Best Roof Shingles in 2024: The Ultimate Buying Guide

April 19, 2023

Roof installations are one of the most common home improvement projects across the United States. Among the many roofing materials available, asphalt shingles are the most popular due to their durability, affordability, and ease of installation. In this guide, we've compiled a list of the top-rated roof shingle manufacturers to help you choose the best roof shingles for your home.

Table of Contents

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roof Shingles

The Best Roof Shingle Brands of 2024 

1. GAF
2. IKO
3. Owens Corning
4. CertainTeed
5. Tamko
6. Atlas
7. Malarkey
8. Brava

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

• What Is the Best Material for Roofing Shingles and Tiles?
• How Much Does It Cost to Install Roofing Shingles and Tiles?
• What Is the Best Color for Roofing Shingles and Tiles?
• How Are Asphalt Shingles Tested?
• What Is the Average Lifespan of Shingles?

 

How to Get the Best Asphalt Shingles for Your Home

Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof with Roof Maxx

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Roof Shingles

Before we dive into the most popular roof shingle brands, let's review the top factors to consider when choosing the best asphalt shingles for your home. 

• Cost: The cost of shingles will vary depending on the materials. Asphalt shingles are popular because of their affordability compared to more expensive roofing materials like metal, clay, and slate. If you choose slate for your roof, you can expect to pay at least five times as much as asphalt per square foot. It’s best to have a set budget before looking around to know which roofing materials are on the table for you, then select a roofing material that offers the best value for your budget. 
• Durability: To get the best value for your money, choose roofing shingles that are highly rated in terms of durability. Certain roofing options will work better in specific climates. For instance, clay and ceramic tiles perform better than asphalt in hot climates. Consult a roofer to get the best fit for your home. 
• Aesthetics: Modern roofing materials come in various colors, textures, and finishes.  Select the roofing shingle that matches your preferences and your home's architectural style. 
• Maintenance Requirements: When choosing the best roof shingles for your home, consider the upkeep and maintenance effort required for each material before making a decision. 

The Best Roof Shingle Brands of 2024 

Now that you know the factors to consider when choosing the right roofing shingles for your home, let's look at the top manufacturers and the products each offers.

1. GAF

GAF shingles come with an automatic lifetime limited warranty and styles that reflect both current and historical designs. No matter where you live, GAF shingles have a roofing option that will help you express the personal touch that makes your house your home.

Woodland Shingles

• Price per square foot: Cost varies widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Affordable
  • Sophisticated design
  • Custom color palette
  • Stays in place
  • Features StainGuard Plus algae protection
  • Class A fire rating
  • Wind warranty of 130 mph
  • 100% recyclable
• Cons:
  • Woodland shingles are not extreme-weather-impact tested
  • Not ENERGY STAR rated

Timberline UHD

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Architecturally stylish
  • Affordable
  • Features a dimensional look
  • Dura Grip Adhesive reduces the chance of blow-off
  • StainGuard Plus protection to reduce blue-green algae from staining shingles
  • Good Housekeeping rated
  • Creates a wood-shake look
  • Wind rating of 130 mph

• Cons:
  • Limited color selection
  • Not extreme weather-impact rated

Royal Sovereign

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Affordable for those on a budget
  • Upgraded warranties
  • Strong wind resistance up to 60 mph
  • Highest fire-resistance rating
  • Excellent durability
  • Color Lock Ceramic Firing helps maintain color
  • Made with Advanced Protection Shingle Technology to reduce the number of natural resources needed for production
• Cons:
  • Roofing installers are not masters
  • Warranty costs are unclear

Why Should You Choose GAF?

GAF is one of the most popular roofing brands in the country and has consistently produced high-quality roofing materials. GAF shingles are sure to safeguard you from most weather elements. 

2. IKO

IKO shingles feature lamination for enhanced durability. They also come in a wide range of styles to complement any home’s architectural appearance.

