There are a lot of different types of roofing shingles. If you are like me, then you are probably researching to figure out which one is the best for your home. There is a wide variety of shingles to choose from and even more, brands to choose from. That begs the question, what are the best shingles for you?
What are the best roofing shingles to choose from? Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the best because of their longevity, resistance, warranty, and affordable price. It can last for 15 to 50 years, can resist severe weather such as wind, hail, and debris, usually comes with a warranty of 25 to 30 years of coverage, and is considered the cheapest roofing material.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing in the United States because aside from their timeless and luxurious appearance, it is also lightweight, easy to install, and has three types you can choose from. They can also either be made of organic or fiberglass materials.
When purchasing the best roofing shingles, you should consider the following:
- What is the best asphalt roofing material for your home?
- What are the types of asphalt shingles to choose from?
- What are the colors available for asphalt shingles?
- What are the best brands to purchase?
This blog post will take you through each of those questions to help you pick the best roofing shingles in the market.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles or composite shingles are roofing shingles that can be made of either organic materials or fiberglass. Organic asphalt shingles are of non-synthetic materials made of asphalt, wastepaper, ceramic granules, and salt coatings. Their difference from fiberglass asphalt shingles is that the organic ones use paper or felt base whilst fiberglass asphalt use fiberglass.
Below is a comparison of the two you can use as a reference to gauge which is for your home. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.
| Organic Asphalt Shingles | Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles | |
| Durability | These roofing shingles are more durable and lasts longer than their fiberglass counterparts. They can last up to 20 years. | These aren’t as durable as their organic counterparts because they are more lightweight and will need replacement sooner or later. |
| Climate | They work better in colder climates and can withstand extreme ones. | Because of their thinness, these aren’t suitable for colder climates. These could crack and won’t provide much insulation. |
| Water Resistance | Because these roofing shingles absorb more water, they are prone to warping. | Because of their glass fiber layer, they are able to resist more heat, absorb moisture less, and can last longer in warmer climates. |
| Weight | This material is heavier and therefore they are harder to install. This means it also adds weight to your house’s structure. | This material is thinner and lighter compared to organic asphalt shingles. Because of this, they are easier to install. |
| Fire Resistance | Usually, these are paper-based and that means less fire protection for your house. It is not ideal for areas prone to wildfires. | These are more fire resistant compared to organic asphalt shingles because they have a fiberglass base. |
| Cost | They cost more than their fiberglass counterpart. | These are more affordable compared to organic asphalt shingles and because of their weight, they are also cheaper to install. |
| Impacts on or of the Environment | These are algae-resistant, weather-resistant, and discoloration-resistant. | These contain less asphalt and therefore are more environmentally friendly. Because they are lightweight, the delivery process is also more efficient. |
Choosing between organic and fiberglass asphalt shingles will depend on your location, your house’s structure, and your budget. However, whether you choose to use organic or fiberglass asphalt, both are available in 3 different types. Each type differs in its lifespan, estimate, and benefits.
What are the 3 Types of Asphalt Roof Shingles?
Three types of asphalt roof shingles include:
- Strip Shingles (3-Tab Shingles)
- Architectural Shingles
- Luxury Shingles
Strip shingles are also called 3-Tab shingles and are considered the most basic of all asphalt shingles. They are made of one layer of asphalt and have a flat appearance that gives a slate look. They also usually weigh the lightest and cost the least among other asphalt shingles. According to CertainTeed, it is the most used by manufacturers for inexpensive homes today.
Dimensional shingles or architectural shingles are the most popular asphalt shingles. They are made of two or more layers of asphalt for a better and thicker appearance – where they replicate slate and wood shake roofing. These are generally heavier than strip shingles.
Lastly, luxury shingles are the highest in quality among the three. They have the best quality, appearance, and coloration.
Each of the three has its lifespan, cost estimate, and benefits which are listed in the table below. Note that the estimate would vary depending on your supplier and contractor.
| Material | Longevity | Estimate | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles or Strip Shingles | 25 years | $90 – $100 per square | They have the most affordable installation cost among the three and is available in multiple colors |
| Architectural Shingles or Dimensional Shingles | 30 years | $450 per square | They are more durable than the 3-tab asphalt shingles roofing, has an extra laminate layer, and is available in multiple colors |
| Luxury Shingles | 30 – 50 years | $950 per square | They replicate the looks of high-end roofing materials such as natural slate and cedar shake roofs. |
What Colors do Asphalt Shingles Come in?
