Are CertainTeed Highland Slate Shingles Worth It?

Is it time to replace your asphalt shingle roof? Are you considering CertainTeed’s Highland Slate shingles, or do you just want to know more about them?
Highland Slate shingles are a step up from the standard architectural shingles you see on most homes in the United States. The only problem is that they won’t be the right shingle for many homeowners.
Even though they may not be for everyone, you have to decide if they are for your roof replacement. You can do this by combing through CertainTeed’s website, but this is very time-consuming.
There’s also no guarantee you’ll find the information you need to make the right decision. So, let’s simplify it.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners choose the right shingle based on their specific budget, style, and more. Now, I’ll help you determine if CertainTeed’s Highland Slate shingle is right for you and worth the large investment.
First, you’ll learn basic information about Highland Slate shingles. After that, you’ll learn their color options, warranties, lifespan, and cost so you have what you need to confidently make a decision.
What are CertainTeed Highland Slate shingles?
CertainTeed’s Highland Slate® shingle is a luxury asphalt shingle with a four-tab design that replicates the chiseled form of a natural slate roof. It’s manufactured with an oversized shingle on an extra-heavy mat with ceramic-coated granules for added protection and durability.
(Photo provided by certainteed.com)
The heavy weight makes Highland Slate shingles a durable option and gives them a standard wind rating of 110 mph. On top of the durability, they also come with a Class A Fire Resistance rating.
Like all CertainTeed shingles, they come out of the package with a standard lifetime-limited transferable warranty.
Below are the other manufacturer warranties Highland Slate shingles come with:
- 10-year SureStart™ warranty (covers 100% replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 25-year StreakFighter® warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae
- 15-year 110-mph wind-resistance warranty (upgradable to 130 mph)
CertainTeed’s Highland Slate provides a premium look that closely resembles natural slate. However, it’s a durable option that can stand up to tough weather conditions.
How many color options do Highland Slate shingles have?
Like all other asphalt shingles, Highland Slate shingles come in multiple colors. But because they are specifically designed to look like slate, Highland Slate shingles only have 5 color options.
(Photos provided by certainteed.com)
The colors will mainly have grey/black characteristics, but Weathered Wood does have some brown and red. Just know the availability of specific colors depends on the region.
So, the number of options ultimately depends on what suppliers in your area have in stock.
How long will Highland Slate shingles last?
Highland Slate shingles (and all luxury shingles) are larger and thicker than 3-tab and architectural shingles. The oversized shingles and their heaviness mean Highland Slate shingles should last around 30 years.
In the right conditions, they can potentially last up to 40 or 50 years. I can't be exact because too many factors impact the life of a roof.
However, Highland Slate shingles should reach the 30-year mark as long as they are properly installed and your attic has adequate ventilation.
Can you get an enhanced material warranty on Highland Slate shingles?
Highland Slate shingles come with CertainTeed’s algae, wind resistance, lifetime-limited, and 10-year SureStart™ warranties. However, Highland Slate shingles also qualify for the 50-year non-prorated enhanced SureStart PLUS warranty if the right conditions are met.
To get SureStart Plus enhanced warranty, the shingles must be combined with CertainTeed’s accessories to form a complete roof system and installed by a CertainTeed-certified contractor. This enhanced warranty takes the original protection and extends full coverage for up to 50 years.
Depending on the roofing contractor’s certification level, CertainTeed will even offer a workmanship warranty. Just know that improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation void any material warranty provided by CertainTeed.
How much does a Highland Slate shingle roof cost?
It’s impossible to give you an exact price for Highland Slate shingles due to area-specific pricing and all the other factors that affect a new roof’s cost. However, I can give you an idea of the budget you’ll need for a full roof replacement if you choose Highland Slate asphalt shingles.
A Highland Slate asphalt shingle roof costs around $8.00-$10.00 per square foot, but can be a little lower or higher based on your roof and the roofer you hire. You’ll be on the higher end of the price range if you invest in copper flashing, need to replace a lot of decking, or add upgrades.
To put it into perspective, this is around double the cost of an architectural shingle roof. Unfortunately, this pushes Highland Slate shingles just out of reach for most budgets.
So, are CertainTeed’s Highland Slate shingles worth it?
CertainTeed Highland Slate shingles are a good investment if you have the budget and like the look. The curb appeal, warranties, and lifespan make them a reliable shingle option.
However, I prefer CertainTeed’s Grand Manor or Belmont shingles over Highland Slate. The main reason is their Impact Resistance ratings and multi-layer design, but it’s up to you to decide.
Keep in mind that I never recommend spending an amount you're uncomfortable with just to get Highland Slate shingles. Fortunately, CertainTeed has more affordable options that still come with the high quality you expect.
What other CertainTeed shingles should you consider?
After reading this article, you should have a good idea of whether CertainTeed's Highland Slate shingles are right for you. As I said, they’re a great shingle, but I prefer CertainTeed’s other luxury shingle options.
Just consider your budget, and I’m confident you’ll make the right choice.
But what if Highland Slate shingles out of your price range? What are the other affordable or recommended options I mentioned before?
One of the main reasons CertainTeed is my preferred shingle brand is the high quality across all their shingle lines. Not only do they offer best-in-class warranties, but they have a large selection to fit any style or budget.
That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the other CertainTeed shingles you should consider.
Check out The Top 5 CertainTeed Asphalt Shingles to learn the other great products CertainTeed offers, what they provide, and how they compare on key factors.