Are Luxury Asphalt Shingles Really Worth It?

As a seasoned professional in the roofing industry, I'm often asked if luxury asphalt shingles are really worth it. It's a question that homeowners often ponder when they’re looking to upgrade their roofs from traditional asphalt shingles. Over the years, I've had lots of experience with this question, and in this blog post, I'll share my insights into the world of luxury asphalt shingles, their benefits, and whether they live up to expectations.

Before going into the details, let's start with the basics.

Luxury vs. Traditional Asphalt Shingles

There are a couple of main types of asphalt shingles in the roofing industry, but two of the most common include traditional asphalt shingles, and the more advanced version known as luxury or premium asphalt shingles.

Standard Asphalt Shingles

You've probably seen these shingles adorning homes around your block, as they are the top roofing material for residential properties in the U.S. The most common type of traditional asphalt shingle is the 3-tab shingle, which has been popular on the market for decades. However, these shingles have been missing something in terms of aesthetics and longevity.

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

Luxury shingles are a newer development in the industry. You might hear them called premium, designer, high-end, or expensive asphalt shingles. These shingles are all the rage in the roofing world, and they're here to make a statement. They are similar to 3-tab shingles, but are made with higher-quality materials and come in more styles and colors.

Also Read: Which Is The Best Value For Your Money: Budget-Friendly Or Premium Shingles?

If this piques your interest, let’s see how these shingles can be a valuable investment for your home.

How Do Luxury Asphalt Shingles Benefit Homeowners?

These shingles are all about making your home more stylish and functional. 

#1 Enhanced Aesthetics

As a homeowner, you most likely have a vision for your dream home, and it probably includes a unique and durable roof. Luxury shingles bring that to the table. They come in all sorts of styles, colors, and textures, and feature numerous benefits. Whether you want that classic architectural charm or the majestic look of slate or wood shake, there's a luxury shingle that’s perfect for your roof. Plus, these shingles can increase your home's curb appeal and add to its resale value. It's not just a roof, it's a long-lasting style investment and statement.

#2 Exceptional Durability

Nobody wants a roof that starts breaking down after a few storm seasons. Luxury shingles are built tough. They can take on wind, rain, hail, and UV radiation better than other asphalt shingles. Some even come with warranties that last for decades, giving you that much needed peace of mind.

#3 Energy Efficiency

In today's eco-conscious world, being energy efficient isn’t something you should overlook. Luxury shingles provide the best results in this category too. They offer better insulation, helping your home stay cozy year-round. With these shingles, less heat transfer results in lower energy bills – a win-win.

#4 Low Maintenance

Who wants to spend time constantly maintaining the roof? Luxury shingles require far less upkeep compared to other roofing materials, including 3-tab shingles. They last for decades without developing leaks or showing signs of wear, saving you time and money in the long run.

Now, it’s time to address the most important factor in your choice: the cost.

How Much Do Luxury Asphalt Shingles Cost?

Are you wondering about the price tag of these high-end shingles? Simply put, luxury shingles cost around $500 per roofing square, or 100 square feet, after installation. Yes, that's more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, but their durability and longevity make them worthwhile. 

When it comes to the roofing material, it's not just about the upfront cost. These premium shingles are a significant investment that might seem expensive at first, but are worth every penny. They are the whole package, and compared to 3-tab shingles and architectural asphalt shingles, they offer superior beauty, strength, and energy efficiency. 

Now let’s learn more about the types of luxury shingles on the market and find the perfect match for your home.

Selecting High-End Asphalt Shingles for Your Home

Selecting the perfect asphalt shingles isn't a decision you make on a whim. It should complement the overall features of your home. Your choice will have a major impact on your home's curb appeal, durability, energy efficiency, and overall value.

So, let's go over the factors you should be considering.

1. Materials

First, the material you choose matters. What your luxury asphalt shingles are made of can make all the difference. There are two main types of high-end shingles available:

a. Asphalt Shingles with Fiberglass Matt

Instead of a felt base, these shingles have a fiberglass mat. This makes them lightweight, a breeze to install, and fire-resistant. Plus, they can handle moisture better than other options. 

