N
InsightHorizon Digest

What shingles are best

Author

Joseph Russell

Updated on April 17, 2026

Atlas – Pinnacle Pristine.GAF-Elk – Royal Sovereign.CertainTeed – XT 25.Atlas – StormMaster Slate.Tamko – Heritage.Owens Corning – Oakridge.Owens Corning – Duration.Owens Corning – Berkshire Collection.

Which brand of roofing shingles is best?

  • Atlas – Pinnacle Pristine.
  • GAF-Elk – Royal Sovereign.
  • CertainTeed – XT 25.
  • Atlas – StormMaster Slate.
  • Tamko – Heritage.
  • Owens Corning – Oakridge.
  • Owens Corning – Duration.
  • Owens Corning – Berkshire Collection.

What type of asphalt shingle is best?

Luxury Shingles. What’s there to love about luxury asphalt shingles? Multi-Dimensional appearance; maximum durability; more affordable than slate or cedar alternatives. Also known as “premium shingles,” these are the highest quality type of asphalt shingles.

What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

What’s the Longest Lasting Roof Shingle? Tile and slate shingles last longer than asphalt, but at a much higher price. High quality asphalt shingles last up to 50 years. Tile and slate can last 100 with proper care, but also require a reinforced roof structure because of their added weight.

Are there different quality shingles?

In general, there are three grades of asphalt shingles to choose from, ranging from good to better to best. … These are thicker than 3-tab, with a thickness of three standard shingles as part of the premium/luxury product choices. You get more shapes to choose from, with increased visual appeal thanks to more texture.

Are CertainTeed shingles better than GAF?

Many roofers see Certainteed shingles as higher quality than GAF shingles. … GAF is lower-cost than Certainteed, but Certainteed shingles come in a wider variety of colors and many prefer the aesthetics of the Certainteed’s shingles. Suffice to say, both Certainteed and GAF have sustainable roofing products.

Is GAF or Owens Corning shingles better?

OC vs. One area GAF Timberline Shingles really surpass Owens Corning is in their outstanding warranty offers. They are both pretty even when it comes to the standard roofing warranty, with 25 year limited and lifetime warranties on just about every type of shingle.

What's the difference between 3 tab and architectural shingles?

3-tab shingles are flat, and they have a single tab shape and size. … Architectural shingles are also referred to as dimensional shingles. This is because they provide a more dimensional look to the roof. Each shingle appears more dimensional because it is; multiple layers of materials adhere to the base.

What color roof lasts the longest?

Both light-colored and dark-colored shingles can last longer if given the necessary maintenance. The only thing tested and proven about light-colored shingles is that they help us keep the indoor temperature cooler in the hot summer season.

What is the best class 4 shingle?
  • Atlas Roofing Corporation. …
  • Malarkey Roofing Products. …
  • CertainTeed Corporation. …
  • Enviroshake Inc. …
  • Euroshield.
Article first time published on

What is the difference between asphalt and architectural shingles?

Asphalt shingles are manufactured in two different types: three-tab and architectural. Three-tab shingles are distinguished by cutouts—tabs—made along their long lower edge. … Architectural asphalt shingles contain no cutouts, but their lower portions are laminated with an additional asphalt layer.

What is the most durable type of roof?

  • Asphalt Shingles. One of the most common and popular roofing materials, asphalt shingle roofing is highly favored because of how cost-effective it is without compromising protection. …
  • Metal. …
  • Clay Tile. …
  • Wood Shake. …
  • Slate.

Are Fibreglass shingles better than asphalt?

Strength: Although fiberglass shingles are thinner and lighter than organic asphalt shingles, a high-quality product can last 20 years or more, as they won’t dry out or change their shape. … Environmental Impact: Funnily enough, fiberglass shingles are better for the environment than organic asphalt shingles.

How do I choose shingles?

The higher the pitch or the greater the slope of your roof, the more you’ll see the shingles from street level. When selecting your asphalt roofing shingles, choose a color and profile that will enhance your home’s architectural style and draw the eye upward toward any special details, like dormers and gables.

