The short answer? It depends. Not every property owner’s goals are the same, and there’s a range of factors that will be unique to each individual. However, there are a few generalities about designer roof shingles that can help you decide, depending on what’s most important to you. Keep reading to find out about the advantages of designer roof shingles to help you decide if they’re worth investing in.
What Makes a Designer Roof Shingle?
Designer roof shingles are any shingle product that receives special attention from the manufacturer. They’re often made in more limited runs using cutting-edge manufacturing methods and value-adding features. This usually gives companies reason to offer advanced guarantees or warranty services on their designer lines.
Given a home’s roof fills about half of the visual field from ground level, designer roofing shingles make a dramatic difference to a home’s curb appeal. Because they normally use thicker materials and more robust designs, they also last longer.
Compared to standard shingles, designer options retain their characteristic appearance and maintain their prime, even in intense sunny weather. It usually isn’t possible to get the latest advances in roofing technology without selecting designer shingles.
Advantages of Designer Roof Shingles
By virtually any standard, designer shingles provide a noticeable upgrade in aesthetics. With more sophisticated geometrical patterns and custom color options to choose from, your roof’s looks will also do a lot of good. New roofs provide about a 61% return on investment. With an elite roofing product, those numbers are sure to be at the upper end.
Designer shingles are thicker and more durable, helping them withstand harder impacts and improve insulation. Normally, roofing manufacturers also apply superior chemical formulas to their designer lines, and designer shingles can be more resistant to UV degradation, wind pull, and other common sources of roof damage.
Using CertainTeed’s Grand Manor shingles as a model, some of the more advanced features you’ll find with designer shingles include:
- 110–130 MPH wind resistance
- Improved nailing pattern and adhesive compounds
- Class 4 Impact rating from Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- More eco-friendly manufacturing and recycling processes
- Algae and Class A fire resistance
Greater Long-Term Support
Given the advantages, it’s no surprise that designer roof shingles often come backed by more robust warranties, including lifetime coverage on superior products. These warranties are also often transferable, boosting your home’s marketable value even further.
Moreover, designer shingles simply function better in the ways that matter most to a roof. Designer shingles almost invariably keep homes leak-free and weather-resistant for much longer than standard alternatives. It also creates a stronger seal from the elements, improving your home’s total energy efficiency.
Of course, designer shingles are usually only available through a fully vetted and certified roofing contractor, with a good track record of dependable local service. Certified contractors can also provide more advanced material warranties and the most effective installation techniques, being first in line to see their manufacturer’s latest product advances.
Enhance the Value of Your Home With Designer Shingles
As part of a home’s overall energy management system, the roof plays one of the most essential roles of any exterior component. Because we put quality above all else, we’re proud to be a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ contractor.
With designer roof shingles from CertainTeed, you’ll enhance your home’s protection and overall energy efficiency for years. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced energy coordinators and receive a free quote on designer roof shingles based on your roof’s exact needs and dimensions.
