5 Highly Recommended Architectural Roof Shingles In 2024

As a seasoned industry professional with a keen eye for advanced roofing solutions, I've had the privilege of working with various types of shingles and brands. If you’re looking to upgrade your home with new shingles in 2024, you should check out these top designs. In this blog post, I'll share some of the highly recommended architectural shingles from leading manufacturers.

The Top 5 Architectural Roof Shingles In 2024

Also known as laminated, or fiberglass shingles, architectural roofing shingles are currently the top alternative to 3-tab shingles. Let's explore some of the most superior architectural shingle roofing options provided by Owens Corning, GAF, Malarkey, Atlas, and CertainTeed.

#1 GAF Timberline HDZ® Shingles

GAF Timberline HDZ shingles fall at the top of the list of the best roofing shingles in 2024, highly regarded for their remarkable features and performance. GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are known for their genuine wood shake look, offering a blend of beauty and durability. They are constructed with the company’s innovative LayerLock™ technology for a strong, durable bond that can endure the toughest weather conditions. The shingles also come with an enhanced shadow effect that offers a more natural and dimensional appearance.

Pros 

• Durability: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are designed to withstand high winds, ensuring your roof remains sturdy during storms.
• Algae Resistance: They are equipped with StainGuard® algae protection to maintain the shingle's aesthetics by preventing algae growth.
• Wide Range of Colors: Homeowners can choose from a variety of color options to match their home's style and color scheme.
• Good Value: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles offer a balance of affordability and quality, making them a cost-effective choice.

Cons

• Cost: While providing great value, these shingles might be slightly more expensive than some competitors.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Homeowners who have opted for GAF Timberline HDZ shingles consistently praise their durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of installation. The shingles' ability to mimic the look of real wood shake is often highlighted as a significant advantage, adding a touch of elegance to any home.

#2 CertainTeed Landmark® Pro Shingles

CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingles are another outstanding choice when it comes to architectural roofing shingles. Its reputation is built on durability, versatility, and a wide range of design options. CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles are engineered to replicate the look of cedar shakes, providing a natural, textured appearance for your roof. They are designed using dual-layered construction for added durability, making them resistant to harsh weather conditions. These shingles come in a plethora of colors and styles, ensuring a perfect match for any architectural design.

Pros

• Wide Color Variety: CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles offer an extensive range of colors to suit various tastes and preferences.
• Impressive Warranty: The manufacturer provides a solid warranty, reflecting confidence in the shingle's durability and longevity.
• Enhanced Wind Resistance: The shingles are engineered to resist strong winds, making them suitable for areas prone to storms.
• Stain Resistance: CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles are designed to resist discoloration and staining, maintaining their visual appeal over time.

Cons

• Professional Installation Required: To ensure optimal performance and durability, it's recommended to have these shingles installed by a professional roofer.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Homeowners frequently commend the wide array of color options that CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles offer, allowing them to tailor the shingles to their specific preferences. Additionally, the durability and impressive warranty gives homeowners peace of mind, making it a popular choice on the market.

#3 Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Flex® Shingles

The Duration Flex shingles are renowned for their exceptional durability, variety, and weather resistance. Duration Flex shingles are designed with a proprietary technology known as SureNail® Technology. This technology ensures a strong and secure grip for each shingle, making them highly wind-resistant. Moreover, these architectural roof shingles have a bold, high-definition appearance with depth and dimension that emulates the look of natural wood or slate.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Wind Resistance: Owens Corning Duration Flex shingles offer exceptional wind resistance, providing protection during strong wind gusts and storms.
• Stunning Aesthetics: They feature a vibrant color palette and attractive design, enhancing the visual appeal of any home.
• StainGuard® Protection: These shingles come with built-in StainGuard® Protection to maintain their appearance over time.
• Impressive Warranty: The manufacturer provides a solid warranty, reflecting confidence in the shingle's durability.

Cons

• Slightly Higher Cost: Owens Corning Duration flex shingles may be a bit more expensive than standard asphalt shingles.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Homeowners who have opted for Owens Corning Duration Flex shingles often express satisfaction with the product's ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. The shingles' aesthetic appeal and the peace of mind that comes with their robust warranty are highlighted as significant advantages.

