Architectural shingles are asphalt shingles built from two or more layers laminated together, which makes them thicker and gives the roof a textured look with shadow lines. They are also called dimensional or laminated shingles, and they are the shingle we put on when we install a roof.
The short version
- An architectural shingle is a layered asphalt shingle. The layers add thickness, weight and depth.
- The names architectural, dimensional and laminated all mean the same thing.
- Sources put their life at 20 to 30 years, and we see 18 to 25 in Maryland.
- The nails and flashing decide how long a roof lasts more than the shingle name does.
- A full roof of them around Ellicott City typically runs $6.00 to $9.00 per square foot installed.
What makes a shingle architectural?
The layers do. The NRCA defines a dimensional shingle as two or more strips of material laminated together (opens in a new tab), and says it goes by laminated shingle or architectural shingle as well. This Old House says they have two or more layers (opens in a new tab) with tabs of varying sizes.
Underneath, it is the same stuff as any asphalt shingle: a glass fiber mat, asphalt and a top coat of crushed rock. The difference is how much of it there is, and how it is stacked.
What do architectural shingles look like on a roof?
They look uneven on purpose. The layers throw shadow lines across the slope, and This Old House says they give a multidimensional, textured appearance (opens in a new tab) that resembles wood shakes or slate.
The older, flat style does not do that. If you want to see the other side of the comparison, 3 tab vs architectural shingles lays it out.
How long do architectural shingles last?
The Forest Service describes architectural shingles as a heavy, laminated shingle with a 20 to 30 year lifespan (opens in a new tab). This Old House is more generous and says they can last up to 50 years (opens in a new tab).
We would not plan around 50. In Maryland, asphalt shingles realistically last 18 to 25 years. The number on the wrapper is a warranty against manufacturing defects, not a promise about your roof. Our piece on whether a 30 year shingle lasts 30 years goes through why.
Does the shingle matter more than the install?
No. The install matters more. Water gets into a roof at flashing, valleys, pipe boots and other transitions, and all of those are labor details. A better shingle does not fix any of them.
Take the nails. A shingle has a marked nailing strip, and nails placed above it do not reach the shingle underneath. The shingle is then held by its sealant strip alone. It looks perfect until a gust peels it, and the same shingle can last 25 years or 9 depending on where the nail went.
What do we include when we put them on?
Our roof installs use standard architectural shingles. The job also includes a full tear-off of up to two layers, dumpster and haul-away, synthetic underlayment, ice-and-water shield at code minimum, new drip edge and starter strip, new flashing at chimneys, walls, valleys and skylights, and a magnetic nail sweep when we are done.
Some things are not in the base price. Decking replacement is priced per 4 by 8 sheet when the tear-off shows rot, and it typically runs $70 to $150 installed. Rotted fascia, gutter work and interior repairs are separate too. A luxury shingle line costs more than the standard one.
What do architectural shingles cost?
A full architectural asphalt roof near Ellicott City typically runs $6.00 to $9.00 per square foot installed. The final number depends on the size, pitch, how cut-up the roof is and how easy it is to reach. Here is how that adds up by size:
| Roof size | Typical full-system range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $10,500 to $13,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $13,500 to $17,500 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $16,500 to $21,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $19,500 to $25,500 |
Those are area ranges, not a quote. A steep pitch, a second layer of old roofing or a lot of rotten decking pushes a job up. For the wider picture, see what a roof replacement costs.
Common questions
Are architectural shingles the same as dimensional shingles?
Yes. The NRCA lists dimensional, laminated and architectural as names for one kind of shingle (opens in a new tab). Brands use whichever word they like.
Are architectural shingles worth the extra money?
For most roofs, yes. This Old House says architectural shingles are more durable than three-tab (opens in a new tab). The shingle is a small slice of a full job, since tear-off, underlayment, flashing and labor cost the same either way.
Can you put them over old shingles?
We do not recommend it. A second layer traps heat, hides the condition of the deck and cannot be inspected. We tear off down to the wood so we can see what is there.
Do they come in more colors?
Yes. This Old House says they come in a wider range of colors and designs (opens in a new tab) than the basic flat shingle. If you live under an HOA, check its rules first, because review can add 30 to 45 days.
What to do next
If you are not sure whether your roof needs new shingles at all, we will walk it for free and send a written report with photos. Book a free roof inspection and there is no obligation to book work. If it does need replacing, our roof installation page covers what the job includes.
