Comparing Roof Shingle Quality: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Choosing the right roof shingles can be overwhelming with the large variety of materials and brands available. At Harvey Roofing & Construction, we understand the importance of making an informed decision for your roofing project and we assess every roofing need thoroughly to provide homeowners with the knowledge and options they need and want.

This roof shingle quality comparison will guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting shingles for your home. We’ll explore different materials, top brands, and essential quality indicators to help you make the best choice for your roof.

What Are the Best Roof Shingle Materials?

Asphalt Shingles: The Popular Choice

Asphalt shingles come in two main types:

1. Three-tab shingles: These flat, single-layer shingles provide the most basic and affordable option. They usually withstand winds up to 60 mph.  With the growing consistency of severe weather events in North Texas, Harvey Roofing & Construction no longer recommends three-tab shingles as suitable for any roof installation.
2. Architectural shingles: These multi-layered shingles offer better durability and aesthetics. Some can resist winds up to 130 mph.

Malarkey and ATLAS asphalt shingles stand out for their superior quality and innovative features. For example, all Malarkey shingles use smog-reducing granules to improve air quality.

Metal Roofing: Durable and Long-lasting

Metal roofing continues to gain popularity due to its longevity and resistance to extreme weather. While more much more expensive initially, metal roofs can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance and withstand the most severe weather events.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Shingle Materials

When selecting shingle materials, homeowners should consider several factors:

1. Local climate: Different materials perform better in specific weather conditions.
2. Budget: Initial costs and long-term maintenance expenses vary among materials.
3. Aesthetic preferences: Each material offers a distinct look that can enhance a home’s curb appeal.
4. Durability: Consider the expected lifespan and resistance to elements like wind, hail, and UV ray exposure from the sun.
5. Energy efficiency: Some materials (like metal and reflective granule asphalt shingles) can reflect more sunlight, potentially reducing cooling costs.

The next chapter will explore the specific factors that affect shingle quality, including manufacturing processes, weather resistance, and warranty coverage. Understanding these elements will help you make an informed decision for your roofing project.

What Determines Shingle Quality?

Manufacturing Process and Materials

The quality of shingles begins at the factory. Top manufacturers invest in advanced production techniques and superior raw materials. Malarkey for example uses NEX polymer modified asphalt in all of their shingles, which enhances flexibility and durability. This innovation allows their shingles to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions better.

ATLAS incorporates their patented Core4 Enhanced Polymer Technology in their Pinnacle Impact and StormMaster shingles. This technology improves the shingles’ resistance to tearing, impact, and granule loss.

Weather Resistance and Impact Ratings

A shingle’s ability to withstand harsh weather is essential, especially in areas prone to severe storms. The impact rating system (ranging from Class 1 to Class 4) indicates a shingle’s resistance to hail and other impacts. Class 4 shingles offer advanced protection from hail and wind-blown debris, representing one of the highest ratings possible for impact-resistant shingles.

ATLAS Pinnacle Impact and StormMaster Shake shingles boast a Class 4 impact rating, making them an excellent choice for regions that experience frequent hailstorms. Malarkey’s Vista AR and Legacy Scotchgard Protector shingles also carry a Class 4 rating, providing superior protection against impacts.

Wind resistance is another critical factor. Many high-quality shingles now offer wind warranties up to 130 mph (ATLAS StormMaster Shake is up to 150 mph), a significant improvement from the standard 60 mph resistance of basic three-tab shingles.

Savings on homeowner insurance policy premiums is another consideration. To qualify for a discount, roofing materials must be tested for impact resistance at a test laboratory in accordance with a recognized test standard.  Roofing materials that have passed the test criteria are classified as either Class 1, 2, 3 or 4.  All insurance companies in Texas offer an annual insurance premium discount for Class 4 impact rated roof coverings and some also do for Class 3.

The amount of discount for each class of roofing material is established by the insurance company on a company by company basis.  Each insurance company determines the test criteria they will accept, how the roofing materials are labeled for verification, and the paperwork that must be submitted to them by the contractor and policyholder.

Warranty Coverage and Length

Warranty terms often reflect a manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s quality. Premium asphalt roof shingles typically come with longer warranties, sometimes up to 50 years or even lifetime coverage for the original homeowner.

It’s essential to read the fine print. Some warranties only cover manufacturing defects, while others might include labor costs for replacement. Malarkey, ATLAS and CertainTeed also offer algae resistance warranties on their shingles, addressing a common aesthetic concern of stopping black streaks from forming on your roof.

Installation Quality

The quality of installation plays a significant role in shingle performance. Even the best shingles can fail if not installed correctly. Professional installers (like those at Harvey Roofing & Construction) follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes to ensure proper installation.

