Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material for many homeowners in Rhode Island. Here are some of their advantages:

Durability: Asphalt shingles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and snow.
Wide range of options: They are available in a variety of colors, styles, and textures, which allows homeowners to choose a design that complements their home’s aesthetic.
Composition: Asphalt shingles are made from a combination of asphalt, fiberglass, and other materials, which are bonded together to form a durable roofing material.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt Shingle Benefits

Asphalt roofing shingles provide several benefits:

Long-lasting: Asphalt shingles can last up to 25-30 years with proper maintenance, making them a great long-term investment for homeowners.
Low maintenance: They require minimal maintenance and can be easily repaired or replaced if necessary.
Cost-effective: Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market, making them a popular choice for homeowners.

 Asphalt Shingle Roofing for Rhode Island Homes​

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for Rhode Island homes. They are affordable, durable, and come in a wide range of styles and colors. At Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights, we help you choose the right shingle that fits your home, budget, and our coastal New England weather.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

Most homes in New England use one of these three types of Shingles

Three Tab Shingles

Flat, single layer shingles that create a clean, uniform look and offer an affordable roofing option.

Three tab shingles are the classic asphalt shingle. Each shingle is cut into three equal tabs to create a simple, flat pattern across the roof. They are a great option when you want a clean look and need to keep the project budget friendly.

Because they are a single layer shingle, they are lighter and usually come with a shorter lifespan and lower wind rating than other options. With proper installation and ventilation, three tab shingles can still give reliable protection for many years. They are often a good fit for rental properties, garages, sheds, and simple roof designs.

At Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights, we install three tab shingles using quality underlayments, flashings, and ventilation so you get the most life possible from this economical choice.

Architectural Shingles 

Thicker, layered shingles that add depth and dimension to your roof with better performance and longer life.

Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminated shingles, are the most popular choice for Rhode Island homeowners. They are built with multiple layers of asphalt that create a thicker profile and a more textured, dimensional look on the roof.

These shingles offer better wind resistance, impact resistance, and longer manufacturer warranties than three tab shingles. The added thickness helps your roof stand up to coastal winds, heavy rain, and snow that we see in Rhode Island.

Architectural shingles come in many colors and blends, so we can match the style of your home and boost curb appeal. For most homes, this is the best balance of performance, appearance, and value.

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

Heaviest and most durable, designed to mimic slate or cedar shake for maximum curb appeal and protection.

Luxury shingles are the top tier of asphalt shingles. They are the thickest and heaviest option, designed to mimic the look of natural slate or hand split cedar shake without the weight and maintenance of those materials.

They offer outstanding durability, high wind ratings, and some of the longest warranties available. Luxury shingles are a smart choice if you want your roof to be a major design feature of your home and you want maximum protection against storms, ice, and long term wear.

For high value homes or homeowners who plan to stay in place for many years, luxury shingles provide an upgraded look and long lasting performance. Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights can help you compare profiles and colors so your new roof complements your home and the surrounding neighborhood.

Brands and Lines of Shingles

CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning Brands are the most popular in the Rhode Island Area. Pinnacle frequently relies on CertainTeed shingles since they are manufactured to endure our New England coastal climate however all Brands have thier own lines of durability and value. With the various lines each Brand carries and the unique color and techurre each line offers we confidently install the product that is the best fit for you, that is the best value and desired look for you home. The following goes over the lines each of the three brands offer followed by tables to help compare for your reference. Your project manager will have samples and answer your individual questions and the manfacturers all offer ther own virutual visualizer so now you can upload a picure of your home and get and image of how your home will look with that paticular color and line of the brand you are looking at. We provide the links for this as well. We look forward to learning about your new project. 

CertainTeed Roof Shingles

Try out CertainTeed ColorView Home Visualizer by uploading a picture of your home.

Landmark

 Landmark is CertainTeed’s classic architectural shingle, designed to give the look of wood shake with the reliability of asphalt. It uses a dual layer construction over a tough fiberglass base for added thickness, a more dimensional appearance, and solid protection in New England weather. Landmark includes a Class A fire rating and algae resistance to help prevent dark streaks, with one of the heaviest weights and widest color selections in its class, so we can match almost any Rhode Island home style.

Landmark Pro

Landmark Pro builds on the Landmark platform with a thicker, higher performance laminate shingle and richer Max Def color blends that really stand out from the street. It uses a multi layer fiberglass design for stronger adhesion between layers, improved durability, and better protection against wind and harsh weather. Landmark Pro also features advanced algae resistant technology to keep the roof looking clean and streak free, making it a smart upgrade for homeowners who want more color depth, stronger warranties, and longer service life from an architectural shingle.

