Mar. 03, 2026
Construction
You can’t just pick a roof shingle because you like the color. The best shingle for your home is one that’s perfectly suited to your roof's design, your local climate, and any specific rules in your area. Think of it as an investment—the right choice protects your home for decades, while the wrong one can lead to headaches and costly repairs.
Before you get lost in swatches and styles, we need to cover the non-negotiables. These are the factors dictated by your home's architecture and where you live. Getting this foundation right is everything.
It’s a lot like buying tires for your truck. You wouldn't slap summer highway tires on a rig you plan to take through Utah's snowy mountain passes. In the same way, the shingle that works great in Southern California would likely get shredded by a single Salt Lake City winter.
The slope of your roof, what we in the industry call its pitch, immediately narrows down your options. We measure pitch as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. For example, a 4:12 pitch means the roof goes up 4 inches for every 12 inches it runs horizontally.
Beyond the slope, you have to think about weight. If you're dreaming of heavy, premium materials like slate or tile, your roof framing might need to be reinforced to handle the load. This isn't a guess—you'll need an experienced contractor or an engineer to give the green light.
Living along the Wasatch Front means your roof has to endure a true four-season climate with some serious extremes. Choosing a shingle that can't handle it is just throwing money away.
Our biggest concern here is snow load. That heavy, wet spring snow puts an incredible amount of stress on a roof. Shingles have to be tough enough to not only hold that weight but also survive the constant freeze-thaw cycles that can tear lesser materials apart.
Then there’s the wind. Anyone who’s lived through a canyon wind event knows what I’m talking about. You need shingles with a high wind-resistance rating, ideally 110 mph or even 130 mph, to keep them from peeling off. And don't forget the intense summer sun, which requires strong UV protection to stop shingles from drying out and fading.
I see it all the time: a homeowner picks a beautiful shingle in a showroom, but it’s not rated for our weather. A pretty shingle that can't survive a Utah winter is a bad investment, plain and simple.
Before you sign a contract, do your homework on the local rules. Utah has building codes that are very specific about roofing, especially concerning underlayment and installation methods to protect against ice dams. Any good local roofer will know these codes inside and out.
And if you have one, your Homeowners Association (HOA) gets the final say. They often have strict guidelines on approved materials, colors, and styles. Always get written approval for your selection before any materials are ordered. It's a simple step that can save you from the nightmare of having to tear off a brand-new, non-compliant roof.
Here's a quick checklist to keep these initial factors straight as you begin your search.
Taking the time to address each of these points sets you up for a successful project and ensures your new roof is ready for whatever a Utah year throws at it.
Okay, you’ve done the foundational work—you know your roof pitch, you’ve considered our Utah climate, and you're aware of local codes. Now for the fun part: picking the actual shingles. The market has plenty of options, but for most homeowners, the choice really comes down to a few key players. Let's cut through the marketing jargon and look at what really matters for your home's performance, lifespan, and overall look.
There's a reason asphalt shingles are on the vast majority of homes across North America. They hit that sweet spot of affordability, durability, and style that works for almost any house or budget. This isn't a new trend; it's the result of over a century of improvement. The global market for asphalt shingles topped $7 billion in , and they cover more than 47% of residential roofs simply because they work well and are cost-effective. You can dig into the numbers yourself by checking out the asphalt shingle market trends on skyquestt.com.
But "asphalt" isn't a single product. You've got a few different tiers to choose from.
The image below really drives home how your roof’s pitch, the local climate, and building codes all steer you toward the right material choice.
As you can see, choosing a shingle isn't just about color; it’s a decision based on your home's specific structural and environmental demands.
Metal roofing used to be something you'd only see on a commercial building or a rustic cabin, but it's quickly become a popular, stylish choice for homes. Yes, the upfront cost is higher than asphalt, but when you look at the big picture, the investment often pays for itself. A modern standing-seam metal roof offers a clean, sharp look that works just as well on contemporary homes as it does on traditional ones.
