Compare the Top Rated Roof Shingle Brands: Best & Most Popular Roof Shingle Manufacturers

Whatever your reasons may be, deciding to buy a new roof or redo your current one offers a wide variety of benefits. This decision can improve the aesthetics of your home and, if you’re looking to sell, boost its curbside appeal. But, before you get started or pick out your new shingles, there are some things you need to consider. Think about the style you want, as well as the style of the home, and about the climate you are in. Also consider how the appearance and function of your new or redone roof can improve upon what you currently have.

Top Roof Shingle Brands

These are the four most popular roof shingle brands in 2019:

• CertainTeed: An industry leader in roofing products, CertainTeed is mainly recognized for their Presidential and Presidential TL series, which are listed by many homeowners’ associations (HOAs) as their first choice for shingles. To help protect their customers, CertainTeed offers upgraded warranties on their products.
• GAF: Producing both the best selling and best performing roofing material in the industry, GAF distinguished themselves from their counterparts in 2011 when they released a new, advanced shingle mat that came with a 50-year limited lifetime warranty.
• IKO: Founded in 1951, IKO has a strong foothold in roofing industries around the world. IKO manufactures a wide array of roofing products and is known for its “true square” of roofing, with shingles that are ten percent larger than most.
• Owens Corning: Established in 1938, Owens Corning specializes in fiberglass products and provides Surenail Technology, which is popular among contractors across the roofing industry for its strength and reliability.

Styles of Shingles

Roof shingles come in an array of styles to help you design your ideal roof.

• 3 Tab Shingles: Usually, 3 tab shingles are thinner than others, which has a tendency to make your roof look less dimensional than some shingles. These are perfect if that’s the look you’re going for, but because they are thinner it can affect the length of the warranty.
• Dimensional Shingles: Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminated shingles, are a popular roofing choice and have many styles to choose from. They typically come with a 30+ year warranty.
• Impact Resistant: As the name implies, impact resistant shingles offer higher durability than standard shingles. They go through rigorous tests to ensure that they have the highest possible resistance to wind, storms, and other possible impacts. Impact resistant shingles are tested with the UL 2218 standard, which involves taking hits from a steel ball in multiple areas. These shingles are recommended for anyone living in a high storm area.
• Premium Shingles: While the exact specifications vary depending on the manufacturer, premium shingles are generally offer more design features and material improvements. Some premium shingles are reinforced or double laminated, and most have a longer warranty than standard shingles.
• Shakes: Shakes provide a rustic aesthetic, but tend to be less popular as they are made from wood. The style of shake shingles can be replicated with more durable materials, which lowers the maintenance required for a traditional shake-style roof.
• Tiles: Usually made of clay, tiles are a great way to help insulate your home and protect it from harsh weather and climates. In some cases, recent manufacturing improvements in combining materials also made tile roofing a lighter option.

Types of Roofing Material

Shingles also come in a variety of materials, including:

• Asphalt Shingles: An inexpensive and easy to install shingle, asphalt is the most common roofing material in the United States. They are available in a variety of colors, making it easy to coordinate them with the style and color of your home, but keep in mind that asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan, typically around 20 to 25 years, and are more susceptible to damage from harsh weather.
• Clay and Concrete Tiles: With multiple tile designs, clay and concrete tiles offer an elegant look that can last 40 to 50 years. Between the two, concrete tiles are less expensive than clay, but both weigh more than other shingle roofing materials and may require reframing because of it. Clay and concrete tiles are also energy efficient and fire resistant.
• Metal: Generally available in either panels or shingles, metal roofs come in aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. Metal roofs can be expensive, but they are also durable in the face of extreme weather and can last from 40 to 74 years.
• Slate: Similar to clay and concrete tiles, slate can add an elegant look to any structure but also comes with the extra weight and possible reframing issue. Slate roofing material can be found in many colors, is fire resistant, and can last between 50 and 100 years.
• Synthetic: Synthetic roofing material is less expensive than natural roofing material, but is still strong and durable. Keep in mind that while well-made synthetic material can be just as strong as natural, poor quality material can absorb water, which will lead to problems over time. Synthetic roofs usually have up to 50-year warranties.
• Wood Shingles: Some of the oldest material used for roofing, wood shingles have been utilized for hundreds of years. Their rustic look only becomes more authentic the longer they’ve been installed. Always check your local fire codes before deciding on wood shingles, as some areas have codes in place that prevent the use of these materials. However, you can purchase wood shingles that have been treated with a fire resistant coating. Commonly made from cedar and pine, wood shingles can last up to 40 years.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Brand

Before making your final decision, consider the following:

• Appearance: Realistically, any renovations or replacements for your roof will look better than the one you currently have, but you still want to consider the appearance of your roof. Choose a style you truly like (it is your house after all), but think about the houses around you as well as the style of your home. If you want to stand out from the rest of the neighborhood, you might want to go with a roofing material not normally found in your area.
• Color Options: Think about the colors you want and how important they are to your final decision. Not all roofing options will have the same selection of colors.
• Compliance: Check any HOA rules and local building codes to make sure that your preferred roofing material is compliant with regulations.
• Installation and Availability: Before setting your heart on a certain style or material, get in contact with a few of your local roofing supply outlets and contractors. You want to make sure that your desired materials are available and that there are experienced professionals who can install the product.
• Structural and Roof Design Issues: There are some materials (such as the clay, concrete, and slate mentioned above) that may require reframing for structural support. Always consult a professional before deciding to use a heavy material.
• Value: The value of your roof will not rest solely in the materials it is made of. Rather, it is a combination of the total cost (including factors such as accessory materials, labor, and any restructuring that must be done), the value of the roofing materials, and any increase in value the new or renovated roof may add to your home.

Importance of Choosing the Right Brand

The right brand and style of shingle can give you the ideal roof; one that looks great, provides proper protection, and lasts for decades. It may seem like a chore to sort through all the different colors, styles, and materials, but, without the proper research, you can wind up with a leaky roof or an uneven look to your home. Putting in the work leads to the best possible setup for your home.

Author: Angela Escobar

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