Choosing the right shingles or shakes is one of the most important decisions for roof longevity, weather resistance, and curb appeal. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews to recommend top options across budgets and use cases — from affordable asphalt packs to premium cedar sidewall shingles.
Considerations and Methodology
We evaluated candidates using a mix of real-world testing, expert input, and consumer feedback. Key factors included:
- Material & durability: species (cedar vs. asphalt), rot and UV resistance, and expected lifespan.
- Coverage & yield: how much area a kit or carton covers and practical installation exposures.
- Installation & compatibility: ease of DIY installation, required underlayment, and recommended uses (roof vs. sidewall vs. undercourse).
- Value & availability: unit price relative to coverage and performance.
- Specialty use: whether a product suits replacement, decorative projects, or specific roof details like flashing.
Testing combined hands-on inspection of samples (fit, thickness, finish), reviewing maker specs (coverage, exposure, material grade), and aggregating user reports on weather performance and installation issues. This balanced approach prioritized long-term performance for typical homeowner and contractor scenarios.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Affordable pack of architectural-style asphalt shingles (8 pieces) sized 39.4" x 13.4" each. Designed for DIY roof repairs and aesthetic upgrades, they deliver good wind resistance and weatherproofing at a low entry price — ideal for spot repairs or small roofs.
These asphalt architectural shingles are a practical, budget-focused option for homeowners doing small repairs or replacing sections. Key strengths include easy installation, decent wind uplift resistance ~120 KPH, and a straightforward DIY-friendly format. Technical details: eight 39.4" x 13.4" pieces covering ~12.5 sq ft per pack. Pros: low cost, fair weather resistance, quick replacement. Cons: not a long-term premium solution — expect shorter lifespan than cedar or high-end laminated shingles.
Miller Shingle R&R Cedar
Premium 18" kiln-dried cedar shingles (rebutted & rejoindered) primed for sidewall use. High-grade #1 cedar provides authentic appearance, durability, and natural moisture resistance — a top pick for traditional homes and restoration projects seeking longevity and character.
This Miller Shingle 18" R&R product is built for longevity and authentic aesthetics. Crafted from high-grade #1 kiln-dried cedar, these rebutted & rejoindered shingles are primed and intended primarily for sidewall applications. Coverage: 1/2 square carton covers 50 sq ft at 14" exposure (double coursed). Standout features: authentic cedar grain, dimensional stability from kiln drying, and factory priming for paint or stain. Pros: premium appearance, strong durability, made in USA. Cons: higher upfront cost and suited more to sidewalls than standard roof starter courses.
Miller Shingle Undercourse
Utility-grade 18" cedar undercourse/shingle product for double-coursed sidewalls and starter layers. Cost-effective for contractors who need generous coverage and consistent stock, offering cedar’s natural resistance and engineered sizing for predictable installation.
The Miller Shingle 18" #4 undercourse is a pragmatic choice when you want cedar performance without premium pricing. Manufactured from Western Red Cedar and intended for undercoursing and starter courses, a full carton covers 100 sq ft at 14" exposure (14" exposure double coursed). Strengths include consistent sizing, good insulating properties, and reliable cedar durability. Pros: excellent coverage per carton, decent cost-to-performance, US-made quality. Cons: not designed as a finished roof shingle in all applications — intended as undercourse or sidewall use.
Western Red Cedar Chips
Pack of 64 western red cedar shingles (18" x ~5.8") suitable for small roof sections, decorative projects, or restorations covering 20–25 sq ft. Natural cedar resists decay and pests, making these a flexible choice for bespoke or restoration work.
These 64-piece Western Red Cedar shingles are our Editors' pick for small-scale restorations and decorative projects that require authentic cedar material. Each piece measures 18" by ~5.8" and the set covers roughly 20–25 sq ft. Highlights: natural rot resistance, attractive grain, and ease of cutting/installation for custom work. Pros: authentic cedar look, versatile uses (sheds, decorative roofing, repairs). Cons: higher per-square-foot price than mass-market asphalt; more labor-intensive installation.
Comparison and Summary
Below is a quick comparative overview to help match needs to products:
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles (Best Budget Pick) — Low cost, pack-based solution for small repairs and DIY projects; moderate weather resistance; best for spot fixes. (Pack coverage: ~12.5 sq ft)
- Miller Shingle R&R Cedar (Premium Choice) — High-grade, primed 18" cedar for authentic sidewall finishes and restorations; excellent durability and appearance. (1/2 carton covers ~50 sq ft at 14" exposure)
- Miller Shingle Undercourse (Best Value for Money) — Utility cedar undercourse with strong coverage per carton (100 sq ft at 14" exposure), ideal where cedar performance is desired on a budget.
- Western Red Cedar Chips (Editors' Choice) — Versatile 64-piece kit for bespoke repairs and decorative projects; premium natural material and texture.
Best overall: for homeowners seeking a balance of authentic appearance and long-term performance, the Miller Shingle R&R Cedar is the standout — it offers premium material quality and predictable coverage for restoration-grade work. Alternatives: the Miller undercourse delivers the best budget-to-performance ratio for larger coverage needs, while the Architectural Asphalt pack is the most economical for small patch jobs.
Final Recommendation and Conclusion
After thorough evaluation of material quality, coverage, installation practicality, and price, we recommend the following based on typical user scenarios:
- If you want premium, long-lasting aesthetics (roofs/sidewalls): Choose the Miller Shingle 18" R&R Cedar (Premium Choice).
- If you need maximum coverage for cedar performance on a budget: Choose the Miller Shingle 18" Undercourse (Best Value for Money).
- If you’re doing a small repair or working to a tight budget: The Architectural Asphalt Shingles pack is the most economical and easiest to install.
- If you need authentic cedar for bespoke or small restoration projects: The Western Red Cedar Chips (Editors' Choice) give the natural look and flexibility.
This review is grounded in hands-on material inspection, specification cross-checks, and synthesis of installer and homeowner feedback. Choose based on the specific scope of your project — small repair, full restoration, or decorative work — and pair your selection with proper underlayment and flashing for best long-term results.