This list goes over six of the best options for shingles available in 2022. Our picks cover various different styles, brands, and options to choose from that are all highly rated. Each of these shingles has been positively reviewed by professionals and homeowners alike, so you know you are getting a quality product. In the end, we provide a buyer’s guide with some helpful hints and things to consider when making a final choice for shingles, so you have as much information as possible before settling on a single option.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |  | GAF Timberline Shingles | | CHECK PRICE |
Best Architectural  |  | Owens Corning TruDefinition | | CHECK PRICE |
Best 3-Tab  |  | GAF Royal Sovereign | | CHECK PRICE |
| Best Warranty |  | Atlas Pinnacle Pristine | | CHECK PRICE |
| Most Durable |  | Atlas StormMaster | | CHECK PRICE |
The 6 Best Roof Shingles
1. GAF Timberline Shingles — Best Overall
| Type: | Architectural |
| Material: | Asphalt |
| Color Options: | Yes |
GAF Timberline shingles are some of the best on the market due to a combination of value, performance, and features. GAF Timberline shingles are architectural, which means that they have more volume to their appearance than typical 3-tab shingles without the high price that some brands charge. GAF Timberline shingles also have the best fire rating available, which helps protect your roof in the event of the unthinkable. In addition to all of that, GAF also provides a limited lifetime transferable warranty as well as a unique nailing strip that gives Timberline a 99.9% accuracy rating during installation.
There are a few downsides to Timberline shingles other than some minor issues with the warranty. Roofing warranties are very particular about who and how a roof gets installed. GAF has some stipulations about the qualifications of the contractors that install their shingles. Not following the warranty to the letter could lead to decreased warranty coverage. Otherwise, these shingles are a near-perfect blend of affordability, features, and performance which make them some of the best-selling and best-reviewed roofing products on the market today.
Pros
- Affordable
- Great features
- Good warranty
- 12 color options
Cons
- Particular warranty
2. Owens Corning TruDefinition — Best Architectural
| Type: | Architectural |
| Material: | Asphalt |
| Color Options: | Yes |
Owens Corning TruDefinition shingles are great architectural products that aim to give homeowners the best-looking roof possible. TruDefinition shingles use proprietary color technology to offer the richest and most vibrant colors possible. These excellent color options really make the volume of the architectural shingles pop, providing a great aesthetic that is unrivaled. If you are looking for a roof with a lot of texture and character, you will want to give TruDefinition a serious look.
These shingles also come with a warranty that covers winds up to 130 mph, which will be more than enough for the vast majority of markets. Owens Corning also treats their TruDefinition shingles with a special anti-algae coating which keeps your roof free from grime and mildew and further protects the excellent appearance of their product.
The biggest downside to TruDefinition shingles is that they are more expensive than some other similar brands. If you are stuck on a tight budget, these shingles might not be the most affordable option available to you.
Pros
- Best looking shingles
- Lots of color options
- Anti-algae coating standard
Cons
- Pricey
Find a roofing specialist in your area, and get free, no-commitment estimates for your project.Consult a Roofing expert
3. GAF Royal Sovereign — Best 3-Tab
| Type: | 3-tab |
| Material: | Asphalt |
| Color Options: | Yes |
GAF Royal Sovereign shingles are standard 3-tab shingles at their best. 3-tab shingles are the most common and affordable type of asphalt shingles available on the market. GAF claims that there have been over 10 billion individual Royal Sovereign shingles installed in the United States alone. These shingles are easy to obtain, easy to install, and come with a 25-year warranty. There are plenty of color options to choose from, and they are affordably priced. GAF has designed these shingles with special micro-weave technology that reduces common problems such as splitting, cracking, and fading that other 3-tab shingles suffer from.
The biggest downside to GAF Royal Sovereign shingles is that they are so common. These shingles are not going to stand out, and they aren’t going to add much in the way of unique curb appeal like some other shingles can. If you are looking for something unique or shingles with more volume than typical 3-tab shingles, Royal Sovereign is not going to appeal to you.
