The Look of Slate or Shake, Without the Headaches
Real slate is beautiful but extremely heavy and expensive, and many homes can't support it without structural work. Cedar shake looks great when it's new but needs ongoing maintenance and weathers unevenly. Designer shingles get you most of that look in an asphalt shingle that installs like a standard roof, needs no special maintenance, and carries a manufacturer warranty.
They're especially popular on larger homes in Chesterfield and Wildwood, where the roof is a big part of what you see from the street.
Styles to Choose From
Slate-look shingles
Crisp, squared edges and deep shadow lines that read like real slate from the ground. They suit traditional, colonial and European-style homes.
Shake-look shingles
Rough, varied edges and thick layering that imitate hand-split cedar. A great match for craftsman, rustic and wooded-lot homes in Wildwood and Glencoe.
Color blends
Designer lines often use multi-tone color blends that add depth. We'll bring samples so you can see them against your brick, siding and trim in daylight.
Installed the Right Way
Designer shingles are heavier and often have specific nailing and exposure requirements. We follow the manufacturer's installation instructions closely, because that's what keeps the warranty valid. Every roof also gets new underlayment, ice and water shield in the valleys and eaves, new flashing, and proper ventilation.
Check with your HOA: Many Chesterfield and Wildwood subdivisions approve roof styles and colors. Designer shingles are often a way to meet stricter architectural rules without the cost of real slate or shake.
Upgrading After a Storm
If hail damaged your roof and insurance is replacing it, that can be a smart time to upgrade. You'd typically pay the difference between your old roof and the designer shingles. Learn more on our insurance claim help page.
Common Questions
What are designer shingles?
Designer, or luxury, shingles are extra-thick asphalt shingles shaped and layered to imitate natural slate or cedar shake. They're heavier and more dimensional than standard architectural shingles.
How much more do designer shingles cost?
They typically cost noticeably more than standard architectural shingles because the material is thicker and installation takes more time, but they cost far less than real slate or cedar. We'll quote both so you can compare.
Can insurance pay for designer shingles?
Insurance generally pays to replace what you had with something comparable. If you're upgrading from standard shingles to designer shingles, you'd usually pay the difference. If you already had designer shingles, a covered claim should replace them in kind.
Do designer shingles hold up to hail?
Their thickness helps, and some designer lines are available with impact-resistant ratings. If hail protection is your top priority, ask us about impact-rated designer options or stone coated steel.