When it’s time to replace or install a roof, homeowners often face a big question: “Should I stick with traditional shingles or invest in luxury shingles?” It’s not an easy decision, especially when the price tag for luxury shingles can be significantly higher.
Luxury shingles promise durability, aesthetics, and long-term value, but do they deliver enough benefits to justify the added cost? In this blog post, we’ll discuss what makes luxury shingles stand out, compare them to traditional roof shingles, and help you decide if they’re the right investment for your home.
What Are Luxury Shingles?
If you have been considering replacing your roof, you might be aware that there are three types of asphalt shingles (3-tab, architectural, and luxury), and luxury shingles have the top spot in terms of aesthetics, durability, and cost.
Luxury shingles, also known as designer or premium shingles, are the high-end option in asphalt roofing materials. They’re crafted to provide a distinct look and superior performance compared to standard shingles.
What Makes Luxury Roof Shingles Different?
Unlike traditional 3-tab shingles, which are functional but fairly basic in appearance, luxury shingles mimic the look of premium materials like slate or cedar shakes. They’re thicker, heavier, and designed to add an elegant finish to your roof. Beyond aesthetics, these shingles often feature enhanced durability and weather resistance. They have a multi-layer construction, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want more than just a basic roof.
In short, luxury shingles combine beauty with function, offering a sophisticated look that turns heads while protecting your home.
How Much Do Luxury Shingles Cost?
Now let’s come to the core of our blog post. As you can see luxury shingles are impressive, but how much will you pay for them?
Luxury shingles cost around $8 to $15 per square foot. That translates to $800 to $1,500 per roofing square (100 square feet). In contrast, a traditional shingle roof is much cheaper, costing around $2 to $5 per square foot. Let’s get into a bit more detail.
Cost Comparison Example
For a standard 2,000 square-foot roof:
- Luxury shingles: $15,000 to $30,000 (materials and installation).
- Traditional shingles: $6,000 to $10,000 (materials and installation).
It’s clear that luxury shingles have a higher upfront investment, but it’s important to view these costs in the context of their benefits. We look at these in the next section.
Benefits Of Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles are popular for many reasons. Here are some of the benefits that make it worth it to switch to luxury shingles:
Superior Durability and Performance
Luxury shingles are engineered to withstand the elements better than their traditional counterparts. Thicker and made with high-quality materials, they resist cracking, curling, and other common roofing issues that plague standard options. This makes them especially valuable in regions with extreme weather, from heavy snow to intense heat. The superior construction often includes multiple layers of protective materials, impact-resistant surfaces, and advanced adhesive technologies that ensure they remain firmly in place even during severe storms.
Boosted Home Value and Curb Appeal
Your roof is one of the first things people notice about your home, comprising up to 40% of your home’s visible exterior. Luxury shingles improve your property’s overall aesthetic, making it stand out with their dimensional appearance and sophisticated profiles. They’re also a selling point for prospective buyers, potentially increasing your home’s resale value by thousands of dollars.
Long-Term Savings
While the upfront cost is higher, installing luxury shingles can lead to major savings over time. Their exceptional durability means fewer repairs and replacements, which can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Additionally, many luxury shingles feature energy-efficient properties that can help reduce your heating and cooling bills throughout the year. Their superior reflective properties and improved insulation capabilities contribute to better temperature regulation in your home, potentially leading to lower energy bills.
More Options To Customize and Improve The Look Of Your Home
From colors to styles, luxury shingles offer an extensive range of design options that far exceed traditional roofing materials. This allows you to create a look that perfectly complements your home and your personal taste. Manufacturers offer everything from classic slate-look to modern geometric patterns, with some lines featuring exclusive color blends that create visual depth and shadow lines. These options can help you achieve specific architectural styles, from Mediterranean to colonial, so your roof improves your home’s overall design aesthetic.
Comprehensive Warranty Coverage
Luxury shingles typically come with industry-leading warranty packages that go beyond standard coverage. These premium warranties often include non-prorated coverage periods of 25 to 50 years, protecting against manufacturing defects, color fading, and wind damage up to higher speed ratings. Many manufacturers also offer transferable warranties, adding value for future home sales.
Are Luxury Shingles Worth the Cost?
Now comes the big question: Are they worth it? The answer depends on several factors unique to your situation.
1. Your Climate
If you live in an area with extreme weather—whether it’s frequent hailstorms, heavy snow, or strong winds—luxury shingles are a smart investment. Their durability can save you the hassle and cost of constant repairs.
2. Your Home’s Value
For higher-value homes, the added curb appeal and longevity of luxury shingles can align with the property’s overall quality. In some neighborhoods, upgrading to luxury shingles might even be expected to maintain consistency with surrounding homes.
3. Long-Term Plans
If you plan to live in your home for decades, the longer lifespan of luxury shingles can pay off. But if you’re planning to move in a few years, traditional shingles might make more financial sense.
4. Your Budget
Ultimately, your budget plays a big role. If the cost is manageable and aligns with your priorities, luxury shingles are a worthwhile upgrade.
To clarify, consider this example: A traditional asphalt shingle roof costing $7,000 might need replacing after 20 years, while a luxury roof costing $12,000 could last 40+ years. Over time, the investment balances out, and you enjoy the added aesthetic and durability benefits along the way.
When to Skip Luxury Shingles
While luxury shingles have plenty of advantages, they aren’t the best choice for everyone. Here are a few scenarios where traditional shingles might be the better option:
- Tight Budgets: If your budget doesn’t allow for the higher upfront cost, traditional shingles are a solid and reliable option.
- Short-Term Housing: If you’re planning to sell or move soon, the long-term benefits of luxury shingles may not outweigh the initial expense.
- Milder Climates: In areas with stable weather, the added durability of luxury shingles might not be as critical.
Also Read: What Are Dimensional Shingles? Find 5 Top-Rated Options
Install New Luxury Shingles In Oklahoma
Luxury shingles aren’t just about aesthetics, their durability, energy efficiency, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions make them a long-term investment. For homeowners planning to stay in their property for decades, the higher initial costs often balance out through fewer replacements and increased home value.
If you are looking to install luxury asphalt shingles, look no further than the team of A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing. We are premier roofing contractors serving Broken Arrow and surrounding areas of Oklahoma. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 to learn more.