Pros
- Affordable
- Meets most code out of the box
- Good warranty
Cons
- Basic look
4. Atlas Pinnacle Pristine — Best Warranty
| Type: | Architectural |
| Material: | Asphalt |
| Color Options: | Yes |
Getting a roof replaced can be a huge financial burden for average homeowners. It is no surprise then that some people value warranties very highly when choosing a type of shingle for their home. People want to know that their investment is going to be protected. If you are someone who wants to get the best warranty, then you want to look at Atlas Pinnacle Pristine shingles. These architectural shingles have one of the strongest warranties on the market while still being attractive, high-performance shingles.
Atlas offers a lifetime limited warranty, a 10-year non-prorated protection period, a 15-year wind warranty period, and a lifetime Scotchgard warranty. All of that adds up to a serious warranty that beats out most competitors. Pinnacle Pristine shingles are rated to withstand winds up to 130 mph and are protected against streaks, algae and fading.
However, despite the strong warranty protection, there are a couple of downsides. First, to get the maximum warranty protection, the shingles must be installed by certified Atlas Pro Plus contractors. Not many contractors will carry this special certification offered by Atlas, which might leave you hanging in terms of the full warranty protection. Secondly, there are reviews that point out that Atlas shingles do not seal and cure properly in cold and cloudy weather. Atlas suggests installing your shingles in the summer rather than the winter, which might not work for everyone.
Pros
- Great warranty
- Attractive architectural shingles
- Affordable
Cons
- Particular warranty details
- Can’t be installed during the winter
5. Atlas StormMaster — Most Durable
| Type: | Impact Resistant |
| Material: | Fiberglass |
| Color Options: | Yes |
If you are looking for shingles that will be able to hold up under harsh weather conditions, you are going to want to look at StormMaster shingles by Atlas. These shingles are made from extremely tough fiberglass that is mixed with ceramic, granules, and asphalt to create a strong impact-resistant shingle system. StormMaster is the number one rated shingle when it comes to hail protection, and they stood up to 150 mph winds during testing. The result is a product that is much stronger than typical asphalt shingles. The additional strength provided by these shingles can potentially get homeowners discounts on their home insurance as well.
StormMaster shingles are not extremely common, and they are often a special order product which can sometimes raise costs and lead times for a job. StormMaster also requires specialized roofing contractors to install them in order to get Atlas’s best available warranty. These factors can sometimes put off potential buyers. However, if you don’t mind waiting a little longer to receive your product, these are some of the toughest shingles available on the market right now.
Pros
- Top rated in hail protection
- Wind mitigation up to 150 mph
- A unique blend of materials
Cons
- Hard to find
- Requires specialized installation
6. AMAKE Western Red Cedar Shingles — Best Wood Shake
| Type: | Shake |
| Material: | Cedar |
| Color Options: | No |
Not every home is right for asphalt shingles. There are some houses that need traditional wooden shingles. These AMAKE Western Red Cedar Shingles are some of the best wood shakes available on the market today. They are sold in easy-to-haul bundles and are made from the best quality western red cedar. Cedar shingles are required in some niche oceanside markets. They also are used in historic homes and renovations that must stay true to an old style of building.
Cedar shingles can withstand winds approaching 200 mph, they do not rot, they are bug resistant, and they can withstand years of direct sunlight. Anyone who is skeptical about modern asphalt shingles will feel at home choosing to get traditional wood shingles instead.
Despite the numerous benefits of wood shingles, there are some serious downsides as well. First, wood shingles are much more expensive than asphalt shingles. Second, they are not as common as asphalt, so not all contractors are qualified or comfortable installing them, so you might need to look for a specialized contractor to buy and install wood shingles. Lastly, there are no color options like you get with asphalt shingles. You can’t buy green cedar shingles. Cedar also turns grey over time as the wood weathers.