The biggest draws for metal are its incredible lifespan and toughness. A well-installed metal roof can last 50 years or more—that’s easily two or three times longer than a standard asphalt roof. It’s also extremely resistant to fire, rot, and insects. And for a place like Utah, its ability to shed snow is a huge advantage, seriously reducing the risk of destructive ice dams forming along your eaves.
One of the most important things to look for in both high-end asphalt and metal roofing is a Class 4 impact rating. This is the highest level of hail resistance a shingle can get. A Class 4 roof is built to withstand impacts from hailstones up to two inches in diameter, which could easily be the difference between a minor storm and a full roof replacement.
As you compare materials, you'll see a lot of technical ratings. These aren't just for show—they're standardized tests that tell you exactly how well a shingle will protect your home.
Impact Resistance
Heads up: many insurance companies will actually give you a discount on your homeowner's policy for installing a Class 4 roof because it drastically reduces their risk of paying out a big claim.
Fire Resistance
For anyone living near wildfire-prone areas, a Class A rating isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a critical layer of defense for your property and your family's safety. By balancing these practical factors—lifespan, aesthetics, and protective ratings—you can zero in on the perfect material for your home.
Your roof isn't just a utility; it’s a massive part of your home's first impression, often making up 40% or more of what people see from the street. This makes your shingle choice a major decision that impacts everything from curb appeal to your monthly energy bills. A smart selection isn't just a replacement—it's an upgrade that pays you back.
Homeowners often get hung up on color, and I get it. But what many don't realize is that modern shingles mean you don't have to sacrifice performance for looks. You can truly have a beautiful roof that works hard for you.
Here in Salt Lake City, the summer sun is no joke. A standard roof soaks up all that heat, radiating it straight into your attic and living spaces. Your air conditioner ends up running constantly just to keep things comfortable. This is exactly where "cool roof" technology makes a world of difference.
Don't assume "cool roof" means a stark white shingle. The real magic is in the granules. Manufacturers engineer these shingles with special reflective granules that bounce a huge portion of the sun's infrared radiation back into the sky instead of absorbing it.
The effectiveness of these shingles is measured by the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). Think of it as a scorecard for heat reflection—the higher the SRI, the cooler your roof stays.
This isn't just a small tweak. The roofing industry is booming, projected to hit USD 199.55 billion by , largely because of this push for energy-efficient homes. A good architectural shingle with an SRI over 30 can drop your roof's surface temperature by a staggering 50-60°F. For your wallet, that can mean 20-30% savings on your summer cooling costs.
While the energy savings are a fantastic bonus, you still have to love the way your roof looks every time you pull into the driveway. The goal is to choose a color that works in harmony with your home's siding, trim, and overall architectural style.
A good starting point is to aim for a pleasing contrast.
Your roof is a long-term commitment. Never, ever pick a color from a small sample in a brochure. Ask your contractor for full-sized shingle samples. Take them outside and lean them against your siding. Check on them in the morning light, at high noon, and in the evening to see how the color truly looks.
Your roof is a cornerstone of your home's exterior appeal. For more ideas on boosting your home's look, check out this practical guide to improving curb appeal.
So, how do you put it all together? The sweet spot is where a color you absolutely love also delivers the performance you need for our Utah climate. Luckily, manufacturers have caught on and now offer a huge range of cool roof options in colors that go far beyond white.
Let's imagine you have a classic red brick home in a sunny Salt Lake neighborhood. The traditional choice might be a black shingle. But what if you chose a deep charcoal gray shingle that has a high SRI rating? You get that same sophisticated, timeless look, but you're also reflecting a ton of solar heat. Your attic stays cooler, and your energy bills go down.
This is what a smart roofing decision looks like. It’s an investment that protects your home, saves you money, and boosts its value with a lasting first impression.
When that roofing quote lands in your inbox, it’s only natural for your eyes to jump straight to the bottom line. But experienced homeowners and contractors know that the initial price is just one chapter of a much longer story. The real cost of your roof is what you’ll spend on it over the next 20, 30, or even 50 years.
