What is the Best Roofing Shingle on the Market?

What is the best roofing shingle on the market?

The quality of your roofing materials matters when you replace your roof, and choosing the best roofing shingles is crucial to protecting your home against harsh weather. Asphalt shingles, particularly architectural shingles, are famous for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They are the most commonly used roof shingle for residential roofing.

In this Top Dog Home Pro blog post, we’ll explore various asphalt shingle options to help you determine which roofing shingles offer the best concerning protection, longevity, pricing, and style blend.

What is the best roofing shingle?

The simple answer to the question “What is the best roofing shingle?” is asphalt shingles of various architectural varieties. When you consider:

• Pricing
• Durability
• Aesthetics
• Installation
• and Popularity

Architectural asphalt shingles are your best roofing shingles. While you can choose to use other options besides an asphalt shingle variety, but you will want to consider the pricing and installation complexities. Keep in mind that defining the “Best Shingle” can vary on what you desire. Keep reading to learn more about roof shingles!

2024’s Roofing Shingle Trends: What’s Hot?!

Roof shingles have trends, too! 2024’s roofing trends are ablaze with smarter technology, more resilient materials, stylish designs, sleek metal roofing, and eco-friendly solutions! That said, the most commonly used roofing material is asphalt shingles.

Architectural shingles provide the aesthetic look homeowners like you want, as well as the color variations, durability, and price points you need. Here are some of the current roofing trends to keep in mind as you consider your roofing materials:

1. Smart Roofing Solutions

2024 sees the rise of intelligent roofing solutions, incorporating technology directly into roof shingles. These advanced systems, often involving solar shingles, allow homeowners to monitor and manage their energy consumption directly from their smartphones. Top roofing manufacturers are leveraging this tech to make roofs more energy-efficient.

These cutting-edge, innovative roofing solutions reduce utility bills and enhance the overall value of properties, making them highly attractive in the market. The appeal is powerful among eco-conscious homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Roofing shingles with integrated technology are now seen as essential upgrades for modern living, providing peace of mind with real-time data on roof performance.

2. Impact-Resistant Shingles

More homeowners are choosing impact-resistant asphalt roofing shingles designed to withstand severe weather conditions. These shingles are a crucial upgrade in areas prone to hail or heavy storms, ensuring better durability and longevity. Durability is the vital difference between three-tab shingles and architectural shingles.

The demand for impact-resistant shingles is skyrocketing as they are essential in safeguarding homes against the increasing severity of weather patterns. This type of roofing material is especially beneficial for residents in storm-prone areas, offering a significant reduction in repair and maintenance costs. Homeowners appreciate the blend of security and economic efficiency, making impact-resistant roofing shingles a top choice for new constructions and renovations.

Related: Roofing Shingle Color Trends

3. Weather-proof and Stylish Roofs

This year, the focus is on roofing shingles that offer robust weather resistance and aesthetic appeal. Roofing shingle brands blend functionality with style, offering designer shingles that protect homes and enhance their curb appeal.

With advancements in roofing materials, homeowners no longer have to choose between functionality and style. These dual-purpose roofing shingles meet the stringent demands of weather resistance while catering to aesthetic preferences. The market sees a surge in designer and architectural shingles that protect homes and boost their curb appeal, making these options particularly popular among those renovating or selling their properties.

4. Minimalist Black Metal Roofing

The trend of black metal roofing simplifies the traditional complex metal roofs into sleek, modern designs that are gaining popularity among residential and commercial roofing products. Black metal roofing is making significant inroads due to its elegant appearance and superior durability. This roofing material stands out for its ability to maintain color integrity and resist environmental elements, making it a favored choice for residential and commercial properties.

Its growing popularity reflects a trend towards designs that offer both practicality and a modern visual appeal, appealing to those who value both form and function.

5. Accessible Eco-Friendly Roofs

Green roofing is going mainstream, with more accessible eco-friendly options. CertainTeed and GAF shingles and other brands are expanding their lines to include green solutions like garden-ready rooftops and recycled materials, marking a significant shift towards sustainable building materials.

However, while this is ideal for most homeowners, it isn’t convenient. As sustainability becomes a priority, green roofing solutions like wood shakes and luxury shingles made from recycled materials are desirable but very expensive.

These eco-friendly roofing materials not only help homeowners reduce their environmental impact but also offer unique, visually appealing designs that enhance the natural beauty of any home. The trend towards green roofing is lovely for those looking to invest in a healthier, more sustainable future for their families. Considerations must be made, though, regarding HOA rules, the type of roof you have, and other factors a roofing contractor can help you understand.

Types of Roofing Shingles

1. Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles ( 3 tab shingles)

The most cost-effective and commonly used shingle roofs, three-tab asphalt shingles, are known for their affordability and simplicity. They are a staple product among top roofing shingle brands and offer a flat, uniform appearance that works well with traditional home designs. Most new homes have installed three-tab shingles, considered the “Builder Grade” shingles. If you can pick your roofing shingles, while you might save money with three-tab shingles, you won’t have the durability of heavier, architectural shingles.

