Complete Guide to Choosing Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof in 2026

January 22, 2026 5 Min Read

Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material in the U.S. and for good reason. They’re cost-effective, durable, and available in a wide range of styles. But with new products, technology, and regional considerations, how do you choose the right asphalt shingle for your home in 2026?

I’ve created this guide to walk you through everything you need to know before you make your decision.

What Are Asphalt Shingles Made Of?

Most modern asphalt shingles are made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and ceramic granules. These granules give shingles their color, UV protection, and weather resistance.

Lyle’s Pro Tip: If your home has a steep pitch or high visibility from the street, architectural shingles often offer great curb appeal and are more cost-effective.

Unique features to look out for in shingles in 2026.

Shingle technology continues to evolve. In 2026, look for:

Algae-resistant coatings (like Scotchgard™ or copper-infused granules)
Impact-rated shingles for hail-prone areas (Class 3 and Class 4 ratings)
Cool roof options that reflect more sunlight, lowering attic temps
Designer lines that mimic slate, shake, or tile with less weight and cost

Lyle’s Pro Tip: Don’t assume all “impact-rated” shingles are created equal, look for Class 4 if you’re in a hail-risk zone.

Leading Asphalt Shingle Brands to Know

Some brands have stood the test of time for good reason. In 2026, top choices include:

Lyle’s Pro Tip: Always ask if your contractor is certified by the manufacturer you choose, it impacts your warranty eligibility. At Better Way Roofing, we choose Owens Corning Duration Line because of the Surenail technology – a vinyl strip in the nailing zone increases the wind rating, which means more peace of mind for our clients.

Read our Guide to avoid choosing the wrong roofing contractor.

How to Choose the Right Asphalt Shingle for Your Home

Consider the color for curb appeal, shingle quality for performance and longevity to get to your goal.

Do you plan to stay in the home long-term? Then invest in longer-lasting materials.
Do you live in a storm-prone area? Choose impact-resistant options.
Is curb appeal a top priority? Carefully consider colors to get to the contrast you want to meet your curb appeal goals.

And don’t forget HOA restrictions, they often limit color and profile choices.

Lyle’s Pro Tip: Ask your roofer for large-format samples and have them create a visual with each of your shortlisted colors. It’s a great way to be sure that you are making the right choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s be blunt: too many roofing regrets come down to rushed decisions.

Avoid:

Picking shingles by color only
Overlooking attic ventilation
Failing to compare warranty coverage
Letting a roofer reuse old flashing or skip underlayments

Look out for: Layover jobs (new shingles installed over old ones). It shortens lifespan, voids many warranties, and hides decking issues.

Lyle’s Pro Tip: A proper roof system includes more than just shingles. Ask about ice & water barrier, ridge venting, and starter strips.

Residential Roofing Installation: What to Expect

A professional shingle install includes:

Tear-off of old roof
Decking inspection and repairs
Ice & water shield in key areas
Synthetic underlayment across the deck
Starter strip, field shingles, ridge caps
Flashing replacement
Ventilation system install
Landscaping shield protection
Great clean up – including running a magnet over the ground to pick up any stray nails

Lyle’s Pro Tip: Good contractors will also do a final walkthrough, provide photos, and leave your yard cleaner than they found it.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Roof Life

Even great shingles need a little help. We always give our clients these key maintenance tips to keep their roof looking and performing like new:

Clean out gutters twice a year
Trim back overhanging branches
Clean off any leaves or branches on the roof
Get a professional inspection every 3–5 years

Matching Shingles to Home Style

Shingles can upgrade the curb aesthetics of your home. For modern builds, bold contrast or minimalist neutrals often shine.

Look out for: Mixing warm-toned siding with cool-toned shingles isn’t always the most favorite choice.

Lyle’s Pro Tip: Use manufacturer visualizer tools to preview different shingles on a photo of your home.

How Much Do Asphalt Shingles Cost in 2026?

Here’s what you can expect:

Architectural shingles: $4.50–$7.50 per sq. ft. installed
Designer shingles: $7.00–$12.00+ per sq. ft.

These prices include tear-off, materials, and labor but don’t include any decking repairs needed.

“I got four quotes and chose Better Way Roofing because they walked me through every line item. No surprises, just honesty.” — James R.

“Lyle helped me pick a shingle that matched my brick and explained why it would age better than the others. I get compliments on my roof constantly.” — Rachel T.

Warranties: What to Ask About

There are typically two types:

Manufacturer warranty: Covers the materials (some up to 50 years)
Workmanship warranty: Covers how it was installed (usually 5–20 years)

Lyle’s Pro Tip: Check if the warranty is transferable, this can be a selling point if you move. Make sure the contractor registers the warranty with the manufacturer – just saying ‘you have a 50-year warranty’ doesn’t mean anything if they don’t register it with the manufacturer.

You deserve a roof that performs as good as it looks

If you’re considering asphalt shingles, you’ve got options, and we’re here to make the choice easier. We’ll walk you through samples, explain warranties, and ensure every layer of your roof is built to last.

📞 Call Better Way Roofing at (574) 370-8342 orContact Us Online

Let’s build a roof that adds beauty, value, and peace of mind.