This is one of my favorite questions to answer, because the answer is not what most people expect.
Most homeowners spend a lot of time researching shingle brands. They compare colors and styles, they read reviews online, they look at warranty lengths. And all of that is fine. Materials matter. But if I had to put a number on it, I would say the shingle brand accounts for maybe 20% of how well your roof performs and how long it lasts. The other 80% is the contractor who installs it.
That might sound self-serving coming from a contractor. So let me explain why.
Why does installation matter more than the shingle brand?
I have been doing this long enough to have pulled off just about every brand of shingle on the market. Premium brands, budget brands, and everything in between. And here is what I can tell you from direct experience: a mid-range shingle installed correctly by an experienced crew will outperform a premium shingle installed poorly every single time. It is not even close.
Proper installation means the right underlayment for the application. It means correct nail placement, specific to the manufacturer's specs, not just wherever is convenient. It means proper flashing technique at every wall, chimney, valley, and penetration. It means a ventilation system that is balanced and functional. It means attention to the hundreds of details that separate a roof that lasts 25 years from one that starts failing at 10.
At Bob Harvey Roofing, every person on your roof is a W-2 employee who has been trained by us and works under our supervision. No subcontractors, no day labor. That consistency in how the work gets done is a big part of why our roofs perform the way they do across Davis County and Weber County.
A shingle cannot compensate for bad installation. The shingle will take the blame, but the real failure was in the labor.
Does shingle brand matter at all in Utah's climate?
I am not saying you should grab whatever shingle is on sale and call it good. Material quality absolutely matters, especially in Utah where our UV exposure and temperature swings are tougher on roofing materials than many other parts of the country.
Higher quality shingles have better granule adhesion, which means they resist UV degradation longer. They are more flexible in cold weather, which matters during our winters. They have stronger sealant strips that hold up better under high winds. And they typically come with better warranty programs.
We install CertainTeed, and we have for a long time. I chose them because their products perform well in our conditions and because their warranty programs reward quality installation. As a CertainTeed ShingleMaster Premier Contractor, we can offer enhanced warranty coverage that a non-certified installer simply cannot access. But I will be honest with you. If I installed a different reputable brand with the same level of care, the result would be close. The installation is the variable that makes the biggest difference.
How should you think about this decision when hiring a roofer?
Here is how I would prioritize it if I were a homeowner hiring a roofer for the first time.
First, find a contractor you trust. Someone with experience, good references, proper licensing, and a solid warranty on their work. Spend most of your energy here. Read the questions you should be asking before you commit to anyone.
Second, within that contractor's material options, choose the best product that fits your budget. Ask them what they recommend and why. A good roofer will explain the pros and cons of different product lines without pushing you toward the most expensive option just because.
Do not pick the cheapest contractor who offers the fanciest shingle. That is backwards, and it is one of the most common mistakes I see.
Want to talk through your material options with someone who will give you a straight answer? We are happy to walk you through what we recommend and why, based on your home, your budget, and your roof. Contact us for a free consultation.
"He was quick to provide a thorough and accurate estimate, provided samples and responded to every text I sent him. Bob personally stopped by after the project was done to inspect the roof and to see if I was happy with his work. Bob Harvey is an excellent businessman, friendly, and most of all, has integrity."Eric Clough DVM , Google Review