Three-tab vs architectural
Three-tab is thin, flat and cheap, and in our climate it is usually false economy. Architectural (laminate) shingles are heavier, handle wind better, look substantially better and are what nearly every replacement we install uses.
Wind rating is the spec that matters here
North Georgia gets straight-line wind with almost every spring front. Wind ratings depend as much on correct nailing pattern and starter strip installation as on the shingle itself, which is why installation quality outranks brand.
Algae resistance is worth it in humidity
Those black streaks on Georgia roofs are algae, not dirt. Algae-resistant shingles carry copper granules that suppress it for years. On a shaded, humid lot it is one of the easiest upgrades to justify.
Ventilation decides how long any shingle lasts
A hot attic cooks shingles from underneath. Balanced intake at the soffit and exhaust at the ridge is not an upsell, it is a condition of most manufacturer warranties and the single biggest factor in whether you get the life you paid for.
Why we install complete systems
Underlayment, starter, field shingle, hip and ridge and ventilation from one manufacturer is what makes the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty possible. Mixing components saves a little and forfeits the coverage.