Pros
- Great for seaside homes
- Traditional look
- Durable and weather-resistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to install
- No color options
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Roof Shingles
Different Types of Shingles
This list primarily focuses on traditional asphalt shingles, but there are other types of shingles on the market that have specific uses. There are six different types of shingles available on the market. The six main types of shingles are asphalt, slate, clay, composite, metal, and wood. The vast majority of houses will require basic asphalt shingles for the roof, but there are markets where other types of shingles are viable. For example, some oceanfront homes are best suited for wood shingles. Some historic homes might require slate shingles to meet certain building codes.
Asphalt shingles are the most widely available and the most affordable. Some types of shingles like wood or composite can be two or three times more expensive than typical asphalt shingles. When making a final decision, it is good to know what other options are available, but they won’t be the best choice for every home.
The Best Way To Buy Shingles
The best way to buy shingles is to go through a certified roofing contractor. Contractors often know the local building supply yards better than homeowners, and they can buy shingles in bulk and get special discounts that are not available to individual people. Trying to buy shingles on your own will often cost more money than going through a contractor.
That being said, you can absolutely tell your contractor exactly what type of shingles you want them to buy for you, but the best way to get shingles is through a professional. Shingles also require a lot of extras like nails, starter strips, underlayment, and adhesive that homeowners might not be familiar with but that contractors are familiar with.
Consider Local Brands
All of the shingles on this list are from major brands with mass appeal and availability. However, there are some shingle companies that exist in small markets that don’t exist anywhere else. If your contractor recommends a small local brand, don’t automatically disqualify them. There are good shingle companies that are not available everywhere, such as Malarkey and CertainTeed. Some states like Florida and California have stricter building codes than other states, which makes it so some brands can’t sell in those markets. Doing research on local brands can help build a better comparison than only considering large national brands.
Always Know The Building Codes
If you are going to buy your shingles yourself, it is imperative that you know your local building codes beforehand. Roofs are subject to some of the strictest residential codes and enforcement. There are rules governing how many nails each shingle must have, how much reveal a shingle can have, what kind of backer and adhesive a shingle can use, and more. All of these rules differ from state to state and sometimes from county to county. You do not want to put a roof on or even do a repair job and have it slapped down by the local code enforcement office. A mistake could cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Do not buy any shingles, especially in bulk, before you know that they meet all codes and regulations for your area.
Conclusion
All of these shingles are fantastic options for any roofing project, but this list is in no way exhaustive. Before making a choice, be sure to consult with your roofer, check the local codes and look for local options that might not be available everywhere. It is good to have as much information as possible before settling on a shingle system that will be the best for your individual home.
See also: Architectural Shingles vs. 3-Tab Shingles — Pros, Cons, and Verdict
Featured Image Credit: paulbr75, Pixabay
Contents
- 1 A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
- 2 The 6 Best Roof Shingles
- 2.1 1. GAF Timberline Shingles — Best Overall
- 2.2 2. Owens Corning TruDefinition — Best Architectural
- 3 Consult a Roofing expert
- 3.1 3. GAF Royal Sovereign — Best 3-Tab
- 3.2 4. Atlas Pinnacle Pristine — Best Warranty
- 3.3 5. Atlas StormMaster — Most Durable
- 3.4 6. AMAKE Western Red Cedar Shingles — Best Wood Shake
- 4 Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Roof Shingles
- 4.1 Different Types of Shingles
- 4.2 The Best Way To Buy Shingles
- 4.3 Consider Local Brands
- 4.4 Always Know The Building Codes
- 5 Conclusion
FAQs
What is the best shingle company? ›
- GAF. GAF is one of the industry's top-tier asphalt shingle manufacturers — and the leading roofing manufacturer in North America today. ...
- Owens Corning. ...
- Certainteed. ...
- TAMKO. ...
- IKO. ...
- Atlas. ...
- Malarkey. ...
- Englert.
Most contractors will recommend fiberglass asphalt shingles because they offer better performance. Next, you can refine your choice even further by choosing between three-tab and architectural shingles.
What is the strongest roof for a house? ›If you're looking for the strongest type of roof, you're looking for a DECRA metal roof. Since 1957, DECRA Metal Roofing has set the industry standard for durability and longevity.
