Presidential Shingles and Designer Shingles

You want a roof that looks like cedar shake or slate, but without the fire risk, weight or price of the real thing. A roofer mentions "Presidential shingles" and shows you a sample that is thick, deeply shadowed and nothing like the flat shingles on your neighbor's house. It costs more. Is it worth it?

This guide explains what Presidential shingles are, how they compare to GAF's designer shingles like Grand Sequoia, Camelot II and Woodland, and what you really get for the extra money. Luxury asphalt shingles can look stunning, but they also raise the stakes on hiring the right roofer.

What are Presidential shingles?

"Presidential" is a CertainTeed product name, not a generic category. The Presidential line includes:

• CertainTeed Presidential Shake, a multi-layer shingle designed to look like hand-split cedar shake. CertainTeed's data sheet lists it at about 350 pounds per square.
• CertainTeed Presidential Shake TL, a triple-laminate version with an even thicker profile, about 468 pounds per square.

Both carry a Class A fire rating, a lifetime limited transferable warranty for the original homeowner (50 years for other ownership), 10 years of SureStart protection, and 110 mph wind coverage that can be upgraded to 130 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge products. Presidential Shake is also rated UL 2218 Class 3 for impact.

Source: CertainTeed Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake TL product pages and technical data sheets; CertainTeed shingle limited warranty, Table 1.

People often say "Presidential shingles" to mean any premium thick shingle. If a bid says Presidential, make sure it really is CertainTeed and the exact product is written down.

What are designer shingles?

Designer shingles, also called luxury asphalt shingles, sit one tier above standard architectural shingles like GAF Timberline HDZ or CertainTeed Landmark. They use extra layers, larger tabs and cut shapes to imitate wood shake or slate. Main lines include:

• GAF Grand Sequoia, an oversized, wood-shake style shingle with a dramatic shadow line. Variants include Grand Sequoia AS and RS.
• GAF Camelot II, a slate-style designer shingle.
• GAF Woodland, with artisan-cut shapes inspired by hand-cut wood shingles.
• GAF Slateline, a lower cost slate look.
• CertainTeed Grand Manor, Carriage House, Belmont and Highland Slate.
• Owens Corning Berkshire and Woodcrest, its own designer lines. Confirm current availability with your supplier.

Between the two tiers you will find "premium" architectural shingles like GAF Timberline UHDZ, CertainTeed Landmark TL and Landmark Premium, which add thickness without the full designer look.

How do GAF designer shingle warranties work?

GAF lists Camelot II, Grand Sequoia, Slateline and Woodland under its designer shingle warranties. They come with a lifetime limited warranty for the original owner of a single-family home, 10 years of Smart Choice protection, a 15 year wind warranty up to 130 mph with special installation, and 25 year StainGuard Plus algae protection on labeled packages.

The bigger warranties need a certified roofer. GAF's Golden Pledge requires a Master Elite contractor, and GAF's President's Club warranty, which includes up to 40 years of workmanship coverage on designer shingles, requires a current 3 Star President's Club winner.

Source: GAF Woodland, Grand Sequoia and Camelot II product pages; GAF residential warranty comparison, designer shingles table.

How much do Presidential and designer shingles cost?

We could not find a reliable published California price for these specific products, and prices change with supply. As a rough rule, expect designer shingles to cost noticeably more than standard architectural shingles, both for material and labor, because they are heavier, slower to install and need matching hip and ridge caps. Get at least two itemized bids on the same product before you decide. Our article on new roof costs in California gives the baseline.

Are luxury asphalt shingles worth it?

They can be, when:

• Your home's style calls for a shake or slate look and an HOA or design rules require it.
• You want the look of wood shake without the fire risk. In much of California wood shake is restricted or not allowed in high fire hazard areas, and these shingles are Class A rated.
• You plan to stay long enough to enjoy it, since the extra cost is not always recovered at sale.

They are probably not worth it on a low pitch roof that nobody can see from the street, or on a house you plan to sell soon.

Can my roof handle the extra weight?

Heavier shingles mean more load. Most framing can carry them, but a roof with an existing layer or older framing may need a check. Ask the roofer whether the old roof is being torn off and whether the weight was considered. Ask for it in writing, and remember the job needs a permit: see our roof permit guide.

Who should install designer shingles?

Luxury shingles have specific installation steps, and getting them wrong can void the warranty. Look for a roofer with a top manufacturer credential: GAF Master Elite or President's Club for Grand Sequoia and Camelot II, CertainTeed ShingleMaster PRO or PREMIER for Presidential Shake. Confirm it on the manufacturer's locator.

Then check the basics before you sign: an active California contractor license from the CSLB, a current bond, workers' comp, and a licensed and insured roofer with a clean record. Use our guides on checking a license and questions to ask a roofer. A ConFacts report does those checks in one place, and ConFacts takes no money from contractors.

Frequently asked questions

Who makes Presidential shingles?

CertainTeed. Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake TL are CertainTeed products.

What is the difference between Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake TL?

TL is a triple-laminate version with a thicker look and more weight, about 468 pounds per square versus about 350.

Is GAF Grand Sequoia the same as Presidential?

No. Grand Sequoia is GAF's shake-style designer shingle. It competes with Presidential Shake but is a different product from a different manufacturer.

Are designer shingles fire rated?

The lines in this guide carry a Class A fire rating, the highest rating for roof coverings. Confirm the full roof assembly meets your local fire rules.

Do designer shingles last longer?

They are thicker and carry strong warranties, but real lifespan depends on installation, ventilation and climate.