles

A single-layer asphalt strip shingle cut into three tabs, giving a flat, uniform look. Most makers now sell mainly architectural shingles instead.

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

A heavier, thicker tier of laminated asphalt shingle made to look like slate or wood shake. "Luxury" and "designer" are marketing names, not a standard.

Roofing Square

A roofing square is a unit of area equal to 100 square feet of roof surface, a 10-by-10-foot patch, and it is the unit in which shingles are sold and most roofing quotes are priced.

Roof Pitch

Roof pitch is the steepness of a roof, written as the inches it rises for every 12 inches it runs horizontally, so a 6/12 roof climbs 6 inches per foot.

Ridge Cap

A ridge cap is the row of shingles bent over the peak of a roof, and over its hips, to seal the joint where two roof planes meet.

Roof Underlayment

Roof underlayment is a sheet laid over the whole roof deck before the shingles or other roof covering go on.

Drip Edge

Drip edge is a strip of bent metal flashing installed along a roof's eaves and rake edges that carries water off the edge of the roof and away from the fascia and the deck beneath.

Reroofing

Reroofing is the work of putting a new roof covering on a house that already has one, either by tearing the old covering off down to the deck (a replacement) or by laying the new covering over the old one (a recover, often called an overlay).

Also referenced from: Asphalt Shingles, Impact-Resistant Shingles, Valley Flashing, Roofing Nails, Ridge Cap, Roof Wind Uplift, Roofing Square, Manufacturer Warranty