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For most people, a home is more than just a roof over their heads. A home is usually also a statement of who the owner or owners are, their styles, tastes and preferences. Since a great percentage of every home is roofing, why shouldn’t that roofing reflect the owner’s style as well as being practical?
About 10 years ago, the roofing industry started to get really creative, and dimensional shingles were born. Dimensional shingles are asphalt shingles that have two layers of shingle material bonded together, giving them a three dimensional appearance. These days, the roofing industry has taken that concept even further into the realm of designer shingles.
Designer shingles maintain the three dimensional appearance but with countless alternatives, from Victorian or an Old World look to the more rugged and dramatic look of shake or tile. In the photos below, you’ll notice the very decorative and ornate shapes, colors and cuts in designer shingles that are available these days, many of which show off additional layers of granules and asphalt. Some even mimic the look of terracotta tile or slate roofing materials.

Photos courtesy of CertainTeed
Designer shingles weigh quite a bit more than traditional asphalt shingles (although not as much as slate or tile), and thanks to their bonded layers, they are extremely durable and built to withstand winds in excess of 110 miles per hours. Many versions have the ability to resist the growth of algae and prevent black streaking. Designer shingles can be used on almost any type of roof including steeply pitched rooflines. In addition, many brands are so well-made they offer lifetime warranties rather than just a 20 or 30 year guarantee.
Don’t be fooled by the names
Designer shingles are also referred to as architectural shingles, high-definition shingles, premium shingles, ultra-premium shingles and TruDefinition shingles, depending on the brand or manufacturer. Most professional roofing companies have access to many different brands, looks, styles and colors. Happily, designer shingles, while a little more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles, are still one of the most affordable roofing alternatives, especially for residential areas.