Grand Manor

 Grand Manor is a luxury shingle created to replicate the look of hand cut natural slate. It uses a multi layer “Super Shangle” design with deep shadow lines and random tab shapes that give the roof real depth and dimension, even on steep and complex roofs. Grand Manor combines that slate inspired appearance with modern asphalt performance, including a Class A fire rating, strong wind ratings, and advanced algae protection backed by a lifetime limited warranty. It is an ideal choice when you want a true high end, estate style roof without the weight and maintenance of real slate.

Belmont

 Belmont IR is the impact resistant version of CertainTeed’s Belmont luxury shingle, designed to deliver the upscale look of quarried slate with extra toughness against storms. Built on a reinforced fiberglass base with premium asphalt, Belmont IR carries a UL Class 4 impact rating for hail, along with Class A fire resistance, high wind performance, and a long algae resistance warranty. The layered construction and blended colors create a thick slate like profile that adds strong curb appeal while giving your home upgraded protection from hail, wind driven debris, and coastal New England weather.

GAF Roofing Shingles

Try GAF's Virtual Home Visualizer to try out a color roof.

 GAF Timerline UHDZ​

GAF Timberline UHDZ 

Timberline UHDZ is GAF’s premium architectural shingle, designed to give your home a high-definition, wood-shake look with extra depth and dimension. It features a Dual Shadow Line for a dramatic “sunset shadow” effect all day long and uses advanced granule and fiberglass mat technology for long-term performance. Timberline UHDZ also includes enhanced algae protection and strong wind resistance, making it a great choice for homeowners who want both curb appeal and durability.

 

 GAF Timerline NS​

GAF Timberline NS (Natural Shadow)

Timberline NS (Natural Shadow) is a popular architectural shingle that delivers the classic Timberline look at a very budget-friendly price. The subtle shadow effect creates an even-toned, wood-inspired appearance that upgrades curb appeal without jumping to a designer shingle. Built on a fiberglass asphalt construction with advanced protection technology and algae-resistant granules, Timberline NS offers dependable performance and a clean, timeless look for Rhode Island homes.

 GAF Timberline AS II​

GAF Timberline AS II

Timberline AS II (ArmorShield II) is an impact-resistant architectural shingle engineered for extra protection from hail and storm debris. It uses SBS polymer-modified asphalt that makes the shingle more flexible and tough, helping it achieve a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating while still looking like a traditional Timberline architectural shingle. Homeowners get the upgraded protection, strong wind performance, and algae resistance they want, along with the potential for insurance savings in some areas.

 GAF Camelot II​

GAF Camelot II

Camelot II is a luxury designer shingle that mimics the look of hand-cut slate at a fraction of the cost and weight of real slate. Oversized tabs, artisan-crafted shapes, and a specially designed color palette create a rich, Old-World appearance that stands out on the street. Underneath the style, Camelot II uses Advanced Protection shingle technology for excellent strength, wind resistance, and long-term performance, making it a strong choice for high-end homes and statement roofs.

 GAF Woodland​

GAF Woodland

Woodland is a designer shingle created to capture the rustic charm of hand-cut European wood shakes with modern asphalt performance. The shingles use artisan-crafted shapes, oversized tabs, and custom color blends to give the roof a layered, textured look with strong shadow lines. Homeowners get the upscale “wood shake” style along with algae-fighting technology, a lifetime limited warranty, and the easier maintenance of an asphalt shingle roof.

 GAF Slateline​

Gaf Slateline

Slateline shingles are designed to look like natural slate while staying much lighter and more affordable. Bold shadow lines and tapered cut-outs create the dimensional slate effect, and the color blends are tuned to mimic traditional slate tones. Slateline shingles also feature GAF’s advanced algae-fighting technology and strong weather performance, so homeowners get the classic slate look without the structural weight or high cost of real stone.

 GAF Royal Sovereign​

GAF Royal Sovereign

Royal Sovereign is GAF’s classic 3-tab shingle and one of the best-known traditional shingle lines on the market. Each shingle uses advanced color sequencing to create a rich, vivid pattern and includes StainGuard algae protection to help prevent unsightly streaks. Royal Sovereign offers a clean, simple look with a Class A fire rating, dependable performance, and strong value for homeowners who want an attractive, budget-conscious roofing option.

 GAF Royal Sovereign​

GAF Royal Sovereign

Royal Sovereign is GAF’s classic 3-tab shingle and one of the best-known traditional shingle lines on the market. Each shingle uses advanced color sequencing to create a rich, vivid pattern and includes StainGuard algae protection to help prevent unsightly streaks. Royal Sovereign offers a clean, simple look with a Class A fire rating, dependable performance, and strong value for homeowners who want an attractive, budget-conscious roofing option.