A suspiciously low bid often signals cheaper materials, less experienced labor, or cut corners—all things that lead to expensive repairs and a replacement far sooner than you planned. The smart way to approach this decision is by thinking in terms of lifecycle cost, which is simply the total cost divided by the roof's lifespan in years. It’s a game-changer.
So, what exactly are you paying for? A roofing estimate is more than just a truckload of shingles. It’s a complex mix of materials and skilled labor, all of which influence that final number.
Here's a quick look at the main drivers behind your initial investment:
This is where the math really makes a difference. Let’s run the numbers on two typical scenarios I see all the time.
Scenario A: The "Budget" Roof
Scenario B: The "Investment" Roof
Even though the architectural roof cost $4,000 more at the outset, it's actually $133 cheaper every single year you live in the house. In 30 years, you'd be getting ready to pay for your second "budget" roof (at an inflated price), while the investment roof would still be going strong.
This simple calculation shows why a laser focus on the initial quote can backfire spectacularly. Durability and longevity aren't just buzzwords; they’re what deliver real, long-term financial value.
Finally, your investment isn't fully understood until you know how it's protected. A new roof comes with two distinct warranties, and they cover very different things.
Manufacturer's Material Warranty: This comes directly from the shingle maker (like GAF or CertainTeed) and covers actual defects in the product. These can range from 20 years to a "limited lifetime" but are often prorated, meaning their value decreases over time. The big catch? This warranty is instantly voided if the shingles aren't installed exactly according to the manufacturer's strict guidelines.
Contractor's Workmanship Guarantee: This one comes from your roofer and covers any mistakes made during the installation. Think improper nailing, messed-up flashing around a chimney, or poorly laid underlayment. Honestly, this is the warranty that matters most in the short term. The vast majority of new roof failures aren't due to bad shingles; they're due to bad installation.
When a contractor offers a strong, multi-year workmanship guarantee, they're showing you they have total confidence in their team's skills. That guarantee is your single best defense against leaks and headaches down the road.
You’ve done the hard work of picking out the perfect shingle, but that's only half the battle. The truth is, even the most expensive, high-tech roofing material on the market will fail if it isn't installed by a true professional. This is why choosing a skilled, trustworthy roofing contractor isn’t just a good idea—it’s the single most important decision you'll make to protect your home and your investment.
A great roofer is more than just a shingle installer. Think of them as your project partner. They're the ones who ensure every single detail, from the underlayment and flashing to the final nail, is handled with expert care. Your goal is to find a local pro who really gets the unique challenges here in the Salt Lake City area, like our heavy snow loads and punishing freeze-thaw cycles. You want someone with a rock-solid reputation for quality.
Going into a conversation with a potential roofer unprepared can feel intimidating. To really vet them properly, you need a solid list of questions. Don't be timid about this part; a genuine professional will have confident, ready answers for every single one.
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Further reading:"Are you licensed and insured here in Utah?" This is the absolute first thing you should ask. It's a deal-breaker. Ask to physically see their Utah contractor license, proof of general liability insurance, and their workers' compensation policy. If they don't have this coverage, you could be on the hook for any accidents that happen on your property.
"What’s your crew's experience with the specific shingle I've chosen?" Whether you’ve landed on an architectural asphalt or a standing-seam metal roof, you need a team that has installed that exact product dozens of times. Ask to see a portfolio with photos of recent, similar jobs they've completed.
"Who will be my point of contact on-site?" You need to know if a dedicated project manager or foreman will be there every day. This person is your lifeline for questions and ensures the crew is accountable and that communication flows smoothly.
"How do you handle site cleanup?" A professional crew respects your property. Ask them to walk you through their process for protecting your landscaping, driveway, and how they use magnetic sweeps to get every last stray nail.
These initial questions will help you quickly filter out the seasoned pros from the rest of the pack.
