10 Best Asphalt Shingles for Durability and Aesthetics

Introduction

When it comes to choosing the right roofing material for your home, chances are that you have at least considered using asphalt roofing tiles. If you have started the process of trying to pick out the perfect choice for you for the first time, your head might be spinning from the number of options and variables to consider when choosing the right roofing shingle for your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

This article is intended to demystify the world of asphalt shingles.

Brief Overview of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofing shingles come in a variety of colors, shapes, and materials. The three most basic categories are three-tab, architectural, and luxury.

Three-tab shingles are among the most common roofing materials because they are affordable and simple to install.

Architectural shingles are a little more heavy-duty and more weather-resistant. They are about 50% heavier than three-tab shingles and are made with more material in each individual shingle.

Luxury shingles, as the name implies, are the top-of-the-line in the world of asphalt shingles. They come at a higher cost but are often more aesthetically pleasing and durable.

Importance of Durability and Aesthetics in Shingles

Whether it is for a home you are about to sell, rent, or keep for the rest of your life, your roof's visual and physical aspects are important to consider. Durability seems obviously important to prevent constant expensive repairs or loss of energy efficiency, but a roof that isn’t durable may cost you much more in the long run due to the less obvious damage that can occur to the structure beneath those shingles.

Aesthetics are important to whoever lives in the home and whoever may buy or rent the home next. Choosing the right color, material, and design for your roof may make you more money simply off of the curb appeal of your home to potential buyers or renters.

The Criteria for Selection

Durability Factors

Several factors make every roof unique. The specific type of shingles is an essential factor but only one of many. The shape of your roof, the weather in your area, and surrounding trees or foliage can all affect the lifespan and effectiveness of your roof. Knowing these factors of durability is key when it comes to choosing shingles for your home.

Aesthetic Consideration

Choosing shingles for durability is the most critical factor for the majority of shingle shoppers. Aesthetics are a close second. Choosing the right aesthetic for your home could add or subtract from the value of your home by the thousands. A quick look into some of the best-selling shingles in your area could help you make a timeless choice. However, if you want to express your specific style, be sure to check out a wide variety of options and utilize online tools to try and see what different shingles might look like on your roof.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

You may notice several options from the same brands on this list. Part of that is because of brand recognition and the warranties that come with some of these products. A company doesn’t have to be widely recognized to have a great product, but there is usually a good reason certain companies rise to the top of an industry. Always look closely at the details of shingle warranties and ask questions from the vendor or manufacturer if you need further information.

Top 10 Asphalt Shingles

Legacy Scotchgard Super-Durable Line

https://www.malarkeyroofing.com/products/shingles-overview/legacy-scotchgard-shingles/

Legacy Scotchgard shingles are a great option if you live in a place that will likely make your roof stand up to impact. Impact damage could be caused by falling limbs from storms and hail. In fact, these shingles claim to be resistant to all forms of inclement weather.

IKO Cambridge Natural-Look Series

https://www.iko.com/na/residential-roofing-shingles/architectural/cambridge/

These architectural shingles from IKO, The Cambridge shingles, mimic naturally occurring colors and patterns to give your home or business a timeless, rustic look with the added benefits of modern design and durability. They have several color options to match your unique style and preference.

Pinnacle Pristine Weather-Resistant Model

https://www.atlasroofing.com/products/roof-shingles/pinnacle-pristine-shingles?awi=d34449124957b8bab989f8cb7d8b0dbd

Pinnacle Pristine shingles protect your home from the elements. They are rated for impact and offer protection from winds of over 100 mph! No matter your area's conditions, these shingles are designed to weather the storm and keep your home safe.

GAF RoofCycle Series Eco-Friendly Choice

https://www.gaf.com/en-us/resources/roofing-technology/asphalt-shingle-recycling

GAF has multiple entries on this list, and for good reason. They have a wide array of shingles that are trusted for different jobs. These, in particular, are made with about 7% recycled materials. Just because they are made from recycled shingles doesn’t mean they are inferior.

