Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Understanding The Different Types And Styles of Shingles

Shingle Manufacturers

Top Shingle Manufacturers For Midwest Roofs

Whether you’re comparing architectural shingles vs. 3-tab shingles, exploring impact-resistant roofing options, or planning a full roof replacement, understanding the differences between leading brands like CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning is key to making the right choice. We also offer detailed guidance on roofing installation services, warranty comparisons, and choosing the right asphalt shingle. Check out our expert breakdowns on asphalt shingle types, energy-efficient roofing materials, and our customer first approach to residential roofing.

Certainteed

Certainteed shingles offer premium, durable shingles with rich colors and top-tier warranties.

Malarkey

Malarkey shingles are eco-friendly, rubberized shingles with high impact performance.

Owens Corning

Shingles with SureNail® tech for strength and wind resistance.

GAF

A well known brand for reliable, stylish, affordable shingles.

Tamko

Budget-friendly shingles with bold colors, best for basic roofing needs.

Atlas

An affordable option with algae protection, though less favored by pros.

IKO

Cost-effective shingles with decent performance, but thinner than premium brands.

What’s The Difference?

Understanding The Primary Types of Shingles

Most US shingles fall into 1 of 3 categories; 3-Tab, Architectural (dimensional), & Designer (premium). If you have a 3-tab shingle, then it can’t be a architectural or a designer shingle. Just as if you have a designer shingle, it can’t be an architectural or 3-tab shingle. From there different manufacturers develop branded shingle lines with specific features or top-of-the-line warranties.

3-Tab Shingles

3-Tab shingles are flat, lightweight, and uniform in appearance. They are entry level shingles and typically considered an economy-grade shingle. We typically do not recommend 3-tab shingles.

Architectural Shingles

Also known as dimensional or laminated shingles. Asphalt shingles are cut and laminated together to create a multi-layered and varied look as well as create a heavier, stronger shingle.

Designer Shingles

Also known as luxury, premium, or even high-definition shingles. Similar to architectural shingles, but sometimes designed to mimic shake or slate style roofs.

Primary Shingle Features & Perks

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Impact Resistant

Impact resistance to being hit with hail during a storm.

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Fire Resistant

Most asphalt shingles have a Class A fire rating.

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Algae Resistant

Copper-infused shingles to resist algae production.

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Wind Resistant

Newer shingles leverage features & install methods to prevent blow-offs.

Shingle Rating System

Understanding Some Of the Shingle Ratings

Class IV Impact Rating: Tested under UL 2218 (steel ball drop test).
Class I = lowest, Class IV = highest resistance.
Algae Resistance (AR): Based on ASTM D3273, often marketed as “algae-resistant” or “StainGuard” (GAF), “StreakFighter” (CertainTeed), etc.
Fire Ratings: Class A, B, or C (Class A is the best), based on ASTM E108/UL 790.
Wind Resistance: Tested under ASTM D3161 or D7158, rated in MPH (usually 110–130+ MPH).

Each shingle manufacturer typically uses their own branding or trademarked terms to market thier class IV shingles. GAF might have Timberline HDZ while Malarkey might say Legacy® Scotchgard™. We’ve included some bullet points of the important elements when it comes to any kind of rated shingle.

Understanding Shingle Composition

How Shingles Work To Protect Your Home

Base Material

Fiberlass makes up the core of several shingles compared to older organic materials that would suffer from fire or rot.

This is what comprises the core of shingles and provides its structural integrity and part of its fire resistance.

Asphalt Coating

Regular asphalt is used, but SBS-modified asphalt that is rubberized will be used for added impact resistance.

The asphalt component strengthens the fiberglass core and not only adds additional fire resistance, but impact resistance too.

Granular Types

Ceramic granules provide color and UV protection, but sometimes are combined with copper to inhibit algae growth.

This makes up the outer coating of shingles and provides the algae and UV resistance.

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