There are over 10 colors generally available for asphalt shingles. There could be more or less depending on the brand you’re purchasing from. Choosing the right color matters as it can make or break the design of your home so you may want to look at the actual products in person. Generally, the colors are dark gray, medium gray, pale gray, dark brown, medium brown, red, beige, blue, blue-green, and other polychromatic tones.
These are only the typical ones. The names of the colors would depend on the supplier and that’s where getting to know the different brands come in. Get to know about the best brands to choose from when ordering your asphalt roofing shingles to get the most quality at an efficient price.
What are the Best Brands for Asphalt Roofing Shingles?
Considering the first questions we tried to answer, you’d want to look at the materials these brands provide, the types of asphalt shingles available, and the color choices they have in your area (because this would vary per region).
Purchasing roof shingles also come with different warranties. You would want to look at what each of the manufacturers would offer. The best brands for asphalt roofing shingles include GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, TAMKO, IKO, Atlas, and Malarkey.
GAF
GAF is one of the leading roof manufacturers in North America that provides roofing for commercial and residential buildings. For residential roofing, their products include Timberline HDZ, Timberline AH, designer shingles called Slateline and Camelot II, and 3-tab shingles called Royal Sovereign, all of which are made of fiberglass asphalt shingles.
Below is the summary of the details, including the warranty you can get with each.
| ROOF SHINGLE NAME | MATERIAL | TYPE OF ASPHALT SHINGLE | NUMBER OF COLOR CHOICES AVAILABLE | WARRANTY AVAILABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timberline HDZ | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 16 | GAF Lifetime Limited Warranty StainGuard Plus Algae Protection Limited Warranty WindProven Limited Wind Warranty |
| Timberline AH (Now called Timberline HDZ Harvest Blend Colors) | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 4 | GAF Lifetime Limited Warranty StainGuard Plus Algae Protection Limited Warranty WindProven Limited Wind Warranty |
| Slateline | Fiberglass Asphalt | Designer Shingle | 4 | Smart Choice Protection StainGuard Plus Algae Protection Limited Warranty |
| Camelot II | Fiberglass Asphalt | Designer Shingle | 5 | Smart Choice Protection StainGuard Plus Algae Protection Limited Warranty |
| Royal Sovereign | Fiberglass Asphalt | 3-Tab Shingle | 9 | Smart Choice Protection GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty |
Owens Corning
Owens Corning is another popular roofing manufacturer whose products extend to insulation and composites. For roofing shingles, they have 4 styles of architectural shingles, slate look shingles, and 3-tab shingles. Below are their options available, including the warranty they offer.
| ROOF SHINGLE NAME | MATERIAL | TYPE OF ASPHALT SHINGLE | NUMBER OF COLOR CHOICES AVAILABLE | WARRANTY AVAILABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 15 | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Duration Designer | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 9 | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Duration FLEX | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 9 | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Oakridge | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 12 | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Berkshire | Fiberglass Asphalt | Luxury Shingle | 5 | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Supreme | Fiberglass Asphalt | 3-Tab Shingle | 9 | Limited 25-Year Warranty |
CertainTeed
CertainTeed is a manufacturer of roofing products, solar, and siding products. They have over 21 products for their asphalt roofing shingles available for residential homes. These products are available in organic asphalt shingles or fiberglass upon request.
CertainTeed provides 3 styles of roofing namely strip shingles, designer shingles, and luxury shingles. The colors available include black, brown, gray, white, red, blue, and green. There could be more depending on the specific type of product to be chosen.
They also provide improved roofing performance such as algae resistance, cool roofing, impact resistance, and SBS modification.
The warranties available to their products include the Asphalt Shingle Limited Warranty, Sure Start Warranty, and 2021 International Warranty.
TAMKO
TAMKO Building Products LLC is an independent manufacturer of residential roofing shingles. For their asphalt shingles, their products include Titan XT, StormFighter IR, Heritage, Heritage Vintage, and Elite Glass-Seal. These products are made of fiberglass asphalt, are available in different color choices, and have architectural shingles or 3-Tab shingles as their types.
Below is the summary of the products and the warranties available to them:
| SHINGLE NAME | MATERIAL | SHINGLE TYPE | NUMBER OF COLOR CHOICES | WARRANTY AVAILABLE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titan XT | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 10 | 15-Year Limited Warranty or Limited Lifetime Warranty 10-Year Full Start Non-Prorated Warranty 10-Year Algae Cleaning Limited Warranty WindGuard Warranty |
| StormFighter IR | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 4 | 15-Year Limited Warranty or Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Heritage | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 8 | Limited Lifetime Warranty 10-Year Full Start Non-Prorated Warranty 10-Year Algae Cleaning Limited Warranty |
| Heritage Vintage | Fiberglass Asphalt | Architectural Shingle | 5 | Limited Lifetime Warranty and Arbitration Agreement 10-Year Full Start Period 10-Year Algae Cleaning Limited Warranty |
| Elite Glass-Seal | Fiberglass Asphalt | 3-Tab Shingle | 8 | 25-Year Limited Warranty and Arbitration Agreement 5-Year Full Start Period 10-Year Algae Cleaning Limited Warranty |
IKO
IKO is a shingle manufacturer for residential roofing just like the previously mentioned brands. They have a handful of product selections you can access. Aside from this, their products and services extend to commercial roofing, waterproofing, and insulation.
