Is it time for a new asphalt shingle roof? Are you wondering what the top shingle brands are to ensure you get a quality roof?
There are plenty of shingle brands and manufacturers that all have something good to offer. And the truth is, every roofing contractor prefers one over the others.
However, some stand out more than others. So, what are the top shingle brands you should consider?
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in giving homeowners the power to make the right decisions on their own. Now, I’ll help you choose a shingle brand by breaking down the top manufacturers.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the following top shingle brands:
- CertainTeed
- GAF
- Owens Corning
- Atlas
- TAMKO
1. CertainTeed
CertainTeed has been one of the leading roofing material and shingle brands in the United States for over 100 years. They offer a wide variety of styles and colors for the three types of asphalt shingles.
They’re best known for the Landmark line of shingles, which I consider the best architectural shingles on the market today. However, they also have the largest selection of luxury (also called designer) shingles of any shingle brand today.
CertainTeed offers warranties on algae resistance, wind resistance, and their trademarked SureStart warranty that covers 100% replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects. While the SureStart period is 10 years, a CertainTeed-certified roofing contractor can offer an extended warranty on architectural and luxury shingles.
At Bill Ragan Roofing, we use CertainTeed because I consider them the highest quality, plus they have the largest selection of shingle options.
2. GAF
GAF is one of the oldest roofing brands and manufacturers in the United States. They offer all three types of shingles but don’t have as many options as CertainTeed.
GAF is one of the most used shingle brands because they have the most popular asphalt shingle lines in America today, Timberline Shingles. But once you get past Timberline, there isn’t really much else to consider.
GAF offers warranties on algae resistance, wind resistance, and their non-prorated Smart Choice Protection Period. Like CertainTeed, GAF-certified roofing contractors can offer an extended or enhanced warranty on architectural or luxury shingles.
3. Owens Corning
Owens Corning is the most recognizable shingle brand after CertainTeed and GAF. They offer a 3-tab shingle, but their only luxury shingle option is currently unavailable.
Instead, Owens Corning is known for their two architectural shingle lines: Oakridge and Duration. Both are decent shingles, but Duration comes with TruDefinition® color options and superior storm damage durability than Oakridge.
Like CertainTeed and GAF, they offer warranties on algae resistance, wind resistance, and their TRU PROtection® Non-Prorated Limited Warranty Period. And if you hire an Owens Corning Roofing Preferred Contractor, you can qualify for the non-prorated extended warranty.
4. Atlas
Atlas is a manufacturer of both residential and commercial roofing products. They do not offer 3-tab or luxury shingles, but they’re multiple architectural shingle lines more than makeup for it.
They have 5 different types of architectural shingles with a variety of colors and styles to give your roof the look you want. Their ProLam architectural shingles are their basic option, but their Pinnacle Pristine line is the most popular that also comes in an impact-resistant and energy-efficient option.
However, their color options are extremely limited compared to the others we’ve already covered. The big thing that sets Atlas apart is the patented process of applying 3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector to prevent black streaks caused by algae.
This allows them to offer a lifetime algae resistance warranty on specific shingles with the Scotchgard applied. On top of this warranty, they also come with a great wind resistance warranty and their Premium Protection NonProrated Period for 10 to 20 years.
If you hire an Atlas Pro+ Contractor, the warranty can be extended to 25 to 50 years.
5. TAMKO
TAMKO has been a shingle brand manufacturer known for quality roofing materials since 1994. They offer all three types of asphalt shingles, but their architectural shingles are their most popular products.
Their basic line is Heritage, but Titan XT and StormFighter Flex shingles are better for storm damage durability. Other than Titan XT, color options are extremely limited for TAMKO shingles.
While their asphalt shingle options aren’t very unique, they also have a steel shingle line called MetalWorks that includes StoneCrest Slate, StoneCrest Tile, and StoneCrest AstonWood Cedar Shake.
TAMKO offers the shortest algae resistance warranty of all major shingle brands, but they still provide a strong wind resistance warranty and a 10-year Full Start® non-prorated warranty period.
Like all the others, you can get an extended warranty by hiring a TAMKO Certified Contractor.
What type of shingle is right for you?
Now you know the top 5 shingle brands. One shingle brand isn’t necessarily better than the other, and every roofing contractor has a preferred brand for one reason or another.
I prefer CertainTeed because of their high-quality and superior warranties, plus I’ve never had to call the warranty department in the 30-plus years I’ve installed their products. The important thing is to talk to your roofing contractor about their preferred brand and make sure they’re certified to offer the best warranties.
But no matter what brand you’re interested in, you still have to pick a specific shingle. The shingle you choose impacts pricing, lifespan, specific warranties, and much more.
That’s why I wrote another article with the information and things to consider so you can confidently make the right decision.
Check out How Do You Choose the Right Asphalt Shingle to learn which shingle is right for you.
