Choosing the right roofing material is a crucial decision for homeowners and contractors alike. Among the various options, asphalt shingles stand out for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a roof replacement, a contractor sourcing quality material, or a DIY enthusiast keen on learning, this guide is for you.
We delve into the top 5 asphalt shingle brands. We aim to provide a comprehensive review of each, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and potential drawbacks. We also explore the differences between black asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles.
This comparison will help you understand their respective advantages and make an informed choice. Additionally, we discuss the best roof underlayment options for asphalt shingles. The right underlayment can significantly extend the lifespan of your roof, making this a key consideration.
Choosing the Right Asphalt Shingle Brands
The right asphalt shingle brands can make a significant difference in both the appearance and longevity of your roof. It’s essential to weigh factors like durability, style, and warranty when selecting from the many options on the market.
Quality and cost are pivotal when evaluating shingle brands. High-quality shingles often offer better protection against weather elements and require less maintenance over time. However, balancing upfront costs with long-term savings is crucial. Cost-effectiveness should always be considered against the potential for future repairs or replacements.
Aesthetic appeal cannot be overlooked. Asphalt shingles come in various colors and styles, influencing your home’s curb appeal. Brands with diverse color palettes allow you to match or complement your home’s exterior. Choosing a color that harmonizes with your home not only enhances its appearance but can also affect energy efficiency.
Consider the environmental impact of your choice. Some brands prioritize sustainable practices, offering shingles made from recycled materials. These options may appeal to eco-conscious homeowners. Additionally, checking for ENERGY STAR-rated products ensures energy-efficient roofing, potentially reducing cooling costs. In essence, choosing the right brand involves a blend of practicality, style, and sustainability.
Why Are Black Asphalt Shingles a Popular Choice?
Black asphalt shingles are a classic choice for many homeowners. Their sleek look adds elegance to any roof, complementing a wide range of home styles. These shingles are not only popular for their aesthetic appeal but also for their practical benefits.
One significant advantage of black asphalt shingles is their ability to absorb heat. This feature is particularly beneficial in colder climates, helping to melt snow faster and reduce ice buildup. However, in hotter regions, this heat retention might increase cooling costs in the summer months.
When choosing black shingles, it’s essential to consider their longevity and maintenance. The dark color may make dirt less visible, reducing the frequency of cleaning. However, issues such as fading due to UV exposure can arise. Here are some pros and cons to weigh:
Pros:
- Elegant, timeless aesthetic
- Better performance in cold climates
- Conceals dirt and debris
Cons:
- Potential for increased cooling costs
- Possible color fading over time
Fiberglass vs. Asphalt Shingles: What You Need to Know
When choosing roofing shingles, understanding the differences between fiberglass and asphalt shingles is important. Fiberglass shingles are made with a base layer of glass fiber mat. They are then coated with asphalt.
Fiberglass shingles are lighter and more durable than traditional asphalt shingles. They offer excellent fire resistance, which is a key advantage for many homeowners. However, they can be less suitable in areas with extreme weather, as they may become brittle in cold temperatures.
Asphalt shingles, in contrast, have an organic base, often made from felt paper. This makes them heavier and somewhat less durable than fiberglass shingles. But they perform well in varying climates, providing good flexibility and resilience.
Choosing between the two involves weighing certain factors. Consider your local weather conditions and budget to decide which type best meets your needs. Here’s a quick list to guide your decision:
Fiberglass Shingles:
- Light and durable
- Better fire resistance
- Can become brittle in cold climates
Asphalt Shingles:
- Heavier with organic base
- Well-suited for different climates
- Generally more affordable
Best Roof Underlayment for Asphalt Shingles
Choosing the right roof underlayment is vital for protecting your home from water damage. It serves as an additional barrier between the shingles and the roof deck. Proper underlayment can extend the life of your asphalt shingles significantly.