Proper installation includes:

• Correct nail placement and quantity
• Proper underlayment application
• Adequate ventilation
• Proper flashing installation

Improper installation can void even the best manufacturer’s warranty, emphasizing the importance of choosing a reputable roofing contractor.

The next chapter will explore top shingle brands and their specific offerings, helping you make an informed decision for your roofing project.

Top Shingle Brands for Your Roof

Malarkey Shingles: Innovation and Durability

Malarkey shingles have established themselves as leaders and offer best in class shingle manufacturing with their innovative approach. Their NEX polymer modified asphalt technology enhances shingle flexibility and durability, making these shingles an excellent choice for areas with extreme weather conditions.

The Malarkey Vista AR and Legacy Scotchgard Protector lines stands out with their Class 4 impact rating (the highest possible). These shingles resist hail and wind-blown debris exceptionally well. Homeowners in storm-prone areas will find this level of protection invaluable.

Malarkey also addresses aesthetic concerns with their Scotchgard Protector treated shingles. These products come with a range of 15 years to lifetime algae resistance warranty, which helps maintain roof appearance over time by eliminating the potential of black streaks from algae growth.

ATLAS Shingles: Advanced Protection Technology

ATLAS shingles incorporate cutting-edge technology for robust performance. Their Pinnacle Impact and StormMaster Shake lines feature the patented Core4 Enhanced Polymer Technology, which improves resistance to tearing, impact, and granule loss significantly.

For homeowners in hail-prone regions, ATLAS StormMaster Shake shingles offer the top protection. These shingles boast a Class 4 impact rating, providing excellent defense against severe weather events.

ATLAS also utilizes Scotchgard Protector, which prevents the unsightly black streaks caused by algae growth. This feature maintains and ensured your home’s curb appeal.

CertainTeed Shingles: A Trusted Choice for Lasting Beauty and Protection

CertainTeed is known for producing some of the highest-quality roofing shingles on the market, and their architectural shingle line stands out for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and advanced protection features.

CertainTeed’s laminated asphalt shingles are designed with multiple layers and proprietary materials to withstand harsh weather, resist damage, and maintain their beauty over time.

Key technologies featured across CertainTeed’s architectural shingle line include:

• Quadra-Bond Adhesive – A powerful adhesive system that tightly seals shingle layers together, improving wind resistance and preventing delamination in severe weather.

• StreakFighter Algae-Resistance – Uses copper-infused granules to prevent unsightly black streaks caused by algae, keeping roofs looking clean and vibrant for years.

• NailTrak Nailing Line – A wide, highly visible nailing area that helps ensure faster, more accurate installation and a stronger hold—critical for long-term shingle performance.

• ClimateFlex Polymer-Modified Asphalt (featured in Landmark ClimateFlex) – Enhances shingle flexibility and impact resistance, especially in cold temperatures or high-impact zones. This advanced asphalt technology gives the shingles rubber-like toughness while maintaining asphalt durability.

• Impact-Resistant Technology (seen in Belmont® IR and ClimateFlex shingles) – Engineered to achieve a Class 4 impact resistance rating, the highest level recognized in the industry, for superior hail and storm protection.

• Max Def Color Technology (used in Landmark Pro and others) – Delivers deeper, richer color blends with high-contrast tones for a more dimensional, eye-catching look.

The Importance of Professional Installation

While each of these brands offer excellent products, a long-lasting roof requires proper installation. Professional installers follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes to ensure correct installation. This includes proper nail placement and quantity, appropriate underlayment application, adequate ventilation, and correct flashing installation.

Improper installation can void even the best manufacturer’s warranty, emphasizing the importance of choosing a reputable roofing contractor.

Final Thoughts

Our roof shingle quality comparison highlights the importance of material types, manufacturing processes, weather resistance, and warranty coverage. Top brands like Malarkey, ATLAS, and CertainTeed have set high standards with innovative technologies and superior materials. These advancements result in shingles that withstand extreme weather, resist impacts, and maintain a consistent and beautiful appearance over time.

Professional installation maximizes your shingles’ lifespan and maintains warranty coverage. Proper techniques for nail placement, underlayment application, ventilation, and flashing installation are critical. Choosing a reputable roofing contractor is as important as selecting quality shingles.

Harvey Roofing & Construction specializes in installing durable Malarkey, ATLAS and CertainTeed asphalt shingles, as well as metal roofing systems. We pride ourselves on our thorough process, from initial consultation to final inspection. Your roof is a significant investment, and choosing the right shingles and installation team is key to ensuring that investment pays off in the long run.