Considering getting new shingles? On this blog, we’ve talked about different shingle materials, but it’s important to consider not just the material, but the brand as well.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingle material because of their economical pricing, long lifespan for the low price, little need for maintenance, easy and quick installation, and wide assortment of colors, patterns, and sizes.

Asphalt shingles are made from a core of asphalt-coated fiberglass which is then coated with ceramic granules, and come in two main categories:

  • 3-Tab: the traditional, one-layered strip shingle style which has dwindled in popularity and is now rarely used.
  • Architectural Laminates: Laminated multi-layer shingles which can be styled in a multitude of looks and shapes, last longer, and are preferred by most homeowners today.

Since asphalt shingles are the most commonly considered type of shingles for residential homes (refer to this article if you are considering a different shingle material: https://www.bigfishcontracting.com/residential-roofing-options-pros-and-cons-of-shingle-roofing/), this article will focus on different shingle manufacturing brands for asphalt shingles in order for you to choose the right one for your home.

 

There are many deciding factors which affect your choice of brand, including price, longevity, quality of the shingle itself and the shingle installation process, appearance, and functionality.

In regards to longevity and quality, you’ll only be looking for the highest fire rating shingles—Class A—and a good warranty. A good Limited Lifetime warranty should replace defective materials and reimburse removal and installation for a limited time. A typical Limited Lifetime warranty for asphalt shingles extends up to 50 years.

Every brand seems to claim they are the best, which can make it difficult for customers like you to make the best choice for you. Though there are dozens of brands that we could touch on in this blog post, we narrowed it down to the top five brand choices to make it easier for you.

The five major brands of asphalt shingles in the northern midwest region of the country are Certainteed, GAF, Owen’s Corning, Malarkey, and IKO. As we compare these brands, we will be looking at primarily Architectural Laminate shingles as they are the higher-quality shingle (and the brand’s quality will remain consistent with whatever shingle type you choose).

  1. CertainTeed

CertainTeed is our #1 brand recommendation. They are a leading manufacturer in the U.S. and Canada, with 65 facilities in between the two countries. They carry an extremely wide variety of different shingles for both residential and commercial roofs, and their asphalt shingles are typically the heaviest out of the five brands. Heavy shingles, while they can be more expensive, are usually a longer-lasting shingle with more definition. CertainTeed’s warranty is the best one out there, covering damages from nearly everything: including manufacturing defects, weathering, workmanship. CertainTeed’s most popular asphalt shingle line is the Landmark line, which offers the highest quality and a high-end look at an affordable price with a great warranty.

 

CertainTeed’s asphalt shingles:

  • Material—
    • Heaviest weight, ensuring the highest quality
    • Mimics the natural slate/shake appearance
    • Class A fire rating, 110+ mph wind rating, and algae-resistant
  • Warranty—
    • 50 Year Limited Lifetime Warranty which includes:
      • 10-year SureStart™ warranty that covers 100% of replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects
      • 15-year StreakFighter® warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae—the best warranty available against shingle streaking.
      • 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty, which can be upgraded to up to 130 mph
    • Lifespan—
      • Can last up to 40 years with high-quality shingles and proper maintenance
    • Pricing—
      • Similar to GAF and Owen’s Corning

2. GAF

GAF, founded in 1886, has been the largest roofing manufacturer in North America for a long time, and they were the first manufacturer to introduce a Lifetime Limited Warranty in 2011. The GAF Golden Pledge® Warranty is a great one, covering the entire roof, including installation, removal, and disposal costs—but you must purchase at least 3-5 qualifying GAF accessories along with your shingles. This warranty is about the same as CertainTeed’s 5-Star Warranty in both coverage and pricing. Their upscale high-quality shingles with an appealing array of designs and colors are popular with customers, and GAF’s featured asphalt shingles are from the Timberline HD line.