GAF Timberline HDZ Architectural Shingles

https://www.gaf.com/en-us/roofing-materials/residential-roofing-materials/shingles/timberline-hdz

Another offering from GAF is their HDZ architectural shingles, which offer a great combination of value and durability. A step above the basic, three tab shingle, these are likely to look better and perform better for a longer period of time.

GAF Royal Sovereign Budget-Friendly Choice

https://www.gaf.com/en-us/roofing-materials/residential-roofing-materials/shingles/royal-sovereign

Despite the name “Royal Sovereign,” these shingles are quite approachable and accessible to most roofing budgets. They are made by GAF and are a great option for an affordable roof that still offers good durability and longevity, especially when properly maintained.

Tamko High-Definition Colors

https://www.tamko.com/all-shingle-colors

Some of these shingles by Tamko are absolutely stunning. They come in an array of high-definition colors bound to make a statement. What that statement is is up to you. Whether you want your roof in a deep, mossy green or a contrasting pattern of grays and blacks, Tamko likely has a vivid shingle option for you.

Owens Corning Duration Series Impact-Resistant Shingles

​​https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/duration-series-shingles

Owens Corning is another well-known brand that offers a variety of roofing products. The Duration Series shingles, as the name implies, are designed with a patented technology that makes them stand out among competitors and stand up against impact. They even boast about their shingles’ performance against a hurricane on their website!

Owens Corning Cool Roofing Energy-Efficient Design

https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/blog/cool-roofing-shingles

Who doesn’t want a cool roof? With these Cool-Roofing shingles from Owens Corning, that is what you get both literally and figuratively. These shingles are great for areas that get a lot of heat and sun. The shingles are designed to be energy efficient and reflect some of the sun’s potential harm.

GAF Camelot II Luxury Collection

https://www.gaf.com/en-us/roofing-materials/residential-roofing-materials/shingles/camelot-ii

Yet another offering from GAF, the Camelot II luxury asphalt shingles are well luxurious. Don’t think that these vibrant shingles are just a pretty face, though. Along with their beautiful colors and designs, these shingles back up their name by being incredibly durable. These shingles are designed to fight against the growth of unsightly algae and offer a warranty against certain algae-related discoloration.b

Features to Consider When Choosing Asphalt Shingles

Lifespan and Warranty

When browsing through types of shingles, you will likely see some kind of claim regarding the lifespan of the shingle. Several factors go into that estimation, but that is exactly what it is—an estimation. Other brands offer some type of guarantee for their product. Be sure to read the details and ask the salesman any specific questions you can think of about their warranty.

Weather Resistance

Depending on where you live, your roof could face damage from wind, rain, snow, hail, or extreme heat. When choosing the right shingle for your home or business, you should consider the type of damage from the elements that you need to guard against. There are several shingles on this list that are weather-resistant, but for added protection, you can use GoNano’s nanoparticle roof treatment.

Energy Efficiency

The shingles that you select could have a lasting impact, good or bad, on the overall energy efficiency of your home. Choosing the wrong asphalt shingles for your home could cost you thousands of dollars in the long run. Remember, a roof is an investment that spans multiple decades, and the dollars can really add up when your home isn’t as energy-efficient as it could be.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation is crucial for your roof’s overall lifespan. Going with roofing professionals is definitely more expensive than doing it yourself, but aside from the risk associated with climbing atop your roof, if you make mistakes, they could damage the rest of your home.

Maintaining a properly-installed roof, however, is something manageable for the majority of people, and it begins with paying close attention to changes in the condition of the roof. Noticing loose shingles, debris, or standing water on the surface of your roof is the first line of defense against bigger problems down the road.

Conclusion

Summary of Top Picks

Final Thoughts on Selecting the Right Shingle for Your Home

Remember that this is just a guide suggesting some of the many shingle brands and styles out there. The best shingle is the one that reflects your specific needs and desires. At the end of the day, it is your roof, and you will be the one responsible for having it installed, maintaining it, and looking at it. Use this guide as information to help you make a more informed decision. Whatever roofing shingle you go with, GoNano likely has a product that will help improve the quality of your roof.