Take a stroll or a ride in virtually any neighborhood in the country and the popularity of today’s heavyweight premium shingles will be evident. Savvy homeowners are opting for premium shingles for appearance and style, while other knowledgeable consumers are thinking about product longevity and lifecycle costs.
Neil Robinson, creative director of marketing for TAMKO Building Products Inc., said he expects the popularity of high-end asphalt and laminate shingles to result in continued growth in the market. “Overall, we expect solid growth in our premium shingle sales,” Robinson says. “Some markets across the U.S. have a greater demand for higher-end products, like our premium shingles. We will concentrate our efforts in those areas, and develop opportunities in other less established markets.”
With higher roof slopes and increased visibility of roofing products in newer homes, sales of premium shingles are expected to increase. “We expect to see continued growth as consumers become more familiar with the high-end shingle options available to them,” Robinson says. “Homeowners are focusing more attention toward exterior home improvement projects.”
While more and more consumers are exploring roofing options over the Internet and at home shows, it is the roofing contractor who is usually in the best position to educate homeowners about a product’s features and benefits.
“Clearly there is an opportunity with premium shingles; however the contractor must meet the homeowner because they are competing with others for the job,” says Rob Daenen, director of marketing for residential roofing at Owens Corning. “Homeowners know so little about their roof. It’s the contractor that takes the time to give homeowners all their options.”
Daenen said he helps contractors by educating them about the overall value proposition of premium shingles. “Clearly the contractors are key in getting our message across,” he says. “We’ve been in the market for the last 10 years. We believe our products perform very well since asphalt is the majority of the market. Slate, tile, and metal are still a small percentage of the marketplace. With premium shingles, you have the affordability of asphalt but the premium look through thickness and different cut of shingle. And an upgraded premium roof has a greater impact on the overall curb appeal.”
The following product roundup offers the details on some of the premium shingles offered by the industry’s top manufacturers. For more information on these and other roofing products, contact the manufacturer or visit
Atlas Alpine
Atlas Roofing Corp.
Name of premium shingle: Alpine ShingleFeatures and benefits: Alpine is a designer shingle that will make your customers stand up and take notice. These unique, scalloped-cut shingles are available in Hearthstone Gray, Tile Red, Weathered Wood and Woodland Green. Known for their durability, these premium designer shingles feature a long-lasting 25-year limited transferable warranty. For more information, visit www.atlasroofing.com.
Size: 36 inches by 12 inches
Where available:Nationwide
Materials: Asphalt shingles
Number of colors available: 4 (Hearthstone Gray, Tile Red, Weathered Wood, Woodland Green)
Warranty information: 25 years. Extended warranty available; $75 transfer fee. Wind warranty up to 60 mph; 790 Class A Fire Resistance. Special nail requirements: 6 nails - high wind.
Atlas StormMaster
Atlas Roofing Corp.
Name of premium shingle: StormMaster LM ShingleFeatures and benefits: StormMaster LM high wind and impact resistant designer shingles excel in protecting homes from the most extreme weather conditions. SBS (styrene butadiene styrene) is blended into our asphalt shingle formula to enhance flexibility, strength, and durability. StormMaster shingles resist cracking, splitting, warping or shrinking in hot or cold weather. For more information, visitwww.atlasroofing.com.
Size: 38 13/16 inches by 131/8 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: SBS modified asphalt
Number of colors available: 7
Warranty information: 50 years. Extended warranty available; $75 transfer fee. Wind warranty up to 102 mph. UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Compliant warranty. Fire rating: 790 Class A Fire Resistance. Special nail requirements: 4 nails - standard; 6 nails - high wind.
StormMasterSlate
Atlas Roofing Corp.
Name of premium shingle: StormMaster Slate ShingleFeatures and benefits: StormMaster Slate shingles combine the natural good looks of slate with the strength of an Atlas SBS modified asphalt shingle. It’s also easier to install: our slate-look shingles weigh a third less than regular slate. StormMaster Slate helps you achieve a high-end architectural look while saving on labor costs. For more information, visitwww.atlasroofing.com.
