Do you need a new asphalt roof? Are you consider luxury shingles to get something a step up from the standard shingle options?
Luxury shingles are the highest quality asphalt roofing material. However, "luxury" is in the name for a reason.
So, you can expect a high price point. Even so, the high price is worth it for what luxury shingles offer.
That's why you need all the key information about luxury shingles to help you decide if they're right for you.
For over 35 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:
Luxury (also called designer or premium) asphalt shingles are the premium line of asphalt shingles designed to look like a slate roof. They are bigger and thicker than other shingles, which makes them the most durable and longest-lasting type available.
Luxury asphalt shingle pros:
Luxury asphalt shingle cons:
Luxury asphalt shingles offer the highest curb appeal and longest lifespan of the three types of asphalt shingles. But the premium traits comes at a premium price point.
In fact, a luxury asphalt shingle roof will be almost double the cost of an architectural asphalt shingle roof.
A luxury asphalt shingle roof should last 30 years with the potential to reach between 40 and 50 years in the right conditions. The long lifespan is due to their thickness and weight, and depending on the manufacturer, some even come with a Class 4 impact resistance rating (the highest possible).
Just keep in mind that multiple factors impact a roof’s lifespan, so it’s always possible for premature failure. But as long as the luxury shingles are properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, you’ll get the most out of them.
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.
A new luxury asphalt shingle roof costs around $8.00 to $10.00 per square foot for labor and materials. The range price isn’t just for the shingles but an entire roof system (shingles and other components), dump fees, and labor costs.
Just keep in mind that the number isn't exact due to all the factors that impact a roof’s cost. In fact, the price get even higher on very complex and steep roofs, especially if you choose to add upgrades (like copper flashing or metal accents).
However, this is a good range for an idea of the budget you’ll need for a new luxury asphalt shingle roof.
Yes, luxury asphalt shingles need maintenance to keep the entire roof system running smoothly. It keeps your luxury shingles 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 luxury shingles’ lifespan if left too long. Trust me, the last thing you want is for a small problem to snowball into an expensive repair and damage your home’s interior after already investing tens of thousands of dollars.
That's why every roofing material, including luxury shingles, needs regular roof maintenance to maximize the lifespan.
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.
You’ll also save money in the long run with durability and long lifespan, 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.
After reading this article, you should have a good idea of whether luxury asphalt shingles are right for you. I think they’re worth the large price tag, but it really depends on your budget.
But unfortunately, most homeowners can't afford a luxury asphalt shingle roof. However, it's up to you make the decision.
Well, you can't make a the final decision without knowing your other asphalt shingle options and how they match up to luxury shingles. 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.