Crowne Slate

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Give your home a high-end look at a reasonable cost
  • Lightweight material makes for easy installation
  • Wind warranty of 130 mph that decreases the chance of uplift, curling, blow-off, and water penetration
  • Built-in algae resistance and UV protection
  • Strong, heavy-weight material
• Cons:
  • Lower-rated brand

IKO Nordic IR

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Extra blow-off protection
  • Designed to lie down and stay down
  • Built-in algae resistance
  • Resilient fiberglass mat provides additional strength
  • 130 mph wind warranty
  • Class A fire-resistance rating
  • Class 4 impact-resistance rating
• Cons:
  • Fewer color blends to choose from

IKO Marathon

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Weather-resistant design
  • UV-resistant granules
  • Fast, easy installation
  • More affordable
  • Four color blends
  • 60 mph wind warranty
  • Class A fire-resistance rating
• Cons:
  • Creates a flat appearance
  • Not algae-resistant
  • Does not have a Class 4 impact-resistance rating

Why Should You Choose IKO? 

IKO Shingles provide a wide variety of aesthetic roof options at reasonable prices. The brand’s asphalt shingle options come with built-in algae resistance, UV protection, and a SuperWind Resistance limited warranty of up to 130 mph. 

3. Owens Corning

Owens Corning provides a large selection of shingles that stretch across all price ranges and styles. If you’re looking for new shingles, there’s a good chance Owens Corning has at least one style and color that fits your wants.

Owens Corning Duration

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Total Protection Roofing System®
  • Underlayment and moisture barrier
  • Extra coverage for shingles
  • Proper attic ventilation
  • Large selection of shingles
  • Algae and wind protection
  • ENERGY STAR shingles
  • Class A fire-resistance rating
  • Class H wind-resistance rating with a 130 mph wind warranty

• Cons:
  • Color variation issues
  • Complaints of warranty misinformation
  • Poor sealing in cold or cloudy weather
  • Poor recycling record

Owens Corning 3-Tab Supreme

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • 25-year warranty
  • ENERGY STAR rating
  • Wide selection of colors available
  • 60 mph wind warranty
  • Class A fire resistant
  • Class H wind resistant
  • Traditional 3-tab appearance
  • Good balance between curb appeal and weather resistance
• Cons:
  • Shingles do not seal well in cold or cloudy weather

Owens Corning Berkshire

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Top-of-the-line shingles create an elegant, timeless look
  • StreakGuard algae-resistance protection
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Unique shadow lines that add to the look of dimension
  • Class A fire resistant
  • Class H wind resistant
• Cons:
  • Expensive installation and material costs.

Why Should You Choose Owens Corning?

Owens Corning shingles are second in market share. The company produces high-quality shingles at a great price and has superior customer service compared to other brands. If OC shingles are correctly installed, you can be assured that you have a strong roof that will last for years.

4. CertainTeed

CertainTeed shingles are produced from proven roofing technology, making sure you get a shingle that is protective while still being affordable.

Grand Manor

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Comprehensive warranties
  • Includes a 10-year SureStart warranty that covers 100 percent of labor and replacement costs due to manufacturing defects
  • Great choice for homes with steep, sloped roofs
  • Strong impact resistance
  • 110 mph wind-resistance warranty
  • Class A fire resistance
  • Wide selection of colors
• Cons:
  • High material and installation costs

Landmark TL

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • High-quality
  • Triple-laminate shingle
  • Strong, durable shingle
  • Natural shadow lines
  • Most affordable dimensional shingles
  • Class-leading warranty
  • Three-piece laminated fiberglass construction
  • Available for export
  • 110 mph wind-resistance guarantee
• Cons:
  • Expensive warranty extensions

XT 30 IR

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Superior impact resistance
  • Comprehensive warranty
  • Designed with self-sealing adhesive strips
  • Easy installation
  • Extra-strong base to withstand hard impacts
• Cons:
  • Customers denied claims due to warranty hassles
  • No wind-resistance warranty

Why Should You Choose CertainTeed?

CertainTeed shingles are strong and have good consumer ratings. To get the most from them, make sure you choose a roofing contractor who will make sure your shingles are installed correctly.

5. Tamko

TAMKO has been an independent manufacturer of shingles for more than 75 years, crafting them with American pride. They provide a wide range of roofing colors and include color tone blending that offers a unique mix of hues perfect for your home.

