Why Homeowners Should Consider Upgrading to Designer Roofing Shingles

CertainTeed Belmont Shingle - pictured here in Stonegate Gray. Courtesy https://www.certainteed.com/products/residential-roofing-products/belmont-ir?marketingColor=Stonegate_Gray

For decades, roofing technology has evolved—yet most homeowners only know about one major upgrade: 3-tab shingles to architectural shingles. That shift made perfect sense at the time. Architectural shingles:

• Looked better

• Lasted longer

• Offered better wind resistance

• Weren’t much more expensive

Eventually, nearly everyone made the switch. Today, architectural shingles are the standard—so standard that entire neighborhoods have begun to look the same. Even with new color variations, the overall appearance is still very similar from home to home.

But there’s another level that most homeowners are never shown:

Designer (or “premium”) shingles.

Most roofing companies don’t present designer shingles as an option, either because they assume homeowners aren’t interested or because they prefer to stick with what’s familiar.

The result?Homeowners never realize they could significantly elevate their home’s curb appeal—and value—by choosing a roof that truly stands out.

Why Designer Shingles Are Worth Considering

1. Incredible Aesthetic Impact

Designer shingles are built to mimic the look of high-end materials like slate, cedar shake, or hand-cut wood—but at a fraction of the price. These shingles have richer textures, deeper shadow lines, and unique patterns that immediately set a home apart.

When every home on your street has architectural shingles, a designer shingle roof becomes a statement piece.

2. Higher Durability & Wind Resistance

Designer shingles typically use heavier, thicker materials, giving them:

• Longer life expectancy

• Better resistance to wind, storms, and impact

• Improved structural strength

• Enhanced warranty options (depending on manufacturer)

They’re not just better-looking—they’re built to last.

3. Improved Home Value

Curb appeal is real, and appraisers notice roofing materials. Designer shingles can:

• Increase marketability

• Boost perceived home value

• Give your property that “premium” impression from the street

For homeowners thinking about resale in the next 5–10 years, this upgrade can pay for itself.

4. Not Much More Expensive Than You’d Expect

Just like architectural shingles used to be only slightly more expensive than 3-tabs, today’s designer shingles are often more affordable than people assume—especially when bundled with other exterior upgrades.

Most customers simply don’t know they exist, so they never compare pricing.

5. Unique Color Blends & Styles

Designer shingles come in bolder, richer color blends that architectural shingles don’t offer. You get deeper contrasts, more dimensional texture, and a more natural, handcrafted look.

If your home feels too “cookie cutter,” this is an easy way to transform it.

Popular Designer Shingles to Consider

Here are some well-known options homeowners love:

GAF Camelot II

• Elegant, slate-inspired design

• High-end look without the slate price

• Comes in dramatic color blends

GAF Camelot II Shingle - pictured here in Antique Slate. Courtesy https://www.gaf.com/en-us/roofing-materials/residential-roofing-materials/shingles/camelot-ii

GAF Grand Sequoia

• Mimics natural wood shake

• Extra-large tabs create a rugged, rustic appearance

• Great for traditional and craftsman-style homes

GAF Grand Sequoia Shingle- pictured here in Cedar. Courtesy https://www.gaf.com/en-us/roofing-materials/residential-roofing-materials/shingles/grand-sequoia

CertainTeed Belmont

• Designed to resemble natural slate

• Extremely high-end appearance

• Heavy-duty construction for added durability

CertainTeed Belmont Shingle - pictured here in Colonial Slate. Courtesy https://www.certainteed.com/products/residential-roofing-products/belmont-ir?marketingColor=Colonial_Slate

CertainTeed Presidential Shake

• One of the most realistic shake-style shingles available

• Thick, layered design

• Perfect for homes that want a classic, upscale aesthetic

CertainTeed Presidential Shake Shingle - pictured here in Aged Bark. Courtesy https://www.certainteed.com/products/residential-roofing-products/presidential-shake?marketingColor=Aged_Bark

Owens Corning Woodcrest / Woodmoor

• Deep shadow lines for a dimensional wood-shake look

• Wide shingles for bold curb appeal

Owens Corning Woodcrest Shingle - pictured here in Granite. Courtesy https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/shingles/woodcrest?color=granite

These options give homeowners a level of customization and beauty that architectural shingles simply can’t match.

So… Should You Upgrade?

If you want your home to truly stand out—and you prefer a roof that is:

✔ More beautiful

✔ Longer-lasting

✔ Stronger

✔ More unique

✔ And only slightly higher in cost

…then yes, a designer shingle may be exactly what your home needs.

Most homeowners replace their roof once in 20–30 years. If you’re already making the investment, it may be worth exploring the options that give your home a premium look for decades to come.

In the market for a new roof? Want to check out the latest designer shingles and really stand out from your neighbors? If you live within our service area, give us a call today at (877) 846-9566 or schedule your free estimate or inspection online.