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.

Why Rotten Fascia Should Be Replaced Before New Gutters Go Up

October 14, 2026
Gutters are only as secure as the surface they are attached to. When fascia boards are soft, rotted, or structurally compromised, installing new gutters without correcting the underlying damage can create problems almost immediately. Fasteners may not hold properly, sections of gutter can sag, and water can continue entering areas that should have been addressed before installation. That is why rotten fascia should be replaced before new gutters are installed. Fascia Has an Important Structural Role Fascia is the board that runs along the edge of the roof, directly behind the gutters on many homes. It helps create a finished roofline while also providing an attachment surface for the gutter system. Because it sits at the edge of the roof, fascia is regularly exposed to moisture, wind-driven rain, overflowing gutters, and water that may escape damaged roofing components. When the wood begins to rot, it loses strength. A gutter system attached to weakened material may not remain secure over time.

Why Material Compatibility Matters Across the Whole Roofing System

October 7, 2026
A roof is not made from one product . Shingles, underlayment, flashing, ventilation components, fasteners, sealants, and roof decking all work together as a system. That is why material compatibility matters. A premium shingle can only perform as intended when the surrounding components are appropriate for the roof design, climate, and installation method. Mixing materials without considering how they interact can create weak points, shorten service life, or complicate warranty coverage. For homeowners planning a roof replacement, it helps to think beyond the visible surface. The Shingles Are Only the Top Layer Shingles are the most noticeable roofing material, but they are only one part of the assembly. Beneath them, underlayment provides an additional layer of protection. Flashing directs water away from vulnerable transitions. Ventilation helps manage attic heat and moisture. Fasteners hold the system in place. Each component has its own job. If one layer is poorly matched to the others, the roof may not perform as a complete system. That is why roof replacement should be planned as a coordinated installation rather than a collection of separate products.

How to Tell When an Aging Roof Is No Longer Worth Repairing

October 4, 2026
Roof repairs make sense when damage is limited, the surrounding materials are still in good condition, and the roofing system has plenty of useful life left. But there comes a point when repeated repairs stop being the most practical approach. An aging roof may begin developing problems in several areas at once. At that stage, homeowners can end up paying for one repair after another without addressing the broader condition of the system. Knowing when to move from repair to replacement can help prevent unnecessary spending and reduce the risk of more serious damage later. Age Is an Important Starting Point Every roofing material has a typical service life , but age alone does not determine whether replacement is necessary. Installation quality, ventilation, weather exposure, maintenance, and material type all affect how long a roof performs well. Still, an older roof that begins requiring frequent repairs deserves a closer look. If shingles are failing in several areas or leaks are becoming more common, the issue may no longer be isolated.

Why Whole-Home Exterior Planning Can Prevent Piecemeal Repairs

September 26, 2026
A home’s roof, siding, gutters, soffits, fascia, and trim all work together. When one part starts to fail, it can affect the others. That is why treating exterior problems one at a time can sometimes lead to repeated repairs, mismatched materials, or missed opportunities to address the real cause. Whole-home exterior planning takes a broader view. Instead of asking only, “What needs to be fixed today?” it looks at how the entire exterior is aging and how each component affects the next. The Roof Can Affect More Than the Roof A roofing problem does not always stay confined to shingles. If water reaches the roof edge, it may affect fascia, soffits , gutters, siding, or even the wall system below. Damaged flashing can also direct water into areas that are difficult to see from the ground. When roof replacement is being considered, it makes sense to evaluate the surrounding exterior at the same time.  This can reveal whether related components should be repaired, replaced, or coordinated with the roofing project.

What Homeowners Should Check on the Roof Before the First Freeze

September 16, 2026
Fall is one of the best times to look closely at the condition of a roof before colder weather arrives. Once temperatures begin dropping , small roofing problems can become harder to ignore. Moisture, wind, freezing temperatures, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can all put additional stress on an aging roofing system.  A pre-winter review does not mean climbing onto the roof yourself. Many warning signs can be spotted from the ground or inside the attic, while a professional inspection can address areas that are difficult or unsafe to evaluate.

Why a Roof Can Fail Before It Starts Leaking

September 10, 2026
Many homeowners assume a roof is performing well as long as there are no visible leaks. Unfortunately, roofing problems can develop long before water begins dripping through the ceiling.  A roof may already be losing its ability to protect the home because of aging materials, weakened flashing, deteriorated underlayment , ventilation problems, or damaged shingles. By the time an interior leak becomes obvious, moisture may have already affected decking, insulation, trim, or other parts of the structure.

How HOA Requirements Can Affect Roofing and Siding Choices

September 4, 2026
Replacing a roof or updating siding can dramatically improve a home’s appearance, weather protection, and long-term value. For homeowners who live in a community governed by a homeowners association, however, material selection may involve more than personal preference.  HOA architectural standards can influence everything from roof color and shingle style to siding materials, exterior finishes, and trim details. Understanding those requirements before construction begins can help homeowners avoid delays, rejected applications, or the expense of changing an already-planned project.

Why James Hardie Siding Is Popular With Homeowners

August 28, 2026
Choosing new siding is a major exterior decision because it affects appearance, durability, maintenance, and long-term protection. Homeowners often want a material that looks refined, stands up well to changing weather, and offers enough style options to complement the architecture of the house.  James Hardie siding has become a popular choice for replacement projects because it combines the look of traditional siding with the strength of fiber cement. Paese Construction works with premium exterior materials such as James Hardie to help homeowners create durable, attractive exteriors designed for long-term performance.

Why Flashing Is One of the Most Important Parts of a Roof

August 23, 2026
When homeowners think about roofing, shingles usually get most of the attention. They are the most visible part of the system, and they play an important role in protecting the home from the elements. However, some of the most critical roofing components are far less noticeable. Flashing is one of them.  Roof flashing is installed around vulnerable areas where water is more likely to enter, such as chimneys, skylights, valleys, vent pipes, and roof-to-wall intersections. When installed correctly, flashing helps direct water away from these areas and into the normal drainage path of the roof. When it fails, even a relatively small weakness can allow moisture to penetrate the roofing system and damage the materials below.

Preparing Your Home for Every Season: An Exterior Maintenance Guide

August 18, 2026
Every season brings unique challenges for your home’s exterior. From heavy spring rains and summer heat to autumn leaves and winter snow, your roof, siding, gutters, and trim work together year-round to protect everything inside your home. While no exterior can remain maintenance-free forever, a proactive approach can help identify small issues before they become costly repairs.  By preparing your home throughout the year, you can help maximize the lifespan of your roofing system and exterior materials while protecting one of your most valuable assets.