BEST ROOF SHINGLES

A collage of many pictures with fragments of various types of roofing close up. A set of images with different roof shingles

Best Roof Shingles for Your Home: Why Whitaker Roofing Company Has You Covered

Finding the best roof shingles means balancing style, strength, and smarts for your home.

Choosing the best roof shingles for your home is like picking the perfect jacket—it’s got to look good, keep you protected, and last through the seasons. At Whitaker Roofing Company, we help homeowners in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee find shingles that check all those boxes. As experts offering Class 4 shingles—the highest-rated for hail and damage resistance—we know what makes a shingle stand out. Let’s dive into the types of shingles, their key features like wind and algae resistance, hail protection, and how impact resistance classes work, so you can pick the best fit for your roof.

Types of Roof Shingles

There’s a shingle for every home and budget. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types:

  • Asphalt Shingles:
    • The go-to choice for most homes. Affordable, easy to install, and available in tons of colors. They come in two flavors: 3-tab (flat, basic) and architectural (thicker, fancier, with a 3D look).
  • Composite Shingles:
    • Made from synthetic materials like plastic or rubber, these mimic wood or slate. They’re lightweight, eco-friendly, and super durable.
  • Metal Shingles:
    • Tough as nails, these look like traditional shingles but are made of steel or aluminum. Great for long-lasting protection and modern vibes.
  • Slate Shingles:
    • Real stone, super classy, and built to last a century. They’re heavy and pricey but unbeatable for elegance.
  • Clay or Concrete Tiles:
    • Common in warm climates, these offer a Spanish or Mediterranean look. Fire-resistant and long-lasting but need a sturdy roof frame.
A collage of many pictures with fragments of various types of roofing close up. A set of images with different roof shingles

Key Features to Look for in the Best Roof Shingles

The best roof shingles do more than just cover your house—they fight off nature’s toughest challenges. Here’s what to prioritize:

  • Wind Resistance:
    • Shingles rated for high winds (like 110-150 mph) are crucial in stormy Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Look for brands like Atlas Impact, GAF Timberline® HDZ, which use strong adhesives and reinforced designs to stay put in gusts.
  • Algae Resistance:
    • Humidity in our region can lead to black algae streaks that make your roof look grimy. Shingles with algae-resistant tech, like Owens Corning’s StreakGuard™ or Atlas’s Scotchgard™ Protector, keep your roof clean and fresh-looking for years.
  • Hail Protection:
    • Hail can dent or crack shingles, especially in our storm-prone area. Impact-resistant shingles (more on classes below) are designed to take a beating and still hold up, reducing repair costs.
close up roof with architectural shingles and yellow wooden plank wall

Understanding Shingle Impact Resistance Classes

Impact resistance classes (rated by UL 2218 standards) tell you how well shingles can handle hail or falling debris. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Class 1: Basic protection, can handle small impacts but not ideal for hail-heavy areas.
  • Class 2: Steps up to handle moderate impacts, like smaller hailstones.
  • Class 3: Takes on bigger hail and debris, offering solid protection for most storm conditions.
  • Class 4: The heavyweight champ, designed to withstand large hail (up to 2 inches) and severe impacts without cracking. These are the best for our region’s wild weather.

At Whitaker Roofing Company, we offer Class 4 shingles—the highest-rated for hail and damage resistance—from top brands like Atlas, Owens Corning, and GAF. These shingles are built to shrug off the worst storms, giving you peace of mind and potentially lowering insurance premiums in hail-prone areas.

Class 3 shingle red icon
Class 4 shingle red icon

Why Choose Architectural Shingles Over 3-Tab?

While we’re talking shingles, let’s compare the two big asphalt players:

  • 3-Tab Shingles:
    • Flat, single-layer, and budget-friendly. They’re simple, last about 15-20 years, and handle winds up to 60-70 mph. But they’re less stylish and not as tough against hail or storms.
  • Architectural Shingles:
    • Thicker, multi-layered, with a textured, high-end look that mimics slate or wood. They last 30-50 years, resist winds up to 130 mph, and often come with Class 4 impact ratings. They’re pricier upfront but worth it for durability and curb appeal.
Closeup image of 3 tab asphalt shingles
Closeup image of architectural asphalt shingles

Why Whitaker Roofing is Your Shingle Expert

At Whitaker Roofing Company, we’re proud to offer Class 4 architectural shingles from Atlas, Owens Corning, and GAF—the best roof shingles for strength and style. Here’s why we’re the team to trust:

  • Top Brands, Top Quality:
    • Atlas: StormMaster® Shake and Pinnacle® Impact with Class 4 impact resistance and algae-fighting Scotchgard™.
    • Owens Corning: Duration® series with stellar wind resistance and vibrant colors, backed by lifetime warranties.
    • GAF: Timberline® HDZ for unmatched style, strength, and energy-saving options.
  • Pro Installation:
    • We install shingles to manufacturer specs, ensuring they perform and qualify for those awesome warranties.
  • Local Know-How:
    • We get Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee’s weather—humid summers, hailstorms, and all—so we pick shingles that can take it.
  • Free Consultations:
    • Not sure which shingle’s right? We’ll check your roof for free and help you pick the perfect fit.
  • Honest Approach:
    • No pushy sales here—just clear advice and a plan that works for your home and budget.

Conclusion

Finding the best roof shingles means balancing style, strength, and smarts for your home. With Class 4 shingles from Atlas, Owens Corning, and GAF, Whitaker Roofing Company delivers top-tier protection for Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee homeowners. Whether you’re dodging hail, wind, or algae, we’ve got the shingles and skills to keep your roof rocking.

Ready to upgrade your roof? Give us a shout at 678-252-6110 or fill out our form here – https://wrcroofing.com/contact-us/. Let’s find the best roof shingles for your home and make it shine!

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