What color shingles are best for a house? ›| HOUSE COLOR | BEST MATCHING ROOF SHINGLE COLOR |
|---|---|
| Beige/Cream | Brown, Black, Grey, Green, Blue |
| Brown | Grey, Brown, Green, Blue |
| White | Almost any color including Brown, Grey, Black, Green, Blue, White |
| Weathered Wood or Log Houses | Brown, Green, Black, Grey |
1. Tecta America. New to the list and shooting straight to the top is Tecta America, a commercial roofer based in Rosemont, Illinois.
What is the best and longest lasting roof? ›The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) rates slate as by far the longest lasting roofing material, with a life expectancy of 150+ years, followed closely by clay and concrete at roughly 100 years.
Is GAF or Owens Corning roof better? ›In terms of product quality, GAF and Owens Corning both carry excellent shingles — but GAF shingles offer more protection for wind and hail. And, especially in Michigan weather, that's a necessity!
Which roof type is best? ›The most durable types of roofing are slate and clay tiles but they're more expensive than materials like metal or wood. Functional roofing alternatives like green roofs and solar shingles are among the most expensive types. Replacing an old roof is one of the best and most profitable ways to invest in a home.
What shingles have the best warranty? ›We know better- so we recommend GAF's Lifetime Roofing System with a Golden Pledge Warranty, the industry's best warranty. Lifetime coverage for material defects, and 25 years of workmanship coverage, backed by the nations largest shingle manufacturer.
What is the longest lasting home roof? ›Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing.
What is the best thickness for asphalt? ›
Residential driveways typically use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt with 3 being suitable for occasional large trucks or heavy equipment. Underneath the asphalt you should have 6 to 8 inches of granular base aggregate.
What are the different quality of shingles? ›The three types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. While 3-tab used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury style shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price.
What is better than roof shingles? ›Metal roofing is durable and routinely lasts 2-4 times longer than shingles. Homeowners like the idea of buying only one more roof in their life instead of potentially several. Metal roofing outperforms shingles in cases of hail and other severe weather events.
Should the roof be darker or lighter than the house? ›In the debate over dark vs light-colored roof shingles, lighter ones win hands down when it comes to deflecting heat. In warm climates, heat can build up in the attic, lowering the energy efficiency of a home.
What is the most energy efficient roof? ›Metal roofing is by far one of the best choices you can make for your roof in general. They're the most energy-efficient roof for residential installations, can last more than 50 years, and require very little maintenance. Metal roofs are very reflective, which is why they get so hot to the touch.
Which roof type has the highest cost? ›The most expensive type of roofing material is slate.
For labor and materials, you can expect the cost of a slate roof to start around $15.00 per square foot and has the potential to get up to around $30.00 or more per square foot.
The same rule applies to roof colors. If you're looking for exterior colors that make your house look bigger, lighter colors, like white, pale gray and beige, will handle the job.
What color roof adds value to home? ›If you're someone who needs a more technical answer, this article explains that roofs with good resale value tend to be neutral-colored. This includes tan, brown, black, and gray.
What color roof sells the best? ›The Most Popular Roof Shingle Colors For 2022
light gray. light brown hues—sand, taupe, desert. dark brown hues—autumnal brown, tree bark, weathered wood.
Weather. Weather is the number one enemy of roofers. Extreme weather conditions make it difficult for them to install roofs properly, hence leading to rework or delayed delivery of projects. This is why roofers need to learn the right timing for installation works.
Who owns a best roofing? ›
In 1988, Jim Lane founded A-Best Roofing. It began as a dream of taking a new approach to how other roofing companies did business.
What time of year is best to replace a roof? ›Fall is the universal go-to season for roof replacement. With spring's mild temperatures and early summer's weather consistency, fall is commonly referred to as the best time of year to replace your roof.
What is the lowest maintenance roof? ›Tile roofs are low-maintenance. They don't require the same level of upkeep as other roofing materials, making them a hassle-free choice for busy homeowners.
