Shingle options for Lawton roofs
Compare shingle construction, appearance and impact ratings, with the roof system in view. We’ll help you make a material choice that fits the project.
Choose shingles by more than the sample color
The shingle you choose changes the roof’s texture and appearance, but the label also needs to fit the installation. A heavier-looking shingle does not repair weak decking, and an impact rating does not make a roof immune to hail.
Start with the roof’s slope and condition, then consider the look, product construction and terms that matter to you. We’ll help you put those choices into a complete roof replacement rather than treating the sample board as the whole project.
Compare the shingle choices
| Choice | What distinguishes it | What to keep in view |
|---|---|---|
| Three-tab | A flatter, regularly divided appearance. | Product availability and the specific installation and warranty requirements still matter. |
| Architectural / laminated | Layered construction creates a more dimensional look. | Products within this category can have different ratings and terms; the category is not a single performance promise. |
| Designer profiles | More pronounced shape or texture intended for a particular architectural effect. | The chosen product needs to suit the roof and the budget for the complete installation. |
| Impact-rated products | A particular product has met a named impact-test classification. | This is a performance attribute, not a separate visual style or a guarantee against storm damage. |
GAF’s shingle comparison guide illustrates these construction and appearance choices. Product-specific instructions and current availability govern the selection.
What an impact rating actually tells you
An impact classification describes a product’s response to a defined test. Actual hail arrives with varying size, shape, speed and wind, and strikes roofing with different age and support beneath it. A rating is useful information, but it does not establish the outcome of a future storm.
For example, GAF describes Timberline AS II shingles as UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant while expressly stating that they are not warranted against hail damage. That distinction matters more than treating “Class 4” as another word for hail-proof.
If insurance savings are part of your decision, the insurer needs to confirm the product, documentation and eligibility under your policy before you count on a discount.
Choose the whole roofing system
Shingles shed water in overlapping courses. Their attachment, starter and ridge details need to work with the underlayment, flashing and deck. If a wall connection or pipe flashing remains defective, upgrading the field shingles will not remove that leak path.
Ventilation also belongs in the project conversation. Intake and exhaust need a suitable path through the attic configuration; adding one visible vent does not establish a balanced arrangement. A replacement is the time to understand those connections and any limitations in the existing house.
For the sequence from removal to finished details, see roof replacement. We’ll help you relate the material choice to the work the roof actually needs.
Decisions beyond the color
A sound nailing surface
The deck needs to support the selected system and its fasteners.
Correct slope and underlayment
A low-slope porch may need a different assembly from the main shingle roof.
Edges and transitions
Starter, ridge, valleys, walls and penetrations complete the water-shedding system.
Shingle options FAQs
Will new shingles match the existing roof?
Sun exposure, weathering, production differences and discontinued products can make a repair visible. The first question is whether the repair can be made soundly; appearance should be discussed with the actual existing material in view.
Can shingles be installed on a low-slope addition?
GAF’s steep-slope field guide sets a 2:12 minimum for its asphalt shingles, with special low-slope requirements. Below that, a suitable low-slope system is needed. The exact product instructions and applicable code govern the assembly, so the main house and an addition may need different coverings.
Does a longer warranty mean a longer service life?
A warranty defines covered causes and remedies under its terms; it is not a prediction of roof life. Installation, exposure and maintenance also affect the roof. Our roofing warranties guide explains why the headline term needs to be read with the coverage.
What changes the cost of a shingle upgrade?
The product is one part. Matching accessories, installation requirements and any change in the roof assembly can also affect cost. The useful comparison is the complete scope with the selected system, not the bundle price alone.
Discuss shingles for your roof
We’ll help you consider the roof, the look you want and the system behind it. Request a free inspection to start planning the replacement.
- Free roof inspections
- Help with repair and replacement
- Questions about your roof welcome