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The grandeur of a slate roof doesn’t always have to be expensive. In 2024, you have the option to choose designer asphalt shingles that look like slate. These luxurious shingles not only look beautiful but are also made to handle adverse weather conditions better than other types of asphalt shingles, like 3-tab and architectural.
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we’ve selected three slate-like asphalt shingles with sturdy features and long-term value. Let’s explore these beautiful and affordable alternatives to slate roofing tiles.
Exploring The Features Of Designer Asphalt Shingles That Look Like Slate
Such luxurious shingles are designed and manufactured by industry leading brands like GAF, CertainTeed, and Atlas.
#1 GAF Slateline® Shingles
On the top of our list are the GAF Slateline shingles. These premium shingles offer an ideal blend of affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making them a top alternative to slate roofing tiles.
Appearance
These shingles are crafted to replicate the striking look of slate roofs. They feature pronounced shadow lines and a distinct shape, closely resembling slate—better than other asphalt shingles on the market in 2024!
Algae Protection
Bid farewell to blue-green algae discoloration! Slateline shingles are equipped with Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology, ensuring prolonged defense against unsightly algae stains. These shingles come with a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty, offering even more reassurance.
Wind Resistance
Strong winds will not pull away these slate-like asphalt shingles. Slateline shingles are engineered to endure winds of up to 130 mph with proper installation, guaranteeing that your home remains protected even during F1 tornadoes (73 to 112 mph).
Color Options
With a variety of color options, including Antique Slate, English Gray, Royal Slate, and Weathered Slate, you’re sure to find the perfect shade to complement your home’s exterior design.
Durability
GAF Slateline shingles have a lifespan of about 50 years. Thanks to Dura Grip™ Adhesive technology, each shingle is firmly sealed, minimizing the risk of shingle blow-off and ensuring your roof remains intact and resilient over time.
Shingle Warranty
These shingles are safeguarded by a lifetime limited warranty, providing protection against manufacturing defects and premature deterioration. Furthermore, this lifetime warranty is transferable to subsequent property owners where the shingles are installed.
Moreover, when installed by a GAF Master Elite® roofing contractor, the shingles may come additional advantages, such as the Golden Pledge Warranty. These warranties encompass lifetime coverage for manufacturing defects and comprehensive protection for workmanship and environmental hazards, offering homeowners enhanced peace of mind and assurance.
#2 Atlas StormMaster® Slate shingles
Next, we recommend StormMaster Slate shingles by Atlas. These slate-like asphalt shingles have advanced protection technology and multiple color options.
Look and Color Options
Atlas StormMaster Slate shingles offer a refined appearance resembling natural slate, and are available in rich colors—Weathered Slate, Emerald Slate, Blackstone Slate, Hearthstone Slate, Pewter Slate, and Chalkstone Slate.
Advanced Protection
Core4® Technology: Enhances strength and durability with double sealant lines.
ThermalCore® Technology: Mitigates the effects of thermal shock, providing 18% better granule adhesion.
Scotchgard™ Protector: Prevents algae-induced black streaks.
Warranty
StormMaster Slate shingles have a standard wind warranty of 130 mph with 4-nail application and an enhanced warranty of 150 mph with 6-nail application. The algae resistance of these slate-like shingles is also covered for 10 years.
When installed by an Atlas certified contractor, these shingles are eligible for a limited lifetime warranty on material defects and installation errors.
#3 CertainTeed Carriage House®
Carriage House shingles are by far the most unique asphalt shingles that look like slate with a luxurious scalloped design.
Slate Appearance
CertainTeed Carriage House designer shingles have the look of hand-crafted, half-round slate slabs. The color technology enhances the dimensionality of the shingles, creating depth and richness.
Technologies and Features
These shingles also have an algae-protection technology and come with the StreakFighter®, algae-protection warranty for 30 years. Carriage House shingles have a wind warranty for wind speeds up to 110 mph, which can be upgraded to 130 mph. They are heavier than most designer shingles, which adds to their strength and slate look. Carriage House shingles are Class 4 impact-rated, which means they are good for hail-prone areas.
Color Options
Carriage House shingles are available in a range of beautiful and deep colors—Colonial Slate, Gatehouse Slate, Black Pearl, Brownstone, and Stonegate Gray. There is also a little randomness in the shades, just like in natural slate stones.
So, these are the best options you have when it comes to finding an authentic slate roof design within your budget, and without compromising quality and safety. When specifically looking for slate-like asphalt shingles, you should focus on some important aspects before making a choice.
Things To Consider When Looking For Asphalt Shingles That Mimic Slate
Here’s what every homeowner should assess:
Material Quality
Opt for premium grade asphalt shingles that are designed to accurately replicate the texture, color, and shape of natural slate. Look for shingles with multi-dimensional profiles and realistic shadow lines that don’t make them look fake or cheap.
Authenticity
Look for asphalt shingles that are designed with advanced manufacturing techniques to closely replicate the natural texture, grain, and detail of slate. High-definition printing technology can be used to create shingles that mimic the intricate patterns and variations found in real slate.
Available Colors
Choose asphalt shingles that offer a range of color options to match the natural variations found in slate. Look for shingles that incorporate subtle color blends and depth to achieve a realistic appearance.
Thickness
Slate roofing slabs are always thicker than asphalt shingles. So, consider asphalt shingles with a thicker profile, as it makes them look even more like slate.
Weather Resistance
Ensure that the asphalt shingles you choose are engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, including wind, rain, hail, and UV exposure. Look for shingles with enhanced durability features, such as impact resistance and high wind ratings, to ensure long-term performance.
Warranty Coverage
Select asphalt shingles that come with a comprehensive warranty from the manufacturer. A longer warranty period, typically 30 years or more, provides assurance of the shingles’ quality and durability.
Installation Requirements
While asphalt shingles are generally easier to install compared to slate, ensure that the roofing contractor you hire is certified and experienced in installing designer or premium asphalt shingles. Proper installation is crucial for achieving the desired slate-like appearance and maximizing the lifespan of the roof.
Energy Efficiency
Consider asphalt shingles with features such as cool roof technology or solar reflective coatings to improve energy efficiency and reduce cooling costs. These features help to reflect UV rays and minimize heat absorption, keeping your home cooler during hot weather and lowering reliance on air conditioning.
Local Availability
Check with your local roofing contractors to determine the availability of slate-like asphalt shingles in your area. Some manufacturers may offer specialized product lines to meet the standards of local building codes and climates.
Manufacturer Reputation
Choose asphalt shingles from reputable manufacturers with a track record of producing high-quality roofing materials. Research the manufacturer’s reputation, product reviews, and certifications to ensure good warranty protection, reliability, and performance.
If you need more information or shingle roofing services in Pittsburgh, we’d be glad to guide you and be your trusted roofing partner!
Explore The Best Asphalt Shingles That Mimic Natural Slate!
At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we are proud to be Pittsburgh’s leading roofing contractor with GAF Master Elite status. We work with multiple asphalt shingle manufacturers that provide high-quality slate-like shingles in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. We’ve installed premium grade asphalt shingles in the area for many years, and we’d love to show you some samples and options to fit your needs. If you are interested in exploring beautiful asphalt shingles for your home, let’s discuss your project over a free consultation. Call us at (412) 353-5660 and talk to our experts about asphalt shingles that look like slate!
