Investing in high-quality shingles is the best way to protect your home from the elements and enhance its curb appeal. However, since there are many shingle types, styles, and manufacturers out there, it can be difficult to figure out what will work for your situation.
We’ll introduce you to the factors you must consider before buying shingles, explain what sets each material apart from the others, and point you to some reputable brands in the U.S. Read on to ensure your future decision is informed!
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Which Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Roofing Shingles?
Your choice of shingles will primarily depend on the factors mentioned below.
- Budget: If you’re on a budget, you can go for asphalt shingles, which are widely used across the U.S. due to their cost-effectiveness in relation to their durability. Other more expensive popular options include clay, metal, and slate. We recommend investing in a material that’s both durable and affordable since shingles protect your roof in many ways.
- Durability: Roofs constitute a large part of your renovation budgets; hence, it should be your priority to ensure the roofing material you pick lasts for years to come. Study your location’s weather conditions and how different roofing materials hold up against them to make an informed decision.
- Maintenance: You need to choose reputable roofing shingle brands to avoid frequent repairs and save money. Your roof needs to function optimally with minimal maintenance, but you should also learn how to maintain it properly to ensure longevity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Your roofing material should complement the rest of your structure’s design style and enhance its curb appeal, not take away from it. However, that doesn’t mean you have to overspend to satisfy this factor; most homeowners still opt for asphalt shingle roofs because roofing manufacturers offer them in many styles.
Best Roof Shingles To Consider
Different factors determine what constitutes the best roof shingles for your situation. We’ll break down the benefits and drawbacks of various materials to help you decide.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles cost from $1.75 to $5.50 per square foot, but there are countless types and brands to choose from.
The material itself is highly resistant to the elements and is cost-effective, which is why it’s the most common residential and commercial roofing material in the U.S. However, extreme hail storms and wildfires can damage it, but they might not be a major concern depending on your location.
Some asphalt shingle brands offer more premium models equipped with algae resistance, solar reflectance, or better warranties to ensure your peace of mind and your roof’s longevity. An asphalt roof will also last from 15 to 30 years.
Metal Shingles
Metal roofs are often made of corrugated steel and aluminum, which are relatively affordable materials. They’re also highly lightweight, but don’t let that fool you—metal shingles are practically impervious to harsh weather conditions and wildfires and can last up to 80 years.
They can be your go-to option if you live in areas where rain or hailstorms are brutal, or wildfires occur frequently. Depending on the material type, the cost can range from $3 to $25 per square foot.
Clay Shingles
Clay shingles are another option if you’re looking for a beautiful, high-end roofing material. They’re immune to fading and discoloration and can withstand extreme weather conditions, pests, rot, mold, mildew, and fire, but their impact resistance depends on their quality.
They cost from $10 to $15 per square foot on average. But rest assured, their longevity and low maintenance justify this price—clay tiles can last up to 100 years if they’re installed and sealed properly.
Slate Shingles
Slate roofs are coveted for their exceptional durability; they’re high-end shingles that can withstand harsh weather conditions while pushing your structure’s curb appeal to the limit. They can last for generations if properly maintained.
That’s why their price ranges from $10 to $30 per square foot. Thankfully, natural rocks come in many textures and colors, and you can pick between hard slate, which is more durable, and soft slate, which is more cost-effective, to find what will complement your home the best.
Wood Shingles
Aesthetics enthusiasts opt for wood shingles for their beauty and natural insulation.
Your wooden roof’s cost and performance will vary depending on the type of wood you use, but the gist of it is fairly simple: Wood primarily struggles with rot, pests, and wildfires. The latter can be managed to a certain degree by treating it with special chemicals.
Its price ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot for common materials: cedar, cypress, and redwood. The latter is excellent for wet or snow-heavy climates. Maintain it properly, and it can last between 20 and 50 years.
Which Roof Shingle Brands Should I Trust?
You want to get quality materials that’ll last for years if you plan on investing thousands of dollars in your roof. We’ll break down the best roof shingle brands in the U.S. below.
GAF
GAF is coveted in the roofing industry for its reputation among homeowners; 1 in 4 Americans use GAF shingles to protect their homes, and it’s our go-to supplier. It offers a wide selection of products and conveniences, including luxury shingles, extended warranties, and eco-friendliness.