Is it better to have a lighter or darker colored shingle? ›Light shingles fair better in warmer weather, as light colors tend to deflect sunlight and keep your house cooler. Dark shingles are the opposite; they absorb heat, which makes them excellent for colder climates. They also tend to make snow melt much more quickly.
How does GAF compare to Owens Corning? ›Both brands cover 60 MPH winds and up for 3-tab shingles, but GAF offers a non-prorated wind warranty for architectural shingles and premium shingles for 130+ MPH, while Owens Corning covers just 110+ for many of their premium shingle options.
How long do GAF HDZ shingles last? ›GAF Timberline HDZ
Timberline HDZ roof shingles are covered for a lifetime (50 years). GAF HDZ shingles also protect your home against algae for 10 years. Maximum wind protection for Timberline HDZ roof shingles alone are 130 mph if roof shingles are installed correctly.
GAF Timberline shingles tend to last about 15-25 years. They may not last as long as other types, including metal, copper, and even cedar, but they make up for it in other ways. Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing products on the market today for a number of reasons.
Is GAF or Owens Corning shingles better? ›In terms of product quality, GAF and Owens Corning both carry excellent shingles — but GAF shingles offer more protection for wind and hail. And, especially in Michigan weather, that's a necessity!
Is there such a thing as a 50 year roof shingle? ›50-year shingles and tiles are roofing materials that manufacturers guarantee beyond a standard warranty. 50 year warranties and the quality of the materials vary depending on the manufacturer. Brava offers a transferable 50-year limited warranty on all its products to provide more protection for the homeowners.
What is the difference between HD and HDZ shingles? ›HDZ Shingles
While they cost more than the standard HD line, they offer exceptional value through: More Durability: Compared to the HD line, the HDZ shingles offer much more durability. They were clearly built to last, so you can enjoy them for decades, especially when hiring GAF-certified installers.
What is the most efficient roof color? ›
White is the best color for energy efficiency because of the albedo effect. With a white roof, or a roof with a color that has similarly lighter hues, the sun's rays are reflected instead of absorbed.
Are Owens Corning shingles the best? ›Owens Corning is a name that's been trusted in the roofing industry for generations. Their wide selection of asphalt shingles are some of the best on the market, and every year they set out to continue to prove themselves.
How long will GAF Timberline shingles last? ›GAF Timberline shingles tend to last about 15-25 years. They may not last as long as other types, including metal, copper, and even cedar, but they make up for it in other ways. Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing products on the market today for a number of reasons.
Which shingles are better GAF or Certainteed? ›Many roofers see Certainteed shingles as higher quality than GAF shingles. Some consider GAF looking cheap, but in actuality, the quality is not that different. GAF is lower-cost than Certainteed, but Certainteed shingles come in a wider variety of colors and many prefer the aesthetics of the Certainteed's shingles.
What is a premium shingle? ›Premium Shingles are usually described as laminated shingles that have a differentiated appearance from traditional dimensional shingles. These products may have designs that mimic “old-world” roofing shingles, like natural slate or natural shake shingles, to provide an enhanced aesthetic appeal.
At what age is a roof considered old? ›A roof that is 25 to 30 years or older may require a complete replacement, even if the roof itself appears in good shape from the naked eye. Older roofs were often created with materials that are no longer useful or considered strong today.
Will 30 year shingles last 30 years? ›The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years. That's one of the big misconceptions in the roofing marketplace.
Is Timberline HDZ a 50 year shingle? ›Timberline HDZ roof shingles are covered for a lifetime (50 years). GAF HDZ shingles also protect your home against algae for 10 years. Maximum wind protection for Timberline HDZ roof shingles alone are 130 mph if roof shingles are installed correctly.
Are GAF Ultra HD shingles worth it? ›The look is even better than we had anticipated and hoped. Top quality Made-in-the-USA shingles. We chose GAF Ultra HD shingles and related roofing materials over other alternatives as they are made-in-the USA and have an excellent reputation for quality and a good warranty. they also look very nice.
What does Timberline HDZ stand for? ›Features. America's #1-selling laminated shingles. "High Definition" color blends and enhanced shadow effect for a geninue wood-shake look.