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.

How to Tell When a Roof Has Reached the End of Its Service Life

February 3, 2026
Many homeowners assume a roof will clearly announce when it needs to be replaced. In reality, roofs often fail gradually, and the signs of an aging roofing system are not always dramatic. Understanding when a roof has reached the end of its service life can help homeowners make proactive decisions that protect their property, rather than reacting to costly damage after failure occurs.  A roof is a system, not just a surface. Even when shingles appear intact, underlying components may no longer be performing as intended.

How Proper Roof Replacement Protects the Rest of Your Home

January 27, 2026
A roof does far more than keep rain out. It is a critical structural system that protects nearly every other component of a home. When a roof reaches the end of its service life, replacing it is not only about improving appearance or addressing visible wear. A properly executed roof replacement plays a major role in safeguarding the structure, interior, and long term value of the entire property.

How to Plan a Roof Replacement With Minimal Disruption to Your Home

January 20, 2026
A roof replacement is one of the most important exterior investments a homeowner can make. While the benefits of a new roof are significant , many homeowners hesitate because they worry about disruption to their daily routine. With proper planning and clear expectations, a roof replacement can be completed efficiently while minimizing stress and inconvenience.

Replacing Your Roof Before Selling Your Home: What to Consider

January 14, 2026
When preparing to sell a home, many owners focus on interior updates, staging, and cosmetic improvements. While these details matter, one of the most influential factors in a buyer’s decision is the condition of the roof. Replacing an aging or visibly worn roof before listing a property can significantly impact buyer confidence, inspection outcomes, and overall marketability.

What High End Roofing and Siding Materials Really Offer Homeowners

January 6, 2026
When homeowners consider roof replacement or exterior upgrades, materials matter as much as workmanship. High end products are not chosen for name recognition alone. They are selected because they deliver measurable benefits in durability, performance, and long term value. At Paese Construction, we specialize exclusively in replacement projects, and our material choices reflect that commitment to lasting results rather than short term fixes.

Setting Home Improvement Goals for the New Year: Why the Roof Should Come First

December 30, 2025
The start of a new year often inspires homeowners to set goals for improvement. Many people think first about interior updates, landscaping, or cosmetic upgrades, but one of the most important areas of the home is often overlooked. At Paese Construction, we believe the roof should be the first priority when planning home improvement goals for the year ahead.

Snow, Ice, and Aging Roofs: Why Replacement Matters During the Christmas Season

December 23, 2025
The Christmas season often brings colder temperatures, shorter days, and an increased likelihood of snow and ice. While many homeowners are focused on holiday gatherings and year end responsibilities, winter weather places significant stress on residential roofing systems. For homes with aging roofs, this time of year can reveal structural limitations that make replacement a practical and forward looking decision. At Paese Construction, we work with homeowners who recognize that winter conditions do not create roofing problems, they expose them.

How Roof Replacement Addresses Hidden Damage That Repairs Cannot Resolve

December 16, 2025
Many homeowners first notice roofing problems when a leak appears or shingles begin to fail. At that point, it can be tempting to look for a quick fix. However, surface level issues often mask deeper problems that cannot be corrected with spot repairs. At Paese Construction, we specialize exclusively in full roof replacement because replacing the entire roofing system is often the only way to properly address hidden damage and protect the long term integrity of the home.

How Homeowners Can Modernize Their Exterior With Updated Profiles, Colors, and Textures

December 9, 2025
Modern exterior design places strong emphasis on clean lines, durable materials, and thoughtful combinations of color and texture. For homeowners ready to refresh and elevate the appearance of their property, choosing updated exterior profiles and high quality replacement materials can create a dramatic transformation. At Paese Construction, we specialize exclusively in replacements rather than repairs, which allows us to reimagine a home’s exterior holistically. Through premium siding, roofing, windows, and complementary architectural details, we help homeowners achieve a refined, contemporary look that enhances curb appeal and long term performance.

The Importance of Proper Ventilation When Completing a Full Roof Replacement

December 2, 2025
A full roof replacement offers homeowners the opportunity to strengthen the performance, durability, and efficiency of their homes. While many people focus primarily on the shingle material or the aesthetic transformation, one of the most important components of a successful roof replacement is proper ventilation. Ventilation plays a central role in the long term health of the roof structure, the comfort of the living space, and the overall lifespan of the new roofing system. When we complete a roof replacement, ventilation is never an afterthought. It is a fundamental part of the installation process that ensures the entire system performs as it should.