What Are Architectural Shingles?

What are architectural shingles?

Architectural shingles are two-ply asphalt shingles built with an extra, sawtooth layer that adds durability and a textured, dimensional look. Also called dimensional shingles, they are the most common roof across North America. Every major manufacturer makes a line, led by GAF's Timberline series and CertainTeed's Landmark series, and most last 25 to 30 years.

Key takeaways

• Architectural shingles are two-ply asphalt shingles, the same product often called dimensional shingles.
• GAF Timberline and CertainTeed Landmark are the two most common architectural lines in our area.
• Each line runs from a flagship shingle up to thicker, higher-definition premium versions.
• Installed as a full manufacturer system, these shingles can unlock strong wind warranties.
• They sit in the middle of the asphalt price range, above three-tab and below luxury.

Drive through almost any North Carolina neighborhood and those textured roofs you notice are usually architectural shingles. They have become the default roof across the country, and every major manufacturer competes for that market with its own line. This post digs into the brands and product lines you will actually choose between, along with the wind warranties they can carry. As a GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed-certified contractor, On Tops Roofing has installed these systems across the Raleigh area since 1991.

• What architectural shingles are
• The major architectural shingle lines
• GAF Timberline
• CertainTeed Landmark
• Architectural shingles and wind warranties
• Lifespan and cost
• FAQ

What Are Architectural Shingles?

Architectural shingles start out like any asphalt shingle, with a fiberglass mat set between layers of asphalt, protective granules on top, and a sealant strip beneath. What sets them apart is a second, sawtooth layer bonded on top. That layer thickens the shingle for durability and gives it a raised, dimensional texture behind its look. Because of that texture, you will hear architectural and dimensional used interchangeably. We break down the full comparison against three-tab and luxury in our post on dimensional shingles. In this post, however, we will focus on the major brands for architectural shingles.

The Major Architectural Shingle Lines

Every major manufacturer builds an architectural line, but around Raleigh, two names come up more than any other: GAF and CertainTeed. We install both systems as a certified contractor for each manufacturer. GAF and CertainTeed have both standard and higher-quality architectural shingle options.  

GAF Timberline

GAF's Timberline collection leads architectural sales nationwide. Its flagship Timberline HDZ uses a wider nailing zone, called LayerLock, that makes for a faster, more consistent install and supports GAF's enhanced wind coverage. A step up, the Timberline UHDZ adds thickness and a more defined shadow line for homeowners who want extra depth. GAF also offers reflective, cool-roof shingles for owners looking to cut summer heat gain. Since we hold GAF's Master Elite certification, held by a small share of contractors nationwide, we can register the full Timberline system for GAF's enhanced warranties.

CertainTeed Landmark

CertainTeed's Landmark series is the other line we install often. The standard Landmark is a dependable two-piece shingle, while Landmark Pro steps up in weight and color depth for a richer look and stronger performance. At the top, Landmark Premium is heavier still, aimed at homeowners who want a bold, deeply dimensional look in an asphalt shingle. As a CertainTeed-certified contractor, we can install a complete Landmark system and register it for CertainTeed's extended coverage.

Architectural Shingles and Wind Warranties

One reason architectural shingles suit North Carolina is how well they stand up to wind, and how far a warranty reaches when they go on as a full system. A flagship shingle like Timberline HDZ or Landmark Pro carries a 110 mph wind rating out of the box. Add matching starter and hip-and-ridge shingles with the proper nailing pattern, and that rating climbs to 130 mph. Go a step further with a full set of qualifying GAF accessories, and a Timberline system can carry GAF's WindProven coverage, which sets no maximum wind speed for 15 years. The lesson is simple, a shingle matters, but a full system and a correct install are what unlock real protection.

Lifespan and Cost

Across both brands, an architectural roof generally lasts 25 to 30 years, well beyond the 15 to 20 years a three-tab roof reaches. The two-ply, solid-strip design seals tightly and resists the wind and water that shorten a three-tab roof's life. On price, architectural shingles sit in the middle of the asphalt range, above budget three-tab and below pricier luxury shingles, which is a big reason they have become the standard choice. Since numbers shift with your shingle, roof size, and shape, the surest figure comes from a free on-site estimate, though our online pricing calculator gives you a quick starting point.

Choosing the Right Architectural Shingle

Whether you lean toward a GAF Timberline or a CertainTeed Landmark, an architectural shingle gives most homes a durable, good-looking roof for a mid-range price. What matters just as much is the contractor, since only a certified installer can register the full system and its enhanced warranty. On Tops Roofing installs both brands as complete systems and has served the Raleigh area since 1991, so you can request a free estimate whenever you want to compare your options.

FAQ

Are architectural and dimensional shingles the same thing?

Yes, architectural and dimensional are two names for the same two-ply asphalt shingle. The sawtooth second layer gives it both added durability and the dimensional texture behind the name.

What are the most popular architectural shingle brands?

Around Raleigh, GAF Timberline and CertainTeed Landmark lead the market. GAF's flagship is the Timberline HDZ, and CertainTeed's is the Landmark Pro, with thicker premium versions available in each line.

How long do architectural shingles last?

An architectural roof generally lasts 25 to 30 years, compared with 15 to 20 for three-tab. Quality installation and a full manufacturer system help a roof reach the upper end of that range.

Do architectural shingles hold up to wind?

They do, with flagship shingles rated to 110 mph and up to 130 mph when installed with matching starter and ridge shingles. A full GAF Timberline system with qualifying accessories can carry WindProven coverage with no maximum wind speed for 15 years.

How much do architectural shingles cost?

They fall in the middle of the asphalt price range, above three-tab and below luxury shingles. Because size, shape, and shingle choice all move the number, a free on-site estimate or our pricing calculator gives you the clearest figure.