Asphalt shingles continue to be a popular choice for their affordability, durability, and versatility. However, with so many different types of asphalt shingles available on the market, it can be tough to determine which option is the best fit for your specific needs. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you find the perfect asphalt shingles for your residential roofing needs.
In this post, we will explain the six best asphalt shingles for residential roofing, including the best-rated shingles, those suitable for hot climates, coastal homes, high winds, and hurricanes, as well as luxury and cool roof options. We will also explore the top asphalt shingle brands and compare their features, performance, and warranties.Â
After reading, you will have a better understanding of which asphalt shingles are suitable for your home, and you’ll be able to make an informed decision with confidence.
So let’s dive in and explore the top asphalt shingles.
👉 6 Best Asphalt Shingles For Homes
Asphalt shingles have been a staple on homes for many years. This affordable roofing solution makes your home look beautiful while offering sufficient protection. Whether you’re looking for the best combination of style and durability or the most cost-effective shingles, this list has options that come with a high number of benefits for homeowners.
1. Best 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles : CertainTeed XT™ 25
The CertainTeed XT™ 25 3-tab asphalt shingle is highly regarded as one of the best 3-tab shingles on the market, and for good reasons. Its superior durability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency set it apart from other 3-tab shingles. Its fiberglass mat core provides strength and longevity, making it more resistant to cracking and splitting than other 3-tab options. The wind resistance warranty of up to 110 mph offers greater protection from high winds. There are multiple color options and they also come with StreakFighter® technology for enhanced algae protection.
2. Best Architectural Asphalt Shingles : Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration®
When it comes to choosing beautiful and sturdy architectural shingles, Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration® shingles are a top contender. These shingles are designed to provide a classic, timeless look for your home while also offering exceptional durability and weather resistance.
One of the standout features of TruDefinition Duration shingles is their patented SureNail® Technology. This technology includes a tough, woven fabric strip embedded into the shingle, which provides added strength and durability against high winds and other extreme weather conditions. In fact, TruDefinition Duration shingles have been tested to withstand winds of up to 130 mph.
In addition to their weather resistance, TruDefinition Duration shingles offer advanced protection against algae growth. The shingles have a unique copper granule technology that helps inhibit algae growth and keep your roof looking clean and bright for years to come.
These shingles also come in a wide range of colors and textures to suit any home’s aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, classic look, or a more modern, contemporary style, these shingles offer multiple patterns with incredible curb appeal.
3. Best Luxury Asphalt Shingles : CertainTeed Grand Manor®
When it comes to luxury asphalt shingles, few options can compare to the CertainTeed Grand Manor® shingle. These fiberglass asphalt shingles are designed to provide the ultimate combination of beauty, performance, and durability, making them a top choice for homeowners who want only the best for their roofs.
One of the key features of the Grand Manor® shingle is its unique shape and design. These shingles imitate the look of natural slate, with a bold, distinctive appearance that adds elegance and style to any home. They are also available in a wide range of colors, allowing homeowners to choose the perfect shade to complement their home’s architecture. But the Grand Manor shingle is more than just a pretty face.
It also features advanced technology that makes it one of the most durable and weather-resistant shingles on the market. Such as the following:
FiberTech® Technology: This technology provides added strength and durability to the shingles by incorporating aramid fibers into the design.
Max Def Color Technology: This technology utilizes a unique blend of colors to create a deep, rich, and vibrant look that enhances the beauty of any home.
WeatherGuard® Technology: This technology ensures that these luxury asphalt shingles are resistant to harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, and hail, providing long-lasting protection for the home.
Overall, Grand Manor shingles are the best-rated asphalt shingle for homeowners who are looking for a luxurious look in the high-end price range.
4. Best Asphalt Shingles For Coastal Homes : Owens Corning Duration Storm®
When it comes to choosing the best asphalt shingles for coastal homes, there are a few key factors to consider. Coastal homes are exposed to harsh elements, such as salt water, high winds, and heavy rain, which can cause damage to roofing materials. Therefore, the asphalt shingles used for coastal homes need to be durable, resistant to corrosion, and able to withstand high winds.
The Owens Corning Duration Storm shingles are designed with advanced technology and features that make them ideal for coastal and storm-prone areas. Here are some of the unique benefits these shingles provide:
- SureNail Technology: Their patented SureNail technology features reinforced nail zones that provide enhanced holding power, which keeps the shingles in place even during extreme weather conditions.
- WeatherGuard Technology: This is a woven fabric strip that seals the shingles’ edges to provide an additional layer of protection against wind-driven rain.
- Superior wind resistance: With a wind rating of up to 130 mph, these shingles are the highest rated in the industry, making them the best asphalt shingles for coastal areas that are prone to hurricanes and other high-wind events.
- Class 4 impact resistance: The Owens Corning Duration Storm shingles have a Class 4 impact resistance rating, which means they can withstand hail and other flying debris during high winds and thunderstorms.
- TruDefinition color: This patented color technology ensures that the shingle’s color stays true and vibrant over time, which is essential for coastal homes that are exposed to harsh sunlight and saltwater.
