If you’re getting ready to replace your roof, one of the first questions you’ll face is: which shingle should I put on my house? It sounds simple enough, but walk into any roofing showroom and you’ll quickly realize there are a lot of options — and they’re not all created equal.
The vast majority of roof replacements in Colorado Springs and across the country are done with asphalt shingles. But within that category, there are meaningful differences in style, thickness, durability, and price. Choosing the right one comes down to understanding what each type offers and matching that to your goals as a homeowner.
This guide will walk you through every major asphalt shingle type so you can make a confident, informed decision before your next roof replacement.
Not All Asphalt Shingles Are the Same
It’s a common assumption that asphalt shingles are basically interchangeable — that one brand or style is about as good as another. That’s not the case. Shingles vary significantly in thickness, wind resistance, hail performance, and appearance. The shingle you choose will affect how your home looks, how well your roof holds up to Colorado’s weather, and potentially even what you pay for homeowners insurance.
Let’s break down each type from the ground up.
Three-Tab Shingles: The Old Standard (And Why Almost Nobody Uses Them Anymore)
Three-tab shingles were the go-to roofing product for decades. If your home was built or re-roofed in the 1980s or 1990s, there’s a good chance it has three-tab shingles on it right now.
The problem is that they haven’t aged well — at least not by today’s standards.
Three-tab shingles are thin, which means they don’t hold up well to hail. They also have a relatively low wind rating. Some older three-tab products only carry a 60 mph wind warranty — and if you’ve spent any time in Colorado Springs, you know that 60 mph winds are not unusual, especially in winter. Most shingle blow-off calls that roofing contractors receive involve these older three-tab products.
One minor advantage of three-tab shingles is their versatility — the same product can be used as the field shingle, the ridge cap, and the starter shingle. But because they’ve fallen so far out of popularity, they’re not significantly cheaper than the next step up. That cost advantage has essentially disappeared.
The bottom line: there’s very little reason to put a three-tab shingle on a home in 2026.
Dimensional (Architectural) Shingles: The Modern Standard
The next step up is the dimensional shingle, also called an architectural shingle. This is what most roofing contractors install today, and for good reason.
Dimensional shingles are made from two layers of asphalt bonded together, which gives them more thickness and a more attractive appearance than three-tab shingles. That layered construction also creates visual depth — a shadow line effect that makes your roof look more substantial and more finished. Instead of a flat, monotone surface, you get a shingle with multiple color tones and a texture that resembles a wood shake from a distance.
From a performance standpoint, dimensional shingles are a significant upgrade. Depending on installation method, they can carry wind warranties up to 130 mph. They also hold up to hail better than three-tab shingles simply because there’s more material there.
One thing to keep in mind: unlike three-tab shingles, dimensional shingles require separate products for the ridge cap and starter course. That adds a small amount to the overall project cost, but the performance and appearance upgrade is well worth it.
Most shingle manufacturers offer dimensional shingles in a good-better-best lineup. As you move up the ladder, the primary difference is thickness. At the top of that lineup is what’s called a triple laminate shingle — three layers instead of two.
Triple Laminate Shingles: More Thickness, More Durability
A triple laminate shingle takes the dimensional concept one step further by adding a third layer of asphalt. The result is a heavier, thicker shingle that stands out even more on the roof and performs even better against hail.
Triple laminate products are considered luxury shingles. They have more material, more asphalt, and a more premium look. They also cost more than a standard dimensional shingle. But for homeowners who want the best asphalt option without moving into specialty materials, a triple laminate is a strong choice.
Luxury Shingles: Slate-Look and Presidential-Style Options
If you want your roof to stand out from the neighborhood — or if your HOA requires a premium product — there are asphalt shingles designed to replicate the look of natural slate or wood shake.
Slate-look shingles feature scalloped or trimmed edges and a shadow line that mimics the appearance of real slate. They’re a multi-layer product with a distinctive, high-end look. If you live in a showcase neighborhood or an HOA-governed community that specifies roofing material by weight (often 300 lbs per 100 square feet), a slate-look shingle will typically meet that requirement where a standard dimensional shingle will not.
Presidential-style shingles are designed to replicate the look of a wood shake roof. They feature offset patterns, cut edges, and a thick, irregular profile. CertainTeed’s Presidential line is one of the most well-known products in this category — and the name has become something of an industry-wide term for this style, similar to how “Band-Aid” refers to any adhesive bandage.
Both luxury styles are available in triple laminate versions, which adds even more hail resistance to an already premium product. These shingles are ideal for showcase homes, high-value properties, and neighborhoods where curb appeal and HOA compliance matter.
