Gateway Exteriors

What Are the Best Roof Shingles in Canada?

Discover the most durable and weather-resistant roofing shingles for Canadian homes.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents

TL;DR: Best Roof Shingles in Canada

The best roof shingles in Canada depend on durability, aesthetics, and budget. BP Mystique offers top-tier protection, Malarkey excels in sustainability, and CertainTeed Landmark provides the most colour options. For wind resistance, BP Mystique stands out with ratings up to 135 mph. Atlas Pinnacle Pristine and IKO Cambridge are budget-friendly alternatives.

Every roof has a lifespan, and homeowners will eventually need to replace it. With so many options available, choosing the best roof shingles in Canada can be overwhelming. But which company offers the best roof shingles in Canada? And what, exactly, are the options available? Let’s outline some points you’ll want to consider before selecting the best brand for you.

Why Choosing the Right Shingles Matters

The roof can easily be thought of as the most important part of the outside of your home. So, making sure it’s covered in the best quality roofing out there matters a lot.

A strong roof shields your home from wind, rain, and extreme Canadian weather conditions.

Canada experiences some extreme weather changes during our four seasons and homeowners want a roof that will stand up to whatever the climate can throw at us. 

We also want to spend our money wisely, so durability and warranties are a consideration too. Nobody wants a roof that requires repairs or replacements soon after it is installed.

Options for Covering Your Roof

Choosing high-quality shingles reduces future repair costs and keeps your home protected year-round.

There are several types of roofing available, but when it comes to durability and affordability, the best roof shingles in Canada remain the top choice for homeowners. Shingles are affordable, easily available, and come in a variety of colours and styles to suit different tastes. It is no wonder why a shingled roof is the most common roof type in your area.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are widely available, both as a DIY roofing solution and installed by a professional roofing company. They can withstand not only the wild temperature swings in summer and winter but also stand up well to rain, snow, moderate hail, and fire.

For homeowners seeking the best roof shingles in Canada, asphalt shingles are lightweight and easily repaired if they become damaged or loose. They are available for purchase at many different retailers.

Two Main Types: Three Tab and Architectural Shingles

Three tab shingles are the least expensive of any shingle type. They have an average lifespan of 25 years and they lay flat, which is helpful if your home is in a windy area.

Architectural shingles, although more expensive than the three tab style, are a popular choice because they are more interesting to look at. They add depth to the look of the roof and come in a huge variety of colours and patterns. Because they are thicker than a three tab shingle they have a slightly longer lifespan of 30 years. They are also durable and handle the Canadian weather well..

Vinyl Shingles

Vinyl shingles are an alternative choice for people on a budget who don’t want the look of asphalt shingles. Vinyl shingles can mimic a cedar shake or a half round tile, for a fraction of the cost. 

They can be found at big box retailers. They won’t crack or peel like asphalt shingles but vinyl is more delicate and can be damaged by hail or falling branches from nearby trees. The colour may fade over time too if the roof is in harsh sunlight constantly.

Wood Shingles or Shakes

Wood shingles give a timeless look to a home. They are durable and environmentally sustainable. Wood doesn’t conduct very well so they keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer as well.

However, a wood roof does have some drawbacks. They can attract insects, and if not maintained regularly, they can rot or become covered with moss and algae. They are also not fire-resistant or particularly waterproof. Finally, they are at the higher end of the roofing price range.

Warranty Comparison for the Best Roof Shingles in Canada

Beyond brand reputation, it’s essential to compare warranties, wind resistance, and impact ratings to determine which shingles will best withstand Canada’s varying climate.

BP Mystique, Malarkey, and CertainTeed offer the best roof shingles in Canada, excelling in durability and weather resistance.

Some brands, like BP Mystique, offer enhanced wind ratings up to 135 mph, while Malarkey excels in sustainability with its eco-friendly materials.

CertainTeed Landmark and Owens Corning also provide fire-resistant roofing options for added safety. Reviewing these factors alongside budget and aesthetic preferences ensures you get the best value for your investment.

How to Pick the Best Shingle Brand for Your Roof

Now that we have covered the “what” of roofing shingles, let’s jump into the “how” of finding the best brand for your home.

Asphalt shingles remain the top roofing choice in Canada due to affordability and style variety.

There are three main things to consider when picking a roofing shingle. When selecting the best roof shingles in Canada, it’s crucial to evaluate these three key factors:

Style

What you envision your home’s overall curb appeal to be is a big factor in picking the best brand of shingle. Whether your style is modern, boho, contemporary, or classic, it is important that you are happy with the final look of the roof and house.