Their residential asphalt shingles are made of fiberglass mats both available in North America and Europe and are also available in different colors and accessory products. These shingles are available in all three styles namely the 3-Tab shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury or premium shingles. The accessory products you can purchase with these shingles include underlayment, hip and ridge cap shingles, starter strips, ice and water protectors, and ISO insulation boards.
You can purchase these IKO asphalt shingles and roofing products with a Limited Warranty.
Atlas
Atlas is another popular manufacturer that produces shingles, underlayment, molded products, and roof and wall insulation. Their selection of roofing shingles includes the three styles. These feature Scotchgard Protector, Core4 Technology, Lifetime Limited Warranty, and High-Wind Resistance.
Their residential roofing selection includes the following:
- StormMaster Shake
- StormMaster Slate
- Pinnacle Pristine
- Briarwood Pro
- Legend
- ProLam
- Glass Master
- Castlebrook
These roofing selections are available in different colors.
Malarkey
What makes Malarkey different from the others is that their asphalt shingles are made of rubberized asphalt which makes them excellent for all kinds of weather. They use upcycled rubber and plastics that help reduce waste on landfills, and smog-reducing granules to help clean air.
The brand is quite proud of their sustainability and environmental impacts as they mention that each roof of theirs has the equivalence of using 5 tires from landfill, 3,200 plastic bags, and fights air pollution similar to planting of 2 trees.
Their most popular selection includes Highlander NEX AR, Vista AR, Legacy, and Legacy Scotchgard. They also have designer shingles namely the Windsor Scotchguard, and 3-Tab shingles that is the Dura-Seal AR. A summary of the products is found below:
| ROOF SHINGLE NAME | TYPE OF ASPHALT SHINGLE | NUMBER OF COLOR CHOICES AVAILABLE | WARRANTY AVAILABLE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander NEX AR | Architectural Shingles | 7 | Limited Lifetime Warranty 10-Years Standard Non-Prorated Period 10-Years Algae Warranty Standard Wind Warranty Enhanced Wind Warranty |
| Vista AR | Architectural Shingles | 9 | Limited Lifetime Warranty 12-Years Standard Non-Prorated Period 12-Years Algae Warranty Standard Wind Warranty Enhanced Wind Warranty |
| Legacy Scotchgard | Architectural Shingles | 9 | Limited Lifetime Warranty 15-Years Standard Non-Prorated Period Limited Lifetime Algae Warranty Standard Wind Warranty Enhanced Wind Warranty |
| Legacy | Architectural Shingles | 9 | Limited Lifetime Warranty 15-Years Standard Non-Prorated Period Standard Wind Warranty Enhanced Wind Warranty |
| Windsor Scotchgard | Designer Shingles | 7 | Limited Lifetime Warranty 15-Years Standard Non-Prorated Period Limited Lifetime Algae Warranty Standard Wind Warranty Enhanced Wind Warranty |
| Dura-Seal AR | 3-Tab Shingles | 8 | 25-Years Standard Shingle Warranty 7-Years Standard Non-Prorated Period 5-Years Algae Warranty Standard Wind Warranty Enhanced Wind Warranty |
Related Questions
What are 2 Disadvantages to Asphalt Shingles? Asphalt shingles have a relatively long lifespan but compared to metal roofing and tile roofing, it’s not the most durable. Metal roofing can last up to 50 years while tile roofing can last twice as long as asphalt shingles. Mildew can also be a problem if the roof isn’t cleaned regularly but cleaning too frequently can also damage the roof itself.
Are asphalt shingles waterproof? Yes. Both organic and fiberglass asphalt shingles are waterproof due to their properties. Although, the downside of organic asphalt shingles is that they could warp eventually.
What type of asphalt shingle is best? Luxury asphalt shingles have the best quality among the three types of roofing shingles while fiberglass asphalt has the highest fire protection rating (Class A). It is also important to look for those that have the best warranties, the most efficient cost, and the color selection suitable to your home design.