GAF’s asphalt shingles:

  • Material—
    • Comes in an array of colors and adds curb appeal
    • Class A Fire rating and 110+ mph wind rating
  • Warranty—
    • 50 Year Lifetime limited warranty with non-prorated coverage for the first 10 years
      • OR pay to upgrade to System Plus Warranty or Golden Pledge® Warranty
      • GAF’s warranties do not cover workmanship
    • Lifespan–
      • Can last up to 35 years with high-quality shingles and proper maintenance
    • Pricing—
      • Similar to CertainTeed and Owen’s Corning

3. Owen’s Corning

 

Owen’s Corning has been serving happy customers as a Fortune 500 company for almost 60 years, and they successfully position themselves on excellent insulation and long shingle life. Their shingles feature the innovative SureNail® design nail strips which hold up well against wind and weathering and prevents the separation of individual shingles. The “high-end” look gives you a roof that looks more expensive than it actually is, and the company actually specializes in creating the fiberglass that asphalt shingles are made up of. Their best asphalt shingle line is the Duration line, primarily because of durability and appearance.

Owen’s Corning asphalt shingles:

  • Material—
    • Class A fire rating
    • SureNail® technology nail strips
    • 3-6 bundles per square (a heavier shingle)
    • 130 mph wind resistance
  • Warranty—
    • 50 Year Limited Lifetime warranty—
      • —You will be reimbursed for failed materials but you’ll have to pay for removal, disposal, and installation (unless you pay a considerable amount to upgrade your warranty)
    • Lifespan—
      • Can last up to 40 years with high-quality shingles and proper maintenance
    • Pricing—
      • Similar to CertainTeed and GAF

4. Malarkey Roofing Products

 

While the first three brands listed are comparable in price, Malarkey is considerably less expensive. The strong and innovative brand focuses on long-term sustainable performance in both residential and commercial settings. Malarkey, located in the northern and midwestern regions of the country, sets itself apart with shingles that are uniquely designed with an effective nailing strip, algae-resistant, and rubberized. Their best shingles come from the Legacy line.

Malarkey Roofing Products Shingles:

  • Materials—
    • Extreme Weather Protection
    • Scotchgard™ Protector against algae
    • Class 4 Impact Resistance and Class A Fire Rating
    • Granule protection preserves appearance and resists sun damage
    • Inexpensive and light shingle
  • Warranty—
    • 50 Year Limited Lifetime Material Warranty
    • 110 Mph Wind Warranty
      • 130 Mph Wind Warranty upgrade potentially available for purchase
    • Lifespan—
      • Shorter roof life – can last up to 25 years with high-quality shingles and proper maintenance
    • Pricing—
      • Less expensive than CertainTeed, GAF, and Owen’s Corning, but more expensive than IKO

5. IKO

IKO is a family-based, global roofing company that has been around for over 60 years. They specialize in asphalt and actually make their own raw shingle materials such as the granules, minerals, and fiberglass or by getting their materials from another company within their own family of companies. By doing this, IKO is able to ensure their standard of quality and save their customers money. IKO is the most economical option of all five of these brands, and their most popular shingle is the Cambridge shingle line.

IKO asphalt shingles:

  • Materials—
    • High-end designer look for a low price
    • Class A Fire Rating and 110 mph wind resistance
    • Resistant to wind and algae
  • Warranty—
    • 50 Year Limited Lifetime warranty which provides less coverage after 10-15 years
    • 110 mph wind protection
      • 130 mph wind protection is available with an upgrade
    • Lifespan—
      • Can last up to 35 years with a high-quality shingle and proper maintenance
    • Pricing—
      • Most affordable option of the five brands

While taking in all of these factors about the shingle brand itself, it is also important to consider the environment and architectural style of your home and how compatible or incompatible these would be with a specific brand.

Since there are many deciding factors in what shingle brand you should go with, we recommend that you contact one to three professionals to help you make this decision.

At the end of the day, even if you choose the highest quality shingle with the best warranty, this won’t matter if it is not installed properly. The vast majority of roof problems come from incorrect installation, so it is imperative that you hire a certified contractor for your manufacturer.

 If you’d like any questions answered or a free consultation, call Erik Dieringer at 262-470-1114 or email erik@bigfishcontracting.com.