Selecting the best roofing shingles for your home is a vital decision whether you’re constructing a new home or renovating your existing home. The right roof shingles will improve your home’s curb appeal and the lifespan of your roof.
The right shingles for your roofing project depend on your taste, the architectural style of your home and neighborhood, and the climate. Choose the best roofing shingle brands to protect your home and increase its value.
CertainTeed
Reputable roofing companies like Bayside Roofing Professionals prefer to work with CertainTeed shingles due to their unparalleled quality, durability, and craftsmanship. CertainTeed has a long and proud tradition of offering sustainable roofing material including shingles in a wide range of styles and colors.
CertainTeed shingles are noticeably thicker than other brands’ shingles. This makes them the longest-lasting and best-quality option for the long-term protection of your home. Even the most basic 3-tab shingles are high quality, durable, and thick.
Many of the best roofing companies only use CertainTeed for the following reasons:
- Different options suit all budgets: CertainTeed offers options for everyone without compromising on quality.
- Extensive color range: CertainTeed carries a wide range of colors for every taste. For example, their Landmark shingles come in 30 different colors. More basic ranges offer fewer options, but more than enough to match most homeowners’ tastes and needs.
- Heavyweight quality: CertainTeed shingles are renowned as the heaviest shingles on the market. This makes them durable and highly protective against the elements.
- Transferable warranties: CertainTeed’s warranty extends from the original owner to the next owner when you sell your home. This is a great bargaining point for sellers.
- Long-lasting: CertainTeed’s most premium products last as long as 50 years.
GAF
GAF has been an industry leader in roofing materials since its inception in 1886. Its longevity is a testament to its quality. GAF offers roofing shingles at different price points that are suitable for homeowners with different needs and budgets.
GAF Timberline roofing shingles are one of the most commonly used asphalt shingles in U.S. homes and commercial buildings. GAF offers 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles for your roof. The Timberline HDZ range is particularly recommended for homes in high-wind areas of the country. GAF shingles come with a non-prorated warranty period of 10, 20, or 50 years. Their warranties vary depending on the model but tend to be industry-leading.
GAF is also committed to sustainable practices. For example, the company developed the Certified Green Roofer program to encourage roofing companies to recycle asphalt shingles.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning is another industry leader in roofing, insulation, and fiberglass composites. Their asphalt shingles for residential roofing come in three styles: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. Their wide range of shingle styles—with five lines of architectural asphalt shingles—offers homeowners the freedom to select the perfect style and shade for their home. Their range also accommodates different budgets and requirements.
Owens Corning prides itself on the quality of its products. Homeowners are offered a non-prorated warranty of between 10-50 years depending on the product and the installer. This underlines the importance of choosing the right roofing contractor to install your chosen shingles.
Atlas
Atlas shingles are a great option for homeowners in areas that experience regular and severe storms. Atlas shingles are made with durable materials that withstand high winds, low temperatures, and impact. Their highly customizable range includes 3-tab, architectural, and luxury shingles in a wide range of colors and styles.
However, what sets Atlas’s shingles apart is its scotch guard treatment. Scotch guarding protects the shingles from unsightly streaking over time. All of Atlas’s shingles come with a lifetime streaking guarantee for the original purchaser.
Roofing Shingle Brands Compared
| CERTAINTEED | GAF | OWENS CORNING | ATLAS | |
| STYLE VARIETY | Widest range of styles and colors on the market | Wide range of colors and styles | Wide range of colors and styles including five types of architectural shingles | Wide range of colors and styles |
| ENERGY EFFICIENCY | The CertainTeed Solaris® line reflects heat and direct sunlight. Awarded Best Energy Efficient Product by the National Association of Home Builders at the 2024 International Build Show. | GAF Timberline® CS Shingles can help keep your attic cool and allow you to use your home’s air conditioning system less. | Various lines offer energy-efficient features to reduce energy bills. | ENERGY STAR-certified options for energy efficiency. |
| OTHER | Durability: CertainTeed shingles are known for their thicker construction and high-quality materials. These contribute to their longevity.
Impact Resistance: Many CertainTeed shingle lines boast a Class 4 impact resistance rating, the highest available.
Fire Resistance: CertainTeed shingles offer Class A fire resistance.
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Innovation: GAF is constantly innovating new technologies.
Their StainGuard Plus technology helps prevent algae growth, while their Advanced Protection Shingles offer enhanced wind resistance and durability. |
Range: Excellent range, especially in architectural shingles. | Protection: Their shingles all have scotch guard treatment against algae.
Climate: Great choice for windy or stormy areas. |
How to Choose the Best Roofing Shingles
Many factors go into choosing the best roofing shingles for your home. Take the following factors into account when deciding on a shingle brand:
Material
80% of residential roofing materials used in the U.S. is asphalt. This is a testament to asphalt’s performance, durability, and affordability. However, there are different options like metal, solar, slate, wood, and composite shingles. The best material will largely depend on the climate in your region and the price point you’re aiming for.
The material used for your shingles will impact their durability and price. Ask your trusted roofing company which option is the best for your home and budget. A company with many years of experience in your location can advise on the best made-to-last material for your area.
Color
The aesthetics of your home will be greatly impacted by the roofing color you choose. Dark or neutral colors work well with most sidings. However, some homeowners prefer more daring options. Always make sure your choice aligns with HOA regulations, if applicable.
Style
Many homeowners prefer a style that complements the other homes in their neighborhood. Your roofing contractor will advise you on how 3-tab, architectural, or luxury shingles will affect the overall look of your home. Designer shingles will add a unique touch to your home and send its curb appeal through the roof!
Durability
Architectural shingles are more durable and have a longer expected lifespan than 3-tab shingles. The material will also impact your shingles’ durability, with composite shingles offering the longest lifespan.
The Brand Your Roofing Company Works with
Your choice of roofing company may determine which shingles you use. Many of the best roofing companies seek special accreditations from their preferred shingle brand and choose to work exclusively with that brand. For example, roofing companies with CertainTeed Master Craftsman status must meet certain requirements set by the brand.
Consult a Trusted Professional for the Best Results
Ultimately, the best way to determine your home’s optimal shingle brand is to consult a reputable roofing contractor. They can assess your specific needs and recommend the most suitable product based on their expertise and knowledge of local building codes and weather patterns.
CertainTeed shingles have been the go-to option for homeowners over many generations. Whichever brand you ultimately choose, work with a roofing professional who is experienced and preferably accredited by that brand for the best results.
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