Everyone is familiar with asphalt shingles. They’re the tried and true, affordable roofing material that most homeowners choose. But designer shingles (or luxury shingles) are a different beast entirely. While they’re still made from hardy asphalt, designer shingles offer a completely different aesthetic and greatly enhanced durability to Florida homeowners.
We’re PITCH Roofing, your shingle roofing partner. As veteran Florida roofers, we’ve installed more shingle roofing systems than you can imagine, and we know designer shingles inside and out. Today, we’re walking you through everything you need to know about designer shingles before you start your roof replacement.
What Are Designer Shingles?
In theory, designer shingles are similar to architectural asphalt shingles. Manufacturers start with a baseboard of fiberglass or felt, dip it in asphalt, and coat it with stone granules. However, designer shingles receive extra layers of asphalt and feature a unique design.
Because of the extra asphalt in the manufacturing process, luxury shingles are much thicker and heavier than standard shingles. As a result, they’re much harder for hurricane-force winds to tear from your roof. They also offer increased water resistance, making them ideal for enduring our infamous rainy season.
Perhaps the most fascinating thing about designer shingles is that they don’t look like asphalt shingles. Instead, they seamlessly replicate the look of slate roofing. While an expert will be able to spot the difference, they look identical to the casual observer. This means you get a huge boost to your home’s curb appeal without the sky-high pricing of slate tiles.
FAQs About Designer Shingles in Florida
We’ve covered the basics of what luxury shingles are, but you still have questions about how they perform and how much they cost. Keep reading to see our responses to all of the biggest questions Florida homeowners have about this exciting shingle option!
How Long Do Designer Shingles Last?
Standard architectural asphalt shingles last for 20, maybe 25 years in the best conditions. But designer shingles can easily top that. Because of their thicker, hardier composition, designer shingles last 40 to 50 years with proper maintenance.
A few extra layers of asphalt may not sound like the biggest difference, but extra weight and heft can help keep your shingles in place during a hurricane. And depending on your manufacturer, luxury shingles can come with a Class 4 impact rating. In other words, these shingles have some of the best protection against damage from flying storm debris and hail.
There’s no getting around occasional repairs and routine maintenance. But when it comes to shingle roofing, it’s almost impossible to beat the longevity of designer shingles!
Can Any Roofer Install Luxury Shingles?
Part of the popularity behind asphalt shingles is that they’re easy to install. With a little know-how, just about any roofing contractor can install a shingle roof. While designer shingles have a similarly simple installation method, it pays to be picky about who you choose to install your roof.
With the right roofers, you can get a much better return on your investment. For example, PITCH is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. So when you get a designer shingle roof from us, you not only get top-of-the-line products, but you can qualify for improved warranties on both materials and workmanship. This gives you reliable protection across the lifetime of your roof!
Do Designer Shingles Help Energy Efficiency?
In Florida, it’d be hard to find a homeowner who doesn’t want a lower energy bill in the hot summer months. Luckily, choosing designer shingles is a great way to accomplish just that. Because of their thicker composition, luxury shingles offer enhanced insulation, which helps keep the hot summer air out of your attic and reduce the strain on your HVAC system.
Depending on the manufacturer, your shingles may also have reflective coatings to reduce the amount of UV rays that your roof absorbs. The sun’s heat can greatly warm your home and prematurely age your shingles, so having this extra level of protection offers a lot of peace of mind.
How Much Do Luxury Shingles Cost?
They don’t call them luxury shingles for nothing. These are every bit a luxury roofing material, and they come with a luxury price tag that is uncommon in asphalt shingle products. But how much can you expect to pay for a designer shingle roof in Florida?
Roof replacement costs are always tailored to the individual structure. While we can’t give you an exact quote without looking at your unique roof, we can tell you that designer shingle costs range from $8 to $17 per square foot on average. If you have a 2,000 square-foot roof, that means your roof replacement will likely cost between $16,000 and $34,000.
Are Designer Shingles Worth the Cost?
It’s normal to experience some sticker shock when seeing the price of designer shingles. But in our industry, as in most, you really do get what you pay for. While luxury shingles aren’t right for everybody, they really are worth the investment for those who can afford them.
When compared to other asphalt shingles, designer shingles offer advantages in:
- Durability
- Hurricane resistance
- Longer lifespans
- Curb appeal and aesthetics
- Energy savings
- Warranties
Across the board, designer shingles out-perform their asphalt shingle competitors. So while only you can decide if the price is a dealbreaker or not, you can be confident that if you choose to invest in a designer shingle roof, your money will go a long way in protecting and beautifying your property.
Get a Free Shingle Roofing Quote
Designer shingles have a lot to offer Florida homeowners. But whether they’re right for you or you’re considering another shingle roofing option, you can count on PITCH to be here for you. Our experienced contractors strive to deliver Roofing Done Right on every job, no mater what material we’re installing.
For any shingle roof replacement, the process starts with your free, no-obligation quote. To get started, call us at 727-677-4824 or fill out our contact form. We’ll send out a friendly roofing pro to inspect and measure your roof, discuss your options, and prepare quotes for any materials you’re considering. With clear, itemized estimates in-hand, you’ll be ready to compare your options apples to apples.
You can even sign up for an online-only estimate using satellite images of your home. No matter what’s most convenient for you, our team of roofing experts will work with you to make sure you get top-quality service at every step of the roofing process. Reach out to PITCH today and let us give you a luxury experience at any price point!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