Elite Glass-Seal

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Wide selection of vivid shingle colors
  • Fiberglass shingles are able to withstand hard impacts
  • Features discoloration resistance
  • UL listed for wind resistance
  • Class A fire resistance
• Cons:
  • More susceptible to tearing
  • Unsuitable for areas with winds that are stronger than 60 mph

Heritage

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • More affordable
  • High-quality shingles
  • Distinctive granule mix creates vivid colors and textures
  • 15 different colors are available
  • Class A fire-resistance rating
  • 110 mph wind rating
• Cons:
  • Limited warranties

Heritage Vintage

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Available in rustic hues and bold textures
  • Adds warmth and dimension to your home
  • Increases curb appeal
  • Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
  • Thicker than Heritage shingles
  • Class A fire rating
  • 110-130 mph wind rating
• Cons:
  • Difficult to determine warranty costs

Why Should You Choose TAMKO?

TAMKO is the perfect choice for homeowners to get their dream roofs. They help you create authentic and innovative building projects while moving the building material industry forward.

6. Atlas

Atlas shingles provide the curb appeal and design you want without sacrificing any of the protection your home deserves.

Pinnacle Pristine

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Creates a classic look
  • Built-in algae resistance
  • Comprehensive warranties
  • Strong shingles that can withstand hard impacts
  • Strong 3-tab shingles backed with a limited lifetime warranty
  • 130 mph wind warranty with 4 nails
• Cons:
  • Don't seal well in cold weather
  • Tend to crack if installed over rigid foam insulation

Castlebrook 35

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Designed to give your home extra protection
  • Atlas Signature Select Roofing System warranty available
  • Has the ability to withstand strong winds
  • Available in seven colors
  • Class A fire-resistance rating
  • Wind warranty of 130 mph
• Cons:
  • Excessive granule loss in areas with extreme weather conditions

ProLam

• Price per square foot: Cost will vary widely depending on your location
• Pros:
  • Available in five black, brown, and gray shades
  • Affordable cost
  • Features Scotchgard Protector to keep shingles from getting black algae streaks
  • Signature Select-eligible
  • Wind warranty of 130 mph
  • Class A fire resistance
• Cons:
  • Only Atlas Pro Plus contractors can offer extended Premium Plus warranty, and most contractors are not Pro Plus.

StormMaster

• Price per square foot: Cost will depend on your location
• Pros:
  • Features Class 4 impact resistance
  • Has a larger range of styles than traditional asphalt shingles
  • Can withstand winds up to 150 mph 
  • Top-rated in hail protection 
• Cons:
  • Hard to find
  • Has particular warranty details
  • Requires installers to be Atlas Pro for roof to be eligible for maximum warranty protection

Why Should You Choose Atlas?

Atlas provides excellent lifetime warranties for its high-quality shingles while offering an affordable price. The company provides plenty of color options and styles that complement any home design.

7. Malarkey

Malarkey has a solid reputation among consumers and contractors as being among the best roof shingles on the market. They make a range of shingles, from three-tab to designer shingles, that can fit most price ranges.

Malarkey Dura-Seal AR

• Cost per square foot: varies by location nationwide
• Pros:
  • Durable
  • Algae-resistant (AR)
  • Strong reputation for quality
  • Popular among many contractors and inspectors
• Cons:
  • Less variety than other major brands
  • Warranty can be difficult to transfer

Legacy Scotchgard

• Cost per square foot: varies by location
• Pros:
  • Durable
  • Scotchgard protection includes limited lifetime algae warranty
  • Comes in additional darker tones
• Cons:
  • Still less variety than other major brands
  • Limited warranty

Windsor Scotchgard

• Cost per square foot: varies by location
• Pros:
  • High-quality designer shingles
  • Durable
  • Scotchgard protection includes limited lifetime algae warranty
  • High wind resistance
• Cons:
  • Less selection than other designer shingles
  • Warranty transfers must be done within 60 days of title transfer

Vista AR Shingles 

• Cost per square foot: varies by location
• Pros:
  • Has a Class 3 hail impact rating
  • Features granules that help clean emission pollutants from the air 
  • Has a Class A fire rating
  • Has as much as 50% more adhesive bonds than is typical in shingles, and a larger nailing area
• Cons:
  • Limited selection
  • Availability may vary depending on region 

Why Should You Choose Malarkey?

