Presidential Roof Shingles: A Premium Roofing Solution for Timeless AppealTable of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. What Are Presidential Roof Shingles?

3. History and Brand Origins

4. What Makes Presidential Shingles Unique?

5. Types of Presidential Shingles

6. Benefits of Presidential Roof Shingles

7. Presidential Shingles vs. Architectural and 3-Tab

8. Material Composition and Technology

9. Design and Curb Appeal

10. Color Options and Popular Combinations

11. Installation Considerations

12. Warranty and Lifespan

13. Presidential Roof Shingles Cost

14. Best Homes for Presidential Shingles

15. Pros and Cons

16. FAQs

17. Final Thoughts

1. Introduction

Choosing the right roof for your home is about more than just protection—it’s about style, durability, and long-term investment. Presidential roof shingles offer a premium aesthetic with the strength to withstand decades of weather exposure. They're the ideal solution for homeowners who want the look of cedar shake without the hassle and maintenance.

This guide explores everything you need to know about Presidential shingles, including costs, advantages, and how they compare to other roofing types.

2. What Are Presidential Roof Shingles?

Presidential roof shingles are luxury asphalt shingles that mimic the appearance of hand-split cedar shakes. These high-end shingles are multi-layered, high-performance, and dimensionally rich, offering a bold, upscale appearance with superior strength.

Most commonly associated with CertainTeed’s Presidential Shake® product line, these shingles are installed on upscale homes across the U.S. and are known for their rugged design, advanced engineering, and classic beauty.

3. History and Brand Origins

The Presidential Shake® line was introduced by CertainTeed, a leader in residential building products, in response to the demand for luxury roofing materials that combined style with advanced durability.

Today, "Presidential shingles" is often used generically to describe similar premium laminated shingles, but CertainTeed’s Presidential line remains the industry standard.

4. What Makes Presidential Shingles Unique?

• Tri-laminate design for deep texture

• Imitates cedar shake with realistic grain patterns

• Class A fire resistance (with fiberglass base)

• Wind and impact-resistant

• Heavyweight construction for longevity

• High-definition appearance for curb appeal

These features make them ideal for discerning homeowners, HOAs, and historic preservation projects.

5. Types of Presidential Shingles

a) Presidential Shake®

• Mimics split-wood cedar shakes

• Available in multiple colors

• Great for traditional and colonial-style homes

b) Presidential Shake® TL (Triple Laminate)

• Thicker, stronger, and heavier

• Made with three laminated layers of asphalt

• One of the most durable asphalt products on the market

c) Presidential Solaris®

• Cool roof technology (Energy Star certified)

• Reflects solar heat

• Best for hot climates

Each option brings a balance of design and performance.

6. Benefits of Presidential Roof Shingles

✅ Aesthetic Elegance

They replicate the timeless look of wood shakes without the drawbacks (mold, rot, splitting).

✅ Exceptional Durability

They’re built with multiple laminated layers to stand up to severe weather, wind, hail, and UV exposure.

✅ Low Maintenance

Unlike real wood, they don’t require regular sealing or treatments.

✅ Class A Fire Resistance

Great choice for wildfire-prone regions like California or Arizona.

✅ Long-Term Warranties

Often eligible for 50-year limited warranties when installed by certified contractors.

7. Presidential Shingles vs. Architectural and 3-Tab

Feature	Presidential Shingles	Architectural Shingles	3-Tab Shingles
Thickness	Thickest (Triple Layer)	Medium (Dual Layer)	Thin (Single Layer)
Appearance	Looks like wood shake	Moderate dimension	Flat, uniform look
Lifespan	30–50+ years	20–30 years	15–20 years
Cost per sq. foot	$6–$12 installed	$4–$8 installed	$2.50–$4 installed
Maintenance	Low	Medium	Medium to high
Curb Appeal	High	Moderate	Low

Presidential shingles are a long-term investment, ideal for homeowners planning to stay in their home for decades.

8. Material Composition and Technology

Presidential shingles are made from:

• Fiberglass mat base

• Coated with asphalt for waterproofing

• Topped with ceramic-coated mineral granules

• May include cool roof granules (Solaris line)

The tri-laminate design adds strength and replicates wood texture without compromising flexibility.