Benefits of 3 tab shingles

• Cost-effective and cheaper to have an installed
• Rated for up to 90 MPH winds (depending on the brand)
• Uniform appearance and rectangular

Drawbacks

• Less wind resistance (90 MPH compared to 130 MPH)
• Shorter lifespan than any other shingle
• Don’t offer diversity in color, granule blends, and style

Average Cost Per Square Foot for Three tab shingles

• $2.50 to $3.50
• $250 to $350 per square installed

2. Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Architectural asphalt shingles provide a layered, textured effect for those seeking a more dimensional look. Almost every roofing company in NOVA and around the country will upgrade homeowners to architectural shingles for various reasons.

Architectural asphalt shingles are heavier and offer better durability and wind resistance than three-tab options, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking to invest in long-term aesthetics and function. The color blends and granules offer a style that mimics cedar-shake shingles. However, they won’t rot or crumble like wood shakes.

Benefits of architectural shingles

• Dimensional look
• Enhanced durability
• Better wind resistance
• Less money than metal roofs

cons of architectural shingle roofs

• Cannot install DIY
• More expensive than 3-tab shingles

Average Cost Per Square Foot

• $3.50 to $6.50
• Per square = $350 to $650 installed

3. Green Roofing

Green roofs are not just about wood shingles or other conventional materials; they incorporate living plants to improve insulation and reduce water runoff. This option is perfect for environmentally conscious homeowners looking to blend their homes with natural surroundings.

Benefits

• Improves insulation
• Reduces water runoff
• Environmentally friendly

Drawbacks

• High initial setup cost
• Requires regular maintenance

Average Cost Per Square Foot

$10 to $35

4. Solar Shingles

Innovatively combining the functionality of solar panels with the aesthetics of traditional shingle roofs, solar shingles allow homeowners to generate electricity while maintaining a visually pleasing roofline.

Benefits

• Generates electricity
• Aesthetically pleasing

Drawbacks

• High initial cost
• Technology dependent on exposure to sunlight

Average Cost Per Square Foot

$21 to $35

5. Metal Shingles

Metal shingles offer a modern look and exceptional longevity and are a fantastic alternative to more traditional roofing materials. They are particularly valued for their fire resistance and minimal maintenance requirements.

In most cases, a standing seam metal roof is more commonly seen over a metal shingle. When you are considering metal roofs, the pros and cons will boil down to affordability:

Benefits of metal shingles

• Long-lasting
• Fire resistant
• Minimal maintenance

Drawbacks to metal:

• Higher cost
• Noisy during rain or hail

Average Cost Per Square Foot

$7 to $15

6. Aluminum Shingles

Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum shingles are ideal for homes in coastal areas. They reflect solar heat effectively, helping to reduce cooling costs in warmer climates.

Benefits

• Lightweight
• Corrosion-resistant
• Reflects solar heat

Drawbacks

• May dent easily
• Less aesthetic variety

Average Cost Per Square Foot

$3.75 to $5.50

7. Clay Tiles

Known for their distinctive style, especially in Mediterranean or Spanish architecture, clay tiles are incredibly durable and can last for decades. While more expensive, they offer a unique aesthetic that can significantly boost a property’s curb appeal.

Benefits

• Distinctive style
• Extremely durable
• Excellent curb appeal

Drawbacks

• Heavy, requiring reinforced roof structure
• Expensive

Average Cost Per Square Foot

$15 to $40

Shingle Manufacturers:

There are a variety of shingle manufacturers in the United States. However, the most popular roofing materials are made by the following companies:

1. CertainTeed
2. GAF
3. Owens Corning

While each roofer will give you their opinion on which shingles are the best, many will agree that CertainTeed offers the best quality roofing shingles with the best price point. Their roofing systems, once installed, are extremely durable, and they have a variety of luxury asphalt shingles to choose from.

Read this side-by-side comparison of GAF Shingles vs CertainTeed Shingles here.

Choosing the Best Roofing Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof shingles in the U.S. because they are affordable, accessible to install, and simple to maintain. They offer a durable and economical roofing solution from a sturdy fiberglass base coated with asphalt and ceramic-coated mineral granules. In most cases, you will only need to replace your roof an average of one time if you have owned your home for over 20 years or more.

Climate, house style, and budget are crucial for selecting the perfect roofing materials. Here’s why they matter:

1. Climate: When choosing the best roofing shingles, consider your local climate. Asphalt shingles perform well in various weather conditions, but materials like metal or specially treated asphalt can offer enhanced durability in areas prone to severe weather. Think of coastal storms in Savannah vs. snow storms in Boise; the climate dictates the durability of the shingles.
2. House Style: The style of your home should influence your shingle choice. Architectural shingles complement a wide range of architectural designs and enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal, making them a versatile option for many styles.
3. Budget: Budget is crucial. Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective option, but if you can invest more, you might consider other roofing materials that offer longer lifespans or specific aesthetic attributes.

Discussing these factors with a roofing contractor can help you make an informed decision that balances aesthetics, durability, and cost.

Final Thoughts

While you might not give your shingle roof much thought until it requires immediate attention due to a leak or aging shingles, we hope this article helped you discover the best roof shingles! While we never look to create a blanket statement, we do think the following options are your best bet for picking new roofing shingles:

1. Architectural shingle roofs (affordability and durability)
2. Alternate to shingles = Metal roofs (durability and longevity, however, more expensive)

If you’re even slightly unsure which roof shingles are the best for your home, it’s time to call Top Dog Home Pro. Don’t wait for a leak to look trendy—get ahead of the curve and contact us today!