There are two main types of underlayment for asphalt shingles: felt and synthetic. Felt underlayment is traditional, made from asphalt-saturated paper, and is a cost-effective option. It is widely used and offers basic protection.
Synthetic underlayment, on the other hand, is made from polymers, providing superior strength and durability. It is lightweight, tear-resistant, and offers better weather protection, making it increasingly popular.
Assess these options based on your budget and the typical weather in your area. Proper underlayment enhances your roof’s effectiveness and longevity, ensuring your home stays protected. When selecting underlayment for your roof, consider the following factors:
Felt Underlayment:
- More affordable
- Offers basic water resistance
- Heavier and less durable in harsh conditions
Synthetic Underlayment:
- Durable and tear-resistant
- Better performance under extreme weather
- Lightweight and easy to install
Top 5 Asphalt Shingle Brands
Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing materials, offering homeowners a reliable, durable, and cost-effective solution. While there are numerous brands on the market, here’s our top five picks for quality, warranty, and performance.
1. GAF
GAF is the largest manufacturer of roofing materials in North America, known for its innovation, extensive product line, and strong warranties.
- Popular Shingles: The GAF Timberline series, particularly the Timberline HDZ and Timberline Ultra HD, are widely recognized for their balance of style, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, the GAF Armorshield line offers Class 4 impact resistance for extreme weather.
- Standout Features: GAF shingles are engineered with Advanced Protection Technology, which optimizes weight and toughness, making them more resilient against the elements. The Timberline HDZ shingles feature LayerLock Technology and the WindProven limited warranty, the first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.
- Warranty: GAF provides excellent warranty coverage, particularly when installed by a GAF Master Elite contractor, which qualifies homeowners for the Golden Pledge Warranty—a 50-year non-prorated warranty on materials and up to 25 years on workmanship.
GAF is ideal for homeowners looking for a trusted, industry-leading brand that offers durability and extended warranty protection.
2. CertainTeed
Known for high-quality shingles and a reputation for premium performance, CertainTeed shingles are crafted with both aesthetic appeal and resilience in mind.
- Popular Shingles: CertainTeed’s Landmark series, including Landmark Pro and Landmark Premium, are highly regarded for their striking dimensional appearance and weather resistance. The Presidential Shake line offers a luxury look with high performance, often chosen for its resemblance to cedar shake.
- Standout Features: CertainTeed shingles are thick and heavy, giving them greater durability and resistance to high winds. CertainTeed uses a unique color-blending technology, allowing them to create shingles in richer, more varied colors that enhance curb appeal. They also incorporate StreakFighter algae resistance in select lines to maintain their appearance over time.
- Warranty: CertainTeed offers one of the most comprehensive warranties, including a lifetime warranty on most of its shingles. When installed by a CertainTeed-certified contractor, homeowners can access the SureStart PLUS warranty, which covers 50 years of materials and up to 25 years on workmanship.
CertainTeed is ideal for homeowners who prioritize aesthetic quality and a robust warranty from a well-respected brand.
3. Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a well-established brand with innovative shingle technology focused on durability, impact resistance, and energy efficiency.
- Popular Shingles: The Duration series, particularly Duration Designer and Duration FLEX, are sought after for their enhanced strength and vivid color options. Duration shingles incorporate SureNail Technology, which reinforces the nailing area to prevent shingle blow-off.
- Standout Features: Owens Corning’s SureNail Technology is a patented reinforcement in the nailing area that prevents shifting and improves wind resistance. They also offer TruDefinition color options, which provide bold and deep colors for an eye-catching look. Additionally, Owens Corning has energy-efficient options, helping to reduce cooling costs in hotter climates.
- Warranty: Owens Corning offers a lifetime limited warranty on most shingles, along with wind warranties up to 130 mph on their Duration shingles. When installed by an Owens Corning Platinum Contractor, homeowners qualify for the Platinum Protection Limited Warranty, which includes lifetime coverage on materials and a 25-year workmanship warranty.