Are heavier shingles better?

For example, in the roofing industry, it is universally agreed upon that the heavier the shingle, the more efficient said shingle is. … Doing so means they’re using less materials, granules, etc., but they’re still charging the same price as if they were producing a heavier shingle.

Are GAF Timberline shingles Energy Star rated?

GAF Timberline shingles receive their Energy Star rating from a special manufacturing process that enables them to reflect the sun’s rays better than other shingle types. This helps to keep attic areas cooler, reducing your energy usage.

What does GAF stand for in roofing?

GAF is an acronym for General Aniline & Film, which is the leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing materials in America. If you have a roof over your head, there’s a 1 in 4 chance that it was built with GAF’s materials.

Are GAF architectural shingles good?

GAF asphalt shingles are perceived as better quality than many less known brands and are of the same quality as those from other leading manufacturers such as CertainTeed and Owens Corning. GAF offers a wide variety of colors and styles. The company also keeps its products on the market.

Does GAF make a black shingle?

GAF | Black | Roof Shingles.

Are black shingles hotter?

Dark vs. Light Shingles More specifically, “does a dark shingle make my house hotter and cause my air conditioner to run more often?” The answer is no, not really. When comparing a totally white shingle to a totally black shingle, the attic temperature may increase 8-10 degrees.

What color shingles look best with orange brick?

Shingle Colors for Orange Brick The best shingle color picks for orange brick exteriors are gray and brown. Gray shingles pair especially well with orange brick and benefit your home in sustainable ways. The lighter the shingle, the less heat is absorbed keeping your house cooler.

Do darker shingles wear out faster?

But when it comes to comparing the life spans of dark vs. light, all bets are off. One major shingle manufacturer we spoke with said its tests showed no difference.

Are architectural shingles harder to install?

Since an architectural shingle roof is easier to install, is more durable and comes with a better warranty, its lifespan cost is, in many instances, actually less than that of a more basic 3-tab roof.

Are architectural shingles easier to install than 3?

Three-tab shingles are also lighter weight and easier to install, if speed of installation matters. … Consider that a roof of three-tab shingles could potentially need to be replaced twice (at 20 and 40 years) before an architectural shingle roof needs to be replaced once (at 50 years).

How much does a square of architectural shingles cost?

You can expect to pay $1.00 to $1.50 per sq. foot or $100 to $150 per square installed on a standard sized single story home. 50 year architectural roofing shingles could cost from $500 to $785 per square (100 square feet).

What is the difference between Class 3 and 4 shingles?

The highest rating is Class 4, offered by most major roofing manufacturers. To evaluate according to Class 4 criteria, a 2-inch steel ball is dropped from a height of 20 feet directly onto the shingle being tested. … To achieve Class 3 rating, the shingle must withstand a 1 ¾-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet.

Should I get a Class 4 roof?

Generally, installing Class 4 shingles is a wise investment if you live in a region that is frequented by severe weather and major roof damage is common. In the US, a large number of residents lose their roofs due to hail and wind damage each year, but certain areas are more prone to hailstorms than others.

Are malarkey shingles good quality?

Malarkey shingles also get good ratings from homeowners. The consensus is that Malarkey shingles are premium and high-quality products, more expensive than traditional asphalt roofing brands like Owens Corning and GAF, backed by above-average warranties.

Do architectural shingles add value?

Added resale value: Having architectural shingles on your home can increase its resale value, since home buyers typically prefer these types of shingles. This means you could get a higher sales price for your home when you invest in these shingles.

How long will GAF Timberline shingles last?

GAF Timberline shingles tend to last about 15-25 years. They may not last as long as other types, including metal, copper, and even cedar, but they make up for it in other ways. Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing products on the market today for a number of reasons.

Should old shingles be removed?

While a repair job can often be more convenient and somewhat more cost-efficient, placing new shingles over old ones is never a good idea. Whether repairing one section of roof, or a replacing a whole one, it’s always best to pull up the old shingles before putting down the new ones.