What are the pros and cons of architectural shingles?
Short answer. The pros of architectural shingles are higher wind ratings, a thicker build that typically outlasts 3-tab, longer warranties, and a dimensional look that hides deck imperfections. The cons are a higher material price than 3-tab, more weight than the thinnest shingles, and spot repairs that can be hard to color match once a product line or color changes.
Pros
- Wind resistance: standard architectural shingles are commonly rated for 110 to 130 mph winds with proper installation, versus roughly 60 to 70 mph for typical 3-tab.
- Durability: two laminated layers stand up better to wind flex and minor impacts, and some carry Class 3 or Class 4 impact ratings.
- Warranty: most carry limited lifetime warranties, while 3-tab typically carried 20 to 30 year terms.
- Looks: dimensional shadow lines that suggest wood shake, in far more colors.
- Forgiving: the random pattern hides slightly wavy decking.
- Availability and resale: they are the market standard, which buyers and appraisers expect.
Cons
- Cost: more per square than 3-tab, though the gap is modest against the whole job, since labor, tear-off and accessories cost the same.
- Accessories: laminated shingles cannot be folded into ridge caps or flipped into starter, so dedicated cap and starter products are required.
- Color matching: lines and colors change over the years, so patches on an older roof may not match.
- Still asphalt: they age in Georgia heat and can be damaged by large hail, unlike some metal or slate.
- Slope limits: like all shingles, not for sections flatter than 2/12.
The bottom line
For most Georgia homes the pros win easily, and with 3-tab disappearing from many lineups the choice is often made for you. The cons matter most for owners who want a 40-year roof (consider metal) or who are repairing an older roof and need a close match. See architectural vs 3-tab shingles and metal roofing in Georgia.