For those who’ve been following alongside on my Instagram, you already bought a couple of sneak peeks of this huge undertaking we’ve had occurring behind the scenes. Nicely… it’s lastly time for the official reveal. We simply had our previous roof changed with beautiful designer shingles, and we’re utterly smitten with the way it turned out!
What began as a annoying shock from Hurricane Helene was a blessing in disguise.
Due to our insurance coverage firm overlaying many of the price, we have been in a position to improve our roof in a approach that severely upped our dwelling’s curb enchantment—and longevity too. We did a ton of analysis and pulled collectively all the information so that you don’t must, if it’s on your house enchancment checklist.


Architectural Shingles vs Designer Shingles
Here’s what our roof regarded like earlier than… these have been architectural shingles, which have been already an improve from customary 3-tab shingles, however designer ones have been a good larger improve.
Architectural shingles supply a sturdy, dimensional have a look at a average worth (about $5.50 to $12.25 per sq. foot), whereas designer shingles present a thicker, extra detailed, high-end look that mimics premium supplies like slate or cedar at a better price (about $12.50 to $15.50 per sq. foot).


Associated: FAQs About Our Limewashed Brick Home
Why We Selected Designer Roof Shingles
After we discovered our roof wanted to get replaced, we figured—if we’re already going by way of the trouble, why not go all in and select one thing we actually need?
I didn’t know a lot about shingle choices on the market, simply that there have been undoubtedly higher wanting ones than what we already had. That’s after we stumbled into the world of designer shingles.
These aren’t your primary builder-grade 3-tab shingles. Designer shingles are made to imitate the look of high-end supplies like slate or cedar shake, and so they convey a lot texture, depth, and character to a roof.
We selected CertainTeed Belmont luxurious shingles within the colour Colonial Slate.
Ours have that basic, timeless look with a delicate variation in tone that provides immediate appeal. It’s the form of element you don’t all the time discover straight away… till you do. After which you may’t unsee it—in the easiest way.
Associated: Our Colonial Entrance Door Alternative


Associated: 6 Methods to Add Prompt Curb Attraction
What Makes Designer Shingles Totally different?
Right here’s how designer shingles stack up in opposition to customary ones:
✨ Professionals of Designer Shingles
- Higher curb enchantment: They’re styled to seem like upscale roofing supplies however with out the sky-high price ticket of slate or wooden.
- Extra sturdy: They’re thicker and heavier, which suggests they maintain up higher in excessive winds and harsh climate (large for us, in an space that experiences hurricanes usually).
- Longer lifespan: Relying on the model and set up, they will final 30 years to 50 years or extra.
- Extra colour and elegance choices: Whether or not your house leans conventional, fashionable, or something in between, there’s possible a designer shingle fashion that matches.
🤔 Cons to Think about
- Larger upfront price: In comparison with primary shingles, these include a premium worth—though ours was largely lined by insurance coverage (hallelujah).
- Heavier weight: Due to their thickness, they’re heavier in your roof construction. Most properties can deal with them simply high-quality, however it’s one thing to confirm together with your roofer.
- Not all manufacturers are created equal: Like something, you’ll need to ensure you’re selecting a good model with stable warranties. We researched many roofing firms in our space till we discovered one which we undoubtedly trusted (Taylor Roofing is the roofing contractor we selected in the event you’re within the Charlotte space). They have been in a position to suggest the designer shingle model CertainTeed Belmont.


Associated: Entrance Yard Makeover – How We Revived Our Garden in a 12 months
Are Designer Shingles Price It?
Brief reply: YES.
Lengthy reply: nonetheless sure, particularly in the event you’re in search of a roof that’s not solely constructed to final but additionally enhances your house’s exterior in an enormous approach. It’s a kind of prices that may ultimately come again to you in resale since they considerably enhance a house’s worth. (Though, we don’t have plans to promote our home any time quickly.)
This isn’t a kind of upgrades that you just solely recognize from the within. It’s a curb enchantment game-changer. Each time I look up at our roof, I get just a little flutter of happiness. It appears similar to a slate roof.
I do know… they’re simply shingles. However it’s a kind of little particulars that makes your house really feel extra you. It simply suits.
I like how the brand new shingles tie in with our limewashed brick, shutters, new entrance door, flower beds, and garden facelift in a approach that makes the entire home really feel extra pulled collectively.
We ultimately want to switch our previous gutters too, however that’s a undertaking for a unique day. I like the concept of copper gutters… it’s only a matter of deciding if these are definitely worth the increased price ticket.
We’re past proud of how our roof turned out, and I hope this provides you some useful information in the event you’re ever confronted with the identical resolution.
Extra Curb Attraction Sources

