What are Luxury Asphalt Shingles?
Luxury asphalt shingles are the highest-quality asphalt shingles available. They are made with thicker, more durable materials and have a more sophisticated design than standard asphalt shingles. Luxury asphalt shingles are also more resistant to damage from wind, hail, and fire.
Benefits of Luxury Asphalt Shingles
There are many benefits to choosing luxury asphalt shingles for your roof, including:
- Increased durability: Luxury asphalt shingles are thicker and more durable than standard asphalt shingles, meaning they will last longer and resist damage from the elements.
- Improved appearance: Luxury asphalt shingles have a more sophisticated design than standard asphalt shingles, giving your home a more upscale look.
- Enhanced protection: Luxury asphalt shingles are more resistant to damage from wind, hail, and fire, giving you peace of mind that your home is well-protected.
- Increased energy efficiency: Luxury asphalt shingles can help insulate your home, making it more energy-efficient and reducing your energy bills.
Luxury (or Premium) Asphalt Shingles
Luxury asphalt shingles, often referred to as premium or designer shingles, are a step up from traditional asphalt shingles in terms of quality, appearance, and durability. Here’s what you need to know:
Appearance and Design:
- Luxury asphalt shingles mimic the appearance of premium roofing materials such as slate, wood, or cedar shakes.
- They come in a variety of styles, textures, and colors, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic.
Durability:
- Luxury shingles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and hail.
- Many luxury shingles have a Class 4 impact resistance rating, which can reduce the risk of damage during hailstorms.
Warranty:
- Manufacturers typically offer longer warranties for luxury asphalt shingles, often ranging from 30 to 50 years.
- These warranties provide peace of mind for homeowners, knowing that their investment is protected.
Grades and Types of Asphalt Shingles for Roofing
Asphalt shingles come in a range of styles and grades to suit both functional and aesthetic needs. Understanding the key differences allows selecting the optimal shingles for your roofing project.
Standard 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles
- Most affordable and basic roofing shingle option
- Constructed with three tabs cut from a single shingle strip
- Laid in overlapping rows forming a flat, uniform appearance
- Typical warranties of 20-25 years
- Lesser durability than architectural or luxury shingles
- Subject to curling or blow-off in high winds
- Good for budget-conscious projects and secondary structures
Architectural Laminate Asphalt Shingles
- Also known as dimensional or laminated shingles
- Made with two or more layers bonded together
- Top layer adds texture and shadow lines for visual depth
- More durable in wind, weather than 3-tabs
- Varied tab designs create distinctive patterns
- Lifespan of 30-50 years with proper installation
- Balance of aesthetics and cost-effectiveness
- A popular choice for many homeowners
Attractive laminate architectural shingles
Luxury and Designer Asphalt Shingles
Luxury shingles let homeowners make a dramatic statement with their roofing. Premium designs like shake or slate replicas add an old-world charm or modern flair, especially when incorporating multiple colors and dimensional layers. Keep in mind intricate styles require meticulous installation to achieve the intended effect. While 50+ year warranties provide peace of mind, be sure to have an experienced roofer handle the complexity these designer shingles demand. The lifelike depth and shadow lines don’t just happen with a quick installation – artistry and craftsmanship are required. But the jaw-dropping results are worth the time and investment.
Benefits of Luxury and Designer Asphalt Shingles
- Top tier in terms of looks, quality, and durability.
- Premium-graded construction with multiple overlay layers.
- Intricate designs, colors, and dimensional shapes.
- Highest wind resistance up to 130 mph.
- 50-year warranties in some premium designer brands.
- Adds great visual curb appeal to a home’s roofline.
- Costs more upfront but lasts decades.
Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles
When weather regularly unleashes its fury, impact-resistant shingles provide an essential defense. Protecting your home’s most vulnerable exterior component from hail, debris, and storm damage brings huge value. Impact resistance technology enhances the longevity that makes these specialty shingles worth the extra cost in extreme climates. If pounding hail is a regularroof destroyer in your region, impact-resistant options that can bounce back from a beating year after year will more than justify the investment over time as replacements are avoided. You can relax knowing your roof has met rigorous testing standards to emerge unscathed.
Benefits of Impact-Resistant Asphalt Shingles
- Formulated to withstand hail, falling branches, severe weather
- Meet UL2218 Class 4 impact resistance rating
- Special asphalt mixture remains flexible to absorb hits
- Ideal for regions prone to hail storms and heavy debris
- Provide essential protection in extreme climates
Specialty Asphalt Shingles
Specialty shingles let you achieve goals beyond basic water-shedding protection. Want to reduce air conditioning bills in your South-facing rooms? Solar-reflective shingles cut cooling costs by reducing thermal absorption. Eco-conscious upgrades like recycled rubber slate replicas divert waste while looking great. If you have a historic home, shingles that replicate cedar shake, slate, clay, or other heritage materials maintain authenticity. Specialty options open up possibilities limited only by your imagination and goals. A reputable supplier helps navigate the wide selection to find your perfect specialty match.
Benefits of Specialty Asphalt Shingles
- Unique options for specific architectural styles or energy-efficiency
- Colors and designs can match historic home eras
- Radiant barrier shingles reflect heat
- Recycled tires, plastics, or other materials make sustainable options
- More niche applications but important considerations
Choosing the Right Asphalt Shingle Grade
Your roofing advisor takes your unique situation into account – climate, budget, aesthetic tastes, specific building needs, and more. An expert consults on achieving the ideal blend of visual appeal, durability, and long-term value based on your priorities. They ensure optimal materials, designs, ventilation, and insulation work in harmony to create ideal conditions from the deck up. Investing in this guidance upfront prevents missteps that cost more down the road. So partner with a knowledgeable roofing professional to identify the right shingle grade for you.
