I want to know if some brands of shingles are better than others.

Elk is about the best there. However Owens Corning is also a very solid shingle for a third cheaper.

I am trying to decide on the best roofing shingle to purchase.

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Originally Posted by NitaG

I am trying to decide on the best roofing shingle to purchase.

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No to the Certainteed shingles, I have 3 customers in a class action suit against them for failing shingles, stay away from them.

Tamko and Atlas are second brand names,probably should steer clear of them also.

Owens Corning and as was said before,Elk are going to be the best choices.

Don't go with the old 3 tab shingle unless you have to,the newer style(Dimensional/Architectural)are far better with application and wind resistance.

Elk was bought out by GAF or they combined. Elk is a great shingle. I used the on my home 10 years ago and they still look like new. They were the extra thick and longer warranty ones. According to my records they had a 40 year warenty. If you have trees that leave a stain ot moss on the roof from no sunlight make sure to put zinc strips at the top course of shingles since when it rains the zinc bleeds down and kills the mold/moss.

ZincShield zinc strips & LiquidZinc chemical stop & prevent roof stains from algae, fungus, mildew, mold, moss

It's really dependent on what part of the country you're located in. As a Wakefield MA roofing contractor, Certainteed, IKO hold up pretty well. They both carry good warranties as well. Just my opinion..