When you’ve been following alongside on my Instagram, you already bought a couple of sneak peeks of this massive challenge we’ve had occurring behind the scenes. Effectively… it’s lastly time for the official reveal. We simply had our outdated roof changed with attractive designer shingles, and we’re utterly smitten with the way it turned out!
What began as a tense shock from Hurricane Helene changed into a blessing in disguise.
Due to our insurance coverage firm masking many of the value, we had been capable of improve our roof in a manner that severely upped our residence’s curb attraction—and longevity too. We did a ton of analysis and pulled collectively the entire data so that you don’t must, if it’s on your property enchancment record.


Architectural Shingles vs Designer Shingles
Here’s what our roof regarded like earlier than… these had been architectural shingles, which had been already an improve from customary 3-tab shingles, however designer ones had been an excellent greater improve.
Architectural shingles supply a sturdy, dimensional have a look at a reasonable value (about $5.50 to $12.25 per sq. foot), whereas designer shingles present a thicker, extra detailed, high-end look that mimics premium supplies like slate or cedar at the next value (about $12.50 to $15.50 per sq. foot).


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Why We Selected Designer Roof Shingles
Once we came upon our roof wanted to get replaced, we figured—if we’re already going via the trouble, why not go all in and select one thing we actually need?
I didn’t know a lot about shingle choices on the market, simply that there have been positively higher wanting ones than what we already had. That’s once we stumbled into the world of designer shingles.
These aren’t your primary builder-grade 3-tab shingles. Designer shingles are made to imitate the look of high-end supplies like slate or cedar shake, and so they convey a lot texture, depth, and character to a roof.
We selected CertainTeed Belmont luxurious shingles within the shade Colonial Slate.
Ours have that basic, timeless look with a refined variation in tone that provides instantaneous allure. It’s the form of element you don’t at all times discover immediately… till you do. After which you may’t unsee it—in the easiest way.
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What Makes Designer Shingles Totally different?
Right here’s how designer shingles stack up towards customary ones:
✨ Professionals of Designer Shingles
- Higher curb attraction: They’re styled to seem like upscale roofing supplies however with out the sky-high price ticket of slate or wooden.
- Extra sturdy: They’re thicker and heavier, which implies they maintain up higher in excessive winds and harsh climate (large for us, in an space that experiences hurricanes typically).
- Longer lifespan: Relying on the model and set up, they will final 30 years to 50 years or extra.
- Extra shade and magnificence choices: Whether or not your property leans conventional, trendy, or something in between, there’s possible a designer shingle model that matches.
🤔 Cons to Take into account
- Increased upfront value: In comparison with primary shingles, these include a premium value—though ours was largely lined by insurance coverage (hallelujah).
- Heavier weight: Due to their thickness, they’re heavier in your roof construction. Most houses can deal with them simply advantageous, however it’s one thing to confirm along with your roofer.
- Not all manufacturers are created equal: Like something, you’ll wish to be sure to’re selecting a good model with stable warranties. We researched many roofing corporations in our space till we discovered one which we positively trusted (Taylor Roofing is the roofing contractor we selected when you’re within the Charlotte space). They had been capable of suggest the designer shingle model CertainTeed Belmont.


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Are Designer Shingles Price It?
Brief reply: YES.
Lengthy reply: nonetheless sure, particularly when you’re searching for a roof that’s not solely constructed to final but additionally enhances your property’s exterior in a giant manner. It’s a kind of prices that may finally come again to you in resale since they considerably enhance a house’s worth. (Though, we don’t have plans to promote our home any time quickly.)
This isn’t a kind of upgrades that you just solely recognize from the within. It’s a curb attraction game-changer. Each time I look up at our roof, I get a bit of flutter of happiness. It appears similar to a slate roof.
I do know… they’re simply shingles. However it’s a kind of little particulars that makes your property really feel extra you. It simply suits.
I like how the brand new shingles tie in with our limewashed brick, shutters, new entrance door, flower beds, and garden facelift in a manner that makes the entire home really feel extra pulled collectively.
We finally want to interchange our outdated gutters too, however that’s a challenge for a special day. I like the thought of copper gutters… it’s only a matter of deciding if these are definitely worth the increased price ticket.
We’re past pleased with how our roof turned out, and I hope this offers you some useful data when you’re ever confronted with the identical determination.
Extra Curb Attraction Sources

