Drawing from my years in the roofing business, I understand your hesitation about spending on luxury shingles. Upgrading from the usual asphalt options to something fancier is an effective decision.
However, luxury shingles not only improve the aesthetics of your home but also deliver superior performance. Are they worth the extra investment?
Let’s get into their advantages and disadvantages and see if they truly deliver value for money.
What Are Luxury Shingles?
Luxury asphalt shingles are the top choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their roof with something a bit fancier, similar to options provided by top metal roof companies. Not only do they look great, but they are also built tough.
Unlike the everyday 3-tab or architectural types, these are thicker and bigger, which means they last longer and look cooler. They are made from some seriously sturdy stuff, like a fiberglass mat base topped with ceramic-coated minerals and layered tabs.
Pros And Cons Of Luxury Asphalt Shingles
Pro of Asphalt Shingles
The following are the advantages of luxury asphalt shingles:
1. Energy Efficient
Luxury shingles are not just about the flashiness; they are smarter, too! Sporting a layer of extra-reflective, sturdy granules, these shingles reflect a lot more UV rays, increasing their energy efficiency.
For those in the shingle roof business, this is a bonus—it slows down the wear and tear that harsh UV light usually imposes on regular asphalt shingles.
2. Low Maintenance Needs
Why are you upset with the annoyance of constant roof maintenance? Luxury asphalt shingle roofs stand out as they demand far less care compared to other materials, like 3-tab shingles.
These high-end shingles stay robust and leak-free for decades, which means less worry and more savings for you.
3. Aesthetics & Curb Appeal
If you are eyeing the ultimate upgrade for your house, think beyond just four walls—start with the roof! Luxury shingles are not just about covering the top; they are a fashion statement for your house, combining robustness with killer style, similar to the meticulous planning required when obtaining a permit for roof replacement.
You can pick from a range of designs, colors, and textures—whether it is the old-school charm of architectural shingles or the royal vibes of slate or wood shake look-alikes.
What is more, decorating your roof with these shingles not only grows your home’s street reputation but also increases its market price.
4. Durable & Weather Performance
Luxury asphalt shingles are known for their excellent durability and ability to resist severe weather conditions like hail, heavy rains, and high winds.
The top-tier brands often include shingles that can resist wind speeds up to 130 mph and are designed with multiple layers to improve impact resistance.
This high level of durability can lead to fewer claims being denied due to weather-related damage since the shingles are less likely to suffer harm in the first place.
5. Improved Fire Resistance
Many luxury asphalt shingles have a Class A fire rating, the highest available, meaning they are highly resistant to fire.
This feature greatly improves a home’s safety, reducing the likelihood of severe damage in the event of a fire.
Therefore, homes equipped with these shingles might experience fewer claim denials related to fire damage as they offer better protection and meet higher safety standards.
6. Long-lasting Performance
Luxury high-end asphalt shingles really take the cake when it comes to sticking around; they can last up to 50 years if you treat them right.
This means you are not constantly calling someone to replace or fix your roof—good news for your wallet and your insurance claims.
Because they are built tough, you are less likely to get into disputes with your insurance company about natural wear and tear—those conversations can get as old as a well-maintained roof!
Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Luxury asphalt shingles, while offering improved aesthetics and durability, come with several drawbacks that might affect their selection and the overall insurance implications for roof claims:
1. Higher Upfront Cost
If you are thinking about spending on a luxury asphalt shingle roof, know it will affect your wallet harder than the basic ones. We are talking about $4-$7 per square
For the whole roof, you may spend between $8,000 and $20,000. Why the steep price?
These shingles are the high rollers of roofing thanks to their top-notch quality, long life, and striking looks. While you are living it up with your stylish roof, that upfront cost might raise your insurance rates higher.
2. Require High Experience for Installation
Due to their complex design and the accuracy required in laying them down, luxury asphalt shingles require skilled professionals. This complexity can lead to longer installation times and potentially higher labor costs.
Similarly, like metal roofing for mobile homes, if not installed correctly, issues arising from poor installation might not be covered by insurance, leading to denied claims or disputes.
