Best Asphalt Shingles For 2023 (Homeowner’s Choice)

No matter where you live in North America, when it comes to selecting a roofing material, asphalt roof shingles are sure to be in the running. Sure, they are the most popular shingles, but it is important that you make a decision to buy material for your roof only after you learn about it.

So welcome to Asphalt Shingles 101. In this following guide, we’ll show you the basics of everything related to asphalt shingles and your roof. We’ll explain what they are, why they’re used so much, how long they last, and more. And at last, we will reveal the top 5 roofing manufacturers homeowners prefer for asphalt shingles. So if you are looking to install an asphalt shingle roof on your home, then just sit back, be comfortable and read this guide. We’re about to demystify the fun and exciting world of home roofing shingles.

What Is Asphalt Shingle?

Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing material that is made up of a mix of organic materials and asphalt (a black, sticky material used in roofing). Asphalt is the main ingredient in asphalt shingle production; it’s what makes them durable and resistant. If we talk in terms of the percentage of asphalt, the total content of these shingles ranges from 70-80 percent.

On the other hand, the rest of the part includes organic compounds, which include cellulose fiber, which is derived from wood or other plants.

These come in a variety of quality and colors. The types of asphalt roof shingles are explained below.

What Are The Types of Asphalt Shingles?

Almost everyone has heard about asphalt shingles, but very few know that there are three broad categories in which asphalt roof shingles are classified. Each of them differs in its quality, composition as well as price. Look for the one that best suits your needs.

A. 3 Tab shingles: The Traditional Ones

3 Tab shingles are the oldest and most traditional roofing materials in North America. These are known for their affordability, being the most cost-effective of the shingles lot. The shingles are also known as 3-tabs because they have three tabs per shingle. These tabs allow for easy installation and removal from the roof. These are lightweight and only have one layer of shingle material.

B. Architectural Roof Shingles: The Dimensional Ones

These are an advancement when we compare them with basic shingles. Dimensional or architectural shingles have two layers of shingles bonded together to give a dimensional look.

These offer more design options than standard 3 tabs because they come with a wider range of colors/grayscale options plus some have textured designs that mimic natural materials like wood shakes (the most popular pattern here) but cost less than actual wood shake materials making them great value investments over time when compared against other options.

C. Luxury Asphalt Shingles: The Premium Ones

These are your premium shingle range. These are way costlier than other asphalt shingle types but offer the most features as well. This is the roofing material that is extremely pleasing to see and offers high-class wind as well as fire resistance. So if you want a luxurious look for your roof in the form of slate and can shed a few bucks, then you can definitely consider this roof.

Pros

For a material that is one of the most popular roofing materials in North America, it should offer a lot of advantages. Asphalt shingles come with a lot of advantages, some of which are given below.

1. Asphalt Shingles Are An Affordable Roofing Material

Asphalt shingles also tend to be cheaper than other types of roofing materials. 3 Tab asphalt shingles are the most affordable shingles available in the market. So purchasing these will not burn a hole in your pocket. This is why they’re so popular with homeowners who don’t have a lot of money to spend on their home’s exteriors. Asphalt shingle prices vary depending on the quality of the shingles, the size of your roof, etc.

2. Durable Nature

When we decide on the appropriate material, we need to look at the durability that the material offers. With quality asphalt shingles, you will get just that.

Asphalt shingles are durable roofing materials. Due to this durability, they can withstand tough weather conditions such as high winds and rain and can last longer.

3. Good Lifespan

Many people have a question about how long asphalt shingles last. Well, this is influenced by the type of asphalt shingles you purchase. They’re easy to install and can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, depending on how well they’re cared for. The laminated or luxury asphalt shingles last the longest.

4. They Improve Curb Appeal

Asphalt shingles are a great way to improve the visual appeal of your home. They can make a home look newer and more modern, which is always a plus when trying to sell your house. Asphalt shingles are also available in a variety of colors, so it’s easy to find one that matches your home’s exterior.

Some of the colors of the most popular shingles include black, slate, red, grey, etc.

