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.

Hardie vs Vinyl: Which Siding Holds Up Best in New Jersey Summers?

June 26, 2025
Choosing the Right Siding for NJ Weather If you’re considering a siding upgrade for your home, material choice matters—especially in New Jersey, where summers bring intense sunlight, heat, humidity, and frequent storms. Two of the most popular siding options on the market are James Hardie fiber cement siding and vinyl siding. Both offer protection and curb appeal, but they perform differently under seasonal stress. At Paese Construction, we’ve installed both materials extensively and can speak to their real-world performance. Here’s how they stack up when it comes to durability, appearance, maintenance, and long-term value—with a special focus on how each holds up in the heat, moisture, and unpredictability of a New Jersey summer.

The Role of Proper Exterior Trim in a High-End Remodel

June 18, 2025
Trim Work That Transforms When homeowners think about curb appeal, they usually focus on big-ticket upgrades: a new roof, updated siding, or custom windows. But there is a detail that quietly ties everything together—and often determines whether a home looks complete or unfinished: the exterior trim . At Paese Construction, we treat trim work as a critical part of any high-end remodel. Done right, it enhances the architectural character of your home, protects structural seams, and boosts long-term performance. Here’s why trim should never be an afterthought—and how we incorporate it into every full-scope exterior renovation we do.

The Benefits of Hiring a Single Contractor for Roofing, Siding, and Exterior Systems

June 11, 2025
Coor  dinated Exterior Renovations for Lasting Quality When it comes to upgrading the exterior of your home, most homeowners think of the project in parts: first the roof, then maybe the siding, followed by trim, and so on. It is a common approach—but not necessarily the most efficient or cost-effective. At Paese Construction, we specialize in complete exterior transformations, handling roof replacement, siding installation, and detailed trim work as an integrated system. Whether you are tackling a renovation or a full exterior overhaul, hiring a single contractor to manage the project from top to bottom delivers real advantages in coordination, quality, and long-term performance.

Is a Metal Roof Worth the Investment? A Look at Long-Term Value and Performance

June 4, 2025
The Durable, High-Performance Upgrade for Your Home When it comes to roofing, there is no shortage of material options. Asphalt shingles remain common, but homeowners increasingly seek alternatives that offer longer lifespans, better durability, and greater return on investment. One material that continues to rise in popularity—particularly among high-end residential clients—is metal roofing. Metal roofs are not the least expensive option upfront, but they offer long-term advantages that justify the investment for many property owners. At Paese Construction, we work with clients who value not only aesthetics, but also performance, resilience, and lasting value. If you are considering a new roof and wondering whether metal is the right choice, here is what you need to know. 1. Longevity That Outlasts Traditional Materials One of the most compelling benefits of metal roofing is its exceptional lifespan. While asphalt shingle roofs typically last 15 to 25 years , a professionally installed metal roof can last 40 to 70 years or more with minimal maintenance. This means many homeowners will only need to replace the roof once in their lifetime, rather than two or three times. Metal does not rot, crack, or become brittle with age. It is also resistant to common roofing issues like moss growth, moisture damage, and shingle blow-off—reducing the likelihood of repairs over time.

5 Reasons Roof Replacement Is the Smarter Long-Term Investment Option

May 28, 2025
Is You  r Roof Ready for Replacement? Here’s Why It Pays Off Every roof has a lifespan . Eventually, it reaches the point where maintenance and patchwork repairs no longer deliver lasting results. When that time comes, homeowners are faced with a critical decision: repair the damage again or invest in a full roof replacement. While the upfront cost of replacement is higher, the long-term value is significantly greater—and the difference is more than just dollars. At Paese Construction, we specialize in complete roof replacements because experience has shown us that it is the most reliable way to protect a home, increase property value, and avoid the compounding costs of ongoing repairs. Here’s why replacement is the smarter long-term choice.

Why High-End Roofing in the Northeast Demands More Than Just Looks

May 21, 2025
Elevating Roofing with Design and Performance in the Northeast When investing in a luxury home or high-end commercial property in the Northeast, roofing is often treated as a design feature—an aesthetic capstone to an architectural vision. But in a climate like New Jersey’s, a roofing system must do far more than look good. It must endure. It must insulate. It must protect against wind, ice, sun, and rain. And above all, it must perform without compromise. At Paese Construction, based in Warren, NJ, we understand that roofing is not a surface—it is a system. Our approach to roofing combines elevated design with elite functionality, using premium products from brands like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and Mule-Hide. For residential or commercial projects, we do not offer repairs or maintenance. We focus solely on high-end, full-scope builds—because anything less dilutes the integrity of the work.

How Your Roof Affects Energy Efficiency—and What a Replacement Can Fix

May 14, 2025
Boost Your Home’s Efficiency with a Roof Upgrade If your energy bills keep climbing, the culprit might be right over your head—literally. A worn-out or poorly designed roof doesn’t just put your home at risk for leaks. It can also waste energy year-round. Replacing it isn’t just about staying dry—it’s about staying efficient. Here’s how your roof plays a major role in your home’s energy performance, and why a replacement might be the smartest upgrade you can make.

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.
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