Size: 22 1/2 inches by 18 1/2 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials:SBS modified asphalt
Number of colors available: 6
Warranty information: Lifetime, pro-rated. Extended warranty available; $75 transfer fee. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Fire rating: 790 Class A Fire Resistance. UL 2218 Class 4 Impact Compliant Warranty. Special nailing requirements: 4 nails - standard.
PTL Shadow Gray
CertainTeed Corp.
Name of premium shingle: Presidential Shake™ TL UltimateFeatures and benefits: First of its kind, Presidential Shake TL Ultimate shingles are constructed using three laminated layers of the industry’s strongest material. The staggered lines, depth and sculpted edges give these shingles the look of real wood shakes without the maintenance expense or worry. For more information, visitwww.certainteed.com.
Size: 14 ½ inches by 40 inches 480 pounds per square
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Asphalt shingle
Number of colors available: 10 (Aged Bark, Platinum, Autumn Blend, Shadow Gray, Bark Brown, Spanish Tile, Charcoal Black, Weathered Wood, Country Gray, Bark, and Yosemite. Color availability may vary by region.
Warranty information: Lifetime limited, transferable warranty against manufacturing defects on residential applications; 50-year limited, transferable warranty against manufacturing defects on group-owned or commercial applications; 15-year Streak-Fighter™ warranty (protects against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae); 10-year SureStart™ warranty (covers 100 percent of replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects) protection; and 10-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. Extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty. Class A fire resistance rating.
GM Brownstone
CertainTeed Corp.
Name of premium shingle: Grand Manor Shangle®Features and benefits: One of the heaviest shingles made, Grand Manor Shangles offer five layers of protection when applied. Deep shadow lines and the tab design give the roof the authentic depth and dimension of natural slate. A special manufacturing process protects the shingles from streaking or discoloration caused by airborne algae. For more information, visitwww.certainteed.com.
Size: 18 inches by 36 inches, 425 pounds per square
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Asphalt shingle
Number of colors available: 8 (Black Pearl, Georgian Brick, Brownstone, Heirloom Silver, Colonial Slate, Sherwood Forest, Gatehouse Slate, and Stonegate Gray)
Warranty information: Limited lifetime, transferable warranty against manufacturing defects on residential applications; 50-year limited, transferable warranty against manufacturing defects on group-owned or commercial applications; 15-year StreakFighter™ warranty (protects against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae); 10-year SureStart™ warranty (covers 100 percent of replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects protection; and 10-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. Extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty. Class A fire resistance rating.
Cent Slate Black Granite
CertainTeed Corp.
Name of premium shingle: Centennial Slate™Features and benefits: Made possible by a sophisticated patent-pending production process, Centennial Slate simulates the natural color variations of true blended slate at a fraction of the cost. The shingles are constructed of the industry’s strongest materials and provide four full layers of protection when installed. For more information, visitwww.certainteed.com.
Size: 18 inches by 36 inches base shingle, 355 pounds per square
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Asphalt Shingle
Number of colors available: 6 (Black Granite, Country Slate, Fieldstone, New England Slate, Plymouth Rock, and Smokey Quartz)
Warranty information: Lifetime limited warranty, transferable against manufacturing defects on residential applications; 50-year limited, transferable warranty against manufacturing defects on group-owned or commercial applications; 15-year StreakFighter™ warranty (protects against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae); 10-year SureStart™ warranty (covers 100 percent of replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects) protection; and 10-year 110 mph wind resistance warranty. Extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty. Class A fire resistance rating.
Camelot Florida Blend
GAF Materials Corp.
Name of premium shingle: Camelot Premium Designer ShinglesFeatures and benefits: Camelot’s unique design and striking color blends create maximum “curb appeal” that other homeowners will notice. Larger size provides quicker installations that save labor, and 110 mph wind warranty means less chance of callbacks. Camelot shingles have a Limited Lifetime Warranty with Smart Choice® protection for the first 10 years. For more information, visitwww.gaf.com.
