Comparing Asphalt, Architectural, and Designer Shingles: Which Is Right for Your Home?

May 1, 2025

Choosing the Perfect Shingles for Your Roof Replacement

When it comes to replacing your roof, aesthetics, durability, and long-term value should guide your decisions—especially when investing in a high-end home exterior. At Paese Construction, we specialize in full roof replacements using premium materials from industry leaders such as GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed. One of the most important choices you’ll face is selecting the type of shingles best suited to your home. Today, we’re breaking down the three primary options: asphalt, architectural, and designer shingles.

Asphalt Shingles: The Reliable Classic

Standard asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the U.S. They’re relatively affordable, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors. These shingles are made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and mineral granules, offering decent protection against the elements.


While basic asphalt shingles do the job for many homes, they generally have a shorter lifespan (15–20 years) and less aesthetic impact than higher-end alternatives. For clients seeking premium performance and enhanced curb appeal, we often recommend exploring options beyond standard asphalt.

Architectural Shingles: A Step Up in Style and Strength

Architectural shingles—also known as dimensional shingles—are a significant upgrade in both appearance and performance. These shingles are composed of multiple layers of asphalt fused together, which creates a thicker, more durable shingle with a three-dimensional look.



Brands like GAF’s Timberline HDZ®, Owens Corning Duration®, and CertainTeed Landmark® offer some of the best architectural shingles on the market. Not only do they resist wind uplift, algae growth, and UV degradation more effectively than standard shingles, but they also add depth and shadow to your roof, giving it a high-end architectural look.


Architectural shingles are a favorite among our clients who want a luxury exterior without the investment of premium designer shingles.

Designer Shingles: Where Performance Meets Luxury

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of roofing sophistication, designer shingles are the answer. These shingles are engineered to mimic the appearance of natural slate, cedar shake, or other high-end materials—without the weight, cost, or maintenance challenges.


Designer shingles from CertainTeed’s Grand Manor®, Owens Corning’s Berkshire®, or GAF’s Glenwood® and Camelot® II collections offer dramatic texture, bold colors, and unmatched curb appeal. Beyond their visual advantages, these shingles often boast superior impact resistance, extended warranties, and enhanced protection against extreme weather.


At Paese Construction, we often recommend designer shingles to homeowners looking to make a statement, increase home value, or restore the historical aesthetic of their property.

Which Shingle Is Right for You?

Choosing the right roofing material depends on your budget, design goals, and long-term plans for your home. Here’s a quick guide to help:

  • Asphalt shingles: Budget-conscious, shorter-term solution for basic protection.
  • Architectural shingles: Mid-range investment with a high-end appearance and durability.
  • Designer shingles: Premium roofing solution for homeowners prioritizing aesthetics, value, and long-term performance.

At Paese Construction, we don’t just install shingles—we craft custom roofing solutions tailored to your home’s architecture and your unique vision. Our expert team works closely with you to choose the right brand, material, and color to complement your home’s exterior.

Built With the Best

We are proud to use only top-tier brands like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and others known for their superior quality and warranty protection. Whether you want timeless elegance or modern resilience, we have the product lineup to match.


Ready for a Roofing Upgrade?

If you’re considering a roof replacement, let the experts at Paese Construction guide you. Contact us today for a consultation and discover how premium shingles can elevate your home’s style and value for years to come.

Details Matter: Why Precision Exterior Work Sets High-End Homes Apart

May 9, 2025
True Craftsmanship in Custom Home Exteriors In the world of custom homes and high-end construction, the difference between good and great often comes down to one thing: the details. Nowhere is this more evident than in the exterior of a home. While average builders may focus on speed or cutting corners to stay under budget, true craftsmanship reveals itself in the siding lines, trim work, roofing edges, and gutter placement. At Paese Construction, we don’t do patch jobs or band-aid fixes. We specialize exclusively in full installations and replacements because precision matters—and so does the long-term value of your home.

Why You Should Consider Replacing Your Roof and Gutters Together

April 23, 2025
Protect Your Home When it comes to exterior home maintenance, the roof and gutters are two of the most critical components, yet homeowners often think of them as separate projects. In reality, your roof and gutters work together to protect your home from water damage, structural issues, mold growth, and more. Replacing them at the same time may seem like a bigger upfront investment, but it can save you money, time, and future headaches.