In addition to their advanced features, the Owens Corning Duration Storm shingles come with an impressive warranty. They offer a limited lifetime warranty of 50 years, which protects from winds up to 110 mph, and a 10-year algae resistance warranty.
Best 50-Year Asphalt Shingles
Typically, asphalt shingles have a lifespan of around 20 to 30 years, but some of the best asphalt shingle brands provide limited lifetime warranties on their shingles lines for 30, 40, or 50 years. That’s because many of these shingles are designed to provide superior protection against harsh weather conditions, and last longer than standard shingles, making them an excellent investment for homeowners.
The following manufacturers provide 50-year shingles:
- Owens Corning Duration range
- CertainTeed Presidential Shake®
- GAF Timberline range
- Atlas StormMaster Slate®
It’s important to note that the 50-year warranty may not provide full coverage for the entire 50-year lifespan of the shingles. Most warranties are pro-rated, meaning that the compensation for replacement shingles or repairs decreases over time as the shingles age.
Fortunately, there are GAF Timberline shingles available that come with a non-pro-rated warranty that can also be transferred to the new homeowners if you sell your home within the warranty’s timespan. That’s one of the main reasons why they are considered one of the best 50-year asphalt shingles.
If you properly install and maintain these shingles, you will be sure to see them last closer to around 40 years on your home.
If you live in a warmer area or want to be more comfortable in your home and save money on energy costs, it is best to consider an additional feature for your shingles, called cool roofing technology. So let’s discuss
Best Cool Roof Asphalt Shingles
Cool roofing asphalt shingles are an excellent option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy costs and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. They are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional shingles, which helps keep the home cooler and reduces the need for air conditioning.
5. CertainTeed’s Landmark Solaris® Gold Shingles
These shingles use advanced shingle granules that reflect solar energy and radiant heat better than traditional roofing shingles. This helps reduce the surface temperature of a roof and decrease heat transfer into living spaces below. This reduces the workload on air conditioning systems and hence saves money on energy costs. These shingles offer a classic look to residential properties. They are also rated by the Cool Roofing Rating Council (CRRC) and ENERGY STAR.
6. Owens Corning’s TruDefinition® Duration® COOL Shingles
OC’s best asphalt shingle line excels at cool roof technology as well. Their Duration COOL series uses specially designed shingles granules with a 20+ solar reflective index (SRI). The best and most unique feature of these shingles is how they come in deep, rich colors that are not common with other cool roofing asphalt shingles. Most brands offer only light color options. Duration COOL shingles are also rated highly by the CRRC and ENERGY STAR, which showcases their ability to help homeowners save on their energy bills.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right fit for your home is to consider your specific needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for durability, energy efficiency, or aesthetic appeal, there is an asphalt shingle on this list that will meet your needs. Selecting suitable roofing materials is one of the more crucial decisions for your home that has a significant impact on the overall look and durability of your roof.
To help you make the right choice,
👉 The Dos and Don’ts of Selecting the Best Asphalt Shingles
To make sure you home and investment remain safe, you should beware of some common mistakes and follow the right steps when choosing roofing shingles. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do: Consider your local climate
Different climates require different types of shingles. For example, if you live in a cold environment, you may want to consider darker and more textured shingles to keep your home warmer.
Don’t: Choose based solely on price
While price is an important consideration when choosing shingles, it should not be the only factor you consider. Cheaper shingles may be more affordable in the short term, but they may not last as long or perform as well as more expensive options.
Do: Consider the durability and lifespan of the shingles
Investing in high-quality, durable shingles can help to protect your home and save you money in the long run. Look for shingles with a warranty of at least 30 years, if not longer.
Don’t: Ignore the importance of installation
Even the best asphalt shingles will only perform at full capacity if they are installed correctly. Be sure to choose a reputable roofing contractor with experience in installing asphalt shingles to ensure that your new roof is installed correctly.
Do: Consider the aesthetic appeal of the shingles
Your roof is a significant part of your home’s curb appeal, so it’s essential to choose shingles that look great and complement the style of your home. Many asphalt shingle brands offer various colors and styles to match traditional, modern, Victorian, and other architectural designs.
Don’t: Forget about the maintenance
All asphalt shingles require some upkeep to keep them in good condition. Ensure you have a proper roof maintenance plan that includes regular roof inspections, cleaning, and timely repairs.
If you live in Atlanta, or the surrounding areas in Georgia, we can help you choose the best asphalt shingles for your home.
👉 Free Consultation & Estimate On Asphalt Shingles
At RST Roofing and Renovations, we have extensive experience with the top asphalt shingle lines, and brands like CertainTeed, and we are proud to be an Owens Corning Preferred contractor. As your local experts, we are familiar with the unique climate and weather conditions in Georgia, and we can help you select shingles that are specifically designed to withstand the day-to-day weather.
Our team offers exceptional customer service and top-quality workmanship that comes with honest, transparent communication. Whether you’re looking to replace your existing roof or install a new one, we are confident that you will be pleased with the results.
Call us at (404) 548-8901 for a free consultation and estimate on your asphalt roofing project, so you can get an accurate idea of the cost and scope of your roofing project before you commit.
