Overview
Before delving into the nuances of the best asphalt shingles, it’s crucial to establish a shared understanding of what asphalt shingles are and the distinct categories they fall into. Familiarizing yourself with these shingles will provide valuable insights into your roof’s composition and estimate its lifespan.
In essence, an asphalt shingle comprises a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and a protective layer of granules. There are three primary categories of asphalt shingles: Three-tab, Architectural (also known as dimensional), and Luxury. Note that Architectural shingles may be referred to as dimensional, and Luxury shingles might be labeled as “designer shingles” by some roofing companies.
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THE ROOF EXPERTS
THREE-TAB | ARCHITECTURAL | LUXURY
Three-tab shingles
represent the most budget-friendly option among asphalt shingles. Characterized by a thin strip of asphalt with three blocky tabs, they offer a uniform appearance with variations primarily in color.
Despite their affordability, three-tab shingles have the shortest lifespan, typically lasting 15-20 years. They are susceptible to damage from wind and hail, especially as they approach the end of their lifespan due to the gaps between tabs that allow elements to penetrate, potentially causing leaks.
ARCHITECTURAL
Architectural shingles, a step up from three-tabs, have largely supplanted them as the preferred choice for roofers in recent decades. These shingles incorporate an additional ply in their design, eliminating the gaps present in three-tabs. This extra weight enhances durability and provides a more textured appearance.
While architectural shingles were once pricier, their increased popularity has led to reduced costs, placing them on the lower end of the price scale at around $105 per roofing square. With a longer lifespan of 25-30 years and increased resistance to wind damage, architectural shingles have become the most widely used roofing material in the country.
LUXURY
Luxury shingles, also known as designer shingles, represent the pinnacle of asphalt shingle quality. These three-ply shingles allow for creative designs, simulating the appearance of slate, ceramic, and even wood shake roofs.
The third ply adds weight, enhancing resistance to wind and hail damage. While luxury shingles don’t necessarily have a significantly longer lifespan than architectural shingles, maxing out around 30 years, their intricate designs make them a premium choice. Expect to invest approximately $180 per square for luxury shingles.
Asphalt Shingle Brands: Major Players
Now that we have a comprehensive understanding of asphalt shingle types, let’s explore prominent roofing manufacturers and their standout product lines. Here are some key players in alphabetical order:
ATLAST
- The Atlas Roofing Corporation, founded in 1982, offers various shingle lines, including GlassMaster and ProLam three-tabs, Castlebrook & Pinnacle Pristine architectural shingles, and Legend and StormMaster luxury shingles.
- Noteworthy is the StormMaster line, which stands out as the best-performing shingle in Atlas’s repertoire.
Certainteed
- Established in 1904, CertainTeed is recognized for its commitment to sustainability. Their product range includes the XT 25 three-tab, Landmark architectural lines, and Grand Manor, Carriage House, Presidential Shake, and Belmont luxury lines.
- Landmark architectural shingles lead as the most popular line, combining durability and aesthetic appeal.
GAF
- With roots dating back to 1886, GAF is a roofing market giant. Their offerings include Royal Sovereign & Marquis WeatherMax three-tab lines, Timberline architectural line, and luxury lines like Slateline, Camelot, Grand Sequoia, and Woodland.
- The Timberline HDZ emerges as GAF’s most popular shingle, boasting the title of the best-selling asphalt shingle in North America.
IKO
- As the sole Canadian company on our list, IKO, founded in 1951, stands out for affordability. Their shingle lines include Marathon Plus AR three-tab, Cambridge architectural shingles, and the Dynasty and Nordic architectural performance lines.
- IKO’s Nordic architectural shingle earns recognition as their best-performing option.
Malarkey
- Operating since 1956, Malarkey Roofing Products, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, emphasizes sustainability. While they primarily focus on the west coast, their architectural shingle lines, such as Vista AR, showcase quality.
- Malarkey’s Windsor Designer shingle is celebrated as their best-performing option.
OWENS CORNING
- Established in 1938, Owens Corning initially focused on fiberglass insulation. Their asphalt shingle range includes the Supreme three-tab line, Oakridge and Duration architectural shingles, and the Berkshire Slate luxury shingle design.
- The Duration FLEX shingle stands out as Owens Corning’s best-performing option.
Tamko
Founded in 1944, TAMKO, headquartered in Joplin, Missouri, produces three-tab and architectural shingles. Notably, they lack a luxury shingle line, but their Titan XT architectural line is recognized for superior performance.
TopCal Roofing: A New Contender
In the thriving roofing market, a noteworthy addition to the landscape is Topcal Roofing. With a commitment to excellence, TopCal Roofing offers a range of asphalt shingles that cater to diverse needs. Their product lineup includes Asphalt Shingles, Metal and Slope roof.
In the Raleigh, North Carolina market, TopCal Roofing is gaining recognition. Homeowners are increasingly choosing Topcal Roofing’s [insert popular shingle line] for its exceptional value, durability, and a wide array of color options. Additionally, the [insert another shingle line] from Topcal Roofing stands out as a popular choice, providing an excellent balance of durability and value.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of asphalt shingles and the offerings of major manufacturers, including the emerging presence of Topcal Roofing, is crucial when considering roof replacements. Whether opting for the budget-friendly three-tab, the durable architectural, or the luxurious designer shingles, each category has distinct characteristics to cater to various preferences and budgets. Choosing a reputable manufacturer, including Topcal Roofing, ensures the longevity and performance of your roofing investment.