Owens Corning is ideal for homeowners looking for reliable shingles with additional energy-saving options and a long-standing reputation.
4. Atlas Roofing
Atlas is a brand that emphasizes durability and resistance to algae, offering affordable shingles that perform well in harsh weather conditions.
- Popular Shingles: The Pinnacle Pristine and StormMaster Shake lines are among Atlas’s top-performing shingles. The Pinnacle Pristine line is enhanced with Scotchgard Protector, which helps prevent black streaks caused by algae.
- Standout Features: Atlas is known for its Scotchgard Protector technology, backed by 3M, which provides shingles with a long-lasting resistance to algae and moss. This keeps roofs looking cleaner over time, especially in humid areas. StormMaster Shake shingles are Class 4 impact-rated, making them highly resistant to hail and other impacts.
- Warranty: Atlas offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of its shingles, and Pinnacle Pristine shingles come with an additional lifetime algae resistance warranty. Certain models also have high wind resistance coverage, with some Atlas shingles rated up to 150 mph.
Atlas is an excellent choice for homeowners in areas with high humidity or frequent storms who want low-maintenance shingles with strong impact and algae resistance.
5. TAMKO
TAMKO shingles are a popular budget-friendly option with reliable performance and a wide range of color choices. Known for their accessibility and traditional designs, TAMKO shingles provide solid protection at an affordable price point.
- Popular Shingles: The Heritage series is TAMKO’s flagship product, offering architectural shingles with good wind resistance and a wide variety of color options. The Titan XT line is another option with added durability for challenging weather.
- Standout Features: TAMKO offers a large selection of colors, allowing homeowners to choose shingles that best match their home’s aesthetic. The Titan XT line features a reinforced nailing strip and enhanced sealants that help prevent blow-off in high-wind areas.
- Warranty: TAMKO’s warranty covers a limited lifetime period on most shingles. The Heritage line comes with a 30-year limited warranty, and Titan XT shingles include a high-wind warranty of up to 160 mph.
TAMKO is a good option for homeowners seeking dependable shingles on a budget, especially if color variety is a priority.
Installation and Maintenance: Maximizing Shingle Lifespan
Proper installation is crucial for the longevity of asphalt shingles. It’s important to hire qualified contractors with experience in the specific brand and style of shingle you choose. Correctly installed shingles seal better and provide improved weather protection.
Maintenance is equally vital for extending the life of your shingles. Regular inspections can identify issues like cracks or missing shingles before they worsen. Prompt repair or replacement of damaged shingles prevents water damage and other problems.
Here are essential maintenance tips to consider:
- Clean gutters to prevent water pooling and damage.
- Trim overhanging branches to reduce debris and shade-related moisture.
- Check and fix loose nails to maintain shingle stability and performance.
By focusing on skilled installation and routine maintenance, homeowners can significantly extend the lifespan of their asphalt shingles. This ensures a reliable and aesthetically pleasing roof over many years.
RainTech Can Help You Make the Right Decision
Choosing the right options from the available asphalt shingle brands is essential for enhancing both the durability and beauty of your home. By carefully considering the top options, you’re better equipped to select a brand that aligns with your priorities.
Remember to evaluate various factors such as warranty, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. By doing so, you ensure a roof that not only protects but also complements your home. Investing time in research and planning leads to a more satisfying and long-lasting roofing experience.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, RainTech Roofing is part of the top 2% of roofers nationwide who meet GAF’s high standards. This certification means our team has been vetted and trained to install GAF shingles with precision and care. GAF’s certification also allows us to offer the Golden Pledge Warranty, which covers both materials and workmanship for up to 50 years, providing added peace of mind.
By choosing RainTech Roofing, you’re not only gaining access to top-tier products from GAF and CertainTeed but also benefiting from the expertise that comes with these certifications. Our team has specialized training in best installation practices, weatherproofing techniques, and advanced roofing technologies. Give us a call at (918) 449-1474 or submit an online contact request to get started!
