Architectural roof shingles are laminated asphalt (composition) shingles made from bonded layers that give a roof a dimensional, textured look instead of the flat grid of three-tab shingles. King Roof Care works with composition and asphalt shingle roofing systems and handles roof replacement, repair and inspection for homeowners in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah and Redmond, WA, starting with a free, no-obligation roof assessment.
What Architectural Roof Shingles Are
Architectural roof shingles, also called laminated or dimensional shingles, are asphalt shingles built from two or more layers bonded together. The exposed surface shows varied thickness and shadow lines, so the finished roof reads as texture rather than as a repeating grid.
Architectural vs. Three-Tab vs. Presidential Shingles Compared
Architectural roof shingles are easiest to understand side by side with the two other asphalt styles a homeowner is likely to see on a roofing quote. The table below compares how each one is built, how it looks and how to spot it.
| Feature | Three-tab | Architectural | Presidential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Single flat layer with cutouts | Two or more laminated layers | Multiple layers with deeper, shake-style tabs |
| Appearance on the roof | Uniform, flat, repeating grid | Textured and dimensional | Pronounced shadow lines that resemble shake |
| How to spot it from the ground | Evenly spaced vertical slots in straight lines | Staggered, irregular tab edges with no repeating slots | Very bold, staggered tabs with visible depth |
| What to confirm on the estimate | Manufacturer, product line, color | Manufacturer, product line, color, matching starter and ridge caps | Manufacturer, product line, color, matching accessories |
How to Tell Which Shingles Are on Your Roof
Identifying the shingles already on a house can start from the ground, with binoculars or a phone camera zoom, before anyone climbs up. Leave walking the roof to a roofing professional.
- Tab pattern: evenly spaced vertical slots lined up in rows point to three-tab; staggered, uneven tabs point to architectural.
- Bottom edge: a visible double thickness along the lower edge of each shingle suggests laminated layers.
- Leftover bundles: wrappers stored in a garage, shed or attic usually print the manufacturer and product line.
- Paperwork: invoices from the last roof job may name the exact shingle and color.
- Ridge line: note the ridge cap style, since a repair or replacement should pair caps with the field shingle.
Decision Checklist: Are Architectural Shingles Right for Your Roof Replacement?
Choosing architectural roof shingles for a replacement in Kirkland, Bothell, Everett, Issaquah or Redmond comes down to a handful of questions a homeowner can think through before the estimate visit. Working through them first makes the conversation with any contractor faster and the quotes easier to compare.
- Look: do you want the dimensional texture of laminated shingles, or a flatter, more uniform pattern?
- Roof shape: hips, valleys, dormers, chimneys and skylights add flashing details, so ask how each one will be handled.
- Attic and ventilation: has anyone looked at the attic and ventilation, not just the shingles?
- Roof deck: how will soft or damaged sheathing be identified and replaced if it shows up during tear-off?
- Related work: are gutters or a skylight also on your list? King Roof Care offers gutter installation and repair and skylight installation as well.
- Other materials: would metal, shake or another option suit the house better? See these shingle roof alternatives before deciding.
- Color: have you seen the color on a full-size sample or an installed roof in daylight?
King Roof Care's Roof Replacement Sequence, Step by Step
King Roof Care publishes its roof replacement process in a set order, and an architectural shingle replacement fits within that same sequence. Knowing the order helps a homeowner understand what each line of the written estimate refers to.
- On-site inspection of the roof, the attic and the ventilation, noting anything that affects the work.
- Written estimate with the exact scope and materials before any work starts.
- Tear-off and haul-away of the existing roofing material.
- Inspection of the roof deck, with damaged sheathing replaced as needed.
- New underlayment, plus ice-and-water protection where the roof requires it.
- Flashing at valleys, walls, chimneys and other roof penetrations.
- Starter course, new roofing and ridge caps.
- Full cleanup once the work is done.
What to Compare in an Architectural Shingle Estimate
An architectural shingle estimate is only comparable to another one when both list the same scope, line by line. Two quotes that both say "architectural shingles" can describe quite different jobs once underlayment, flashing and deck repairs are spelled out.
Contractor registration is easy to check yourself. King Roof Care is a registered Washington construction contractor, L&I registration KINGRRC782QA, which you can verify on the Washington L&I verify tool. Learn more about the company on the about page.
- Shingle details: manufacturer, product line and color name, not just "architectural."
- Removal: whether tear-off and haul-away of the old roofing are included.
- Deck: how damaged sheathing will be identified, replaced and priced if found.
- Underlayment: what type, and where ice-and-water protection will go.
- Flashing: whether valleys, walls, chimneys and penetrations get new flashing.
- Accessories: starter course and ridge caps matched to the chosen shingle.
- Ventilation: any changes recommended after the attic inspection.
- Cleanup: what the final cleanup covers.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rework on Architectural Shingle Roofs
Rework on an architectural shingle roof can often be traced to decisions made before the first bundle is opened. The points below are general guidance to raise with your contractor, not a substitute for an on-site inspection.
- Picking a color from a small swatch only; laminated shingles look different across a full roof plane.
- Patching an architectural roof with a mismatched profile during a repair.
- Reusing tired flashing at chimneys, walls, vents and skylights instead of addressing it in the scope.
- Leaving the roof deck unchecked after tear-off.
- Ignoring attic ventilation when only the shingles are discussed.
- Treating storm damage as cosmetic instead of having it assessed.
- Letting moss and debris build up without periodic inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How good are architectural shingles?
Architectural shingles are a sound choice for homeowners who want an asphalt roof with more depth and texture than three-tab shingles, because their laminated layers create a dimensional look. How well a specific product performs depends on the manufacturer's specifications and on installation details such as underlayment, flashing and ventilation, so compare those items on the written estimate.
What colors are available for Owens Corning roofing?
Owens Corning roofing colors depend on the product line, and the current range is published by Owens Corning for each shingle line. Check the manufacturer's color selections for the line you are considering, ask for the product line and color name on the written estimate, and view a full-size sample or an installed roof in daylight before ordering.
How do I know what kind of shingles I have on my roof?
You can usually tell what kind of shingles you have on your roof by the tab pattern: three-tab shingles show evenly spaced vertical slots in a repeating grid, while architectural shingles show staggered, layered tabs with no repeating pattern. Leftover bundle wrappers or old invoices often name the exact product, and a King Roof Care roof inspection reports on shingles, flashing and gutters.