Impact Resistant Shingles: A Smart Investment in Colorado Springs
If you live in Colorado Springs, hail is not a hypothetical concern — it’s a regular reality. That makes impact resistant shingles worth a serious look.
Most shingle types are available in an impact resistant variety. The key distinction to understand is the difference between a standard Class 4 impact resistant shingle and an SBS modified impact resistant shingle.
A standard Class 4 shingle uses an embedded mesh scrim to protect the mat of the shingle from cracking on impact. It does a reasonable job, but it doesn’t prevent hail from dislodging granules on the surface — and once granules are gone, the asphalt underneath is exposed to the elements.
An SBS modified shingle takes a different approach. SBS stands for styrene-butadiene-styrene — essentially, rubber is incorporated into the asphalt itself. That rubberized composition causes hail to bounce off the shingle rather than denting or cracking it. It protects both the mat and the surface granules far more effectively than a standard impact resistant product.
The CertainTeed Northgate is one of the most well-regarded SBS impact resistant shingles on the market. It’s the shingle that Tracy Bookman, owner of Homestead Roofing, installed on his own home — and after years of inspecting Northgate roofs following major hail storms in Colorado Springs, the performance results have been consistently impressive.
Beyond hail protection, there’s a financial benefit worth noting: many insurance companies offer meaningful premium discounts to homeowners who install a Class 4 impact resistant shingle. And every hail storm your roof weathers without needing a claim means you’re avoiding a deductible payment — which in Colorado Springs typically runs $4,000 to $5,000 or more.
So Which Shingle Should You Put on Your House?
Here’s a straightforward way to think about it:
- If economy is your primary goal, a standard dimensional shingle from a reputable manufacturer is your best starting point. Skip the three-tab entirely.
- If hail protection matters to you — and in Colorado Springs, it should — go with an SBS impact resistant shingle. The CertainTeed Northgate is a proven performer.
- If you live in an HOA community that dictates roofing material by weight or appearance, look at slate-look or presidential-style shingles. Confirm the HOA requirements before you commit to a product.
- If you want a premium look and maximum durability, a triple laminate or luxury shingle gives you the best of both worlds in the asphalt category.
The right answer depends on your home, your neighborhood, your budget, and your long-term goals. A good roofing contractor will help you think through those factors — not just hand you a price and push you toward a decision.
If you’re ready to explore your options and want to see what a new roof might cost for your home, visit the Homestead Roofing homepage to get three roof quotes in about 60 seconds. No pressure, no obligation — just clear information so you can make the best decision for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Roof Shingles in Colorado Springs
What is the best shingle for hail damage in Colorado Springs?
For Colorado Springs homeowners, an SBS modified impact resistant shingle is the top choice for hail protection. Unlike standard Class 4 shingles, SBS shingles contain a rubberized compound that causes hail to bounce off rather than crack or dent the surface. The CertainTeed Northgate is a well-tested example that has performed exceptionally well following major hail storms in the area.
What is the difference between a three-tab shingle and a dimensional shingle?
Three-tab shingles are a single-layer product with a flat, uniform appearance and a relatively low wind rating — often just 60 mph. Dimensional shingles are made from two bonded layers, giving them more thickness, a more attractive shadow-line appearance, and wind warranties up to 130 mph. Dimensional shingles are the modern standard and are a better investment in nearly every situation.
Can I get an insurance discount for installing an impact resistant shingle?
Yes. Many homeowners insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with Class 4 impact resistant shingles. The discount amount varies by insurer, but it can be significant. Beyond the discount, avoiding future hail damage claims also means avoiding deductible payments — which in Colorado Springs typically start around $4,000 to $5,000.
What kind of shingle do I need if my HOA has roofing requirements?
Many HOAs in Colorado Springs specify roofing materials by weight — commonly 300 lbs per 100 square feet — or require a specific aesthetic such as a slate or wood shake appearance. Standard dimensional shingles typically do not meet weight-based HOA requirements. Slate-look or presidential-style luxury shingles usually do. Always confirm your HOA’s specific requirements before selecting a product.
How long do asphalt shingles last in Colorado Springs?
The lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof in Colorado Springs depends heavily on the product quality and Colorado’s weather conditions — particularly hail, wind, and UV exposure. A standard dimensional shingle typically lasts 20 to 30 years under normal conditions. Impact resistant and triple laminate products tend to last longer due to their added thickness and durability. Regular inspections after major storms can help you stay ahead of any issues and protect your roof’s lifespan.