Owens Corning

Try out Owen's DesignIQ Roof Visualizations Tool.

 Owens Corning TruDefinition Duratione​

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration
TruDefinition Duration is Owens Corning’s core architectural shingle line. It is built on the TruDefinition color platform, which gives each shingle dramatic color contrast and deep dimension for stronger curb appeal. These shingles include patented SureNail Technology with a triple layer nailing zone for very strong fastening and 130 mph wind performance, plus StreakGuard algae protection and a limited lifetime warranty. This line is a good fit for homeowners who want a familiar national brand with a clean architectural look and solid storm performance.

Thicker, heavier laminates, better color blends, stronger perceived value.

 Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Designer​

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Designer
TruDefinition Duration Designer shingles take the standard Duration platform and add bolder, multi-tonal color blends. The colors are formulated with timeless base tones and contrasting granules to create more depth and a “designer” look on the roof, which works well when a homeowner wants the roof to be a major part of the exterior color scheme. You still get the SureNail Technology nailing strip, TruDefinition color platform, algae protection, and strong wind warranty, just with upgraded color options and style.

These are luxury or designer lines, with slate or shake looks, the heaviest constructions.

 Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Flex​

Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Flex
TruDefinition Duration Flex is the impact-resistant version of the Duration line. These shingles use a proprietary blend of SBS polymer-modified asphalt, which “rubberizes” the shingle so it stays more flexible and durable under hail and severe weather. Duration Flex carries a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating and offers better nail pull resistance in high winds compared with standard shingles, while still featuring SureNail Technology, TruDefinition color, and algae resistance. This line is aimed at homeowners who want added protection from hail and storm debris without giving up an architectural look.

These are luxury or designer lines, with slate or shake looks, the heaviest constructions

Owens Corning Oakridge


Owens Corning Oakridge


Oakridge is Owens Corning’s value-oriented architectural shingle, designed as a step up from traditional three-tab shingles. It offers a warm, inviting look in popular and trending colors, with a laminated architectural profile rather than a flat pattern. Oakridge shingles include a limited lifetime warranty, algae resistance, and 110–130 mph wind ratings, along with a reinforced double layer in the nailing zone for added protection. This makes Oakridge a good option for homeowners who like the Owens Corning brand and want an affordable architectural shingle upgrade over basic three-tab products.

These are standard impact, standard wind rating, and basic to mid level architectural

Comparing Different Shingles Table

Brand Product Type Tier Impact resistance Visual style Best fit on your site copy
CertainTeed Landmark Architectural Good Standard Dimensional wood shake look Primary value choice for most Rhode Island homes.
CertainTeed Landmark Pro Architectural, heavier Better Standard Deeper shadow lines, richer colors Homeowners who want stronger warranty and more curb appeal.
CertainTeed Grand Manor Luxury designer Best Standard, high wind Multi layer slate inspired look Steep and complex roofs where you want an estate style roof.
CertainTeed Belmont IR Luxury designer, Class 4 IR Best Yes, Class 4 rated Thick slate look with deep dimension High end homes in storm and hail prone areas.
GAF Royal Sovereign Three tab Good Standard Flat, traditional shingle pattern Budget focused projects, garages, sheds, simpler roofs.
GAF Timberline NS Architectural Good Standard Natural shadow wood style Entry level architectural upgrade over three tab.
GAF Timberline UHDZ Architectural premium Better Standard High definition wood shake appearance Homeowners who want a bold Timberline look and stronger features.
GAF Timberline AS II Architectural, impact rated Better Yes, Class 4 rated Classic Timberline look Roofs where extra protection from hail or debris is important.
GAF Slateline Designer Best Standard Bold slate inspired design When the homeowner wants slate style without slate cost.
GAF Camelot II Luxury designer Best Standard High end slate appearance Statement roofs on high value homes.
GAF Woodland Designer Best Standard Rustic hand cut wood shake look Homes where a warm, rustic shake style fits the architecture.
Owens Corning Oakridge Architectural Good Standard Warm architectural look Value upgrade from three tab for owners who prefer Owens Corning.
Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Architectural Better Standard Strong color contrast, dimensional look Owners who want the familiar Duration line with solid performance.
Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Designer Architectural designer Best Standard Bold multi tonal designer colors Owners who want the roof to be a major design feature.
Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Flex Architectural, impact rated Best Yes, Class 4 rated Architectural look with added flexibility Homes that need extra storm and hail protection with Owens Corning.

Good, Better, Best Table for Brands and Lines

True best is what you want for your home, the color, style, durability, we will answer all your questions, rcommend based on waht you are looking for and install the best roof for your home, the roof you want. 