9. Design and Curb Appeal

The layered design of Presidential shingles creates a deep shadow line, giving your roof a natural and textured look. From a distance, they resemble authentic wood shakes or slate tiles but perform better and last longer.

They pair well with:

• Brick exteriors

• Wood siding

• Stucco homes

• Neutral and earthy color palettes

These shingles significantly improve first impressions, especially in upscale or historic neighborhoods.

10. Color Options and Popular Combinations

Some popular CertainTeed Presidential Shake® colors include:

• Autumn Blend – Warm earth tones

• Charcoal Black – Classic and bold

• Weathered Wood – Natural rustic look

• Aged Bark – Deep brown tones

• Colonial Slate – Cool grays and blue hues

• Platinum – Light gray (Solaris-friendly)

🌞 Tip: Choose Solaris colors for better heat reflectivity in hot zones like Texas, Florida, and Southern California.

11. Installation Considerations

Presidential shingles require skilled installers due to their weight, shape, and thickness. Not every roofer is qualified.

What to look for in a roofer:

• CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator™ certified

• Licensed and insured

• Familiarity with luxury shingle products

• Offers labor and material warranties

Roof Deck Requirements:

• Must support the added weight (~400 lbs/square)

• May need decking upgrades if replacing lightweight shingles

12. Warranty and Lifespan

Presidential shingles come with strong warranty protection, especially when installed by certified professionals.

Typical Warranty Features:

• Limited lifetime warranty

• Wind resistance up to 110–130 mph

• Algae resistance for up to 15 years

• Non-prorated coverage for up to 50 years with qualifying system installation

Expected lifespan: 30–50+ years with proper maintenance.

13. Presidential Roof Shingles Cost

Installed Cost per Square Foot:

• Presidential Shake: $6–$10

• Presidential Shake TL: $8–$12

• Presidential Solaris: $8–$13

Factors That Affect Cost:

• Roof size and slope

• Location and labor rates

• Tear-off and disposal of old roofing

• Underlayment, flashing, and ventilation systems

National average total cost: $15,000–$30,000 for an average 2,500 sq ft roof.

While costly upfront, their longevity and curb appeal can boost home value by 5–10%.

14. Best Homes for Presidential Shingles

Presidential shingles are perfect for:

• Luxury or custom homes

• Neighborhoods with HOA style rules

• High-end remodels

• Historic homes needing shake-style appearance

• Fire-prone regions (Class A fire rating)

They add prestige and protection, making them ideal for long-term residences or resale-ready upgrades.

15. Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• Stunning shake-like design

• Class A fire resistance

• Thick, rugged, and durable

• Long warranties

• Low maintenance

• Excellent resale appeal

❌ Cons:

• Higher installation costs

• Heavier than standard shingles (may need structural support)

• Requires experienced contractors

• Overkill for budget or short-term homes

16. FAQs

Q1. Are Presidential shingles worth the money?

Yes, especially if you're planning to live in your home for many years. They provide superior appearance, durability, and long-term savings on repairs and maintenance.

Q2. How long do Presidential shingles last?

30–50 years on average. Triple-laminate and Solaris versions tend to last even longer with proper upkeep.

Q3. Can I install Presidential shingles on any roof?

Most residential roofs qualify, but your roof structure must be able to support the additional weight. Your contractor can confirm this.

Q4. Do they qualify for energy rebates?

The Solaris line is Energy Star certified and may qualify for energy-efficient roofing incentives depending on your state.

Q5. Are Presidential shingles resistant to hail or wind?

Yes. They’re impact-rated and withstand winds up to 130 mph. CertainTeed also offers SureStart PLUS warranties for added protection.

17. Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a roofing material that delivers both luxury aesthetics and bulletproof performance, Presidential roof shingles are a top-tier option. Their hand-split wood appearance gives your home a high-end feel, while their triple-layer strength ensures peace of mind for decades.

While they come at a premium cost, they pay off in durability, curb appeal, and property value—especially when installed by qualified professionals and backed by robust warranties.

So whether you're upgrading your current home or building your dream house from the ground up, Presidential shingles could be the crown jewel your roof needs.