The Atlas Roofing Corporation is one of the top brands for high-performance roof shingle products. Specializing in asphalt-coated shingles, they offer some of the most competitive prices and warranty coverage.
To help you understand more about Atlas and its product offerings, we’re going to lay out each type of roof shingle the company sells, the pros and cons of Atlas shingles, and determine if they’re worth buying.
Who is Atlas?
Founded in 1982, Atlas began manufacturing asphalt fiberglass shingles in Mississippi and eventually bought several more roofing plants in the 1990s. Today, Atlas is home to 36 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. While Atlas also manufactures insulation, it specializes in asphalt roof shingles. Its most popular roofing product is currently the Pinnacle Pristine shingles with Scotchgard protector, which Consumer Reports ranked as one of the top asphalt shingles available due to its strength and durability.
Types of atlas shingles
Atlas manufactures architectural and designer shingles. While they’re all made with similar materials, they all differ in shape and size. Here we look at each one in more detail.
Architectural shingles
Image source: Menards
While Atlas' architectural shingles are more expensive than other manufacturers' 3-tab shingles, they can increase a home’s value. These pristine architectural shingles are thicker and 50% heavier than traditional 3-tab shingles, which makes them a more durable option with longer warranties. Here are Atlas’ types of architectural shingles.
Pinnacle Pristine - The Atlas Pinnacle Pristine shingle is also made with the Scotchgard protector and features a lifetime limited warranty. These are available in 16 colors like Pristine pewter, copper canyon, and weathered wood. They are also fire and wind-resistant. Part of Atlas’ designer tier, the Pinnacle Pristine shingles feature 56 in a bundle which covers 32.8 square feet and cost about $38.
Briarwood Pro - The Briarwood Pro shingles are available in seven colors and feature an industry-leading limited warranty for wind damages up to 130 MPH. They include copper-containing granules that prevent ugly black streaking from algae. And, measuring 42" long, they install faster than other shingles. Also part of Atlas’ designer tier, the Briarwood Pro shingles cover 32.8 square feet and cost about $36 per bundle.
ProLam - Available in seven colors, these value-tier shingles feature 3M ceramic-coated copper granules, protecting them from algae. The ProLam shingles also include a lifetime limited warranty and up to 130 MPH wind coverage. You should be able to find them through your local roofing supply store.
Castlebrook - Castlebrook shingles include a Lifetime limited warranty and come in a variety of seven colors. These architectural shingles also feature wind coverage up to 130 MPH.
Designer shingles
Image source: Atlas Roofing
StormMaster Shake - The StormMaster Shake shingles are made with Core4 enhanced polymer technology, featuring PolyCore, FlexCore, WeatherCore, and ThermalCore technology. These four features help the shingles resist cracking in cold temperatures, impact from hail and high winds, and maintain stability in extreme conditions. They also feature a lifetime algae resistance limited warranty, wind warranty coverage up to 150 MPH, and a lifetime limited warranty for protection against manufacturing defects.
Pros of Atlas shingles
Algae resistant - Many roofing brands feature algae-resistant shingles, but Atlas shingles include a Scotchgard protector made by 3M which comes with a lifetime warranty against any damage caused by algae. The protector is made with a small number of copper granules that prevent black streaks caused by algae.
Familiar with roofing contractors - Atlas shingles are available at stores like Menards, but they’re mostly available through various local independent roofing supply companies.
Wind resistant - Atlas roof shingles feature a larger nailing area and a double adhesive sealant line which guarantees wind resistance up to 150 MPH.
Affordable - While most roofing shingle brands cost about the same per bundle, Atlas shingles remain the most cost-effective.
Cons of Atlas shingles
Not environmentally friendly - While asphalt shingles are mostly made up of recycled materials, they do need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, and not many recycling centers accept asphalt shingles.
Are Atlas shingles worth buying?
Atlas remains one of the largest roofing shingle manufacturers today. They are one of the most cost-effective options for roof shingles and offer competitive warranties for algae and wind damage. While Atlas shingles may not be available at every big box home improvement store, you should be able to find them at your local roofing supply company.
Or you can opt for the Atlas Signature Select Roofing System, which completely assembles your roof with shingles, the Atlas Weathermaster ice & water underlayment, starter shingles, and the Atlas pro-cut high profile hip & ridge shingles with a ridge vent. This includes its Premium Protection Period, which features no prorated labor and materials coverage, tear-off and disposal fees coverage, coverage of the full roofing system, and transferability. All of these features include the Atlas warranty.
So if you’re looking for roof shingles that cost less and feature comprehensive warranties for algae and wind damage, Atlas is a good option.
Chris Gennone is a content specialist and video producer at Fixr.com. He has 5 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of web and print publications, currently specializing in home improvement projects such as roofing, remodeling, and repairs. When Chris isn’t writing or in front of the camera, he’s either playing with his band or tracking down the best sandwich shops.