The Homeowner's Guide to Roof Shingle Brands: Insights from Professional Roofers
When it comes to replacing your roof, you'll find that most major manufacturers make a pretty good shingle. While each brand has its pros and cons, modern shingles from established companies typically meet a baseline of quality that can protect your home for decades if properly installed. I personally would be comfortable with almost any of the shingles mentioned in this article on my roof. However, there are minor differences and you may be able to get a bit more value and peace of mind by seeing what roofers have to say about different brands.
To help you make an informed decision, we aggregated data from polls of over 800 roofing professionals and statements from 100+ roofing professionals. This article synthesizes their collective insights into clear, actionable advice, so you can confidently choose the right shingles for your home.
What we think homeowners should know about shingle brands
1. You won't save much money by getting a cheaper shingle brand
Going from the cheapest to most expensive brand will only change the cost of your project by around 3%, so we don't recommend trying to save money this way. Get quotes for your roof to see exactly how different shingle options affect your price.
2. Proper Installation Matters More Than the Brand
Roofing shingles are a relatively simple product with a very low failure rate compared to other household investments like cars or appliances. This means the brand you choose is less critical than ensuring proper installation. Work with certified contractors and ensure your roof has adequate ventilation to maximize longevity and performance.
3. Avoid 3-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles may seem like a budget-friendly option, but they are less durable, more prone to wind damage, and often lack impact resistance. Opt for architectural shingles or higher-grade options instead.
4. Read the fine print on the warranties
Focus on the details of the warranty, not just the length. Non-prorated warranties with certified contractors are more valuable than vague lifetime guarantees.
Check out our detailed article to learn more about manufacturer's warranties and what to look for.
5. There are some important regional considerations
Contractors report regional differences in shingle performance. Your contractor will likely be familiar with which shingles they have had success with in your area.
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In colder climates, flexibility is key. Shingles that stay flexible in low temperatures, such as polymer-modified shingles like Malarkey, are less likely to crack during installation or under winter stress.
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In hotter climates, focus on shingles with heat-resistant adhesive strips to prevent sealant from softening or failing in extreme heat.
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If you live in an area prone to algae, make sure your shingle is rated well for algae resistance.
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If you live in an area at risk of fires, make sure you get a Class A fire-rated shingle (building codes will usually require this anyway).
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If you live in an area prone to hail, make sure your shingle is Class 4 impact resistant.
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Cool shingles can save a small amount on your energy usage.
How Roofers Perceive Shingle Brands
Below is a table summarizing how brands were perceived based on aggregated polls and professional statements. Remember, while brand discussions are helpful, roofing shingles are a straightforward product, and most failures are due to poor installation rather than product flaws. Roofers may also recommend certain brands due to manufacturer incentives, not necessarily because those brands are superior. This data reflects general trends but can vary by region and individual experience.
| Brand | Overall Perception | Commonly Cited Strengths | Commonly Cited Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malarkey | Top-rated by most roofers | Long-lasting, hail-resistant, eco-friendly materials | Higher price, harder to find in some regions |
| CertainTeed | Highly regarded | Durable and heavy; trusted by roofers for long warranties | Costs more upfront |
| Owens Corning (OC) | Well-regarded but mixed | Easy to install; strong wind resistance with SureNail strip | Can lose granules quicker; may get brittle with time |
| Atlas | Mid-tier with good features | Great for humid areas with algae-resistant technology | Sealant can be weak; more granule loss during installation |
| GAF | Mixed reception | Widely available, easy to install | Durability issues; granules and sealant don't hold up well |
| IKO | Improving reputation | Budget-friendly with decent premium options like Dynasty | Older models had major issues; durability is still catching up |
| Tamko | Least favored | Affordable for tight budgets | Poor durability, weak warranties |
Conclusion
While most major manufacturers produce decent shingles, Malarkey and CertainTeed received more praise and less criticism than competitors. Atlas, GAF, IKO, and OC also had many fans and some detractors. I would be happy with any of those shingles on my roof.
The one shingle that stood out from the rest was Tamko. But not for the right reasons. Tamko consistently was panned by contractors, with some saying they only used it when directed by clients and builders that wanted the absolute lowest price they could get.
Which shingle you choose is a non-trivial factor in the performance of your roof, but is ultimately much less important than the quality of your contractor's workmanship.
Ready to find a quality contractor? Get quotes here to compare bids from vetted roofers who can help you choose the right shingle for your home.