Are you looking for an asphalt shingle that’s a step up from the standard architectural shingle? Is CertainTeed’s Belmont shingle at the top of your list?
The truth is, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better asphalt shingle. Unfortunately, Belmont shingles are not a great fit for many homeowners.
So, you’ll need to decide if they’re worth it for your upcoming roof replacement. You can go on CertainTeed’s website and dig through complex information mainly meant for roofers.
However, this is time-consuming and doesn’t guarantee finding what you need to feel confident about your decision. Let’s simplify it.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in breaking down the roofing industry’s complexities for homeowners. Now, I’ll do the same for Belmont shingles to help you determine if they’re worth the investment.
First, I’ll break down basic information about CertainTeed’s Belmont shingles. After that, we’ll get into whether they’re worth it for you based on color options, warranties, lifespan, and cost.
What are CertainTeed Belmont shingles?
CertainTeed’s Belmont shingles are a luxury asphalt shingle line designed to look like natural slate with multi-positioned tabs to provide realistic depth and dimension. Belmont shingles are composed of a fiberglass mat base with ceramic-coated granules tightly embedded in water-resistant asphalt, while the laminated tabs are adhered in asphaltic cement.
They are specifically designed to resist algae growth to avoid unsightly black streaks. On top of algae resistance, their Underwriters Laboratories (UL) classification means Belmont shingles meet strict industry standards for quality, safety, and performance.
These classifications include:
- Class A fire resistance
- Class 3 impact resistance rating
- Tear resistance
- Wind resistance
The information above is for the AR version of Belmont shingles, which simply stands for Algae Resistance. However, CertainTeed also makes Belmont IR shingles (Impact Resistant).
The only difference between the two is Belmont IR shingles have an added reinforcement on the underside of the fiberglass mat. This gives them a Class 4 Impact Resistance (highest possible), which makes them more durable to hail damage.
Are CertainTeed Belmont shingles worth it?
Now you know what CertainTeed Belmont shingles are and basic information, such as look, how they're made, and lab classifications. However, you can decide if they’re worth it without digging deeper.
Below, we’ll review the following things to help you determine if CertainTeed’s Belmont shingles are right for you:
- Color options
- Warranties
- Lifespan
- Cost
How many color options does CertainTeed offer for Belmont shingles?
Like all CertainTeed shingles, Belmont shingles have multiple color options. However, the slate look limits the range.
With that in mind, Belmont asphalt shingles have 6 color options.
The slate-like design means there’s a lot of gray and black, but there are red, brown, and green hues to offer a unique look. Just keep in mind the availability of the specific colors depends on the region and what suppliers have in stock.
What warranties come with CertainTeed Belmont shingles?
Belmont shingles come with CertainTeed's standard lifetime-limited warranty against manufacturing defects. However, they come with more warranties to back up the main performance features.
Belmont shingles also come with:
- 10-year SureStart™ warranty (covers 100% replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 30-year StreakFighter® warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae
- 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty (130 mph upgrade available with CertainTeed starter and CertainTeed hip and ridge)
Just know Belmont’s SureStart warranty can be upgraded to a SureStart PLUS 20 to 50-year extended warranty. To get this enhanced warranty, all roofing components must come from CertainTeed and be installed by a CertainTeed Credentialed contractor.
The length and what’s covered depends on the roofing contractor's certification level. If you hire a 5-Star certified roofer, CertainTeed will even provide a workmanship warranty for up to 10 or 25 years.
How long do CertainTeed Belmont shingles last?
A CertainTeed Belmont shingle roof should last at least 30 years after installation. In perfect conditions, it could even get up to 40 or 50 years.
Their longer lifespan compared to 3-tab and architectural shingles comes down to them being thicker, larger, and heavier. Just keep in mind that many factors determine how a roof lasts, so it’s impossible to determine an exact lifespan.
Also, Belmont IR may last longer than the standard AR version simply because of the added reinforcement. But no matter which Belmont shingle you choose, they’ll get to 30 years as long as they’re properly installed and your attic has adequate ventilation.
How much does a CertainTeed Belmont shingle roof cost?
The biggest factor in determining if Belmont asphalt shingles are worth it is cost. I can’t give you exact pricing due to all the factors that go into a new roof’s cost.
With that in mind, a Belmont asphalt shingle roof should cost around $8.00-$10.00 per square foot. You’ll be on the higher end of the price range if you invest in copper flashing, need to replace a lot of decking, add upgrades, or get the IR version.
This price range puts Belmont shingles outside of many budgets, especially considering it will be almost double the cost of an architectural shingle roof. However, this is for every individual homeowner to decide.
Did you decide if CertainTeed's Belmont shingles are right for you?
At this point, you know pretty much everything a homeowner needs to decide if Belmont shingles are worth the investment. In my opinion, Belmont shingles are well worth the investment.
The high curb appeal, long lifespan, and durability make them a great option for any home. And with CertainTeed’s warranties, your investment will be protected.
However, you need to strongly consider your situation to ensure you make the right decision. I never recommend breaking the bank just to afford a luxury shingle line, so pricing disqualifies Belmont shingles from a lot of budgets.
Another thing to keep in mind is how long you plan on being in your home. While a Belmont shingle roof will increase your home’s value, it might not make sense if you plan on moving in the near future.
What other CertainTeed shingles should you consider?
After reading this article, you should have a good idea of whether CertainTeed's Belmont shingles are worth the investment. While I think they are, it’s up to every individual homeowner to decide.
Just consider your budget and how long you plan on living in your home. However, can you really make the right decision without knowing the other available options?
CertainTeed is my preferred brand simply because of the quality and the warranties they provide. So, let's look at CertainTeed’s other top shingles to see how they compare to their Belmont shingles to ensure you choose the right one.
Check out The Top 5 CertainTeed Asphalt Shingles to learn which CertainTeed shingle is right for your upcoming roof replacement.
