Best Asphalt Shingles for DIYers
Asphalt shingles are the default American roof: affordable, proven, and DIY-repairable. Architectural (dimensional) shingles have largely replaced flat 3-tab for their look, wind rating, and longer life.
What to look for
- ·Architectural shingles cost a little more than 3-tab but last longer, resist wind better, and look far nicer. They are the standard choice now.
- ·Check the wind rating and warranty. Top architectural lines reach 130 mph with strong nailing zones.
- ·Consider a Class 4 impact-rated shingle in hail country. It can lower insurance and survive storms.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAF Timberline HDZ | Editor's pick | $105 to $130 per square (material) | The most popular all-around shingle |
| Owens Corning Duration | Editor's pick | $110 to $135 per square | Strong fastening and color |
| CertainTeed Landmark | Editor's pick | $115 to $145 per square | The best dimensional look |
| Owens Corning Oakridge | Best value | $95 to $120 per square | Value architectural look |
| IKO Cambridge | Best value | $90 to $115 per square | Budget-friendly architectural |
| GAF Timberline NS | Best value | $90 to $115 per square | Value within the GAF line |
| Owens Corning Supreme 3-Tab | Budget pick | $70 to $90 per square | Lowest-cost roofs and outbuildings |
| GAF Royal Sovereign 3-Tab | Budget pick | $70 to $90 per square | Economical simple roofs |
| TAMKO Elite Glass-Seal 3-Tab | Budget pick | $70 to $90 per square | Basic budget coverage |
Editor's pick
GAF Timberline HDZ
$105 to $130 per square (material)
North America's best-selling architectural shingle, with LayerLock technology, a wide nailing zone, and up to 130 mph wind resistance. A reliable, widely installed top choice.
Best for: The most popular all-around shingle
Typically available at Roofing suppliers, Home Depot.
Owens Corning Duration
$110 to $135 per square
Known for the SureNail fastening strip and excellent color blends, with 25 to 30 year service life. The Duration FLEX adds a Class 4 impact rating for hail country.
Best for: Strong fastening and color
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Roofing suppliers.
CertainTeed Landmark
$115 to $145 per square
A heavier, dimensional architectural shingle with the widest color range, including vivid Max Def blends. The pick when looks and a premium dimensional profile matter.
Best for: The best dimensional look
Typically available at Roofing suppliers.
Best value
Owens Corning Oakridge
$95 to $120 per square
A value architectural shingle with a classic look and the SureNail strip at a friendlier price than Duration. A solid mid-tier choice widely stocked at home centers.
Best for: Value architectural look
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
IKO Cambridge
$90 to $115 per square
A well-priced architectural shingle with good wind performance and a range of colors. A dependable value option that competes with the bigger names.
Best for: Budget-friendly architectural
Typically available at Roofing suppliers.
GAF Timberline NS
$90 to $115 per square
A more affordable GAF architectural option that brings the brand's look and reliability to a lower price point. A safe value within the GAF system.
Best for: Value within the GAF line
Typically available at Roofing suppliers.
Budget pick
Owens Corning Supreme 3-Tab
$70 to $90 per square
A classic flat 3-tab shingle for the lowest material cost, fine for sheds, rentals, and budget roofs. Shorter life and lower wind rating than architectural.
Best for: Lowest-cost roofs and outbuildings
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
GAF Royal Sovereign 3-Tab
$70 to $90 per square
GAF's long-running 3-tab shingle, an economical choice for simple roofs and quick budgets. Basic but proven, with the GAF name behind it.
Best for: Economical simple roofs
Typically available at Roofing suppliers, Home Depot.
TAMKO Elite Glass-Seal 3-Tab
$70 to $90 per square
A budget 3-tab shingle that covers basic roofing needs at a low cost. A reasonable economy option where appearance and longevity are not the priority.
Best for: Basic budget coverage
Typically available at Roofing suppliers.
Frequently asked
Architectural or 3-tab shingles?+
Architectural (dimensional) shingles are thicker, last 25 to 30+ years, resist higher winds, and look better. Flat 3-tab shingles are cheaper but thinner and shorter-lived. Most homeowners now choose architectural for the durability and curb appeal.
Which shingle brand is best?+
GAF Timberline HDZ is the best-selling architectural shingle with strong wind ratings, Owens Corning Duration is praised for its SureNail fastening and color blends, and CertainTeed Landmark leads on dimensional looks and color range. All three are excellent; availability and price often decide it.
How long do asphalt shingles last?+
Quality architectural shingles last roughly 25 to 30 years, and premium or impact-rated lines longer, depending on climate, ventilation, and installation. Flat 3-tab shingles last closer to 15 to 20 years.
What is a Class 4 impact rating?+
Class 4 is the highest impact resistance, meaning the shingle better survives hail. In hail-prone regions it can reduce roof damage and may earn an insurance discount, which can offset the higher upfront cost.
Can I reroof over old shingles?+
Many codes allow one layer-over, which saves on tear-off, but it adds weight, can shorten the new roof's life, and hides deck problems. A full tear-off is the better long-term job; check local code and the shingle warranty.
Planning a bigger job? See the full Roofing project guide: cost, DIY vs. hire, and the whole plan.
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