With their durability and versatility, it’s no wonder they're quickly becoming a favorite.

b. Modified Asphalt Shingles

These shingles come with high-tech modifications, like rubber or plastic molecules, that keep them highly weather-resistant. If your area is prone to extreme weather, these shingles might be perfect for your home.

When you're making your pick, don't forget to factor in your local climate and weather conditions.

2. Style and Aesthetics

Next, we will discuss a few different styles because your roof should match your personal design preferences. Here are some top options:

Slate-Like Shingles

These luxury asphalt shingles are crafted to replicate the appearance of natural slate tiles. Not only do they offer a sophisticated look, but they are also cost-effective and easier to install compared to authentic slate.

Wood-Like Shingles

Designed to mimic the natural look of wood shingles or shakes, these asphalt shingles give your roof a rustic and charming appearance. With wood-like shingles, you can enjoy the aesthetic appeal of wood without the maintenance challenges.

Tile-Like Shingles

For a classic and upscale appearance reminiscent of traditional tile roofs, opt for tile-like luxury asphalt shingles. They deliver the desired elegance without the weight and cost associated with clay and concrete tiles.

Luxury Solar Shingles

These shingles combine style with sustainability by seamlessly integrating solar cells into their composition. With premium solar shingles, you could power essential household appliances like LED lights, TVs, laptops, or even your electric car, depending on energy usage and local sunlight.

When you're choosing your shingle style, keep your home's architectural design and your personal flair in mind. Your roof should compliment your property and showcase your unique aesthetic. 

3. Energy Efficiency

In today’s world, luxurious home improvements should never put stress on the environment. In this regard, luxury shingles become ideal for your home. 

a. Reflective Coatings

Some of these shingles come with heat-reflective coatings. They reduce the amount of UV rays absorbed by the roof, keeping your attic and home cooler. The result is lower energy bills and more consistent indoor temperatures. 

If you’re looking for shingles with superior reflectivity, make sure to check out how they rank with the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). The higher the number the better, as that means your shingles reflect more UV rays than other options.

b. Increased Insulation

Some high-end asphalt shingles are incredibly helpful at keeping the temperature just right inside your home. Due to their increased insulation properties, they keep cool air in during the summer, and out during the winter. 

So, if you're looking for more eco-friendly options and want to save some money, look for shingles with Energy Star ratings, or the ones that passed local energy efficiency tests.

4. Warranty and Manufacturer Reputation

Now, let's talk about warranties. Luxury shingles often come with some solid warranties, but as always, make sure to read the fine print. There might be some hidden requirements you need to fulfill, like installation by a certified contractor and proper roof maintenance. Meet those requirements, and you're good to go.

Second, who you buy from matters. Choose an industry-leading manufacturer to purchase the luxury shingles from. Because they have a reputation to uphold, top roofing brands rarely let you down. They're the technological experts, offering the highest quality products on the market. Plus, they follow all industry standards, ensuring you are getting a long-lasting and durable roofing system.

5. Installation Quality

Even the most expensive asphalt shingles won't last if they're not installed correctly. That makes it essential to hire a reliable and reputable roofing contractor. The experts will take those shingles and turn them into a beautiful roof that's built to last.

In the end, if you aren't sure if luxury shingles are right for you, reach out to our experts if you have more questions, or want to explore the best roofing shingles in Pennsylvania.

Explore Luxury Asphalt Shingles in Pennsylvania

Your home deserves nothing short of the absolute best. At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we’re a name that every homeowner in Pennsylvania can trust. We're not just about premium craftsmanship, we're all about giving you the peace of mind you deserve. We only install roofs that will stand the test of time and make your home the envy of the neighborhood. So, if you want to install a new asphalt shingle roof in Pennsylvania, don't think about settling for less. Call us at (412) 353-5660 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts and discuss all your options!