Theselection of high-quality roofing shingles is crucial for ensuring thestructural integrity and durability of a building. With numerous brandsand products available on the market, homeowners often face the dilemmaof choosing the best-rated roofing shingles for their specific needs.Reputable brands such as GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed offer arange of options, each with unique features and performance ratings.However, determining the most suitable shingles requires a closerexamination of key factors, including durability, wind resistance, andwarranty conditions, all of which play a critical role in a shingle’soverall value.
Best Brands for Roofing Shingles
Whenselecting the best roofing shingles for a construction or renovationproject, it is crucial to consider the top brands that consistentlydeliver durability and performance. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeedare consistently mentioned among the top brands, known for their quality and durability.
OwensCorning and CertainTeed shingles offer protection against wind, impact,and algae growth. CertainTeed stands out with the largest selection ofstyles and colors to choose from, catering to diverse architectural andaesthetic requirements.
Othernotable brands, such as Malarkey, prioritize sustainability by usingupcycled materials. In the Canadian market, BP and IKO are highlyrecommended, with BP Mystic offering comprehensive protection throughWeather-Tite technology and a high wind speed rating. Asphalt shinglesare installed on approximately 80% of roofs in the US, showcasing their widespread adoption.
Whenchoosing a brand, popularity should not be the sole consideration;factors such as quality, price, availability, and warranty are critical. Market availability also plays a role, with brands like GAF andCertainTeed sold via roofing supply distributors targeting roofing contractorsand builders like H&L in Portland. Consideration of shingle granule loss Shingle Granule Loss is also crucial, as excessive loss can lead to clogged gutters and compromised roof health.
Ultimately, selecting a reputable brand that balances aesthetics, performance, andprice is essential for a successful roofing project. A thoroughevaluation of these top brands will help determine the best choice forspecific needs.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Amongthe many considerations for a roofing project, selecting the right typeof asphalt shingle is crucial for ensuring durability, performance, andaesthetic appeal. Asphalt shingles come in various types, each withdistinct characteristics.
Three-tab shingles are the most basic type, featuring a single-layer design with a flat appearance and two notched tabs. They are generally the cheapestoption but are less durable and have lower wind resistance compared toother types.
Architectural/laminated shingles offer a more sophisticated look with a multi-layered design,mimicking natural slate or wood shake. They are more durable and havestronger wind resistance than three-tab shingles.
Multilayered architectural shingles are the thickest and most durable type, withmultiple layers for enhanced protection and the longest warranties. Thetests conducted on multilayered architectural shingles show that their thickness provides more than triple the protection of standard shingles.
Specialty shingles, on the other hand, offer unique features such as solarreflectivity, algae resistance, and enhanced durability. These shinglesmay use special materials or coatings and are suitable for homes withspecific roofing needs. High-quality asphalt shingles with fiberglass or organic materials can provide better endurance against sun exposure and thermal fluctuations.
Understanding the different types of asphalt shingles is essential for making aninformed decision for a roofing project. Each type has its advantagesand disadvantages, and selecting the right one can significantly impactthe roof’s performance and lifespan.
Key Features to Consider
Selecting the right type of asphalt shingle is only the first step in ensuring asuccessful roofing project. Homeowners must also consider key featuresthat impact durability, performance, aesthetics, and installation.
Interms of durability and performance, high-quality shingles offersuperior wind resistance, often rated up to 130 mph or more.Multilayered architectural shingles provide enhanced durability compared to single-layer three-tab shingles. Thicker, heavier shingles aregenerally more durable and less likely to lift or damage. Modifiedasphalt used in some shingles like Malarkey is known for increasing durability and longevity.
Aesthetically, a wide range of colors and design varieties are available to matchdifferent architectural styles. Features like algae resistance and solar technology can also enhance the appearance and functionality of theroof.
Additionally, ease of installation, weight, and sealing strips can impact theinstallation process. Regular maintenance is also essential for ensuring shingles stand the test of time. Extensive varieties of styles, colors, and textures can offer enduring design customization for specific architectural designs.
Whenevaluating shingles, homeowners must weigh these key features againstfactors like cost, warranty, and performance-based pricing to make aninformed decision.
Roofing Shingle Warranties Explained
Typically, roofing shingle warranties are a key factor in the decision-makingprocess for homeowners. Understanding the different types of warrantiesand their coverage is essential in selecting the best roofing shinglesfor one’s needs.
Standard warranties usually cover defects in materials, while extendedwarranties may include coverage for installation workmanship. Somebrands offer specialized warranties, such as wind-speed warranties andalgae-resistant warranties, which provide added protection.
Warranty coverage varies among brands, with some offering materials coverage,workmanship coverage, and transferability to new homeowners. Proratedwarranties decrease in value over time, while non-prorated warrantiesprovide full coverage for a specified period. For instance, BP Mystiqueand Malarkey excel in warranties when combined with installation coverage. Moreover, homeowners often consider luxury shingles because of their high cost and premium quality.
