Does the Shingle Manufacturer Matter? What Homeowners Should Know

When homeowners start researching a new roof, one of the most common questions we hear is: “Do shingle brands really matter?” After all, from the ground, most shingles look pretty similar.

The short answer is yes — the manufacturer matters. But not for the reasons most people expect. The real differences aren’t about colors, appearance, or marketing claims. They’re about how shingles are made, how they work together as a system with other roof components, and how well they perform over time in South Carolina’s heat, humidity, and storms.

Understanding those differences helps homeowners make smarter, longer-term decisions about their roof.

Many shingles look nearly identical once installed. What homeowners can’t see from the ground is what’s inside the shingle and how it’s engineered to handle years of exposure to sun, rain, wind, and temperature swings.

Entry-level shingles are typically designed to meet minimum requirements at the lowest possible cost. Professional-grade shingles are built with performance and longevity in mind. Those differences show up over time — not on day one, but over years of real-world use.

One of the most important — and least understood — differences between shingles is thickness.

Thicker shingles generally contain:

• More asphalt and stabilizing materials
• Better resistance to cracking and drying out
• Greater ability to hold fasteners securely

Thinner shingles are easier to nail through, easier to damage, and more prone to breakdown as they age.

This matters because every roof contains thousands of fasteners. When shingles are too thin or deteriorate prematurely, the material around those fasteners can crack or break down. Over time, that can lead to debris shedding, reduced sealing, and an increased risk of leaks.

Another overlooked factor is shingle size.

Larger architectural shingles mean:

• Fewer shingles per “square” of roofing
• Fewer nail penetrations through the roof deck
• Fewer long-term failure points

Every nail hole is a penetration that must remain sealed for decades. Roofs with more, smaller shingles require more nails — and each additional penetration increases stress on the roofing system over time, especially when multiple layers are installed or when inferior materials are used.

Reducing unnecessary penetrations is one of the quiet ways higher-quality roofing systems last longer.

In the Midlands, algae growth isn’t just a cosmetic issue — it’s a durability issue.

Quality shingle manufacturers incorporate algae-resistant technology, often using copper-based granules that activate with rainfall. These help prevent the dark streaks common on roofs in humid climates and slow the biological growth that can shorten a roof’s lifespan.

Lower-cost shingles often contain less of this protective material or rely on surface treatments that don’t last as long.

Why Quality Roofing Is a System, Not Just a Shingle

A roof isn’t just shingles nailed to wood. It’s a system made up of:

• Shingles
• Underlayment
• Ice and water protection
• Ventilation
• Ridge caps and flashing



High-quality manufacturers design these components to work together, improving performance and simplifying warranty coverage. When materials are engineered as a system, they seal better, breathe better, and age more predictably.

This systems-based approach is one reason professional roofers often choose specific manufacturers they trust — not because of branding, but because the components are designed to function together.

What Matters Just as Much as the Manufacturer

Even the best shingles won’t perform well if the roof isn’t installed correctly.

Long-term performance depends on:

• Proper deck preparation
• Correct nailing patterns
• Adequate ventilation
• Quality flashing and detailing
• Experienced crews and oversight

Choosing the right shingle manufacturer matters — but pairing good materials with proper installation is what ultimately protects your home.

Making an Informed Roofing Decision

Understanding how shingles differ helps homeowners ask better questions and compare proposals more meaningfully. Rather than focusing only on price or brand names, it’s worth considering how a roofing system is built, how it handles your local climate, and how it will perform years down the road.

A well-chosen roofing system doesn’t just look good on installation day — it protects your home quietly and reliably for decades.