Tier CertainTeed (our primary choice) GAF option Owens Corning option How the shingles Compare
Good Landmark architectural Timberline NS or Royal Sovereign Oakridge architectural Solid roof that looks good and protects well while keeping the budget in line. Great for rentals, simple roofs, and cost focused projects.
Better Landmark Pro Timberline UHDZ or Timberline AS II TruDefinition Duration Upgraded performance and curb appeal. Thicker shingles, richer colors, stronger protection. This is the most common choice for long term homes.
Best Grand Manor or Belmont IR Camelot II, Woodland, or Slateline TruDefinition Duration Designer or TruDefinition Duration Flex Luxury look or highest level of protection. Ideal for high value or forever homes where the roof is a major design feature and storm performance matters.

More Information in our Knowledge Center

CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster
CertainTeed SureStart Plus
CertainTeed SureStart Plus
Owens Corning
Owens Corning
Velux
Velux
Gutterglove Partner
Gutterglove Partner
Contact Us!

Asphalt Shingle Basics

Asphalt shingles are layered roofing products made with a fiberglass mat, asphalt, and protective granules. They are popular because they balance cost, durability, and curb appeal and work well on most New England homes.
We primarily install CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning asphalt shingles. Our in-house favorite for Rhode Island’s coastal climate is CertainTeed, but we are happy to install GAF or Owens Corning when a customer prefers their color or style.
“Good / Better / Best” groups the main shingle lines from each brand by performance and features. Good options are solid architectural shingles, Better adds upgrades like stronger warranties or algae protection, and Best includes the heaviest, most dimensional shingles with the strongest system warranties.
CertainTeed shingles have a reputation for heavier construction, strong wind ratings, and excellent warranty support, which we like for Rhode Island’s wind, rain, and coastal conditions. Their Landmark family also offers colors that work really well with classic New England homes.
Some homeowners choose GAF because they love the Timberline style, color blends, or specific features such as enhanced nailing zones and strong algae-resistant options. If a GAF color or profile is the perfect match for your home, we are glad to install it.
Owens Corning is a great fit when homeowners are drawn to their bold color lines or prefer features like their SureNail® style technology. If an Owens Corning shingle is the look you want, we can design your roof around that system.
Yes. Our “Good” selections are still architectural shingles from trusted brands. They provide attractive curb appeal and reliable protection when installed as part of a complete roofing system with quality underlayment and flashing.
As you move up the chart, you gain features such as thicker shingles, stronger wind ratings, longer algae-resistance, extended manufacturer warranties, and more dimensional or designer looks that really stand out from the street.
Lifespan depends on the exact product, installation quality, and ventilation. In our climate, a properly installed architectural shingle roof that is maintained and well ventilated can often perform for a few decades.
Most of the lines we recommend from CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning include algae-resistant technology to help reduce black streaks. During your appointment, we point out which specific products have upgraded algae warranties.

Brands, Warranties & Choosing Options

Many of our recommended CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning lines carry high wind ratings when installed according to manufacturer instructions. We match the shingle and fastening pattern to your home’s exposure so the roof is ready for New England storms.
Yes. Each brand offers material warranties, and many lines qualify for enhanced “system” coverage when we use their matching underlayments, starter shingles, and accessories. We review the exact warranty for the brand and tier you choose before work begins.
In most cases, our office completes the registration and provides you with the warranty documents. If a manufacturer requires homeowner registration, we walk you through that step so everything is documented correctly.
For looks and for warranty reasons, we strongly recommend choosing one brand and line for the main roof areas. We can use matching or complementary accessories from that same manufacturer to keep your system consistent and fully covered.
They are critical. High-quality underlayment, proper ice & water protection at eaves and valleys, and balanced ventilation often matter as much as the shingle itself. We design the entire roofing system so your new CertainTeed, GAF, or Owens roof can perform the way it was engineered to.
Yes. Each brand offers higher-end lines with thicker construction or impact-resistant features. If you are looking for extra durability or insurance discounts where available, we can include those options in your comparison.
We bring color boards and samples from CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning and help you see how they look next to your siding, brick, and trim. Our goal is to find a roof color that fits your style and your neighborhood while still performing well in our climate.
Premium shingles with stronger warranties and more dimensional appearance can be a selling point, especially when paired with a transferable warranty and documented professional installation. We can talk through whether an upgrade makes sense for your specific home and plans.
We use the Good / Better / Best chart to show options at different investment levels across CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning. From there we can recommend the best-value system for your roof size, exposure, and long-term plans rather than simply pushing the most expensive choice.
The easiest way is to use our Instant Roof Estimate tool to get a ballpark for your home, then schedule a free on-site appointment. Your project manager will bring samples, review CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning choices side by side, and help you pick the system that feels right for your home and budget.