3. Heavy in Weight
The robust construction of luxury asphalt shingles makes them heavier than standard shingles, which might need additional structural support for your roof. This can increase the overall cost and complexity of roof installation or replacement.
Insurance policies might require special considerations or inspections to assess if the existing structure can support this added weight without risk, influencing claim approvals.
4. Limited Options
While luxury asphalt shingles aim to resemble upscale materials like slate or cedar, they usually offer a limited selection of styles and colors.
This might not sit well with homeowners desiring a roof that breaks the mold. Unlike metal or tile roofs, which have a wider spectrum of design possibilities, these shingles stick to a more predictable lineup.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles Cost
Luxury shingles are not just a treat; they come with a huge price tag of $4-7 per square foot, imaging their top-notch quality.
Keep in mind that not just any installer can handle these high-end shingles; it often costs more to hire professionals who are strengthened in their unique installation techniques.
Ever since COVID-19 hit, we have all felt those wallet-pinching increases in prices for vital materials like wood, which are important for most home improvement projects.
Best Luxury Asphalt Shingles
The following are the top luxury asphalt shingles:
1. Owens Corning Luxury Shingles
Owens Corning is well-known for its Duration® Series shingles, which include several lines such as TruDefinition Duration, Duration FLEX, and Duration STORM®.
These shingles are praised for their durability, wide range of color options, and features like SureNail Technology, which ensures strong wind resistance and ease of installation.
The luxury models have a lifetime warranty, improved wind resistance of up to 130 MPH, and algae-resistance technology.
2. GAF Luxury Shingles
GAF’s Camelot® II collection is the best choice in their luxury shingle lineup, offering a smart look similar to natural slate or wood shake without breaking the bank.
These shingles feature oversized tabs and distinctive color mixes that seriously increase your home’s street appeal.
Also, they are not just about looks—backed by a lifetime limited warranty and impressive wind resistance up to 130 MPH. And with StainGuard Plus™ algae protection, they guarantee your roof looks sharp and performs well for years to come.
3. Atlas Luxury Shingles
Atlas delivers various shingle options, including the Pinnacle® Pristine featuring Scotchgard™ Protector.
These shingles are especially known for their resistance to algae and discoloration, maintaining a clean and vibrant look over time. Atlas shingles also highlight durability and wind resistance, making them a robust choice for luxury roofing.
Luxury Shingles Vs Architectural Shingles
| Features | Luxury Asphalt Shingles | Architectural Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $8 per square foot | $4.50 per square foot |
| Durability | Built for durability, often including features like multiple layers for extra protection. | Good durability but typically not as strong as luxury shingles |
| Lifespan | 50 Years | 25-30 Years |
| Aesthetics | Superior aesthetic appeal with designs intended to resemble high-end materials like slate and wood. | Attractive but less diverse in appearance than luxury shingles; primarily designed for function. |
| Curb Apeal | High curb appeal due to premium look | Decent curb appeal that improves home aesthetics |
| Weight | Heavier due to more layers | Lighter |
| Installation | Installation is more complex due to the weight | Easier and faster to install |
| Availability | Less widely available than architectural shingles | Widely available and offered by most major roofing manufacturers. |
Luxury Asphalt Shingles FAQs
Why are luxury asphalt shingles so expensive?
Luxury asphalt shingles command a higher price because they are thicker, boast multiple layers, and are crafted to mimic the elegant appearance of slate tiles, improving both durability and aesthetics.
What do luxury shingles look like?
Luxury shingles are designed to resemble slate tiles, offering a sophisticated and premium look for roofing that upgrades a home’s overall appearance.
Are Luxury Asphalt Shingles Really Worth It?
Yes, investing in luxury asphalt shingles can be worthwhile. Their improved thickness and multiple layers contribute to greater durability and longevity, making them a robust choice compared to standard shingles.
Conclusion
You have just read about top luxury asphalt shingles. Now you know, are they the best choice for your next roof makeover? If yes, it is time to dial up a trusty local roofing expert.
But hang on—what if they are not your cup of tea? Maybe you are looking to explore other roofing options.