Some Important Tips about Choosing the Right Asphalt Shingle Grade
- Consider budget, lifespan, weather, and visual priorities
- Higher grades provide increased durability for the investment
- Use regulations may dictate fire resistance class needed
- Expert roofing guidance ensures optimal selection
Choosing the Best Asphalt Shingle Grade for Your Roof
| Shingle Grade | Budget | Lifespan | Extreme Weather Resistance | Visual Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab | Lowest cost | 20-25 years | Low | Basic uniform appearance |
| Architectural | Moderate cost | 30-50 years | Moderate | Dimensional design and texture |
| Luxury | Higher cost | 50+ years | High | Premium aesthetics and details |
| Impact-Resistant | Moderate cost | 30-50 years | High | Standard dimensional appearance |
| Specialty | Varies | Varies | Varies | Unique styles, shapes, colors |
Pro Tips for Asphalt Shingle Installation Excellence
| Goal | Method | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Proper Slope | Minimum 4:12 pitch | Allows drainage and wind resistance |
| Deck Prep | Replace rotten boards, evenly space | Prevents sagging and deformation |
| Moisture Barrier | Synthetic underlayment over entire deck | Prevent leaks; no gaps |
| Starter Shingles | Use code-approved starter strips | Seals edges properly |
| Nailing | Hand nail 1″ from seams; nail line straight | Prevents blow-off; neat appearance |
| Alignment | Chalk reference lines ensure straight courses | Looks sharp; optimal sealing |
| Sealing | Caulk seams, pipes, joints completely | No moisture entry points |
| Flashing | Comprehensive flashing at valleys, vents, roof changes | Channels water away |
| Inspection | Have certified inspector check work before sign-off | Confirm to building code |
Who Makes Luxury Asphalt Shingles?
Several reputable manufacturers produce luxury asphalt shingles known for their quality and longevity. Some of the prominent players in this field include:
1. GAF: GAF is a well-known manufacturer that offers a wide range of luxury asphalt shingle options, including the Timberline® series, which replicates the look of wood shakes.
2. CertainTeed: CertainTeed produces high-quality luxury shingles under its Landmark® series. These shingles are known for their durability and extensive color choices.
3. Owens Corning: Owens Corning’s Duration® and Duration® Designer shingles provide both style and performance. They are highly regarded in the roofing industry.
4. Tamko: Tamko’s Heritage® Vintage and Heritage® Premium shingles are designed to add a touch of luxury to any home. They come in a variety of colors and styles.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles As A Stylish Investment in Quality and Longevity
The shingles are thick and textured, and they shimmer in the sunlight. You know that this homeowner takes pride in their home and that they have invested in the best possible roofing materials. That’s what luxury asphalt shingles can do for your home. They can make your roof stand out from the crowd and give your home a more upscale look. Luxury asphalt shingles are also an investment in your home’s value and longevity.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles Cost and Value
Often made with premium materials like ceramic granules, luxury shingles create stunning dimensional designs, unique colors, and unmatched durability. Though luxury shingles have a higher upfront cost than standard 3-tab or architectural options, they offer benefits that make them a worthy splurge for many homeowners.
Luxury shingles give roofs serious curb appeal, transforming ordinary house exteriors into distinctive works of art. Intricate patterns, shadow lines, and multiple layers of depth create visual interest you can appreciate from the street. The richness, beauty, and prestige of a luxury roof leave lasting impressions on visitors and neighbors alike. Beyond aesthetics, luxury shingles are engineered to protect from the elements, with the highest wind and impact resistance ratings to stand up to extreme weather for decades. Advanced designs and premium materials create a roof that will endure beautifully when only the best will do.
While luxury asphalt shingles represent a sizable investment, it’s one that can pay long-term dividends through decades of enhanced protection, durability, prestige, and homeowners pride. For those seeking to maximize a roof’s aesthetic impact and performance lifespan, luxury shingles deliver.
Cost Factors for Luxury Shingles
- Higher raw material costs
- Increased manufacturing expense
- Specialty ingredients like ceramic granules
- Demand for skilled installation
National Average Luxury Shingle Costs
- Material prices per square $400-$1000
- Professional installation $300-$500 per square
- Total cost $700-$1500 per square
Cost per Square National Averages
| Shingle Grade | Materials | Installation | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab | $60-100 | $150-200 | $210-300 |
| Architectural | $200-300 | $150-200 | $350-500 |
| Luxury | $400-1000 | $300-500 | $700-1500 |
Variables Impacting Luxury Shingle Cost
- Roof size, slope, accessibility
- Regional labor rates
- Product brand and warranty
- Precision cutting for intricate designs
- Moving/changing existing roof elements
- Desired life expectancy
Value Considerations of Luxury Shingles
- Curb appeal and resale value boost
- Peace of mind from extreme weather protection
- Potential insurance discounts
- Appreciation of warranty value over decades
- Avoiding repeated roof replacements
Enhancing the Aesthetic Impact
- Using designer caps, ridges, and accents
- Mixing colors and patterns
- Upgrading roof ventilation style
- Lighting roof lines and details
Conclusion
Luxury shingles sizable investment but one that can pay dividends over decades of enhanced enjoyment, protection, and value. Luxury asphalt shingles are a stylish investment in quality and longevity. They can make your home stand out from the crowd and give your home a more upscale look.