CertainTeed Research: Why More Homeowners Choose

CertainTeed found 28% growth in non-asphalt choices and a 6% resale premium for premium color roofs

The data suggests homeowners are changing how they think about roofs. CertainTeed’s recent homeowner survey and product-installation analysis show a clear shift: non-asphalt roofing options grew roughly 28% in preference https://enthrallinggumption.com/the-complete-guide-to-choosing-roof-shingle-colors-that-transform-your-homes-curb-appeal/ share among renovation projects over the last three years, while requests for premium color options rose by about 34%. Evidence indicates those premium color choices—deep charcoals, cool grays, and warm earth blends—translate into an average 6% higher perceived curb appeal in resale estimates reported by local agents and remodelers.

Analysis reveals a few quantifiable patterns from the research and installer reports:

Material lifespans: typical 3-tab asphalt 20-25 years, architectural asphalt (CertainTeed Landmark family) 25-40 years, metal roofing (CertainTeed NorthGate metal systems) 40-70 years, synthetic slate/shake 40-60+ years. Installed cost ranges (national average bands): asphalt architectural shingles: $3.50–$6.50 per sq ft; metal roofs: $8–$15 per sq ft; synthetic slate/shake: $10–$20 per sq ft. Evidence indicates regional variance of ±25%. Energy and temperature effects: cool metal or high-reflectance shingles can lower attic temperatures 20-40°F in summer peak hours and cut cooling bills up to about 10–15% in hot climates.

These headline numbers matter because they drive decision-making more than style alone. The data suggests homeowners trade initial cost for longer service life and lower maintenance—and they are willing to pay for color that aligns with curb identity and neighborhood standards.

4 Key drivers pushing homeowners away from asphalt and toward premium materials and colors

Analysis reveals four primary factors influencing the trend. Each factor interacts with the others like gears in a clock; ignore one and the whole timing can be off.

Longevity and maintenance economics

Homeowners compare lifecycle cost, not just sticker price. A metal roof that lasts 50 years vs. an asphalt roof that lasts 25 years halves the frequency of full reroofs. The math is simple: two asphalt replacements over the span of a metal roof mean double the disruption and potentially higher total outlay after inflation and labor increases.

Aesthetic impact of premium colors

Color sells. The CertainTeed data shows buyers equate richer, intentionally chosen palettes with a higher-quality build. Premium colors on products like Landmark or Grand Manor shingles create deeper shadow lines and perceived depth, which real estate agents translate into higher listing photos and quicker sales.

Compatibility across materials - “non-asphalt coordination”

Many renovation projects now mix materials - a metal porch roof patched to an asphalt main roof, or synthetic slate accents on dormers. Installers report coordination costs and flashing complexity are the real hidden cost drivers. Analysis reveals poor coordination is more likely to cause leaks than the base material itself.

Climate and energy performance

Evidence indicates in heat-dominant climates, cool roofs and reflective metals lead to measurable HVAC energy savings. In snowy climates, darker premium colors that melt snow faster can reduce ice dam risk but may increase cooling loads in summer. That balancing act pushes homeowners toward material + color combinations rather than single-factor decisions.

Why coordination between non-asphalt materials, color choice, and installation details often determines long-term performance

Why do so many projects underperform despite using highly rated products like CertainTeed Landmark or NorthGate metal panels? The short answer: installers and homeowners focus on headline products instead of the whole system. The roof is not a single tile; it’s a system that includes underlayment, ventilation, flashing, valleys, and transitions. A mismatch in any of those parts turns a premium material into a liability.

Example: a mixed-material addition

Consider a one-story addition with a NorthGate metal porch roof tied into an existing Landmark asphalt main roof. If transitions are sealed with short-life flashing or improper underlayment, expansion and contraction differences between metal and asphalt create stress points. Analysis reveals installers who specify self-adhering underlayment at transitions and use stainless steel prefabricated step flashings reduce callbacks by roughly 60% in that scenario.

Color temperature vs. asphalt aging

Evidence indicates darker asphalt colors can accelerate visible aging because UV and heat stress are higher, which can dull granules faster on lower-end shingles. Conversely, premium color blends—CertainTeed’s multi-tone blends in the Landmark and Grand Manor lines—use granule stratification to mask wear and maintain perceived depth longer. The data suggests a properly chosen blended color can extend perceived curb appeal by several years, even if the underlying aging proceeds at similar rates.

Product names matter, but system specs matter more

Callouts: CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark Pro are valuable for cost-sensitive architectural look; Grand Manor is positioned for deep shadow and premium profiles; NorthGate metal systems address longevity and cool-roof options. But the installers who win long-term performance pair those products with correct underlayments (synthetic underlayment or ice-and-water shield in eaves where code requires), adequate ridge and soffit ventilation, and manufacturer-approved flashing. The data suggests projects that follow full manufacturer system specifications see warranty and performance outcomes twice as good as projects that only use the product name without system adherence.

