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 Choose Trim Materials That Withstand New Jersey’s Climate

August 12, 2025
Protect Your Home with Quality Exterior Trim Exterior trim is more than a decorative finishing touch. It frames windows and doors, defines rooflines, and provides an important layer of protection against the elements. In New Jersey’s climate , where hot, humid summers are followed by cold, snowy winters, trim materials must be selected with care. Choosing the right option ensures lasting performance, reduced upkeep, and enduring beauty. At Paese Construction, a company dedicated exclusively to full exterior replacements rather than temporary repairs or maintenance, we understand the importance of investing in trim that can stand up to years of environmental stress. Our commitment to high-end materials and expert installation means each project is designed for long-term results.

Signs Your Exterior Trim Is Dragging Down Your Curb Appeal

August 5, 2025
Why  High-Quality Trim Makes a Big Difference for Your Home When homeowners think about exterior home upgrades, they often focus on big-ticket items like siding, roofing, or windows. But one of the most overlooked, yet highly visible, features of any home is its exterior trim. Faded, rotting, or poorly installed trim can detract from even the most well-maintained property. At Paese Construction, we specialize in high-end exterior work that includes premium trim installations designed to elevate your home’s appearance and performance. Here are some of the most common signs that your exterior trim might be doing more harm than good and why replacing it with high-quality materials can make all the difference.

Color Trends in Roofing and Siding for 2025

July 30, 2025
Modern Meets Timeless Choosing the right roofing and siding colors is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a cohesive, long-lasting exterior that reflects your style and enhances your home’s value. At Paese Construction, we specialize in high-end exterior upgrades using premium materials from brands like GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, and James Hardie. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re seeing a shift in color preferences that balances modern sophistication with timeless appeal. Here are the roofing and siding color trends homeowners should be watching and considering for their next upgrade.

What Is the Return on Investment of a Roof Replacement?

July 22, 2025
The Value of Roof Replacement Replacing a roof is one of the most significant upgrades a homeowner can make. It is a major investment, and for many, a necessary one. But beyond the immediate protection it offers, roof replacement can also have long-term financial benefits. At Paese Construction, we specialize in high-end roof replacement using top-tier materials and installation practices. Clients often ask us: does a new roof really pay off? The short answer is yes. When approached the right way. Let’s take a closer look at how a roof replacement can deliver value in both tangible and strategic ways.

Signs Your Gutters Are Failing—and Why It’s Time for a Full Replacement

July 17, 2025
Pr  otect Your Home Your gutter system is a critical line of defense for your home’s roof, siding, foundation, and structural integrity. When gutters begin to fail, the effects ripple across your entire exterior envelope. At Paese Construction, we specialize in full-scale exterior upgrades using premium materials and high-end installation methods. That means when gutters are no longer functioning as they should, we recommend a complete replacement, not a patchwork fix. If you own a home with aging or underperforming gutters, here are the signs that it’s time to invest in a replacement system built to match the quality of your property.

How Proper Ventilation Protects Your Roof and Your Investment

July 10, 2025
Why Ventilation Matters When homeowners think about roofing, most focus on shingles, underlayment, or visible signs of wear. But what happens underneath your roof can be just as important — especially when it comes to ventilation. At Paese Construction, we specialize in full roofing system replacements designed for performance and longevity. A crucial but often overlooked component of a roofing system is ventilation. Without it, even a brand-new roof can deteriorate faster than expected, leading to higher energy bills, mold problems, and premature replacement costs. Here’s why roof ventilation matters — and how getting it right protects your home for the long term.

Why Patch Jobs Fail: The Case for Complete Roofing Replacement

July 2, 2025
Long-Term Roof Solutions vs. Temporary Fixes When roofing issues arise—whether it’s a leak, missing shingles, or visible wear—many homeowners instinctively turn to quick fixes. A patch might seem like the economical choice, but in reality, it often amounts to little more than a temporary delay of a much larger problem. At Paese Construction, we specialize in complete roof replacements because experience has shown us that patchwork solutions almost always fail to provide long-term protection, performance, or peace of mind.

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.