Asphalt shingles cover the majority of homes in Oklahoma because the price to performance ratio is difficult to beat, particularly in hail country where the roof is a consumable in a way it is not in milder climates.
Three-tab versus architectural
Three-tab shingles are the flat, uniform, older style. They are cheaper and lighter and they do not hold up as well to wind. We rarely recommend them.
Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminate, are thicker, heavier, and layered. They perform better under wind, they last longer, and they look substantially better on the house. This is what goes on most of our jobs.
Impact-rated shingles and hail
Impact-rated products are tested for resistance to impact, with Class 4 being the highest rating. They are not hail proof, and no shingle is. What they do is take a strike that would bruise a standard shingle and survive it, which in a hail-prone part of the country is a meaningful difference over the life of a roof.
Many insurance carriers offer a premium discount for a Class 4 roof. Worth asking your agent before you choose a product, because the discount can offset a real portion of the upgrade cost over time.
What makes the installation last
The shingle is one component. Correct nail placement in the nailing zone, a proper starter course at the eaves and rakes, ice and water shield in the valleys, new flashing at penetrations, and balanced ventilation are what determine whether you get the rated life out of the product.
A premium shingle installed badly fails faster than a mid-range shingle installed correctly. That is not a sales line, it is the most common reason we end up replacing roofs that are not old.
Common questions
What brand of shingles do you install?+
All the major manufacturers. We will walk you through the actual options with real samples and colors, and tell you what we would put on our own house and why.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth the extra cost in Oklahoma?+
Often yes, for two reasons. They hold up better to the hail we reliably get, and many insurance carriers give a premium discount for a Class 4 roof. Ask your agent what the discount would be, then compare it against the upgrade cost over the life of the roof.
How long do architectural shingles last in Oklahoma?+
Typically twenty to thirty years when installed correctly and ventilated properly, though a severe hailstorm can end any roof early regardless of workmanship.
Can you match the color to my HOA requirements?+
Yes. Bring us the approved color list and we will show you products that meet it.