The Timberline® series encompasses GAF’s best roof shingles. They come in different styles, types, and colors and are feature-loaded, some containing algae-resistant technology, Dual Shadow Line, LayerLock™, and extended warranties.
Pros
- GAF offers generous warranties, ranging from 10 years to a lifetime.
- It offers a variety of styles and colors to choose from. The brand also offers specialty shingles with high-tech features, such as solar reflectance.
- GAF’s roofing systems are high-performing and trusted by most U.S. consumers; they’re known for their longevity and protection.
- It also offers eco-friendly options for consumers who value sustainability.
- GAF’s shingles have won several awards for innovation and quality and have been rated #1 by many homebuilders in recent years.
Cons
- The shingles are among the most expensive on the market.
- The company did get in trouble some time ago for warranty claims and manufacturing defects.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning produces and sells insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composite materials. It’s well-known across the U.S. market for offering reliable, highly-performing roofing products across multiple types and styles, including traditional, modern, three-tab, and dimensional shingles.
Owens Corning’s Duration® shingles are the go-to option for customers thanks to their outstanding performance and dramatic colors. There’s also the Duration Designer line, which offers homeowners high-end designer shingles that push their curb’s aesthetic appeal to the limit. All duration lines come with high-tech features, such as the patented SureNail technology.
But if you’re budget-conscious, you may find the Supreme® line, a lower-priced alternative, an excellent option that combines performance and value.
Pros
- Many of Owens Corning’s products come with a variety of high-tech features, enhancing your roof’s longevity and performance.
- Owens Corning offers both high-end, specialty shingles and affordable options to cater to multiple budget ranges.
- Most of its shingles come with a 25-year limited warranty.
- The company has a selection of Energy Star-rated products to satisfy energy-conscious consumers.
Cons
- Some consumers experienced issues with the company’s customer service.
Malarkey
Malarkey is a family-owned roofing company, so most of its values and principles revolve around producing eco-friendly, high-quality roofing materials at affordable price points to cater to the needs of the typical homeowner.
For the highest performance, opt for Legacy® shingles. They’re made with rubberized asphalt, which can withstand most weather conditions and has a Class-4 hail impact rating.
If budget is a concern, Highlander® and Dura-Seal™ might be for you. The former are architectural shingles, which are slightly more expensive, while the latter are flat, uniform 3-tab shingles.
Pros
- Most of Malarkey’s shingles are made from recycled materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
- The company drives innovation in eco-friendliness. It uses recycled materials, such as rubber tires and plastic bottles, and integrates smog-reducing granules into its shingles to help clean the air.
- It offers a wide range of styles, colors, and features, including three-tab, laminate, and designer shingles.
- Malarkey’s warranty programs are also generous. Homeowners can benefit from up to a 50-year warranty, which can be passed on to future homeowners.
Cons
- Malarkey’s product ranges aren’t widely available. You may be out of luck if you’re not on the West Coast or the Pacific Northwest and can’t find a contractor or supplier.
- Its shingles may not be compatible with some existing roofs or building codes; the Legacy, Vista, and Highlander lines are designed for steep-slope roofs.
CertainTeed
CertainTeed is another brand to consider if sustainability and environmental care are values you stick to.
Its products are appreciated for their technologies, such as the StreakFighter® algae resistance, QuadraBond® advanced layering for installation security, CertaSeal™ Wind Uplift for high wind protection, and the Solaris® Cool Roof for solar reflectance.
The Landmark® line catches the attention of many for replicating the elegance of wood shakes using affordable, highly-performing asphalt, saving you the hassle of upkeep, installation, and material costs while enhancing your structure’s appeal.
Pros
- CertainTeed shingles are highly durable and perform well due to their heavy weight and variety of high-tech features.
- The company also offers a warranty that covers material defects and workmanship for up to 50 years.
- Its product lines are also more diverse, offering many styles, colors, and features to suit different tastes.
Cons
- CertainTeed’s asphalt shingles are more expensive than those of other brands.
- The extended warranty program is also pricey, and many users complain about denied claims.
Wrapping Up
Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements. Opting for low-quality shingles or hiring an unskilled contractor will set you back in terms of money and time and can even endanger your loved ones.
We’re a trusted brand that works with quality materials and experienced contractors at Preferred Roofing. We prioritize your home’s integrity and your family’s comfort, so contact us today and get a free inspection and professional advice!
