Are heavier roof shingles actually better, or is that just a marketing gimmick? If a shingle weighs more, does that mean it will last longer or hold up better in storms?
In this article, you’ll find out when shingle weight truly affects durability, wind resistance, and long-term performance—and when it doesn’t.
At Equity Roofing, we’ve worked with multiple shingle brands on homes across Central Pennsylvania. Along the way, we’ve seen that heavier doesn’t always mean better. In the sections below, we’ll break down what shingle weight really means, share real-world examples from our roofing projects, and show you how to choose the right material based on what meets the needs of your home.
Not really. While it seems logical that a heavier product would offer more protection, performance comes down to design rather than pounds.
Owens Corning Duration shingles, for example, are lighter than CertainTeed Landmark shingles but often perform better in high winds. That’s due to Owens Corning’s SureNail® strip, which reinforces the nailing zone and helps prevent blow-offs. We cover a detailed comparison of these two shingles in our article, Owens Corning vs CertainTeed for Central PA.
So instead of asking how heavy a shingle is, the better question is: how is it built to hold up in real-world weather?
Shingles vary in weight based on how they’re made. Extra lamination, thicker asphalt, or more layers will add weight, but not necessarily improve performance.
Some manufacturers produce heavier shingles for coastal or high-wind regions that aren’t necessary for the typical weather in Central PA. For example, Owens Corning Storm is built for hurricane zones and weighs about 75 pounds per bundle, but it’s not a product we’ve ever needed to use here.
In our experience, weight has never been a selling point for shingles. Manufacturers don’t design shingles to be heavier on purpose. It’s usually just a byproduct of their construction.
For more on climate performance, see our Top Three Shingles for Winter, where we rank shingles based on their durability and cold-weather installation.
Asphalt shingles fall into three main categories: three-tab, architectural, and luxury/premium. Now that you know weight alone doesn’t equal durability, let’s look at the different types of shingles you’ll actually choose from.
| Shingle Type | Weight | Appearance | Cost |
| Three-Tab | Light | Flat, uniform look | $ |
| Architectural | Medium | Dimensional, modern | $$ |
| Luxury/Premium | Heavy | Slate-like, custom colors | $$$ |
As you can see, three-tab shingles offer an entry-level option with minimal durability, while architectural shingles give you more protection and design flexibility. Luxury shingles may seem like the top-tier choice, but in regions like Central PA, their added features often go unused, making architectural shingles the smart middle-ground for most homeowners.
Wondering if shingles are even the right fit for your home? Learn How to Choose Between a Shingle or Metal Roof in our latest guide.
Three-tab shingles were once the standard. They’re lightweight and low-cost but offer less durability and require precision during installation. Most homeowners are now upgrading to architectural shingles for better performance and appearance.
Architectural shingles are a more modern option. Their thicker, laminated design improves weather resistance and adds depth to a roof’s appearance. Because they’re more flexible to install and more durable, they’ve become the preferred choice for homes throughout Central PA.
Luxury shingles can be worth it if you're aiming for a custom look or live in an area with extreme weather. Some are built for high wind resistance, others for appearance. A larger surface area can give wind more to grab, increasing installation requirements.
Know what you’re paying for: a higher price might reflect color options or style more than performance.
Instead of focusing on weight, look for features that actually improve performance, such as:
In the end, how a shingle is engineered and installed will always matter more than how heavy it is.
Below, we answer some of the most common questions we’ve received about shingle weight over the years:
In most cases, no. The weight difference between common shingle types isn't large enough to affect your home's framing—unless you're switching to materials like slate or tile.
Not necessarily. What matters more is proper installation and attic ventilation to prevent ice dams, not the shingles' weight. You can find more information on how snow load affects your roof in our article.
Weight alone isn’t a reliable indicator of durability.
Our team has seen heavier shingles like CertainTeed blow off more easily in storms than lighter Owens Corning shingles. That’s because Owens Corning’s SureNail® strip improves holding strength.
Look at third-party testing, wind and impact resistance ratings, and real-world performance—especially in your climate.
Yes, heavier shingles typically cost more, but they’re not always the better choice. The added cost often reflects extra materials or premium designs made for specific climates, not necessarily better all-around performance.
In Central PA, you may not need the weather protection a coastal-grade shingle offers. Instead, focus on matching the product to your climate and needs—not the price tag or the weight.
Not always. A heavier shingle might feel sturdier in your hands, but it could still underperform in storms if it lacks smart design features.
Durability depends on the product’s construction, nail zone strength, and how well it’s installed—not on the number of pounds per bundle. In many cases, lighter shingles outperform heavier ones in the field.
Learn more about what granule loss actually means for your roof’s durability in our article.
All of this to say, just because a shingle is heavier doesn’t mean it’s better. You came here wondering if weight should factor into your roofing decision, and now you know that it’s the design, durability, and installation quality that truly matter—not the number on the scale.
If you’re replacing your roof, the next question on your mind is probably: What’s it going to cost me?
To help with that, we’ve put together a clear guide on How Much a Roof Replacement Costs in Central PA. You’ll learn what drives pricing, what materials impact your final cost, and how to budget based on your home’s size and needs.
At Equity Roofing, we’ve installed every type of asphalt shingle across Central Pennsylvania. Our goal is to help you make confident, informed decisions about your home—starting with the facts, not just the marketing.