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Elevating Your Home with Designer Shingles: A Comprehensive Guide

January , 2024 | 8 min. read

By Macie LaCau

GAF Designer Camelot 2 designer shingles on a hip roof

Have you ever considered how the choice of shingles can transform your home’s aesthetic and durability? If you don’t settle for the ordinary and seek exceptional quality and style in every aspect of life. From fashion to automobiles. Then why should your home be any different?

You might be wondering how shingles fit into this pursuit of excellence.

Well, for those with an eye for luxury and a preference for top-tier durability. Designer shingles are not just a roofing choice; they're a statement. At RoofCrafters, we understand this desire for the exceptional. With thirty years of experience in the art of roofing, we've mastered the intricacies of designer shingles. The epitome of elegance and longevity in roofing.

In this article, we’re excited to share our insights and expertise with you. We'll explore the world of designer shingles. We'll cover their unique features, benefits, and the value they can add to your home. Whether you’re seeking aesthetic appeal or unparalleled quality. Let’s begin our journey into the world of sophisticated roofing.

Unveiling Designer Shingles: A Fusion of Luxury and Performance

 

Designer shingles are the "premium" option of asphalt shingles. As we mentioned earlier, they're the best of the best and can add a pop of luxury to your home. Because of this, here are a few things that make designer shingles stand out from other types of shingles. 

  • Size 

  • Curb Appeal

  • Price 

When choosing an asphalt shingle, many homeowners select architectural shingles for their affordability. However, others want their roof to truly stand out from the rest, and that's where designer shingles take the stage. 

Designer Shingles: Size, Style, and Investment

 

The first thing you may notice about designer shingles is their size. They're thicker, larger, and more durable than their counterparts- 3-tab and architectural shingles. They additionally come in other unique design options. The cut, size, and thickness will all play a part in the distinctive look of your home. 

GAF Woodlawn Designer shingle

Speaking of distinct, how could you not notice the unique look of a designer roof? This type of shingle looks like slate tiles and is usually made to replicate the look of a slate roof, designer shingles stand out from their competitors.

GAF Woodlawn designer shingle roof on custom brick home

When investing in the stunning artistry that designer shingles represent, you'll also pay more for them. We'll get into that later on in the article, though. For now, let's paint an image of what types of homes designer shingles may be suited for and how they'll potentially look on yours!

Enhancing Your Home's Aesthetic with Designer Shingles

 

Curb appeal is estimated to account for about 17% of the value of a home. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, picking out shingles can be surprisingly exciting. Remember, designer shingles are thicker and have a distinct and textured appearance. Their thickness and blended shadow bands give off the appearance of slate, enhancing the uniqueness of any home. 

GAF Slateline shingle roof on a large brick home

Choosing a style of shingle that fits the architectural design of your home is essential. Durability and longevity are also crucial, but the aesthetic presence of your home should also be taken into consideration. 

Matching Designer Shingles to Your Home's Style

 

What type of home design do you have? That's the first question you want to ask yourself when thinking of how designer shingles will look on it. Contemporary or Victorian homes exude elegance, and a designer shingle may be the finishing touch to make them look even more stunning to the eye. 

Victorian-style home with red designer shingles

However, some homes may not fit the criteria for designer shingles. For example, if your roofline is not steeper, let's say it's a lower pitch roof, you may not get the value from a designer shingle. You'll need to be able to see the face of the shingle to see the pattern or design.

Getting in touch with a local roofer is the best next step once you see a shingle type you want to go for your roof replacement. They'll assess your home and let you know if designer shingles are a fit for you. 

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Understanding the Investment in Designer Shingles

 

Designer shingles represent an upscale choice for your home. It's important you know they come with a price tag to match their premium quality.

simple designer asphalt shingle roof-2

On average, installing these shingles can cost between $6 and $8 per square foot. For a standard roofline on a 3,000-square-foot roof(average size roof), this means your investment could range from approximately $18,000 to $24,000.

In comparison, traditional asphalt shingles might set you back only $11,000 to $19,000 for the same roof size. Keep in mind, that these costs include the removal of your old shingles, which adds $1 to $4 per square foot to the total price.

You might be wondering, "Why is there such a wide price range for designer shingles?" Let us break it down for you.

Decoding the Price Range for Designer Shingles: What Influences the Cost?

 

It's true, that every article you read seems to give a different answer, but they're all touching on various aspects that affect the final cost. There are several factors that influence the final price. Yet, there are 3 that we use to estimate. 

Home being planned out on blueprints

First, there's the square footage of your roof. Simply put, the larger your roof, the more materials and labor will be needed, which adds to the cost. But it's not only about size; the complexity of your roof also plays a big role. If your roof has a steep slope, intricate designs, or hard-to-reach areas, your roofer will need extra safety equipment and manpower. This complexity increases the labor costs.

brick house with designer shingles

Materials are another major factor. Designer shingles are a premium product, offering a range of styles, colors, and patterns. The specific type you choose can influence the price. Some materials and designs are more expensive to produce than others.

And let's not forget the location of your home. If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, labor and material costs tend to be higher. This regional variation is standard across the roofing industry.

So, while it may seem like the prices are all over the place, they actually reflect the specific details and requirements of your roofing project. It's always best to get 2 to 3 personalized quotes from  professional roofers to understand the exact cost of your unique situation.

Also, try our pricing calculator below, it doesn't cost you anything to use!

Image call to action, use the pricing calculator to estimate the cost of your roof replacement

 

 

Evaluating Designer Shingles for Your Home: Are They the Right Choice?

 

They absolutely can be! Designer shingles add a glimmer of luxury to almost any home. This makes them a fantastic choice for homeowners wanting a one-of-a-kind look. If you're looking a high-quality asphalt roof with noticeable curb appeal, designer shingles may be a great option for you.

asphalt shingles, tile, metal, synthetic wood or slate

The easiest way to find out is by getting in contact with a professional roofer. They'll inspect your roof and let you know what's possible for your home. 

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But, before hiring just anyone to repair your roof, make sure to find a roofing company that you know you can trust. Of course, it's convenient to hire the first person you come across, but you'll get more bang for your buck and a better overall experience with a highly qualified professional. 

Your Next Steps: Embracing Elegance with Designer Shingles

 

Now that you're well-versed in the world of designer shingles, you might be wondering where to go from here. At RoofCrafters, we're ready to guide you through every step of your roofing journey. To expand your knowledge and explore your options, dive into our " Top 16 Roofing Materials for 2024: A Comprehensive Guide on Costs, Pros, and Cons." This resource is packed with insights to help you weigh your choices in materials and costs.

With over three decades of expertise. Our family at RoofCrafters has curated an extensive array of educational content in our learning center. Hopefully, it will help aid in your decision-making process.

We understand that roofing decisions might not top your list of exciting activities. That's precisely why we're here. To turn a complex important task into a smooth and satisfying experience. If you have any questions about designer shingles or need advice on any roofing matter, our friendly family at RoofCrafters is a click away. We're committed to helping you every step of the way.

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Macie LaCau

I'm a native Georgian who spends my days nurturing my passions and embracing the quiet life. With a penchant for taking the road less traveled, I love discovering new ideas, rooting for the underdog, and taking the long way home. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, animals, and making memories.