#4 Tamko Heritage® Shingles

Tamko Heritage shingles are a favored choice among homeowners seeking a blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and affordability. Heritage shingles are designed to resemble the natural look of wood shakes, providing an elegant and traditional appearance. These architectural shingles are constructed using a double-layer fiberglass mat for added strength and durability. Heritage shingles come in a range of vibrant colors and styles to suit various home styles.

Pros

• Affordable: Tamko Heritage shingles offer a balance of quality and price, making them an economical choice for many homeowners.
• Easy Installation: These shingles are relatively easy to install, saving both time and money when it comes to the installation process.
• Diverse Color Options: Homeowners can choose from a wide range of colors, ensuring a perfect match with their home's aesthetics.
• Strong Warranty: Tamko Heritage shingles are backed by a robust warranty, providing peace of mind to homeowners.

Cons

• Life Expectancy: While durable, the lifespan of Tamko Heritage shingles may be slightly shorter compared to some competitors.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Customers often appreciate the affordability and ease of installation that Tamko Heritage shingles offer. The availability of various color options to suit individual preferences is also highly recognized, making them a popular choice for homeowners.

#5 IKO Cambridge® Shingles 

IKO Cambridge shingles are recognized for their blend of beauty, durability, and energy efficiency. IKO Cambridge shingles offer a classic dimensional look with a natural slate or cedar appearance. They are designed with a special, large exposure to give any roof a dramatic look. These shingles also boast impressive resistance against wind, algae, and impact.

Pros

• Enhanced Wind Resistance: IKO Cambridge shingles are engineered to resist strong winds, ensuring they stay in place during storms.
• Algae Resistance: The shingles feature algae-resistant granules, maintaining their aesthetic appeal over time.
• Impact Resistance: They are designed to resist impact, providing added protection to your roof against hail or falling debris.
• Energy Efficiency: IKO Cambridge shingles can reflect solar radiation, contributing to a more energy-efficient home.

Cons

• Moderate Warranty: While the company does offer a warranty on these shingles, it may not be as extensive as some competitors.

Customer Reviews and Satisfaction

Customers often praise the classic and elegant appearance of IKO Cambridge shingles. The ability of these shingles to enhance the energy efficiency of a home is a significant advantage, along with their strong resistance against various weather elements.

All of these options offer remarkable durability, weather resistance, and a wide range of design options. However, certain nuances set them apart. So, how do you decide which roofing shingle is best for your home? 

Let me introduce you to some important factors you need to consider.

Factors to Consider When Choosing New Shingles

Here are the key factors that should influence your choice of which architectural roof shingle to buy:

Durability and Weather Resistance

Laminated shingles are renowned for their durability and resistance to extreme weather conditions. They are composed of multiple layers of materials that make them thicker and more resistant to strong wind, hail, snow, and heat. Remember that a longer lifespan translates to fewer replacements and therefore, fewer expenses over time.

Aesthetics and Design Options

The aesthetic aspect is vital in roofing. Architectural shingles offer a wide range of design options, including various colors, patterns, and textures. Choosing a shingle that complements your home's architectural style enhances its overall curb appeal and value.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

In a world that increasingly values sustainability, choosing energy-efficient shingles is pivotal. High-quality shingles are designed to reflect solar radiation, thus reducing your home's cooling costs. Additionally, opt for shingles made from recycled or sustainable materials to contribute to a greener environment.

Building Codes and Regulations

Familiarize yourself with local building codes and regulations regarding roofing materials. Certain areas may have restrictions or specific requirements for shingles that need to be adhered to.

Weight and Structural Considerations

Assess the weight of the shingles and whether your roofing structure can support them. Ensure your roof's structure can bear the weight of the selected architectural shingles to prevent structural issues.

Homeowners Association Approval

If you reside in a community governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA), it's crucial to check with them before selecting new roofing shingles. Many HOAs have guidelines and restrictions regarding the type, color, and style of roofing materials allowed within the community.

If you need help selecting the best roofing shingles in Pennsylvania, our team is here to guide you!

Explore the Best Architectural Shingles in Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing LLC, we’re always here to help homeowners get a safe, cost-effective, and beautiful roof. We’re proud of our friendly and experienced team of residential roofers who are experts at installing high-quality architectural asphalt shingles in Pennsylvania. We’re here to make your roof replacement project a smooth experience, and we work with some of the top manufacturers in the industry. So, call us at (412) 353-5660 and schedule a free consultation with one of our experts to discuss your shingle roofing project.