Roof shingles protect the structural components of your roof from rain, sunshine, and wind damage. Roof shingles are one of the essential factors in determining the life and safety of your roof. When looking for signs that your shingles need to be replaced, look for missing granules. Now the question is, What Are The Best Roof Shingles? I will review my top 3 roof shingles brands in detail in this post.
Shingle granules are tiny shards of fiberglass that have been applied to the shingle surface. These granules ensure that the roof is fire-resistant and prevent it from burning. The size and color of the granules may influence the finished appearance of a roofing installation, as well as their use as decorations. When your shingle granules start to flake off, you risk significant damage to your roof.
Now, let's go through my top 3 roof shingles brands in detail. Stay tuned!
What Are The Best Roof Shingles
CertainTeed
CertainTeed asphalt shingles are recognized for their high quality. This business is recognized for producing high-end shingles that cost a lot of money. However, CertainTeed has begun to make lower-cost shingles in recent years, including its Landmark collection. CertainTeed offers products at all three levels of roof shingles.
The most significant advantage of CertainTeed is the construction. All shingles have a fiberglass base and are covered with two layers of waterproof asphalt and a ceramic-coated granule topcoat for color. A few choices include additional features that make them impact-resistant. All CertainTeed shingles come with a 10-year SureStart Protection Plan, covering 100% of manufacturer defects. All shingles have an algae protection warranty of 10 years for the ClimateFlex and Landmark lines; 15 years for all other lines.
The three-tab shingles have typical wind speeds of 60 to 70 mph, but all architectural and designer lines come with a rating of 110 mph plus the option for an additional 130 mph resistance with a 6-nail application.
Shingles that weigh more are generally sturdier and better suited to the elements, including harsh UV radiation, rain, snow, and winds. The architectural and design shingles range from 200 to 300 pounds in weight. Lighter weights will not be effective on roofs unable to support the additional weight.
The most significant disadvantage of CertainTeed is the cost. They have comparable 3-tab and architectural shingles similarly priced to other brands. However, many of the other shingles are more expensive than those offered by competitors.
Pros
- There are several alternatives for all three levels.
- There are several distinct varieties of architectural landmark lines.
- resistance to high winds
- Long-lasting warranties
Cons
- Costlier than its competitors
- Warranties must meet specific criteria.
GAF
GAF is the world's largest roofing manufacturer, with over 25% of North American homes utilizing GAF shingles. Due to its comprehensive range of asphalt shingles in all three categories, GAF gets the title of Largest Selection.
With a primary concentration on low-cost products and a few high-quality lines, GAF offers 15 boards of asphalt shingles. They have shingles in all three levels, with the most variety in architectural shingles.
GAF has a Lifetime Roofing System that protects you for life and offers complete protection. The starter shingles, Deck Armor deck paper, Cobra attic ventilation, ridge vent, GAF Timberline shingles, ridge cap shingles, and Weather Watch leak barrier are all included in this system.
GAF provides roofing contractors with certifications to complete the required courses to install all GAF products properly. Hiring a GAF Master Elite roofer assures you'll get a contractor experienced installing roofs. You also receive the most fantastic warranties, only available using a certified roofer.
GAF has some of the most generous warranties in the industry. There are five limited lifetime guarantees, each with exclusions and conditions. All warranties may be transferred to a new owner if you buy within the Smart Choice Coverage Period. However, reading the small print before signing a warranty is critical since GAF (and all other brands) will work hard to find ways around your claim.
GAF's Timberline series is an inexpensive line of asphalt shingles popular with most homeowners who need to stay on a budget. The GAF Timberline series, like other brands, is the most popular (and cheap) architectural shingle.
Pros
- A comprehensive range of asphalt shingles
- Great Lifespan
- Generous with warranties
- Low cost with excellent durability
Cons
- Need specially trained contractor's help to install
Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a renowned company that produces environmentally friendly shingles promoted by the Pink Panther. All three tiers of Owens Corning's asphalt shingles have asphalt shingle options, including the architectural line, which has the most variety.
Owens Corning offers fewer shingles than the competition - just seven lines in all three tiers - which prevents it from providing the finest shingle. The Traditional 3-Tab line is the only alternative available, whereas the Duration line (best-selling architectural) shingle, which comes with a more extended warranty, challenges best-sellers from competitors.
OC Roofing's motto is "Seal, Defend, Breath," referring to the three elements. The seal is for underlayment, and shingles defend against the elements. The final part of OC Roofing's slogan is "Breath, Seal, Defend."Another roofing company, Owens Corning, offers training sessions and certifications to roofers. These professionals have the know-how to install your OC roof properly, giving you the best warranties available.
OC offers four warranty choices. A basic roofing guarantee covers all shingle lines. However, to be eligible for the System Protection, Preferred Protection, or Platinum Protection warranties, you must use Seal, Defend, and Breathe products. Only OC-certified roofers can provide the Preferred and Platinum warranties.
The average cost of Owens Corning's shingles is somewhat less than that of the competition, resulting in OC being labeled as the Most Affordable. The most famous line and its subcategories are less expensive than comparable alternatives.
Pros
- Products for the entire roofing system
- Several warranty choices are available.
- The Length Over Timeline has several options.
- Shingles in all three layers
Cons
- A smaller range of items
- Extra warranties are often more expensive.
Roofing Shingles FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
What are asphalt shingles made of?
A rooftop made of asphalt shingles must protect your house from heat, cold, and moisture while remaining flexible enough to give adequate protection from the weather as well as anything that may be hurled against it during severe storms.
The essential component of asphalt shingles is concrete, which makes up roughly 80 percent of the total content. Asphalt shingles are constructed from various raw materials, and every manufacturer utilizes a slightly different combination of materials. Shingles are composed of several layers. An asphalt-coated fiberglass mat is one of the most essential components. The fiberglass allows the shingle to endure temperature changes. If it becomes too hard, it may jeopardize the shingle's ability to resist water penetration.
What are the most durable roof shingles?
CertainTeed is one of the most well-known roof shingle manufacturers. These are the shingles to choose if you intend on living in your house indefinitely. They're three-piece laminated fiberglass construction, thick, high-quality, triple laminate dimensional shingles with various designs and colors to select from.
The thicker the shingles, the longer they'll last. A lot is riding on the contractor's competence in installing them. While shingles typically endure for between 25 and 40 years, your roof's lifespan may be affected by climate, roof design, and prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions.
You might be looking at replacing your roof after seven to ten years if your shingles are flexible, durable, and waterproof. This may imply that you'll need to replace your roof sooner rather than later.
Don't undervalue the importance of a successful roof installation. Hire the finest roofing contractor you can find. Roofing underlayment, new roof flaring, drip edge, and ensuring that your roof is well-ventilated are not only the most essential components of a shelter but also provide the greatest bang for your buck!