5. They Are Easy To Install

Asphalt shingles are easy to install for a roofing contractor. They can be installed on roofs that are up to 45 degrees. They are also lightweight, making them easier for contractors to carry around and get up onto the residential roof. This quality also makes it possible for roofers to do their work quickly and with less labor, thus ultimately reducing the cost.

Cons

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for roofing, but they have some downsides. We have listed some of the points below.

1. Other Material Can Last Longer

Though these shingles can last for as long as 25-30 years, it is still less when compared to other options. Asphalt roofing shingles tend not to last as long as other materials, such as slate or metal roofs, which means you’ll spend more money on replacements over time than if you had chosen a different type of roofing material.

2. Tough To Face Heavy Winds

The biggest con of asphalt shingles is that they can’t withstand heavy winds. If you live in an area that has frequent high winds, it can become tough for your shingles to handle the conditions. Asphalt shingles do require regular maintenance. If not maintained properly, they can become damaged and leaky, causing you to repair them often.

Top 5 Shingles Brands In The US (Homeowner’s Choice)

Over 70% of homes in the US have asphalt shingles as their roof covering. They’re even more popular around the world: Asphalt is sold by over 20 manufacturers worldwide, and their products can be found on almost every continent. The following are the top-rated roofing shingles brands:

#1 GAF

This is the best asphalt shingle manufacturer at present. GAF shingles have been installed in North America and other regions since 1886. GAF offers shingles in every range and color, making sure every homeowner has something for them.

Its Timberline HDZ shingle is one of the most popular shingles across the country. They come with the company’s own LayerLock™ and the StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection technology that enhance the performance of your shingles. GAF shingles offer a limited lifetime warranty on a variety of their shingles. We prefer GAF shingles here at Epic Exteriors Roofing for various reasons.

#2 ATLAS

Founded in 1982, Atlas roofing shingles are a great choice for homeowners who want high-quality asphalt shingles at an affordable price. Atlas is known for its durability and longevity, which means that it’ll last longer than the average asphalt shingles. They also offer various environment-friendly programs. Their most popular shingles include the likes of Storm Mastern and Pinnacle Pristine.

#3 CertainTeed

CertainTeed is a subsidiary of another well-known manufacturer, Saint Gobain. CertainTeed shingles are the go-to choice for homeowners who want to be sure they’re getting a quality product. Certainteed offers products that are not only high-on-performance but sustainable as well. Its most popular products include the premium Landmark Shingles, which tend to replicate cedar shake.

Other options include the more traditional Grand Manor shingles and the Presidential range.

Not only roofing shingles but CertainTeed is also involved in producing other roofing and siding-related products.

#4 Owens Corning

Owens Corning is also making rapid strides as it is finding a lot of buyers in not only New Jersey but in the North American market as well. This brand is characterized by the famous ‘Pink Panther’ that the company uses to promote its products. Owens Corning was started as a separate business in 1938 and now has its presence in more than 28 countries, spanning five continents.

The company’s offering includes the fiberglass shingles such as Duration Series and Oakridge series shingles.

#5 IKO

IKO is a leading manufacturer of asphalt roofing shingles in North America, with products for both residential and commercial buildings. Although IKO is not as widely recognized as GAF or Owens Corning, it offers many affordable options with strong protection against extreme weather conditions. The company’s architectural shingles, IKO Cambridge shingles, are one of the best roofing shingles on the market.

Want To Install The Best Asphalt Shingle Roof?

Asphalt shingles are a great choice for your home’s roof if you’re looking for an affordable option that will last a long time and look good. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can find the right style and price point for your house. If you are also looking for roofing contractors who can install an asphalt shingles roof, then contact only the team of Epic Exteriors Roofing.

We are a GAF-certified roofing contractor. This means that we are trained to install high-quality industry-leading shingles from GAF, such as Timberline HDZ, Camelot, and Stateline shingles. GAF manufactures shingle lines of every quality and price with full dedication. You can choose according to your preference and budget.

So don’t wait; contact us today at (609) 342-9829 and give your roof the best asphalt shingles possible.