How a New Roof Can Increase Your Home’s Resale Value

April 16, 2025
Top Off Your Home Sale with a High-End Roof If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, upgrading your roof might not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, a new roof—especially one installed with high-end materials and expert craftsmanship—can have a significant impact on both the marketability and resale value of your property. At Paese Construction, we specialize in premium roof replacements that not only protect your home but also enhance its appearance and value. Here’s how investing in a new roof can yield substantial returns when it’s time to sell. First Impressions Matter Your roof is one of the most visible parts of your home. A worn, faded, or damaged roof can be a red flag for potential buyers, suggesting hidden issues and expensive repairs down the road. On the other hand, a brand-new roof immediately boosts curb appeal and signals that the home has been well maintained. For buyers, this translates to peace of mind—and for sellers, it often means a faster sale. At Paese Construction, we use premium materials from trusted brands like GAF , Owens Corning , and CertainTeed to ensure a flawless finish that elevates the look of your entire home. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, modern, or rustic aesthetic, our team can match the roofing style to your home’s character and appeal to today’s discerning buyers.

From Drab to Designer: Transform Your Home’s Exterior with Trim Work

April 9, 2025
The Secret to a Refined Home Exterior When it comes to creating a truly refined, high-end exterior for your home, many homeowners focus on big-ticket items like roofing or siding. But there’s a powerful design element that often gets overlooked—exterior trim work. At Paese Construction, we know that the details make the difference. Thoughtfully designed and expertly installed trim can elevate a home’s curb appeal, improve protection from the elements, and create a finished, cohesive look that reflects true craftsmanship.

How Premium Roofing Materials Make All the Difference

April 2, 2025
Choosing the Right Roof When it comes to replacing your roof, not all materials are created equal. At Paese Construction, we specialize in high-end roofing and siding projects that are built to last. Our clients come to us because they expect more than just “good enough”—they expect performance, aesthetics, and longevity. And that starts with using top-tier materials. Here’s why the quality of your roofing materials matters—and how choosing premium brands like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and Mule-Hide can make all the difference for your home.

Why Experience Matters: Choosing the Right Contractor for High-End Roofing

March 26, 2025
The Importance of Expertise and Craftsmanship in High-End Roof Replace  ment Replacing your roof is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. It’s not just about keeping out the elements—it’s about ensuring the long-term durability, safety, and aesthetic value of your property. For high-end homes, this decision carries even more weight. The quality of the work and the materials used must match the standards of the property itself. That’s why choosing the right roofing contractor isn’t just important—it’s essential. At Paese Construction, roofing is not just a service we offer. It’s our primary focus. We specialize in roof replacement—not temporary fixes. And when it comes to high-end homes, we understand that every detail matters. So what sets the right contractor apart? Experience, craftsmanship, and a commitment to excellence .

Siding vs Roofing: Which Home Improvement Should You Handle First?

March 20, 2025
Improve Upon Your Investment When it comes to upgrading your home’s exterior, two of the most significant investments you can make are roof replacement and siding replacement. Both play a critical role in protecting your home, enhancing curb appeal, and improving energy efficiency. But if you’re planning to tackle both projects, a common question arises: Which should you do first—roofing or siding? The right choice depends on several factors, including your home’s condition, budget, and long-term renovation plans. In this guide, we’ll break down the advantages of replacing each first and explain how a well-planned approach can save you time, money, and stress.

The Benefits of Choosing a Design-Build Contractor for Your Next Project

March 12, 2025
Streamlining Your Construction Project When it comes to construction and remodeling projects, homeowners and business owners face a critical decision: should they hire separate designers and contractors, or opt for a design-build contractor who handles both? The design-build approach has become increasingly popular because it streamlines the entire process, ensuring efficiency, better communication, and cost savings. For those considering a renovation or new construction project, partnering with a trusted design-build contractor like Paese Construction can make all the difference. This approach offers numerous advantages over the traditional design-bid-build model, where the design and construction phases are handled by separate entities.

The Benefits of Professional Roof Replacement Over DIY

March 7, 2025
Gain Peace of Mind With Professional Installation A roof replacement is a significant investment for any homeowner , and while it may be tempting to attempt a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, the reality is that professional installation offers far greater benefits. From ensuring long-term durability to guaranteeing safety and efficiency, hiring an experienced roofing contractor like Paese Construction provides homeowners with peace of mind and quality workmanship. Below, we explore the key advantages of choosing professional roof replacement over a DIY approach.

The Role of Exterior Trim in Home Protection and Aesthetic Appeal

February 27, 2025
When homeowners think about exterior home improvements, their focus often falls on major components like roofing and siding. However, exterior trim plays a crucial role in both the functionality and appearance of a home. It serves as the finishing touch that enhances curb appeal while also providing essential protection against the elements.  At Paese Construction, we understand the importance of high-quality exterior trim in safeguarding a home’s structure while also elevating its overall design. Whether replacing worn-out trim or installing new materials, choosing the right trim is a key step in preserving a home’s integrity and beauty.
More Posts