Material decision card
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Laminated multi-layer shingle. Roughly 20-30% more than 3-tab for close to double the service life, and available in wind-rated assemblies that satisfy high-wind zones.
Verified August 2026
Is architectural asphalt shingles worth it?
22–30 year service life
Best for: The default choice on most single-family re-roofs. Maintenance is low and durability rates 3/5.
Decision card
| Service life | 22–30 years |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Low |
| Durability | 3 / 5 |
| DIY difficulty | 4 / 5 (5 = hardest) |
| Warranty | 30-50 year limited, wind rating to 130 mph on rated systems |
| Relative installed cost | 100% of the typical job |
Climate suitability
Only the exposures that actually change this material's performance.
Handles well: Annual rainfall
Handles well: Design wind speed exposure
Shortens its life: Cooling load / heat exposure
Shortens its life: Hail risk