Malarkey enjoys positive customer reviews from homeowners and contractors. The company’s shingles are designed with extra adhesive bonds to ensure added protection against inclement weather. They also feature larger nailing areas to improve the ease, speed, and accuracy of installation. 

8. Brava

Brava offers some of the best roof shingles that come in three major styles: cedar shake, Spanish barrel tile, and old-world slate.

• Cost per square foot: varies by location
• Pros:
  • High quality
  • Sustainably sourced
  • Recyclable materials
  • Wide range of colors
  • Thick and durable design
• Cons:
  • Narrow range of design options
  • Specific look that might not be for everyone
  • Can be higher priced than other major brands

Why Should You Choose Brava? 

Brava’s roofing options are manufactured from 100% recycled materials, making them sustainable and environmentally friendly. All the company’s products undergo extensive testing and third-party certifications and are Class 4 impact-rated to ensure high durability and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve discussed the key factors to consider when selecting the best roof shingles for your home and the top manufacturers in the market, but we know you likely still have many questions in mind. Below we’ve provided the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

 

What Is the Best Material for Roofing Shingles and Tiles?

Asphalt shingles are the most popular material on residential structures across the country because of their wide availability, affordability, and durability. Slate and clay tiles are also durable but more expensive and difficult to maintain than other roofing options like metal and wood. 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Install Roofing Shingles and Tiles?

A new asphalt shingle installation can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000. The exact cost depends on the material type chosen, labor costs, and the size and design of your roof. 

 

What Is the Best Color for Roofing Shingles and Tiles?

Shingle color can affect the appearance of your property, including its size. Darker shades can make objects appear smaller and more compact, while lighter colors can make objects look larger and closer. 

If you have a smaller home, it’s best to opt for light-colored shingles to make the structure look bigger. When choosing a shingle color, consider the additional elements in your home, such as the siding and other architectural elements of its exterior. 

 

How Are Asphalt Shingles Tested?

When it comes to asphalt shingles, there’s a specific level of quality called an AC438 level; these shingles are considered the best of the best. To receive this title, shingles must withstand the tests of temperature, wind, and weather. 

• During the temperature test, the shingle is faced with 12-24 hours of extreme heat or cold, dunked in water, and then inspected closely. If there is no wear and tear on the shingle, it moves on to the next test: weather.  
• When testing weather durability, the shingle must alternate between hours in the sun and the water. After this test, the asphalt and foundations of the shingle are checked before it moves on to the final test: wind resistance.  
• During the wind test, the shingle is placed on a slope, simulating a roof; and is then exposed to periods of increasingly harsh conditions of rain and wind.

 

What Is the Average Lifespan of Shingles?

The best roof shingles are marketed to last between 25 to 50 years, but some roofs don't last more than 7 to 10 years. A variety of factors affect the lifespan of your roof, including climate, roof design, proper installation, correct maintenance, and using the right materials.

Long-term exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause your shingles to deteriorate quickly. They lose their flexibility, durability, and waterproofing, which leaves your roof vulnerable to leaks and other structural damage. If you notice your shingles are cracked or curled or missing granules, it could be time for a serious roof repair or replacement.

Roof maintenance is an essential tool in making sure your roof has a long and healthy life. Roof Maxx can help extend the life of your asphalt shingle roof by up to 15 years and save you 85% on what a replacement would cost.

How to Get the Best Asphalt Shingles for Your Home

The best asphalt shingles for your home depend on your location, budget, style, and climate. What may be the best shingle to withstand the desert heat of Arizona would be one of the worst choices for the cold and humid winters of Maine.

Finding the best asphalt shingles for your home requires careful research into each roofing manufacturer to ensure you choose the shingle that's best for you. Check out our blog to learn more about how long a roof lasts and which shingles are best for you.

Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof with Roof Maxx

Rather than spend time and money searching for the best roof shingles to replace your roof, rejuvenate it with Roof Maxx. Our state-of-the-art roofing spray helps you avoid costly roofing repairs and puts life back into your asphalt shingles by replacing the critical oil that provides shingles with flexibility and waterproofing. With three treatments, you can extend the lifespan of your roof up to fifteen years. Contact our professionals today to learn more!