Asphalt Shines like Gold
ARMA Awards 2025: Gold Award for North Carolina Home
The annual ARMA Excellence award honors the skill, expertise and resolve that went into reroofing this residential treasure.

Key Takeaways
- Asphalt shingles emerged as the ideal solution for this home, combining luxury with high performance.
- The shingles' lightweight design facilitated the installation process, making them ideal for steep roof pitches and complex structures.
- Asphalt roofing provides the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and reliable performance, offering a cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) is proud to recognize Urban Grind Roofing LLC with a Gold Award in the 2025 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program for their complex project, which involved the full replacement of a seven-year-old residential roof.
The homeowner sought a high-quality solution and opted for asphalt shingles. After four months of consultations and reviewing various premium shingle options, the homeowner selected CertainTeed's Grand Manor Shingles in Brownstone. These shingles feature a slate-like finish and are known for their durability and elegance.
Project Overview & Challenges
Gold Winner: ARMA 2025 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program
Project Name: Grand Pinnacle Project – Cornelius
Location: Cornelius, N.C.
Roofing Contractor: Urban Grind Roofing LLC
Project Timeline: 1 Week
Project Size: 126 squares
Products Used: CertainTeed Grand Manor® Shingles
Urban Grind Roofing’s team faced a technically demanding task, as the roof featured a 16/12 pitch with numerous valleys and multiple standing seam metal accents. With 57 different facets, including 34 custom-fabricated metal valleys and the integration of crickets to resolve dead valleys, the project required meticulous planning and skillful execution.
Despite the challenges posed by the roof’s steep pitch and intricate design, the team delivered an
exceptional result. The use of asphalt shingles ensured that the roof was visually stunning and able to withstand the harshest weather conditions. The team installed the asphalt shingles with precision to create a seamless finish, striking a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
Faced with a failing roof and unique architecture, the team exceeded expectations, transforming the home into a statement piece.
Why Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt shingles emerged as the ideal solution for this home, combining luxury with high performance. The existing roof was deteriorating prematurely, and the homeowner needed a material that blended the elegance of slate with excellent protection against the elements.
CertainTeed’s Grand Manor Shingles were selected for their Class 4 impact resistance, Class A fire resistance, algae resistance, and 130 MPH wind resistance. The shingles' lightweight design facilitated the installation process, making them ideal for steep roof pitches and complex structures.
Asphalt roofing provides the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and reliable performance, offering a cost-effective and long-lasting solution. The Brownstone color complemented the home's exterior beautifully, enhancing its curb appeal while providing protection against the elements.
The final result is a durable and reliable asphalt roofing system that not only improves the home’s design but also offers long-term peace of mind.
Excellence in Asphalt Roofing: Winning Gold
The Grand Pinnacle Project – Cornelius stands out due to its scale, complexity, and the exceptional craftsmanship displayed throughout.
Urban Grind Roofing LLC received a $2,000 monetary prize, national industry recognition, and coverage on ARMA’s website and social media channels.
Celebrations took place in San Antonio during the 2025 International Roofing Expo (IRE), where the team commemorated their achievement and shared insights with industry peers.
ARMA’s Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program recognizes the top steep- and low-slope asphalt roofing projects across North America based on four categories: Why Asphalt, Project Challenges, Distinction, and Beauty.
Projects with the highest scores earn Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals. Participants have the opportunity to receive awards in the Best-in-Class categories, which are awarded solely based on judges’ nominations. These include In the Neighborhood, Commercial/Mixed Use, Craftsmanship, and Technical Difficulty.
The 2025 program received 92 submissions, showcasing success stories, innovative solutions, and complex artistry in asphalt roofing systems.
To learn more about the awards program or ARMA, visit asphaltroofing.org.
Editor’s Note: Roofing Contractor was honored to participate in the judging process.
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