Budget 

Budgeting for your roof is also a large part of finding out the best brand for you. Asphalt shingles may make you happy and confident in the overall project. Or perhaps the roof is what you choose to splurge on and make into the statement piece on your property. Whatever the final amount, choosing a brand that fits your budget will help you pick the best one.

Warranty

Separate from an installer’s warranty, the manufacturer’s warranty offered by each different brand in Canada will help you choose what is best for you. Some companies offer several levels of guarantee on each product, while others have one that covers everything they make. Be sure to review all the different options in order to make the decision you are comfortable with.

A strong roofing warranty ensures durability, protection, and long-term investment for homeowners in Canada.

Best Roof Shingles in Canada: Top Brands & Their Benefits

When choosing the best shingles for your home, durability, warranty coverage, and resistance to Canadian weather extremes are all critical factors. Below is a breakdown of the most well-known brands and their key features:

BP Mystique – These high-performance shingles use Weather-Tite™ technology for superior weather resistance. Their multi-layer design mimics classic wood shakes, offering both durability and curb appeal. BP Mystique shingles also provide excellent wind protection and are one of the most popular choices in Canada.

Malarkey – Known for their sustainability efforts, Malarkey shingles incorporate upcycled rubber and plastics to create long-lasting, impact-resistant roofing materials. Their smog-reducing granules actively improve air quality, making them a top choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

GAF – One of the largest roofing manufacturers, GAF shingles come with a variety of warranties and advanced protection features. Their Timberline HDZ series is particularly popular for its algae resistance and high wind rating.

IKO Cambridge – A budget-friendly option that still offers durability and aesthetic appeal. These laminated asphalt shingles have a dimensional profile that enhances the roof’s appearance while providing solid weather protection.

CertainTeed Landmark – Designed with a dual-layer fibreglass base, CertainTeed Landmark shingles offer excellent protection against wind, fire, and algae growth. With a wide range of colour options, they provide both function and style.

Owens Corning – Known for their SureNail® technology, Owens Corning shingles offer outstanding wind resistance and long-term durability. Their energy-efficient designs help regulate home temperatures, making them a great option for Canadian climates.

Comparison Chart: Best Roof Shingles in Canada & How They Compare

When choosing the best roof shingles for Canadian homes, factors like weather resistance, durability, warranty, and sustainability come into play.

High-quality asphalt shingles withstand harsh weather and last up to 30 years in Canada.

Here’s how some of the top brands stack up:

FeatureBP MystiqueMalarkeyAtlas Pinnacle PristineCertainTeed LandmarkIKO Cambridge
Weather ProtectionClass A fire resistance, Class 3 impact, advanced water resistanceIce & water barrier, smog-reducing granulesClass 3 impact resistance, algae-resistantClass A fire resistance, wind-resistant up to 130 mphAlgae and water-resistant, fair wind resistance
Wind Speed Rating110-135 mph110 standard, 130 mph if upgraded130 mph110 standard, 130 mph if upgraded110 standard, 130 mph if upgraded
WarrantyLimited LifetimeLimited Lifetime or “Your Choice” Warranty (matches any competitor’s standard warranty)Limited LifetimeLimited LifetimeLimited Lifetime with 15-year Iron Clad Protection Period
Aesthetics12 available colors and textures12 available colours and textures16 available colours24 available colours8 available colours
SustainabilityLocally sourced materials to minimize transport emissionsUses upcycled materials to reduce landfill waste, smog-reducing granules clean the airSome colors have higher solar reflectivity to absorb less heatSome colours have higher solar reflectivity to absorb less heatLimited Lifetime with a 15-year Iron Clad Protection Period

Key Takeaways & Best Choices by Category

Best Overall Protection: BP Mystique
Offers a balance of fire, impact, and water resistance in one package.

Best Wind Resistance: BP Mystique
While most shingles max out at 130 mph, BP Mystique has an upgraded option for 135 mph wind resistance.

Best Warranty Coverage: Tie – BP Mystique & Malarkey
Most brands offer Limited Lifetime warranties, but Malarkey stands out with their “Your Choice” Warranty, allowing them to match any competitor’s coverage.

Most Color Options: CertainTeed Landmark
With 24 available colours, CertainTeed provides the most choices for homeowners.

Most Sustainable Choice: Malarkey
Their use of upcycled materials and smog-reducing technology makes them the most eco-friendly option.

Takeaway

A professional roofer installing new shingles to ensure wind resistance, leak protection, and the best roof shingles in Canada.

There are many points to consider when choosing the best roof shingles in Canada. Whether you need shingles with a long lifespan, a specific style, or superior resistance to extreme Canadian weather, Gateway Exteriors has the right product for you. Reach out to us with any questions you may have. We are happy to help.

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