Are architectural shingles different from asphalt shingles?
Short answer. Architectural shingles are asphalt shingles, so the comparison is really between types within the asphalt family. Asphalt shingles come in three main styles: flat 3-tab, laminated architectural (also called dimensional), and heavier designer or luxury shingles, all built from a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and topped with mineral granules.
How every asphalt shingle is built
- Fiberglass mat: the core that gives the shingle strength. Older shingles used organic felt mats.
- Asphalt coating: waterproofs the mat, blended with mineral filler.
- Granules: ceramic-coated stone that blocks ultraviolet light and provides color.
- Sealant strip: heat-activated asphalt that bonds each course to the one below.
The three styles
- 3-tab: one layer, flat, uniform rows. Cheapest and being phased out by several manufacturers.
- Architectural (laminated, dimensional): two layers bonded together for depth and strength. The default on most Georgia reroofs.
- Designer or luxury: thicker, multi-layer shingles shaped to imitate slate or wood shake, at higher cost and weight.
What people usually mean
When someone compares asphalt shingles with architectural shingles, they almost always mean 3-tab versus architectural. That comparison is covered in our architectural vs 3-tab guide. You may also hear asphalt shingles called composition or comp shingles; same family.
What to compare instead
Within architectural shingles, the useful questions are thickness and weight, the nailing zone design, wind rating and its installation requirements, impact class, algae warranty length, regional color availability, and the installer's certification.
The real alternatives to asphalt
If you want to leave asphalt behind, the options are metal, synthetic slate or shake, natural slate, and clay or concrete tile. Metal is the most common choice in Georgia; see metal roofing in Georgia.