Best Roof Shingles in 2023: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roof Shingles

Roof installations are one of the most common home improvement projects across the United States. Among the many roofing materials available, asphalt shingles are the most popular due to their durability, affordability, and ease of installation. In this guide, we've compiled a list of the top-rated roof shingle manufacturers to help you choose the best roof shingles for your home.

Before we dive into the most popular roof shingle brands, let's review the top factors to consider when choosing the best asphalt shingles for your home.

• Cost: The cost of shingles will vary depending on the materials. Asphalt shingles are popular because of their affordability compared to more expensive roofing materials like metal, clay, and slate. If you choose slate for your roof, you can expect to pay at least five times as much as asphalt per square foot. It's best to have a set budget before looking around to know which roofing materials are on the table for you, then select a roofing material that offers the best value for your budget.
• Durability: To get the best value for your money, choose roofing shingles that are highly rated in terms of durability. Certain roofing options will work better in specific climates. For instance, clay and ceramic tiles perform better than asphalt in hot climates. Consult a roofer to get the best fit for your home.
• Aesthetics: Modern roofing materials come in various colors, textures, and finishes. Select the roofing shingle that matches your preferences and your home's architectural style.
• Maintenance Requirements: When choosing the best roof shingles for your home, consider the upkeep and maintenance effort required for each material before making a decision.

The Best Roof Shingle Brands of 2023

GAF Shingles

GAF shingles are renowned for their quality and innovation. Their Timberline HDZ series, for example, is known for its durability and comes with a 15-year wind warranty and a 25-year algae protection limited warranty. GAF's architectural shingles are designed with a StrikeZone nailing area, which claims to increase nail fastening speed by 30% and ensures 99.9% nail placement accuracy. This focus on durability and performance is a testament to GAF's commitment to providing roofing solutions that last.

CertainTeed Shingles

CertainTeed offers a wide range of shingles with varying levels of durability and performance. Their Landmark series shingles, for instance, are Class A fire-rated and come with a 15-year wind warranty and a 25-year warranty on algae streaking. Higher-end lines like the Presidential and Grand Manor are designed to mimic the look of wooden shakes and natural slate, emphasizing their durability and aesthetic appeal. CertainTeed shingles also incorporate energy-efficient features, contributing to potential energy savings and a more comfortable indoor environment.

Owens Corning Shingles

Owens Corning provides a spectrum of shingles from budget-friendly to luxury options, with their Duration shingles being their best-selling line. The premium Berkshire collection, in particular, is noted for its high tensile strength and resistance to wind, impact, and tearing. This indicates Owens Corning's commitment to creating durable shingles that can withstand severe weather conditions and provide long-lasting protection for your roof.

Malarkey Shingles

Malarkey shingles, such as the Legacy series, achieve a Class 4 hail impact rating, making them a favorite among roofing contractors for their ease of installation and durability against extreme weather. Malarkey's proprietary rubberized asphalt is designed to deliver excellent all-weather resilience, with granules that help clean the air of emission pollutants. This focus on durability and performance is a testament'to Malarkey's commitment to providing roofing solutions that are both durable and environmentally friendly.

Atlas Shingles

Atlas shingles, including the ProLam series, are positioned as stylish designs at an affordable price. They come with a limited warranty of up to 130 miles per hour wind resistance rating. Atlas shingles are manufactured with Scotchgard to help prevent black streaks caused by algae, contributing to their durability and aesthetic appeal. This indicates Atlas's commitment to creating roofing solutions that are not only durable but also long-lasting in terms of appearance.

TAMKO Shingles

TAMKO Heritage shingles are affordable architectural shingles known for their vibrant colors and Class A fire rating. While the primary focus is on aesthetics and affordability, TAMKO's commitment to durability is evident in the quality of materials and construction used in their shingles. This ensures that TAMKO shingles provide long-lasting protection for your roof.

IKO Shingles

IKO's Cambridge shingles are popular for their superior weather protection, featuring one of the heaviest mats in the roofing industry. This indicates IKO's commitment to creating durable shingles that can withstand a wide range of weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting protection for your roof.

Brava Shingles

Brava's roofing options are manufactured from 100% recycled materials, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly. All the company's products undergo extensive testing and third-party certifications and are Class 4 impact-rated to ensure high durability and longevity.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Roofing Shingles and Tiles?

A new asphalt shingle installation can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000. The exact cost depends on the material type chosen, labor costs, and the size and design of your roof.

What Is the Best Color for Roofing Shingles and Tiles?

Shingle color can affect the appearance of your property, including its size. Darker shades can make objects appear smaller and more compact, while lighter colors can make objects look larger and closer.

How Are Asphalt Shingles Tested?

When it comes to asphalt shingles, there's a specific level of quality called an AC438 level; these shingles are considered the best of the best. To receive this title, shingles must withstand the tests of temperature, wind, and weather.

• During the temperature test, the shingle is faced with 12-24 hours of extreme heat or cold, dunked in water, and then inspected closely. If there is no wear and tear on the shingle, it moves on to the next test: weather.
• When testing weather durability, the shingle must alternate between hours in the sun and the water. After this test, the asphalt and foundations of the shingle are checked before it moves on to the final test: wind resistance.
• During the wind test, the shingle is placed on a slope, simulating a roof; and is then exposed to periods of increasingly harsh conditions of rain and wind.

What Is the Average Lifespan of Shingles?

The best roof shingles are marketed to last between 25 to 50 years, but some roofs don't last more than 7 to 10 years. A variety of factors affect the lifespan of your roof, including climate, roof design, proper installation, correct maintenance, and using the right materials.

How to Get the Best Asphalt Shingles for Your Home

The best asphalt shingles for your home depend on your priorities, budget, and location. Consider factors like durability, energy efficiency, appearance, and warranty when choosing shingles.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof with Roof Maxx

Roof maintenance is an essential tool in making sure your roof has a long and healthy life. Roof Maxx can help extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof by up to 15 years and save you 85% on what a replacement would cost.