Are architectural shingles good?
Short answer. Yes. Architectural shingles are a proven, cost-effective roof covering for most homes, with strong wind ratings, good durability and a wide range of colors. How good your roof turns out depends less on the shingle than on installation and attic ventilation, which cause most premature failures.
What makes a good architectural shingle
- Meets ASTM D3462: the standard specification for fiberglass-mat asphalt shingles.
- Top wind classification: ASTM D3161 Class F or ASTM D7158 Class H on the wrapper.
- Class A fire rating.
- Algae resistance: copper-containing granules with a stated algae warranty, important in Georgia humidity.
- A wide or reinforced nailing zone that makes correct nail placement easier.
- An impact rating if you live where hail is common.
How they usually fail
- Nailing errors: nails above or below the nailing zone miss the double layer and lead to blow-offs.
- Hot attics: poor ventilation bakes shingles from below, causing early granule loss and brittleness.
- Flashing: most leaks start at walls, chimneys and pipe boots, not in the open field of shingles.
- Storm damage: hail bruises and broken seals from wind.
- Debris and moss: trapped moisture in valleys and shaded slopes.
Only the last two are weather; the first three are workmanship and design.
How to end up with a good roof
Choose a contractor certified by the shingle manufacturer, insist on the matching starter, ridge cap and underlayment that the manufacturer's system warranty requires, ask how the attic will be ventilated, and get the warranty registered. Our ventilation guide and guide to choosing a roofing contractor in Georgia cover the details.