Size: 17 inches by 34 1/2 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Fiberglass Asphalt
Number of colors available: 10
Warranty information: Lifetime warranty. Extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A UL 790 fire rating.
GrandSlate2
GAF Materials Corp.
Name of premium shingle: Grand Slate™ Premium Designer ShinglesFeatures and benefits: Grand Slate™ shingles have massive, extra-thick tabs and a specially blended color palette that create the look of real slate shingles, and are confidently warranted to withstand winds up to 110 mph. Grand Slate shingles are easier to install, their unique 17 inches by 40 inches, and larger 7.5 inches exposure means reduced installation time and cost. For more information, visitwww.gaf.com.
Size: 17 inches by 40 inches
Where available:Nationwide
Materials: Fiberglass Asphalt
Number of colors available: 6
Warranty information: Lifetime warranty. Extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A UL 790 fire rating.
Country Mansion
GAF Materials Corp.
Name of premium shingle: Country Mansion™ Premium Designer ShinglesFeatures and benefits: Country Mansion shingles feature a distinctive and unique Tone-On-Tone color frame, which results in striking contrast and ultimate dimensionality. Country Mansion shingles feature GAF’s Super-Heavyweight “Plus” construction (over approximately 425 pounds per square) for ultimate durability, and are easier to install – their unique size (17 inches by 40 inches) and larger 7.5-inch exposure mean less installation time and cost. For more information, visitwww.gaf.com.
Size: 17 inches by 40 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Fiberglass Asphalt
Number of colors available: 7
Warranty information: Lifetime warranty. Extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A UL 790 fire rating.
Crowne Slate
IKO Manufacturing
Name of premium shingle:Crowne SlateFeatures and benefits: Crowne Slate shingles have a dimensional thickness and profile to further evoke the beautiful contours and natural appearance of slate tiles. Along with a special head and side-lap and being SBS modified, the larger design of Crowne Slate shingles makes them quicker and easier to install. They carry a limited lifetime warranty with IKO’s 7-year “Iron-Clad” protection program. For more information, visitwww.iko.com.
Size: 39 1/2 inches by 12 1/4 inches, exposure 10 inches
Where available: United States and Canada
Materials: Fiberglass asphalt shingle, IKO-SBS modified asphalt coating
Number of colors available: 3
Warranty information:Limited lifetime. Extended warranty available with ShieldPRO Plus Contractor Package (extended). No fee to transfer warranty. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire resistance rating. Class 4 Impact Resistance UL 2218 warranty.
Harvard Slate
IKO Manufacturing
Name of premium shingle: Cambridge 50 AR, 40, 30 AR and 30Features and benefits: Cambridge shingles provide durability, low maintenance and the great looks of a shake-like appearance. They’re built to last with double-layer construction and a tough, modified sealant for superior tear strength values and greater resistance to high winds. Cambridge is available in unique, computer-generated color blends and carry limited 50-, 40- or 30-year warranties. For more information, visitwww.iko.com.
Size: East, 40 7/8 inches by 13 1/4 inches, exposure 5 7/8 inches; West, 40 1/2 inches by 13 1/2 inches, exposure 5 3/4 inches.
Where available: United States and Canada
Materials: Fiberglass asphalt shingles
Number of colors available: 16
Warranty information: Limited 50-year; limited 40-year; limited 30-year warranty. Extended warranty available with ShieldPRO Plus Contractor Package (extended). Transfer fee $100. Wind warranty: Cambridge 50 AR up to 110 mph, Cambridge 40 up to 80 mph, Cambridge 30 AR and 30 up to 70 mph. Class A Fire Resistance Rating.
Armourshake
IKO Manufacturing
Name of premium shingle:ArmourshakeFeatures and benefits: Armourshake premium fiberglass-based asphalt shingles provide a dimensional thickness that enhances the rough-hewn, random-cut appearance, texture and profile of classic wood shakes. They are equally at home on any dwelling, from rustic country casual to urban sophisticated styles; at a price that’s much more comfortable than real wood shakes. For more information, visitwww.iko.com.