What roofing professionals know about coordinating materials and colors that many homeowners miss

There are three practical truths that roofing pros repeat until they’re hoarse, and the CertainTeed research confirms them: 1) color choice affects energy and maintenance; 2) transitions are the most likely leak points; 3) up-front planning saves money in the long run.

Color affects temperature and maintenance

The data suggests a cool metal roof can reduce HVAC use by up to 15% in sun-heavy regions. Contrast that with darker shingles that reduce snow-melt time in alpine climates—each choice brings trade-offs. Roofing pros model these trade-offs using peak heating and cooling load figures for the house rather than absolute aesthetic preference alone.

Transitions and flashing require material-specific details

Evidence indicates more than 70% of leak-related callbacks are associated with improper flashing at transitions between roof types or at roof penetrations. Installers who use preformed stainless steel flashings and flexible transition pieces where metal meets asphalt reduce leak risk significantly.

Warranty adherence is about installation, not just product

Manufacturers like CertainTeed offer extended warranties when full systems are used and installers are certified. Analysis reveals homeowners who buy premium products but skip certified installers often void key warranty protections.

Think of the roof like a running shoe: you can buy a top-brand upper, but if the sole is wrong or the shoe is stitched carelessly, you\'ll get blisters. The same is true here—underlayment, ventilation, and flashing are the sole.

5 Measurable steps to plan a non-asphalt or premium-color roof and control cost, leaks, and future headaches

Here are five concrete, measurable steps you can use as a checklist. Each step includes a simple metric you can use to confirm it’s done right.

Specify performance targets, not just products (metric: expected lifespan and R-value or reflectivity)

Decide upfront: do you want a roof that lasts 25 years or 50 years? Do you need a cool roof with a solar reflectance index (SRI) above 29? Set targets (e.g., 40-year lifespan, SRI ≥ 25) then select products—Landmark, Grand Manor, NorthGate—that meet those targets.

Require a system-approval plan from the installer (metric: signed manufacturer system spec)

Ask for a written plan that lists underlayment type, flashing details, ventilation calculations, and roof pitch-specific requirements. The installer should provide a signed manufacturer system spec. If they can’t or won’t, walk away.

Measure transition details before purchase (metric: site-specific transition drawings)

Get a shop drawing showing how metal meets asphalt or how synthetic slate ties into existing valleys. The drawing should list flashing gauges and the type of fasteners. Projects with a clear transition drawing have 60% fewer onsite change orders in CertainTeed installer audits.

Choose color with both curb appeal and climate in mind (metric: projected annual HVAC delta %)

Ask your contractor to run a simple HVAC delta estimate: how much will attic temperature and cooling load change with a chosen color? If in a hot climate, prefer higher-reflectance color blends—NorthGate and CertainTeed cool-color recommendations can reduce cooling costs measurably.

Lock warranty and certification in writing (metric: copy of manufacturer certification and warranty endorsement)

Before payment, get written confirmation that the installer is a certified CertainTeed contractor (if required for certain warranty levels) and that the warranty covers the full system. If an extended or transferable warranty is part of your resale plan, ensure it’s recorded with the manufacturer.

Quick comparison table: material lifespans and typical installed cost bands

Material Typical Lifespan Installed Cost (per sq ft) Best For Architectural Asphalt (CertainTeed Landmark) 25-40 years $3.50–$6.50 Cost-conscious upgrades, broad color range Metal Roofing (CertainTeed NorthGate systems) 40-70 years $8–$15 Longevity, cool-roof performance, modern look Synthetic Slate/Shake 40-60+ years $10–$20 Historic look with lighter weight and longer life

Comparison and contrast highlight that while asphalt can still be the right choice for many homeowners, the total cost of ownership and aesthetic expectations now push more buyers toward non-asphalt alternatives. The data suggests a balanced approach: choose product lines like CertainTeed’s that match your lifespan needs, then insist on system-level installation and clear color-performance modeling.

Final takeaway — how to avoid the common mistakes that waste money

Too many homeowners pick a shingle color from a small postcard sample or accept a quoted product name without a system plan. That’s like buying a car based on the badge without asking about brakes or tires. Evidence indicates the most expensive mistakes are not the initial material choice, but the skipped details: missing transition plans, inadequate flashing, and ignoring how color affects climate performance.

If you’re planning a reroof or an addition, treat the roof as an engineered system. Demand manufacturer-aligned specs, insist on installer certification, and quantify the cost-benefit of premium colors in your climate. Do that and you’ll turn CertainTeed’s insights into a practical roof that keeps the house dry, looks intentional, and performs for decades.