Three kinds of shingle
| 3-tab | Architectural | Designer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | One flat layer, cut into three tabs | Two laminated layers, more depth | Heavier laminates shaped to look like slate or shake |
| Installed, per sq ft | $2.50 to $3.50 (Expressway) | $5.25 to $6.50 (Expressway); $6 to $8 in Suffolk (Home Team) | No Long Island company publishes a figure |
| Typical lifespan on Long Island | 15 to 25 years (Expressway) | 25 to 35 years (Expressway, LI Roofing Co.) | Over 30 years (Tom Jannace Roofing) |
| Example lines | GAF Royal Sovereign, OC Supreme | GAF Timberline HDZ, CertainTeed Landmark, OC Duration | GAF Grand Sequoia, CertainTeed Grand Manor |
Most Long Island re-roofs now go on with architectural shingles. 3-tab is cheaper, but it is thin and it is rated for far less wind.
Wind is the spec to ask about
Nor’easters are what take shingles off Long Island houses, so the wind rating matters more than the color. Each manufacturer publishes its own:
- GAF Timberline with the LayerLock nailing strip carries GAF’s WindProven warranty with no maximum wind speed, when installed with four qualifying GAF accessories. Without LayerLock it is rated to 130 mph with special installation. The Royal Sovereign 3-tab is rated to 60 mph.
- Owens Corning Duration is rated to 130 mph, or 160 mph with its enhanced wind application. The Supreme 3-tab is rated to 60 mph.
- CertainTeed Landmark has a 110 mph warranty, upgradeable to 160 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge shingles.
Notice the pattern. The top ratings depend on the roofer using the manufacturer’s matching starter strips and ridge caps, not just the shingles.
What the big warranties actually cover
The shingle box comes with a basic warranty. The better ones are only available through certified roofers.
GAF, from its warranty comparison guide:
| Warranty | Who can offer it | Material coverage, non-prorated | Workmanship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shingle and Accessory | Anyone | 10 years | None |
| System Plus | GAF Certified, Certified Plus or Master Elite | 50 years | None |
| Silver Pledge | Certified Plus or Master Elite | 50 years | 10 years on HDZ |
| Golden Pledge | Master Elite only | 50 years | Lifetime, non-prorated for 25 years on HDZ |
Owens Corning Platinum Protection gives 50 years of non-prorated material coverage on a single-family home you live in, plus 25 years of workmanship. It requires an OC Platinum Preferred Contractor and registration within 60 days.
CertainTeed SureStart PLUS 4-Star and 5-Star warranties add 25 years of workmanship coverage, offered only through ShingleMaster PRO or PREMIER contractors.
GAF’s “lifetime” means the original owner of a single-family home they live in. Anyone else gets 40 years.
Four things to pin down in the quote
- Which exact shingle line, and is it 3-tab or architectural?
- Are you certified to register the enhanced warranty, and which one will you register?
- Will you use the manufacturer’s starter, ridge cap and underlayment, so the wind rating holds?
- Is the old roof coming off, or going over?
