Shingles are the most often-used roofing products in the world, and it’s not hard to figure out why that is the case. Shingles make up the essential top layer of any roof, and that is both the most important layer and the most vulnerable. Although there are many companies out there that make fine shingle products, we are going to focus on the top four shingle makers. We will do this without any favoritism, as our goal is to help you choose the best product for your needs.
1. GAF
GAF is the biggest shingle maker in the USA, which makes them one of the biggest shingle makers in the world. That alone gives them an advantage in this contest, as this type of popularity does not happen by accident. To be fair, their large advertising budget probably helps, but their products do have a good reputation in general.
One great thing about GAF shingles is the fact that they are compatible with all other GAF roofing products. This company incorporates everything into a “complete roofing system,” meaning that all its products can work together within the same framework. This is a great advantage for contractors, and that often translates to lower building costs.
GAF shingles typically have generous warranties, but many have complained that these warranties exclude many people. Apparently, their warranty system has multiple levels, and you have to meet some stringent requirements in order to qualify for the best coverage.
2. Owens Corning
Owens Corning may not be quite as popular as GAF, but the difference is pretty slim. Owens Corning seems to concentrate on quality over quantity, but they still have a good selection in terms of styles and colors. A lot of people have rated their warranties as some of the most generous in the industry. Naturally, these warranties have some qualifiers, but most people seem to be okay with them.
Owens Corning also offers a wide range of special-purpose shingles, each of which is designed to meet a specific need. These include impact-resistant shingles for hail-prone areas, wind-resistant shingles for wide, open areas, fireproof shingles of all sorts, algae-resistant shingles, stain-resistant shingles, energy-efficient shingles, and plenty of others.
Of course, every brand has its share of complaints, and this one is no different. There are two complaints that we see most often. First, some people complain that these shingles don’t seal correctly in cold weather. When we look at the warranty, we can see that these shingles require warm sunlight in order to seal properly. Failure to provide this will void the warranty, so you probably can’t use these in winter. Second, some others have complained that the color of their shingles differed from the sample picture.
3. Certainteed
Certainteed is a high-end shingle manufacturer, and the prices of their products will generally reflect that fact. That might be why they aren’t as big as GAF or Owens Corning, but their reputation is quite sterling. They have quite a few luxury roofing products, but most people don’t know what that means.
For one thing, these shingles tend to be heavier than most others. This is because they are thicker, and that equals a longer lifespan and a tougher product. Like GAF and OC, they have designed a complete roofing system divided into many modular sections. The customer can choose which of these components they want to use and which ones they do not. Again, the biggest advantage here is better compatibility.
The biggest downside of Certainteed shingles is their high price. Not everyone can afford them, as the cost of re-shingling a roof is pretty high in the first place. A lot of people have complained that this company doesn’t often honor its warranty, but that is a common complaint with all shingle manufacturers.
To avoid these kinds of warranty denial issues, the best thing you can do is to seek out an installer that is licensed and approved by the company. By that, we mean the same company that made your shingles. If you do this, it will be much harder for the warranty department to blame your problems on poor installation.
4. Tamko
Tamko is not as well-known as our others, but they are still one of the biggest on the market. They make a wide variety of shingles, from low-end products for those on a budget to luxury shingles for the richest of customers. Indeed, one of the best things about this company is the huge variety of styles and colors that they offer.
Tamko is best-known for providing a decent low-cost option for those who can’t afford the more famous brands. A lot of people also like their warranty system, as it is a lot less complex than most others that we have seen. The warranty system has three tiers: a 25-year plan, a 30-year plan, and a 50-year plan.
Tamko is a great choice for those times when you need a roof repaired quickly. Major roof damage allows all kinds of damage to befall your home, so it has to be fixed with maximum speed. That’s when a mid-grade and low-cost option will come in handy.
Still, we do see a fairly large number of bad reviews, customer complaints, and at least one class-action lawsuit. It seems that a large percentage of this company’s customers are unhappy with their work, saying that their products do not last nearly as long as promised. Some have reported a lifespan that is less than half of what they were promised, and these complaints seem pretty consistent.
Conclusion
No matter what type of shingles you choose, RGB Construction Services has the knowledge and experience to install them with the highest level of professional care. We have been in this business long enough to know that good installation makes just as much difference as the brand that you choose, if not more. If you would like more information about us or our services, you can call us at 856-264-9093 or just fill out the contact form below.
