Are you thinking about giving your roof a much-needed upgrade this year? You’re not alone. As we settle into the second half of 2024, many homeowners are asking the same question: What is the best brand of roofing shingles?
After all, your roof is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck. However, the answer isn’t that simple because there are several things you need to consider before you choose shingles. Plus, with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to sort through all the choices.
But don’t worry, we are here to help. As an experienced roofing company in Wisconsin, we have had a chance to work with multiple roofing shingle brands. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the best shingle brands and their top products. Though there are many manufacturers, we have narrowed it down to the seven best roofing shingle brands in the U.S.
#1 Atlas
Atlas is among the top brands for high-quality asphalt shingles. The company offers some of the finest shingles that come with various features and long lifespans.
One standout feature of some Atlas roof shingles is 3M Scotchgard™ protection. This means your roof stays free from black streaks caused by algae growth.
The Atlas Pinnacle® Pristine series is one of their highest-selling products. The StormMaster® Shake shingles are also popular. These are designed for superior impact resistance, making them suitable for areas prone to severe weather. They have recently added more shingle colors, too.
Pros
- Atlas shingles, like their Pinnacle Pristine and Storm Master Shake/Slate, come with Scotchgard protection. The shingles also use 3M’s smog reduction technology.
- Also, Atlas offers extensive algae-resistant warranties and has great color options, too.
Cons
- While other top companies are moving towards a more sustainable manufacturing approach, Atlas roof shingles are not as eco-friendly yet.
Best Atlas Roofing Shingles
- Pinnacle Pristine: Best for those seeking long-lasting aesthetic appeal and algae resistance.
- StormMaster Shake: Ideal for homeowners in regions with frequent severe weather conditions, as these come with a Class 4 impact rating and up to 150 mph wind resistance.
#2 GAF
GAF is one of the largest and well-known roofing manufacturers in North America. Known for its high-quality and innovative products, GAF offers a range of shingles that cater to different needs and preferences.
GAF’s Timberline series, including Timberline HDZ®, is among the most popular. These architectural shingles come in over 10 colors, from Patriot Red to Mission Brown. The brand also offers a 25-year algae-resistant warranty on the Timberline HDZ series.
Pros
- GAF roofing shingles are widely used throughout the U.S., so you won’t have trouble finding a roofing company with experience installing these shingles. Their customer service is also pretty good.
- GAF is among the most recognized brands when it comes to aesthetics. It offers high-definition shingle color options.
Cons
- Some homeowners face the problem of granule loss, especially after severe weather.
- Not all GAF shingles are a good choice for hail-prone areas.
Best Shingle Options From GAF
- Timberline HDZ: One of the most popular roofing shingles for homes in the U.S. and the company’s highest-selling product.
- Royal Sovereign®: If you are looking for a budget shingle, these 3-tab shingles are a good option. They also come with a 10-year StainGuard™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty.
#3 Owens Corning
Owens Corning is an industry leader when it comes to premium roofing shingles. This brand is easily recognized by most homeowners by its famous Pink Panther mascot, an iconic character that has been associated with it for decades.
Owens Corning has a great reputation and has received multiple awards, including the Women’s Choice Award® for America’s Most Recommended™ Roofing Products for seven years in a row.
They offer multiple types of shingles. The Duration® series, in particular, is highly acclaimed for its innovative features. These shingles incorporate patented SureNail® Technology, which ensures a superior grip and outstanding wind resistance.
Pros
- Owens Corning is one of the most recommended shingles brands by homeowners and roofing contractors alike.
- Like GAF, Owens Corning also offers a complete range of roofing components including insulation, underlayment, and vents.
- It has great warranty options too. Plus, you get access to extended warranties if you install their complete roofing system.
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues of color differences in the shingles. These variations, though minor, can disrupt the look of your roof.
Best Rated Owens Corning Shingles
- Duration: This is the most popular shingle line from Owens Corning. They are known for advanced performance and protection with a bold, dimensional look.
- Oakridge®: Affordable and durable with a range of popular colors.
#4 Malarkey
As a homeowner, you may have heard of giants such as GAF and Owens Corning but there is another shingle brand that has been in the industry since 1956 and has gained popularity in the last few years.
Malarkey is renowned for its sustainable and high-performance roofing shingles. The company has a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, integrating innovative technologies that enhance the durability and environmental friendliness of its products.
What makes Malarkey stand out is their architectural and luxury shingles are constructed with their specialized modified asphalt, which gives them additional tear strength and better adhesion.
Pros
- Malarkey shingles incorporate recycled materials such as upcycled tires, doing their bit for the environment. Some of their shingles also incorporate 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules.
