In additional to offering a variety of style choices, asphalt shingles are also widely available throughout the U. And while getting a new roof is by no means an inexpensive project, asphalt shingles are among the most affordable options available. In fact, if an existing roof deck the structural surface beneath the roofing system is in good condition, new asphalt shingles can even be installed over older shingles, reducing the need and cost of a tear off of the old roofing.
Check with your contractor to see if this is a viable money-saving option for your roofing project. There are three major categories of asphalt roofing shingle products available today - strip shingles , dimensional shingles , and luxury shingles. It is important to understand the differences between each type of roofing shingle in order to pick the right product for your home. These are general terms for the same thing.
This differs from wood shake shingles or clay tiles which are made from a single material. Also known as 3-tab shingles due to the cut of the shingle or simply strips, strip shingles are the original and most basic asphalt shingles. They are made from a single layer of asphalt and have a very flat appearance that typically offers a slate look. Since they are made from a single layer, they generally weigh and cost less than other asphalt shingles.
Prior to designer shingles being introduced in the s, strip shingles were the predominant roofing shingle in the market. Today, strip shingles are used most often used by home builders that manufacture inexpensive homes, or by homeowners who are replacing roofing shingles on residences that already have strip shingles on the roof.
Also known as architectural or laminate shingles, dimensional shingles are the most prevalent asphalt shingles. These products are manufactured with two or more layers of asphalt that are fused together for a thicker and richer multi-dimensional appearance, and are engineered to replicate the wood shake and natural slate roofing aesthetics.
Dimensional shingles are typically heavier than strip shingles, and have improved warranty protection. The dimensional profile of Landmark asphalt shingles , seen here in the color Weathered Wood. Luxury shingles are the highest-quality laminated shingles available, offering a differentiated appearance or functionality that outclasses that of dimensional shingles.
These products offer the most realistic representation of the old-world wood shake and quarried slate roofing. Grand Manor luxury shingles in the color Gatehouse Slate. Apart from the great appearance, the shingles also boast first-rate wind, fire, algae, and impact resistance. They feature a lifetime limited warranty against all manufacturing defects. Therefore, it can effectively resist natural elements. Additionally, they resemble luxurious cedar shakes.
They mimic wood shakes but outperform natural wood roofs in terms of strength and durability and maintenance concerns. It qualifies for a number of green programs, making it a great eco-friendly choice.
They are enhanced with the cool roof color technology, and feature natural shadow lines, in addition to the triple laminated shingle body. When it comes to color choices for your new roof, CertainTeed will not disappoint, as it offers one of the widest selections of colors for any roof style from modern to classic. For its most popular line on Landmark Shingles, you get an impressive array of 29 colors.
These add an extra sense of dimension and depth to your roof by using more vibrant colors and adding extra surface granules. You can see a few of the sample colors in this product line below. The overall look is very similar to natural slate or wood shake at a fraction of the cost. Generally, CertainTeed shingles perform quite well against the elements. Their shingles include several technologies with enhanced resistance:. The heavier weight as well as the patented nailing technology helps keep shingles in place during high winds.
All the other models are warrantied against winds of up to mph, with upgrades to mph available. If you live in an area with strong winds, its best to go for shingles that have at least mph wind resistance, since wind blow off is one of the most common roofing problems that required costly repairs, or even replacement.
ASTM D is the standard test for determining wind resistance of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. Most shingles produced by CertainTeed have Class A fire ratings. Thus, your home should be properly protected from fires. Their above-average algae resistance stems from the StreakFighter Technology that utilizes copper granules on all its lines. CertainTeed shingles excel in impact resistance. The company offers 11 shingle models with premium impact resistance warranties.
Even the XT 30 IR shingle is impact-resistant, which is rare for 3-tab shingles. Check out our extensive guide on Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles. Keep in mind that basic roof maintenance is necessary if you want your shingles to have the longest possible lifespan they are designed for.
Lets review the biggest pros as well as the cons to installing CertainTeed roof shingles on your home. They boast three layers of laminate instead of two, which makes them significantly more durable, longer lasting and attractive with an enhanced 3D appearance of natural shake or slate.
This is three times wider than that of most competitor laminate shingles. As of , only GAF offers a wider nailing strip — its 1. A wide nailing strip is incredibly beneficial because it increases the quality and accuracy of the install and ensures that shingles stay in place. The Integrity Roof System consists of the roof underlayement, starter shingles, regular shingles, ridge vent, as well as ridge and hip shingles.
Since all these products are designed to work together, you get a much more durable roof compared to sourcing these components from different manufacturers. Most of their products weigh lb per roof square, which means much greater protection for your roof against the elements. IF you live in areas where heavy rains, winds, snow, algae are a concern, its best to invest more money into CertainTeed shingles than cheaper lower quality asphalt roofs.
Great warranty: CertainTeed offers a LifeTime Warranty against manufacturing defects for 15 out of its 19 shingles lines. You also have the option of purchasing the 5 Star Extended Warranty, which covers workmanship. CertainTeed is a recognizable brand name: if you live in an upscale neighborhood and are planning to replace your roof before selling your home, using CertainTeed shingles will be a great selling point to prospective buyers. This is a well known high-end roofing product that is sure to boost your house value.
This is because warranty extensions mandate you to use all the materials the company produces, such as starter shingles and underlayment. Their price is also higher than with other companies. Unless your shingles are falling apart delaminating , proving the defect is extremely difficult.
After all, the cost is very similar or slightly higher than CertainTeed shingles but you will be installing a roof that is a lot more durable. After all, CertainTeed shingles are made of asphalt, and no matter how good the technology, asphalt shingles are still the least reliable of all roofing materials. See why a metal roof is a much better choice compared to asphalt shingles. All shingles made by CertainTeed are covered by its SureStart warranty program.
It fully covers defective shingles for the initial years following installation. Once it expires, your coverage comes at a reduced rate. However, not all products have the same SureStart coverage. The length of the warranty varies depending on your shingle product, so read the fine print carefully before you buy:.
In addition, to qualify for an extended warranty, you will also need to hire a CertainTeed Shingle Master Contractor. These roofers typically charge more money for their installs, compared to pros who are not certified. The issue with the extended warranty is that even with this extra layer of protection, roofing claims are often still denied.
You may be better off spending this money on a high quality installer, as he is the one who can really make sure that your new expensive roof lasts without problems.
Most positive reviews are from homeowners, roofers and roofing inspectors who note that CertainTeed shingles deliver superior durability in inclement weather and protect the roof from leaks much longer compared to other roofing products. CertainTeed is a popular choice in Florida, where hurricane level winds are frequent and CertainTeed roofs have a proven track record of doing well in high-winds. Still, there are negative reviews, mainly due to denied warranty claims. The shingles are almost impervious to any type of damage and will protect your home from all the elements that a typical asphalt roof is susceptible to.
Moreover, the company offers numerous colors that will give your home a fresh, vibrant look. Otherwise, you might see subpar work done on your roof, neutralizing the high quality of CertainTeed shingles and causing serious damage. Remember that at the end of the day, any roofing product is only as good as the pro who installs it.
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