Warranty duration also differs, ranging from lifetime warranties to specificterm warranties of up to 50 years. It is crucial to review the warrantyconditions, including installation requirements, regular maintenance,and immediate reporting of defects, to ensure validity.
Homeowners should carefully examine the warranty terms and conditions to make aninformed decision when choosing the best roofing shingles for theirproperty. By understanding the intricacies of roofing shinglewarranties, homeowners can protect their investment and ensure long-term satisfaction with their roofing choice.
Price and Value Analysis
Ahomeowner’s budget plays a significant role in determining the bestroofing shingles for their property. The cost of roofing shingles varies widely, with economy options such as 3-tab shingles priced at$0.50-$1.50 per square foot.
Theseshingles offer a lower upfront cost but have lower wind-resistanceratings and life expectancy compared to mid-range options. Architectural shingles, priced at $1.00-$3.50 per square foot, offer a balancebetween price and performance, with higher wind and hail resistance,longer lifespans, and premium warranties.
High-end options, such as luxury or designer shingles, are priced at $2.50-$5.00 per square foot and offer the highest wind and impact resistanceratings. While they provide the best performance, they are the mostexpensive option and require additional labor for installation.
Interms of value for money, architectural shingles are a top-rated option, offering high durability and aesthetic appeal. The CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ are notable examples. The selection of reputable brands in the market, such as CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens, further complicates determining the most suitable option for a homeowner’s budget. Laborcosts typically make up 60% of the total roofing expense.
Ultimately, the value of any shingle is significantly affected by the quality ofinstallation, making it essential to consider both material and laborcosts when making a decision.
Performance Ratings and Reviews
High-performance roofing shingles are subjected to rigorous testing and evaluation toassess their wind resistance, impact durability, and overallperformance.
Amongthe top-rated roofing shingles, GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens CorningDuration have stood out for their exceptional wind resistance and impact durability. GAF Timberline HDZ offers a 110-mph wind warranty and Class 4 impact resistance, while Owens Corning Duration provides a 130-mphwind warranty and has been rated highly for impact resistance againsthailstones.
Consumer Reports testing has also evaluated the performance of various roofingshingles. Multilayered architectural shingles have been shown to perform better than standard three-tab shingles, offering more protectionagainst wind and hail.
GAFTimberline HDZ scored high in Consumer Reports testing for its strengthand durability against wind and hail, while CertainTeed Landmarkperformed well in testing for durability and aesthetic appeal.
Theseperformance ratings and reviews provide valuable insights for homeowners seeking to invest in high-quality roofing shingles that can withstandharsh weather conditions and provide long-term durability.
Impact Resistance and Durability
Impactresistance is a critical aspect of a roofing shingle’s durability, as it determines the shingle’s ability to withstand harsh weather conditionssuch as hail, wind-driven debris, and extreme temperatures.
In theroofing industry, impact resistance is measured by standardized tests,including the UL 2218 standard, which assesses a shingle’s ability towithstand a steel ball being dropped from various heights. Shinglesclassified under Class 4 impact resistance are considered the mostdurable, withstanding a 2-inch steel ball dropped twice from 20 feet.
Top-rated roofing shingles with Class 4 impact resistance include CertainTeedBelmont IR, GAF Timberline AS II, and Owens Corning TruDefinitionDuration FLEX. These shingles offer superior protection against extremeweather conditions, including hailstorms and wind-driven debris.
Inaddition to their impact resistance, many of these shingles also offerhigh wind resistance, algae resistance, and fire resistance, providingcomprehensive protection for homes.
Somemanufacturers also offer limited lifetime warranties on manufacturingdefects, providing homeowners with peace of mind and long-termprotection for their investment.
Consumer Reports and Testing
Roofing shingle testing protocols are a critical component of evaluatingproduct performance, and Consumer Reports plays a pivotal role inproviding unbiased assessments. Their testing methodology focuses onasphalt roofing shingles, which are the most common choice for roofs due to their ease of installation, longevity, and affordability.
Three types of asphalt shingles are tested: three-tab, architectural/laminated, and multilayered architectural.
Thetesting process involves assessing shingle strength using an Instronmachine to simulate winds and impacts, as well as exposing shingles to500 hours of UV light and water sprays to evaluate weather resistance.Prices are also compared across different product lines to facilitatedirect comparisons.
Based on their testing, Consumer Reports recommends shingles frommanufacturers such as Owens Corning, Atlas Roofing, Tamko, GAF, andCertainTeed. These recommendations take into account factors such asperformance, durability, and price.
Reputable brands such as GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed offer thebest-rated roofing shingles in terms of durability and quality. Keyfactors, including performance ratings, warranty conditions, and cost,influence the selection of suitable roofing shingles. Enhanceddurability and aesthetic appeal are provided by architectural andmultilayered shingles. Sustainability is also emphasized by certainbrands. A thorough analysis of these factors is essential for along-term investment in roofing shingles.
