What makes a shingle a "designer" shingle
A standard architectural shingle is two layers laminated together. Designer shingles add more — extra layers, deeper cutouts, varied tab sizes and shadow lines — so the roof reads as individual slates or shakes instead of a flat pattern. They're noticeably heavier per square, which helps them sit flat and hold up to wind.
From the street, the difference is depth. On a steep roof or a house with a lot of visible roof — think Buckhead, Brookhaven, Druid Hills and the newer estate neighborhoods up 400 — that depth is what people notice first.
Styles we install
- Slate look — GAF Camelot II and Slateline, Owens Corning Berkshire. Squared tabs and a flatter, tailored profile that suits Tudor, French country and traditional brick homes.
- Wood shake look — GAF Grand Sequoia, Grand Canyon and Woodland, Owens Corning Woodcrest. Rugged, staggered tabs with deep shadows for craftsman, farmhouse and lake-house styles.
- Accent-ready — designer shingles pair well with copper bays and dormers and standing seam porch roofs, a combination we build often on custom homes.
Lineups and colors change from year to year, so we bring current samples to the house and you can see them against your brick, siding and trim before you choose.
Designer shingles vs. the alternatives
- vs. architectural shingles — more dimension and a more custom look, at a higher material cost. Same installation system underneath.
- vs. natural slate — a fraction of the weight and cost, no special framing, and easy to repair. Slate lasts far longer, but it's a different investment.
- vs. Brava composite — Brava gets closer to the real thing up close and has stronger impact resistance. Designer shingles cost less and install like a shingle roof.
Not sure which way to go? See roofing materials compared, or ask us to quote two options side by side.
Installed as a full system
A designer shingle is only as good as what's under it. Every designer shingle roof gets the same Mosaic replacement system as our standard roofs: full tear-off to the deck, rotted decking replaced at no additional charge, synthetic underlayment with ice & water at valleys and penetrations, new drip edge, flashing and pipe boots, matching hip and ridge caps, and Attic Armor under the ridge vent. See how we do a roof replacement.
Upgrading through an insurance claim
If storm damage is covering your roof, you can often upgrade to a designer shingle by paying the difference between what your policy covers and the shingle you choose. We'll show you that number in writing before work starts. See how we handle insurance claims.
Frequently asked questions
Are designer shingles worth it?
If curb appeal matters — you're planning to stay, or the roof is a big part of how the house looks from the street — usually yes. They give much of the look of slate or shake for far less than the real material.
How long do designer shingles last?
They carry longer manufacturer warranties than standard shingles, and their extra thickness helps them hold up. In Atlanta's heat, real-world life depends heavily on ventilation and installation, which is why we install them as a full system.
Do designer shingles take longer to install?
A little. The heavier bundles and specific nailing patterns add some time, but most homes are still finished in one to two days.
Can you match designer shingles on an existing roof?
Often, if the product is still made. If it's been discontinued, we'll source the closest match, and if the damage is from a storm, that can matter for your insurance claim.
Do you install Owens Corning and GAF designer lines?
Yes. We install GAF and Owens Corning designer shingles and will help you compare them side by side.