The choice of shingles you make can make a big difference between a durable, high-performance roof system and a series of expensive repairs. As it relates to home defense, your roof is an important part of protecting your family and possessions from the weather. It has to be a good performer in all conceivable weather conditions, but, ideally, the metal shingles roofing can be used in a way that improves the curb appeal and overall aesthetic of the structure.
In this article, we will provide you with a list of the worst shingles manufacturers to avoid in 2024-2025 and offer tips on how to protect your roof from the negative effects of low-quality shingles.
Factors That Contribute to Low-Quality Shingles
- Poor Durability: Shingles that fail to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as high winds, hail, or extreme temperatures, are a major concern. Lower-quality shingles tend to degrade sooner than the others, resulting in early cracking, curling, or peeling of shingles even before reaching their target service life. For this reason, there could be costly repairs or even a full roof replacement san rafael ca sooner than expected.
- Inconsistent Manufacturing: There can be some manufacturers that make an effort to compromise production quality and vary shingle quality. Inconsistent thickness, misaligned granules, and poor adhesives can compromise the performance of your roof. These flaws are not always immediately apparent but lead to future problems, leaks, water intrusion, and low wind resistance.
- Lack of Warranty Support: A good warranty gives the advantage of a sense of security, but poor-quality shingles typically have very little or no warranty. A solid warranty is a sign of a company’s confidence in the product, but poor manufacturers might provide so little warranty that homeowners are stuck paying the cost of repairs if things aren’t right.
Worst Shingles Brands to Avoid in 2024-2025
Owens Corning (TruDefinition Duration)
While Owens Corning is a popular name in the roofing industry, some of its products, particularly the TruDefinition Duration line, have garnered mixed reviews in recent years. Reports exist regarding problems, e.g., premature curling of shingles and granule loss. Furthermore, Owens Corning’s warranty support has faced criticism, with some customers feeling that it didn’t cover enough potential problems. To homeowners seeking a durable, permanent roof, there may be a more appropriate choice in warranting exploration.
IKO (Cambridge)
IKO shingles have earned a reputation for durability issues, particularly with their Cambridge line. However, these shingles have been known to be susceptible to failure under severe weather conditions such as high winds and ice damming, all of which can cause damage and expensive repairs. Moreover, IKO’s customer service has also been accused of providing unsatisfactory response times and troublesome warranty claims, leaving homeowners in the dark when problems arise.
Atlas Roofing (StormMaster)
Atlas Roofing’s StormMaster shingles are designed to withstand extreme weather, but the product’s quality has been inconsistent. Several users have reported unsatisfactory performance, especially the wind resistance and/or granule loss. This might damage the protective covering of the shingles and age it prematurely. Atlas Roofing has also been faulted for a lack of limited recent warranty coverage; so, it is not as secure for homeowners who are looking for the long-term comfort of a warranty.
Malarkey Roofing Products (Legacy)
Malarkey’s Legacy series, although promoted as high-quality shingles, has been plagued by field-durability concerns. There have been reports of such shingles failing within a couple of years from outdoor exposure to sun and rain and, as a result, there are homeowners who are voicing displease. Malarkey has also been criticized for the inconsistent high quality of the manufacturing, leading to the development of shingles that stick poorly or lack adequate protection compared to expectations.
GAF (Timberline)
Although GAF is one of the country’s prime and most publicized roofing manufacturers, some of its Timberline shingles have been reported of poor quality and performance. Residents have complained about the quality of the roofing shingles degrading they turned brittle over time, particularly in regions with extreme temperatures. Although GAF provides a guarantee, the process of filing a submittal can be cumbersome at times, leading to a perception of slowness in the resolution process and, as a result, frustration for homeowners.
Tips to Protect Your Roof from Low-Quality Shingles
- Choose Reputable Brands Stay with brands whose reputation is for quality and customer satisfaction. Conduct research into manufacturers and read reviewers to get an idea of what other homeowners have experienced. It’s important to choose shingles that are built to last, even if it means spending a bit more upfront.
- Consider Local Climate: Local climate should be taken into consideration for some shingles, e.g. For example, in areas prone to hurricanes or severe weather, you’ll want shingles that are wind-resistant and have superior adhesive properties. Always choose a shingle that suits your climate to avoid unnecessary damage.
- Regular Maintenance: If you are considering an inexpensive roofing system, consider shingles that are easy to install. Clean your gutters, check the roof for any damage, and verify that no debris is impeding water flow. Developing an early detection of small problems can prevent much larger, more expensive problems later on.
- Work with a Professional Installer: Even the highest quality shingles can fail to perform optimally if they are installed incorrectly. Take the step of hiring an experienced, professional roofing contractor to guarantee the craftsmanship of your shingles. Low quality of installation is one of the most important factors leading to early deterioration of the roof.
Conclusion
During the purchase of a new roof, the quality of your shingles has a determining influence on the time your roof will keep functioning and how well it will protect your house. It is possible to avoid low-quality brands and thereby avoid costly repairs and also improve the look and feel of the home. When you select a trusted brand, depending on the weather conditions of your current local area, and do the proper installation and maintenance, you will be rewarded with a long-lasting beautiful, and reliable roof.
But if you are not sure which shingles are right for your home, our metal shingles roofing experts are available to assist you. Call us now for a consultation, and we will guide you through the process to ensure you make the best choice for your roof’s durability and visual appeal.