Size: 37 3/8 inches by 18 1/2 inches, exposure 5 1/2 inches
Where available: United States and Canada
Materials: Fiberglass asphalt shingle
Number of colors available:5
Warranty information: Limited Lifetime. Extended warranty available with ShieldPRO Plus Contractor Package (extended). No fee to transfer warranty. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Resistance Rating.
Legacy
Malarkey Roofing Products
Name of premium shingle: Legacy®Features and benefits: Malarkey’s Legacy features patented “Zone” technology offering an expanded two-layer nailing area and double rain seals. Malarkey’s SBS modified asphalt endows Legacy shingles with a Class-4 impact resistance rating, the highest available. Malarkey’s Your Choice Warranty™ lets customers choose coverage from any other manufacturer’s warranty for like kind shingles. For more information, visitwww.malarkeyroofing.com.
Size: 13 1/4 inches by 40 inches
Where available: North America and Pacific Rim
Materials: Malarkey fiberglass mat, Malarkey SBS modified asphalt, 3M™ Ceramic Granules
Number of colors available: 9
Warranty information: 50-year limited material warranty. No transfer fee. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating. UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance warranty.
Duration
Owens Corning
Name of premium shingle: Owens Corning Duration™ Premium ShinglesFeatures and benefits: Duration shingles with SureNail Technology have a wider, reinforced nailing area and a clearly recognizable nailing strip that allows roofing subcontractors to install with greater accuracy and higher productivity. The Tru-Bond® sealant and the SureNail nailing strip gives shingles with SureNail Technology extra high wind performance: 130 mph on Duration Premium shingles and 110 mph on Duration shingles. For more information, visitwww.owenscorning.com.
Size: 13 1/4 inches by 39 3/8 inches
Where available:Nationwide in Fall 2007
Materials: Asphalt
Number of colors available: 13
Warranty information: Limited lifetime warranty. One time transfer. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating.
Woodmoor
Owens Corning
Name of premium shingle: Owens Corning Woodmoor™ Collection ShinglesFeatures and benefits:Owens Corning’s Woodcrest™ and Woodmoor™ Collection premium laminate shingles deliver the thick, textured appearance of wood shake with superior performance. Woodcrest and Woodmoor shingles are ideal for the low-slope roofs popular in western architecture, but are equally suited for the steep slopes of more traditional homes. For more information, visitwww.owenscorning.com.
Size: 14 1/4 inches by 40 inches
Where available: 13 Western States
Materials: Asphalt
Number of colors available: 7
Warranty information: Limited lifetime warranty. One time transfer. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating. Special nail requirements: For slopes exceeding 60 degrees or 21 inches per foot, 9 nails are required with 5 in the nail area and 4 placed above tab cutouts.
Manchester
Owens Corning
Name of premium shingle: Owens Corning Berkshire® Collection ShinglesFeatures and benefits: Berkshire™ Collection asphalt shingles offer true-to-life shapes and colors of a natural slate roof paying special attention to the rich detail of natural stone. Additionally, Berkshire shingles are backed by a limited lifetime warranty with 10-year Tru PROtection® coverage and include algae resistance protection and 110-mph wind resistance rating. For more information, visitwww.owenscorning.com.
Size: 18 3/4 inches by 38 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Asphalt
Number of colors available: 8
Warranty information: Limited lifetime warranty. One time transfer. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating. Special nailing requirements: For slopes exceeding 60 degrees or 21 inches per foot, use 6 fasteners and 4 spots of asphalt plastic cement per shingle.
Paramount Advantage
PABCO Roofing Products
Name of premium shingle: Paramount Advantage™Features and benefits: Open-tooth design, 430 pounds per square (nominal). Repeating 5 3/4-inch offset for faster installation. Random pattern allows for left-to-right or right-to-left application. Available with the Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System: (Warranty against algae growth for 20 years). Ideal for reroofing projects. For more information, visitwww.pabcoroofing.com.