Knowing what to look for is great, but it’s just as crucial to recognize the warning signs of a shady operator. If you spot any of these red flags, your best move is to thank them for their time and keep looking.
A detailed, written estimate is your best friend. It should clearly outline the scope of work, specific materials being used (including brand names), tear-off and disposal fees, underlayment type, and both the material and workmanship warranties. Without this document, you have no real way to compare bids or hold the contractor accountable.
Once a contractor has passed your initial screening, it’s time to do some homework and verify their reputation in the community. Don't just take their word for it.
Start by digging into online reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Don't just look at the star rating; read the actual comments. Look for patterns in what people say about their communication, punctuality, and how they resolved any issues that popped up.
Next, ask them for a list of recent local references—and then actually call them. Ask those homeowners about their overall experience, if the project stayed on budget, and the ultimate question: would they hire that company again? It's also worth noting how contractors are adapting to new tools; for instance, some now use advanced drone roofing inspection software for more accurate and safe assessments. This final bit of due diligence is what allows you to hire with total confidence, knowing your home is in truly capable hands.
After you’ve done all the research, there are always a few lingering questions that pop up right before you’re ready to pull the trigger. Getting these sorted out is that final step to feeling completely confident in your decision. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones we hear from homeowners.
This is a big one. The answer really boils down to two things: the age of your roof and how widespread the damage is. If your roof is getting up there in years—say, pushing 20+ years for an older asphalt roof—or you're seeing problems all over the place, a full replacement is almost always the smarter long-term move.
What do "widespread problems" look like?
On the other hand, if your roof is relatively young and you just have one or two isolated spots of damage—like a branch took out a few shingles—a professional repair is probably all you need. The only way to know for sure is to get an expert on the roof. They can spot hidden issues, like soft spots in the decking, that tell the real story.
You might hear this called a "roof-over" or a "layover," and while some building codes technically allow one layer of shingles over another, any reputable roofer will tell you to avoid it. It’s a shortcut that creates more problems than it solves.
For one, it adds an incredible amount of extra weight, which puts a lot of strain on your home’s structure. But the biggest issue is that it makes it impossible to inspect the roof deck—the wood foundation your entire roof is built on. Without tearing off the old layer, you have no way of knowing if there’s rot, water damage, or soft sheathing underneath.
A complete tear-off is the only way to do the job right. It ensures your new roof has a solid, flat surface to adhere to and is almost always a requirement to keep the manufacturer's warranty valid. Don't skip it.
Here in Salt Lake City, timing really matters. The sweet spot for a roof installation is from late spring through early fall, when you can count on daytime temperatures staying consistently above 40-50°F. This isn't just for our crew’s comfort; it's critical for the shingles themselves.
Every asphalt shingle has a sealant strip that’s activated by the sun's warmth. That heat is what allows the shingles to bond together, creating a single, seamless barrier against wind and water.
Trying to install a roof in the dead of winter is just asking for trouble. The cold makes shingles brittle, so they can easily crack when nailed. Worse, the sealant might not activate properly, leaving your brand-new roof vulnerable to wind damage from the very first storm. It can be done in a pinch, but you’ll always get the best, most durable result in moderate, dry weather.
The thing about asphalt roofs is that it is relatively easy to visibly see a roof that is showing signs of age or general wear. Asphalt shingles that are curled, balding, missing altogether or have black streaks are good indications that your roof needs some love and attention.
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing shingle available. They are cost-effective and come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Here are my 6 tips for picking your asphalt shingles:
You can really make a statement with the color of your roof. First impressions are everything, so you want to pick the color of your roof carefully.
Picking the color of your roof is not just about the aesthetics. It’s also about energy efficiency. A dark roof absorbs more heat. Think about the area you live in, as that can play a role in picking the shingles color.