- Products like the Legacy® series offer high impact resistance (Class 4 impact resistance) and long-term durability.
- The company’s prime offering, NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt, is innovative and enhances the strength and resilience of its shingles.
Cons
- Malarkey is an industry leader when it comes to innovation, their shingles have 50% more adhesion and twice the rain seals than regular shingles. This can make these high-performance shingles more expensive.
- Certain product lines may not be available in all regions.
Best Malarkey Shingles
- Highlander®: Ideal for homeowners seeking an economical yet resilient roofing option.
- Vista®: Best for those needing superior impact resistance and environmental benefits.
- Legacy® Scotchgard™: Suitable for homeowners looking for the highest durability and algae resistance.
#5 CertainTeed
CertainTeed is a prominent name in the building materials industry, known for its extensive range of high-quality roofing shingles. Founded in 1904, the company has over a century of experience and a reputation for providing superior shingles.
The Landmark® shingles, including Landmark Pro, are among the best architectural roof shingles. They use the company’s proprietary technologies such as StreakFighter® algae resistance. Their 3-tab roof shingle XT™ 25 is one of the best 3-tab shingles around. They also offer Solstice® Shingles, which combine the look of asphalt shingles with solar technology.
This popular brand is also committed to sustainability. The company has implemented recycling technologies to reclaim post-industrial and post-consumer shingle scrap, which is then used in new products.
Pros
- CertainTeed roofing shingles use innovations like StreakFighter algae resistance and CertaSeal® adhesive to enhance shingle performance and longevity.
- The company’s recycling initiatives and energy-efficient products contribute to environmental conservation.
Cons
- Though CertainTeed has improved the warranties offered, they are still lower than other top shingle brands. Also, some customers have faced difficulties in claiming the warranties.
Best CertainTeed Shingles
- Landmark Pro: Offers a balance of durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for most homeowners.
- Grand Manor®: Ideal for those who are seeking shingles that resemble the look of slate and come with a Class A fire rating and Class 4 impact rating.
#6 IKO
Next on our list of best roofing shingles is IKO. The company has more than 20 manufacturing facilities around the world and also offers insulation products.
A popular choice is the IKO’s Cambridge® series. This laminated architectural shingle range combines durability with an attractive appearance. The Dynasty® shingles are known for their superior wind resistance, featuring the proprietary ArmourZone® technology. IKO also offers the Royal Estate™ series, which provides a slate-like appearance for a luxurious look.
Pros
- IKO has a wide range of shingles and each of them performs well. Their laminated shingles are quite durable.
- The cost of IKO shingles is lower than other popular roof shingle brands.
Cons
- Some have reported their IKO shingles deteriorating prematurely.
Best Rated Roof Shingles From IKO
- Cambridge: Great for homeowners looking for a balance of cost, durability, and appearance.
- Dynasty: These heavyweight shingles are larger in size and come in a wide variety of colors.
#7 Tamko
Tamko has been a significant player in the roofing industry for over 80 years. Based in Joplin, Missouri, Tamko is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and American-made products. Though their product offering is extensive, Tamko broke through the scene with their premium architectural shingles, Titan XT®.
Voted as the 2024 Product of the Year by Kantar, these shingles incorporate advanced technologies such as the AnchorLock™ layer and a large Rapid Fire Zone® nailing area for easier installation. They also come with a wind warranty of 160 mph, which is amongst the highest for an architectural roof shingle.
Pros
- Tamko shingles are built to last, with many products featuring enhanced wind and impact resistance.
- The company offers a wide range of colors and styles. Their vibrant color options allow homeowners to find the perfect match for their property.
Cons
- Tamko shingles may not be as known or trusted compared to larger brands like GAF and Owens Corning.
- Certain customers have faced the issue of delamination and premature aging of these roof shingles.
Popular Products That Tamko Offers
- Titan XT: The company’s most successful shingle features a wider nail area and a better seal than other products. This is a good choice if your area faces severe weather conditions.
- Heritage®: This laminated asphalt shingle is ideal for homeowners seeking a balance of durability, classic aesthetics, and affordability.
Install High-Quality Shingles From The Best Contractors In Wisconsin
When it comes down to it, even the best-rated shingles won’t perform to their full potential without proper installation. That’s where we come in. At Prestige Roofing, we’re not just experts in roofing materials – we’re experienced, licensed, and insured installers. Our team of skilled contractors has years of experience working with all the top shingle brands.
Plus, we are Atlas PRO+™ Diamond Level contractors. Contact us today at (920) 791-0414.