Best Shingles for Roofing: Brand Comparisons
When it comes to roofing your home, shingles remain the most popular choice for homeowners, and for good reason. They’re versatile, durable, and come in a wide range of styles to suit your home aesthetic. Plus, they’re relatively easy to install and maintain compared to other roofing options. But with so many brands on the market, how do you decide which shingles are right for your roof?
We’ve put together this guide to compare some of the best shingle brands for roofs to make your search a little easier. We’ll walk you through what you need to know to find the perfect roofing material for your home, including:
- Durability
- Lifespan
- Aesthetics
- Warranties
- Cost
Top 5 Roofing Shingle Brands
Here are five reputable shingle brands we’ll be comparing:
- GAF
- Owens Corning
- CertainTeed
- Tamko
- Atlas
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast preparing for a weekend project or a homeowner looking to hire a professional roofing contractor, you’ll find valuable insights here.
1. GAF Shingles
💪 Durability
GAF is one of the leading names in the roofing industry, and it’s easy to see why. Their Timberline series, the best-selling shingle in North America, offers outstanding wind and impact resistance. Some GAF shingles can withstand up to 130 mph winds (hello, hurricane season resilience!) and carry high-impact resistance ratings, making them a solid choice for storm-prone areas.
⏰ Lifespan
The lifespan of GAF shingles depends on the series you choose. Their architectural shingles, like Timberline HDZ, come with a 25–30-year lifespan, while high-performance options like the Designer series may last even longer with proper care.
📑 Warranty
GAF is known for its fantastic warranties. Their “Golden Pledge Warranty” provides 50 years of coverage for material defects and up to 25 years for workmanship when installed by a certified contractor.
✨ Aesthetics
GAF shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles. Whether you’re after a classic, rustic, or modern look, GAF’s extensive lineup will have something to complement your home.
💰 Cost
GAF shingles are priced in the mid-range, typically around $100–$120 per square (one square = 100 square feet) for architectural shingles. Premium options will be higher, but the durability and warranties make them worth the investment.
🪨 Material Composition
Most GAF shingles are asphalt-based and reinforced with fiberglass mats for added strength, making them a great all-around option.
2. Owens Corning Shingles
💪 Durability
Owens Corning shingles are a favorite for their reliability and resistance to wear and tear. Their Duration Series features SureNail Technology, which reinforces the nailing area and improves resistance to high winds (up to 130 mph). These shingles are also highly resistant to impacts like hail.
⏰ Lifespan
Owens Corning architectural shingles typically last between 20–30 years, but this range can extend with proper maintenance and under favorable weather conditions.
📑 Warranty
Owens Corning’s standard warranty includes 10–50 years of coverage, depending on the shingle line. They also offer extended warranties when installed by a Preferred or Platinum contractor.
✨ Aesthetics
If curb appeal is a priority, Owens Corning shines in this department. Their shingles mimic the look of slate or wood shakes and are available in a broad range of vibrant colors and textures.
💰 Cost
The cost of Owens Corning shingles is competitive, averaging $80–$120 per square. Their basic shingles start at a lower price point, but premium options like the Duration Designer shingles will cost more.
🪨 Material Composition
Owens Corning uses premium asphalt and fiberglass in their shingles. Their unique material blend also helps resist algae, keeping your roof looking cleaner for longer.
3. CertainTeed Shingles
💪 Durability
If you’re looking for high-end durability, CertainTeed is known for its superior quality. Their Landmark Pro and Presidential Shake shingles offer top-notch resistance to wind (up to 110–130 mph) and impacts. This makes them an excellent long-term solution, particularly in areas prone to severe weather.
⏰ Lifespan
CertainTeed shingles boast a long lifespan, ranging from 25–50 years, depending on the product line. With proper installation and maintenance, they can even exceed these estimates.
📑 Warranty
CertainTeed offers excellent warranties, including their “SureStart Protection” policy, which covers full material replacement costs within the first 10 years, and extended options like their limited lifetime warranty for premium lines.
✨ Aesthetics
CertainTeed shingles take aesthetics to the next level with textured and designer options. If you want to replicate the look of cedar shakes or luxury slate, CertainTeed delivers unmatched visual appeal.
💰 Cost
However, all that quality comes at a price. CertainTeed shingles are among the most expensive on the market, typically costing $150–$200 per square, though budget-friendly options like their Landmark line are a bit more accessible.
🪨 Material Composition
Many CertainTeed products feature robust asphalt with fiber reinforcements and specialized coatings for enhanced weather resistance.
4. Tamko Shingles
💪 Durability
Tamko shingles offer solid protection at an affordable price. While they don’t perform at the level of CertainTeed or GAF, their Heritage series provides decent wind resistance (up to 110 mph) and impact resistance.
⏰ Lifespan
Tamko shingles generally last 20–30 years, which is comparable to other mid-range options. They’re a good choice for homeowners looking for reliability without breaking the bank.
📑 Warranty
Tamko’s standard warranty offers coverage for 10–30 years, depending on the product line, but it’s worth noting that their warranty terms are not as comprehensive as those offered by other brands.
✨ Aesthetics
Tamko shingles offer a decent color selection, but their designs are simpler compared to higher-end brands. If you want basic yet attractive shingles at a moderate price, they’ll meet your needs.
💰 Cost
Tamko shingles are an affordable option, typically priced around $70–$90 per square. This budget-conscious price point makes them appealing for those looking for solid performance on a tighter budget.
🪨 Material Composition
Tamko uses asphalt with fiberglass reinforcements for their shingles. They may not have the same premium features as their competitors, but they still deliver dependable performance.
5. Atlas Shingles
💪 Durability
Atlas shingles are particularly known for their algae-resistant technology. Their popular Pinnacle Pristine line features Scotchgard Protector, which minimizes black streaks caused by algae. Additionally, they offer wind resistance up to 130 mph.
⏰ Lifespan
With a lifespan of 20–50 years, depending on the line, Atlas shingles are designed for longevity. Their high-end shingles stand up well against weathering and wear.
📑 Warranty
Atlas provides generous warranties, with some products offering 10–50 years of coverage. Their Scotchgard warranty ensures you won’t have to worry about algae ruining your roof’s appearance.
✨ Aesthetics
Atlas shingles are available in a variety of colors and styles. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or something more traditional, Atlas has versatile options to match your home’s aesthetic.
💰 Cost
Atlas shingles are competitively priced, averaging $85–$120 per square. Considering their algae resistance and durability, many homeowners find them to be a great value.
🪨 Material Composition
Atlas shingles incorporate asphalt with fiberglass reinforcements and come treated with their Scotchgard technology for improved algae resistance.
Which Shingles Will You Choose?
Choosing the best shingles for your roof depends on your unique needs and priorities. Here’s a quick recap to help you make your decision:
- GAF: Excellent all-around performance with outstanding warranties. Great for long-term durability and aesthetic diversity.
- Owens Corning: Known for innovative technology and vibrant colors. A fantastic option for homeowners focused on style and value.
- CertainTeed: High-end options offering premium durability and aesthetics. Ideal for those willing to pay extra for top-tier quality.
- Tamko: A budget-friendly choice with decent performance. Perfect for homeowners looking for affordability without sacrificing reliability.
- Atlas: An excellent pick for algae-resistant roofs with solid warranties. Great for keeping your roof looking clean and polished.
No matter which brand you choose, a durable and visually appealing roof can boost your home’s curb appeal and value. Before making a final decision, consider your budget, climate, and personal style preferences. If you’re still unsure which roofing material is right for you, contact Recon Roofing and Construction today! Our experts will guide you through your options and ensure your roof is built to last.