The color of your asphalt shingles is important, but have you thought about the style? Do you want three-tab shingles, architectural style shingles or slate shingles? 3-tab shingles have been around for a long time, but architectural shingles give you the look of wooden shingles. Something to think about if you have a historic looking home or if you want to enhance the look of your home with contrast and dimension.
Consider your home’s entire exterior carefully before making a decision. You want to make sure the different colors work together.
There are a lot of different materials to choose from for your roof as well as different brands, styles, and features available to enhance your roof and curb appeal.
Whether you are considering asphalt shingles or metal shingles, figure out what will suit your needs and get an idea of what kind of price point you’re looking at. The more educated you are about the project, the better decisions you will make.
CHECK OUT SOME OF THESE COLOR OPTIONS FOR YOUR ASPHALT SHINGLES FOR INSPIRATION.
I recommend that you do your own research when it comes to picking your asphalt shingles, but then have a conversation with your roofing contractor about your options.
Your contractor should talk to you about all your roofing options along with their recommendations. Now that you’ve done your research, you’ll be able to have an educated conversation with them about what will best suit your roofing needs together.
Review the shingle samples together and ask detailed questions.
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IMPORTANT: Make sure your roofer uses high-quality ice and water protective membrane. This membrane adheres to the bare roof sheathing and seals around any nails and protects the wood substrate and your roof from ice damming and leaks.
The membrane should be a minimum of 6 feet from the edge of your roof (eaves). This requirement may vary depending on your local building code specifications. The balance of the roof should be covered with a felt underlayment that helps protect the sheathing from wind, rain, and is also fire resistant.
Not all asphalt shingles are created equally. Make sure to choose a shingle that has at least a 25-year warranty. Work with your roofing contractor to understand what the warranty will cover and any proration periods included.
Remember, that there will be several warranties- the manufacturer’s warranty for the product(s) and the roofer’s warranty. Chances are the roofer’s warranty will be less than the products used so make sure you understand the different warranties and what they mean.
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Nothing destroys your curb appeal like a roof with unsightly black streaks. Black streaks found on asphalt roof shingles are usually the result of blue-green algae.
Using shingles with Scotchgard™ Protector by 3M protects against those ugly black streaks by integrating special copper-containing granules into the granule blend on the shingle.
Watch below “Mike Holmes’ 5 Tips For Picking Asphalt Shingles”
A precise amount of copper ions are released over the life of the roof to help prevent black algae streaks from getting established. A layer of roofing granules cover the entire shingle surface helping to protect your home by providing the first line of defense against environmental elements, like rain, snow, and hail.
If you are investing in a new roof, why not pick one that is protected against unsightly black streaks? That’s just smart.
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If you live in an area with strong winds, you want a shingle to stand up to storms. The asphalt shingle brand I install on my jobsites protects the home against winds up to 150 mph.
Here’s a tip-you should let your home insurance agent know if you have wind resistant shingles. You may be eligible for a discount.
Think long and hard about the weather in your area. Do you get hail? A beneficial feature you may want to consider is what impact rating your shingles need.
If you live in an area with poor air quality and high air pollution, you might want to consider getting shingles with 3M™ Smog-reducing Granules that help eliminate smog pollutants and improve the overall air quality.
Choosing your asphalt shingles is not just about how your house looks. It’s about how it PROTECTS your house and your family, and how it adds to the overall value of your home.
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IMPORTANT: CHOOSE A ROOFER WHO WILL REMOVE THE ORIGINAL ROOFING & REPAIR THE SHEATHING
A roofer shouldn’t lay your new roofing material over the old stuff. You want a roofing contractor who will pull up the old material, assess the health of the sheathing, and make repairs where needed. However, I still hear of people re-roofing over existing asphalt shingles, and you can’t mix materials.
For example, you shouldn’t put asphalt shingles over wood or slate. In my books, if your roof is old, then do yourself a favour and get the old roof removed properly, inspected for defects and moisture damage (also known as soft points), and do it right!
Also, if you choose to do a re-roofing (new shingles over old ones) you may find that the warranties differ from doing it properly.
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