Size: 15 1/2 inches by 40 inches
Where available:Western United States and Western Canada
Materials: Fiberglass asphalt shingles
Number of colors available: 7
Warranty information: Limited lifetime warranty for original purchaser. Warranty is transferable. No transfer fee. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire rating. Special nailing requirements: 5 nails per shingle; 6 nails high wind areas.
Paramount
PABCO Roofing Products
Name of premium shingle: Paramount®Features and benefits: Open tooth design, 360 pounds per square (nominal). Repeating 5 3/4-inch offset for faster installation. Random pattern allows for left-to-right or right-to-left application. Available with the Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System: warranted against algae growth for 20 years). Ideal for reroofing projects. For more information, visitwww.pabcoroofing.com.
Size: 15 1/2 inches by 40 inches
Where available: Western United States and Western Canada
Materials: Fiberglass asphalt shingles
Number of colors available: 5
Warranty information: 50-year warranty. No fee to transfer warranty. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating. Special nailing requirements: 5 nails per shingle; 6 nails for high wind areas.
Premier
PABCO Roofing Products
Name of premium shingle: Premier Advantage®Features and benefits: 400 pounds per square (nominal), the heavyweight alternative to traditional laminated shingles. Enhanced color palette for a rich appearance. Available with the Scotchgard™ Algae Resistant Roofing System: (warranted against algae growth for 20 years). Features the distinctive PABCO cut to add elegance to any architectural design. For more information, visitwww.pabcoroofing.com.
Size: 13 1/3 inches by 40 inches
Where available: Western United States and Western Canada
Materials: Fiberglass asphalt shingles
Number of colors available: 4
Warranty information: 50-year warranty. No fee to transfer warranty. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating. Special nail requirements: 4 nails (6 nails for high wind areas).
Slate Stone Grey
TAMKO Building Products Inc.
Name of premium shingle: Heritage XL-ARFeatures and benefits: Heritage XL-AR shingles feature a Class A fire resistance rating, and come with a 10-year algae cleaning limited warranty. These unique laminated shingles feature a double-layer fiberglass mat construction with a wider random-cut saw-tooth design. A self-sealing strip of asphalt helps provide added wind resistance. For more information, visitwww.tamko.com.
Size: 13 1/4 inches by 39 3/8 inches or 12 inches by 36 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials:Laminated, double layer, fiberglass asphalt shingle
Number of colors available: 8
Warranty information: 40-year limited warranty. No fee to transfer warranty, which is transferable one time during the first two years of the term. Wind warranty up to 80 mph; high wind application up to 90 mph. Class A Fire Rating.
Vintage
TAMKO Building Products Inc.
Name of premium shingle: Heritage VintageFeatures and benefits: Heritage Vintage-AR shingles feature a Class A wind and fire resistance rating, and come with a 10-year algae cleaning limited warranty. The naturally deep shadow lines portray the look of real wood shakes. Unique self-sealing backing strips make Heritage Vintage a great choice for new construction or reroofing. For more information, visitwww.tamko.com.
Size: 17 1/2 inches by 40 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Laminated fiberglass asphalt shingle
Number of colors available: 5
Warranty information: 50-year limited warranty. No extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty, which is transferable one time during the first two years of the term. Wind warranty up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating.
Thunderstorm Grey
TAMKO Building Products Inc.
Name of premium shingle:Heritage 50 ARFeatures and benefits: Heritage 50-AR shingles feature a Class A wind and fire resistance rating, and come with a 10-year algae relief limited warranty. The Shadowtone granule blend adds dimension to portray the look of real wood shakes. Heritage 50 AR shingles are the highest-quality laminated shingles available in their class. For more information, visitwww.tamko.com.
Size: 36 inches by 12 inches or 39 3/8 inches by 13 1/4 inches
Where available: Nationwide
Materials: Laminated, double-layer, fiberglass asphalt shingle
Number of colors available: 23
Warranty information: 50-year limited warranty. No extended warranty available. No fee to transfer warranty, which is transferable one time during the first two years of the term. Wind warranty up to 90 mph; high wind application up to 110 mph. Class A Fire Rating.
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