Do you need a new asphalt roof? Are you looking for something a step up from the standard shingle options?
If this sounds like you, luxury asphalt shingles may be right for you. However, you can’t make the right decision without knowing what they are or what they offer.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided homeowners with the transparent information they need to choose the right roofing material. That’s why I’ll break down what you need to know about luxury asphalt shingles.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn the answers to the following questions:
- What are luxury asphalt shingles?
- How long do luxury asphalt shingles last?
- What kind of material warranty do you get on luxury asphalt shingles?
- How much does a luxury asphalt shingle roof cost?
- Do luxury asphalt shingles require maintenance?
- Are luxury asphalt shingles worth the investment?
What are luxury asphalt shingles?
Luxury (also called designer) asphalt shingles are the premium line of asphalt shingles designed to look like a slate roof. This gives them an incredibly high curb appeal that’s guaranteed to stand out from the commonly used architectural shingles.
Luxury asphalt shingles are also bigger and thicker than other shingles, which makes them the most durable asphalt roofing material. However, the higher curb appeal and increased durability are costly.
In fact, a luxury asphalt shingle roof will be almost double the cost of an architectural asphalt shingle roof.
How long do luxury asphalt shingles last?
A new roof increases home value and improves curb appeal, but the main ROI is how long it lasts. A luxury asphalt shingle roof should last 30 years with the potential to reach between 40 and 50 years in the right conditions.
Their long lifespan is due to their thickness and weight, which makes them the longest-lasting shingle type. Depending on the manufacturer, some even come with a Class 4 impact resistance rating (the highest possible) to withstand hail damage.
Just keep in mind that multiple factors impact a roof’s lifespan, so it’s always possible for premature failure. But as long as they’re properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, you’ll get the most out of luxury asphalt shingles.
What kind of material warranty do you get on luxury asphalt shingles?
Luxury asphalt shingles come with a basic 30-year material warranty (prorated after 10 years) from the manufacturer to cover defective material. On top of the main material warranty, luxury shingles also come with algae and wind resistance warranties.
However, you can upgrade to an enhanced warranty by investing in a full roof system from a single manufacturer and hiring a certified roofer. This 50-year non-prorated warranty ensures the manufacturer covers your entire roof system (luxury shingles and the other roofing components) for the life of the roof.
If just one component fails, they'll pay to replace your entire asphalt roof (labor and materials). These enhanced warranties vary across shingle manufacturers and depend on the roofer’s certification level, so keep that in mind when getting estimates.
How much does a luxury asphalt shingle roof cost?
It’s impossible to provide an exact price for a new luxury asphalt shingle roof due to all the factors that impact a roof’s cost. However, I can give you a rough estimate for an idea of the budget you’ll need.
Keep in mind that the range price below isn’t just for the shingles but an entire roof system (shingles and other components), dump fees, and labor costs.
For a two-story house with a complex roof and no easy access point, you can expect a new luxury asphalt shingle roof to cost around $8.00 to $10.00 per square foot. It can get even higher on very complex and steep roofs, plus adding upgrades (like copper flashing or metal accents).
Do luxury asphalt shingles require maintenance?
Just like you take your car in for oil changes, luxury asphalt shingles need maintenance to keep the entire roof system running smoothly. No matter the material, regular roof maintenance is one of the best ways to maximize any roof’s lifespan.
It keeps your luxury shingles and roof system fully functioning, catches future problems, and prevents leaks before they start. Roof maintenance is also the perfect opportunity to clear sitting debris that can shorten the shingles’ lifespan if left too long.
The last thing you want is for a small problem to snowball into an expensive repair and damage your home’s interior after investing tens of thousands of dollars. You’ll avoid this with roof maintenance, which saves you more money in the long run.
Are luxury asphalt shingles worth the investment?
At this point, you have a good idea of what luxury asphalt shingles offer. But are they worth the expensive price tag?
In my opinion, luxury asphalt shingles are well worth the initial investment. They greatly increase your home’s curb appeal, offer a long lifespan, and come with great warranties.
When you put all these together, they increase your home’s value, too. You’ll also save money in the long run, with them lasting almost twice as long as the other asphalt shingles.
However, I never recommend overextending your budget just to afford luxury asphalt shingles. So, don’t break the bank if the pricing isn’t within your means.
How do the other asphalt shingles compare to luxury shingles?
After reading this article, you should have a good idea of whether luxury asphalt shingles are right for you. As I just said, I think they’re worth the large price tag.
However, it really depends on how much you’re willing to spend. Now, all that's left is to decide if they're right for you.
But before making the final decision, you need to know your other asphalt shingle options. Not only that, you also need to know how they match up.
That’s why I wrote another article comparing the three types of asphalt shingles on key decision-making factors.
Check out 3-tab vs. Architectural vs. Luxury Shingles to learn which asphalt shingle is right for you and your budget.
