Michigan’s diverse and often harsh climate presents unique challenges for roofing systems. From heavy snowfall in the Upper Peninsula to high humidity along the Great Lakes and scorching summer temperatures in the southern regions, roofing materials must withstand extreme conditions while providing lasting protection. Shingles remain one of the most popular roofing options across both residential and commercial settings throughout Michigan, offering an optimal balance of value, durability, and performance when selected and installed properly.
Types of Shingles for Michigan’s Climate
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles dominate the Michigan roofing market, accounting for approximately 75-80% of residential roofs. This popularity stems from their cost-effectiveness and versatility:
Three-tab shingles provide an economical option with a typical lifespan of 15-20 years in Michigan’s climate. While they represent the entry-level choice, modern manufacturing techniques have improved their wind resistance to withstand gusts up to 60-70 mph—suitable for many parts of Michigan except the most windswept lakefront properties.
Architectural (dimensional) shingles offer superior durability with lifespans of 25-30 years when properly maintained. Their multi-layered construction creates greater visual dimension while providing enhanced protection against Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles. With wind ratings of 110-130 mph, they’re well-suited for most Michigan properties, including those in coastal areas along the Great Lakes.
Premium designer shingles replicate the appearance of slate or cedar shake while delivering superior impact resistance—a valuable feature in regions prone to hailstorms like Michigan’s western shoreline and central regions. While commanding a higher initial investment, their 30-40 year lifespans often justify the cost for high-end residential and commercial properties.
Premier CertainTeed Shingles
CertainTeed has established itself as a premium manufacturer of high-quality asphalt shingles particularly well-suited for Michigan’s challenging climate. Their Landmark series offers exceptional durability with features specifically designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. The Landmark line includes options with Class 4 impact resistance, critical for areas prone to hailstorms, and enhanced wind resistance up to 130 mph when professionally installed – an important consideration for properties along Michigan’s windswept lakeshores.
CertainTeed’s innovative ClimateFlex technology, found in products like NorthGate ClimateFlex, provides superior flexibility in cold-weather installations – a significant advantage during Michigan’s extended winter season. Additionally, their shingles feature StreakFighter algae-resistance protection, which helps prevent the black streaking commonly seen on roofs in Michigan’s humid climate, especially in heavily wooded areas.
What distinguishes CertainTeed products in the Michigan market is their comprehensive warranty coverage, which typically includes lifetime limited transferable warranties against manufacturing defects, 10-year SureStart protection covering 100% of replacement materials and labor costs, and specific coverage against wind and algae damage. For Michigan homeowners seeking long-term value and peace of mind, these warranty protections represent significantly added value.
Performance Considerations
Wind Resistance
Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline properties regularly face wind speeds exceeding 50 mph during severe weather events. For these locations, architectural asphalt, or metal shingles with wind ratings of 110+ mph provides necessary protection. Inland properties may function adequately with standard three-tab options, though the minimal cost difference often makes upgrading to architectural shingles worthwhile even in less wind-prone regions.
Impact Resistance
Hailstorms affect various Michigan regions, with western and central portions of the state experiencing the highest frequency. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles—available in both asphalt and metal varieties—offer superior protection against this threat. Many Michigan insurance providers offer premium discounts for Class 4 rated roofing, offsetting the higher initial investment.
Energy Efficiency
Michigan’s combination of cold winters and increasingly warm summers demands energy-efficient roofing solutions. Cool roof shingles with higher solar reflectance indices (SRI) help reduce cooling costs during summer months, particularly beneficial in urban heat islands like Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing. Meanwhile, proper insulation and ventilation systems work in conjunction with shingles to prevent ice dams during Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles.
Cost-Value Analysis
Residential Settings
For standard Michigan single-family homes, quality architectural asphalt shingles typically deliver the optimal balance of performance and value. Their 25-30 year lifespan aligns well with typical ownership periods while providing reliable protection against Michigan’s weather challenges.
For luxury homes or lifetime properties, premium designer asphalt shingles justify their higher initial investment through extended service life and enhanced aesthetic appeal, particularly important in premium markets like Traverse City, Harbor Springs, and Oakland County suburbs.
Commercial Applications
Low-slope commercial roofs in Michigan often benefit from modified shingle systems specifically designed for 2:12 to 4:12 pitches. These specialized products provide the aesthetic benefits of shingles while incorporating additional waterproofing features critical in Michigan’s snow-prone climate.
For retail and visible commercial applications, architectural shingles offer a balance of professional appearance and performance at moderate cost points. High-visibility luxury commercial properties increasingly select metal shingle systems for their distinctive appearance and superior longevity, particularly in destination areas like Mackinac Island and Petoskey where building aesthetics directly impact business success.
Final Considerations about Shingles
When selecting shingles for Michigan properties, both residential and commercial applications benefit from thoughtful analysis beyond initial cost. Premium shingles with enhanced wind resistance, impact protection, and energy efficiency often deliver superior lifetime value despite higher upfront investment. Local climate considerations should guide specific selections, with properties in northern Michigan prioritizing snow-shedding capabilities while those in urban heat islands may benefit more from reflective technology. By focusing on the demands of Michigan’s climate zones and matching them with appropriate shingle performance characteristics, property owners can optimize their roofing investment for decades of reliable service.
To discuss your asphalt shingle system for home or investment, call Core Values Construction today at 517-260-3957 and speak with one of our experts.