Choosing the best asphalt shingles for houses in Western New York can be a daunting task for homeowners. We know that there are a plethora of brands available, and therefore, you might be confused as to which ones are truly the best. However, to ease this process, we are here to help. Since we have been in the industry for years, we are here with a list of the best shingles for your property.
The shingles that we will mention below are considered on the basis of factors such as quality, longevity, and regional suitability. By the end of this blog post, you will be able to make informed decisions tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
Types of Asphalt shingles
There are three main types of asphalt shingles commonly used in roofing:
3-Tab Shingles
Let us start with the basic 3-tab shingle. This is one of the oldest types of roofing materials known for its uniform appearance. It is made of asphalt and features three uniform tabs, giving it a distinctive appearance. Structurally, it consists of a single layer, making it affordable and easy to install. This simplicity not only keeps costs down but also simplifies the installation process. Though this type of shingle is budget-friendly, there are more durable options available.
Architectural Shingles
Next, we have architectural or dimensional shingles. These have a distinctive appearance and enhanced durability. Unlike traditional 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles feature multiple layers, giving them a more textured look on the roof. They are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles, which contributes to their increased stability and resistance to wind, rain, and hail damage.
Luxury Shingles
These shingles feature more robust construction than the other two options we talked about. This means they can handle rough weather better. They have a premium look, often mimicking the appearance of natural materials like wood or slate. Luxury asphalt shingles also often come with good warranties, sometimes up to 50 years.
Best 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles
Here are a few brands that are often recognized for their high-quality 3-tab shingles:
CertainTeed XT™ 25
The first shingle on our list is CertainTeed XT 25. This is one of the 3-tab shingle options that comes with a 25-year transferable warranty, so you get good protection even on a budget. These shingles are ideal for homeowners seeking a dependable roofing solution that won’t break the bank.
This roof shingle comes with 10-year StreakFighter warranty and has an extra-wide nailing area for precise installation. You also get 5-year SureStart™ protection and a 5-year 60 mph wind resistance warranty, which is pretty good for the fairly low price tag.
Though there is not much scope in terms of design, you do get various shingle colors such as Cedar Brown, Dove Gray, Nickel Gray, and Heather Blend.
GAF Royal Sovereign®
Next, we have GAF Royal Sovereign, which stands out as one of the top selling 3-tab asphalt shingles. It passes rigorous wind tests of up to 110 mph and ensures durability under extreme conditions.
This product uses the company’s proprietary Dura Grip™ Adhesive, and is backed by a 10-year limited warranty against algae and a 25-year limited warranty. This 3-tab shingle uses advanced color sequencing and Color Lock™ Ceramic Firing, which gives them rich color options such as Golden Cedar and Silver Lining. This roofing shingle combines style with reliability for a smart investment in your home’s roof.
Best Architectural Asphalt shingles
3-Tab shingles are your best bet if you are on a strict budget. However, they are not as reliable when it comes to harsh conditions. By spending a bit more, you can install architectural shingles, which are more resistant to wind, rain, hail, and UV rays. Here are a few brands that offer durable architectural shingles:
GAF Timberline HDZ®
GAF Timberline HDZ is one of the best selling roofing shingles across North America. It features patented High Definition® bands that add shadows and a sense of depth to your roof. This shingle is engineered with LayerLock™ Technology and the StrikeZone™ nailing area that ensures accurate and efficient installation by your roofer. These shingles offer advanced algae protection with GAF’s Time-Release technology, backed by a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty.
Thanks to its exceptional Dura Grip Adhesive, your shingles can easily withstand winds up to 110 mph without getting dislodged. They are available in a variety of color options; Charcoal, Barkwood, Slate, and Oyster Gray are some homeowner favorites.
Atlas Pinnacle® Impact Shingles
Pinnacle Impact shingles are a top-quality architectural shingle manufactured by the industry leader Atlas. These roofing shingles feature advanced polymer-modified asphalt technology that meets a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating. You also get the added benefit of the 3M Scotchgard™ Protector for algae prevention.
These shingles have a sturdy design, providing 130 mph wind resistance, which ensures durability against harsh weather. It incorporates 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules, which help reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. So with this option, you not only get a roof with lasting curb appeal but also a system that is environmentally friendly. Plus, the shingles are available in color options like Heather IR and Desert Shake IR.
Owens Corning Oakridge® Shingles
Owens Corning is one of the best-rated roof shingle brands in the U.S., and has been in business for over 85 years. Owens Corning Oakridge® shingles are designed for strength with a double-layered nailing zone. This architectural shingle offers improved resistance to wind uplift compared to 3-tab shingles.
These roof shingles have StreakGuard Algae Resistance Protection that prevents the growth of black algae. They are backed by a limited lifetime warranty and are rated up to 130 mph for wind resistance. And with color options like Brownwood and Desert Tan, these shingles not only provide reliability but also enhance the visual appeal of your roof.
Best Luxury Asphalt shingles
In the previous section, we discussed architectural shingles. Now, we will talk about the luxury asphalt shingles that are gaining popularity because of their distinctive appearance and quality construction.
Malarkey Windsor® Scotchgard™ Shingles
Malarkey is a manufacturer that has a leading presence in the roofing shingle industry. Malarkey Windsor Scotchgard shingles are an advanced designer option made with polymer modified asphalt, setting a new standard in shingle-making technology. These asphalt roof shingles are 22% thicker than standard shingles and boast a Class 4 impact rating. They also meet the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety’s (IBHS) rigorous FORTIFIED™ Roof requirements.
Malarkey has also made rapid strides in the manufacturing department. These Windsor shingles have up to 50% more adhesive bonds, twice the rain seals, and three times the wind seals compared to standard 3-tab shingles. They are also backed by an enhanced wind warranty of up to 140 mph and a limited lifetime warranty.
Atlas StormMaster Shake® Shingles
Next on the list is Atlas StormMaster Shake shingles which are crafted with copper-infused granules spread evenly across their surface, providing exceptional durability and protection against algae growth. These shingles boast the highest hail impact protection, earning a Class 4 rating under the UL 2218 standard.
Their robust construction, utilizing a rubberized polymer ensures that they can withstand the toughest weather conditions. You also get a limited lifetime warranty, including 10-years of non-prorated coverage and 15-years of wind protection up to 150 mph. They also provide you with 10 color options that are sure to increase the aesthetic appeal of your home.
GAF Camelot® II Shingles
To end our list we have another top shingle from GAF. The Camelot II Shingles are one of the most durable shingles around, with a best in class multi-layer design.
These bring timeless elegance to any home with their classic artisan-crafted appearance. Designed to resemble traditional slate or wood shake, they offer the look of premium, European architecture at a much more affordable cost.
These shingles are Class A fire rated and feature GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology. You also get a 25-year StainGuard Plus Algae Protection Limited Warranty and a limited lifetime warranty. The color options provided include Royal Slate and Weathered Timber.
Contact Buffalo’s Best Roofing Company For Your Asphalt Shingle Installation In Buffalo, NY
If you are a resident in Buffalo, NY, seeking top-quality asphalt shingle installation, contact Buffalo’s Best Roofing Company at (716) 276-3673. Our team ensures that your roofing project will be handled with the utmost care and attention. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and experience the difference in quality and service that our premier roofing company offers.