TAMKO Shingles: Buyer's Guide, Pros, and Cons

Though they don't have the reputation of other major roofing manufacturers like Owens Corning or CertainTeed, TAMKO remains one of the top manufacturers of asphalt shingles. With their competitive pricing and strong durability, TAMKO shingles are a cost-effective option with similar qualities to more expensive brands. In this article, we'll discuss the types of TAMKO shingles available and determine which one is right for you.

Who is TAMKO?

Image source: TAMKO

Founded in Joplin, Missouri in 1944, TAMKO Building Products, Inc. has been manufacturing asphalt shingles for 75 years. The family-owned building company introduced its popular Heritage line of shingles in 1975 and soon introduced SBS-modified bitumen for commercial roofing. In 2004, TAMKO acquired MetalWorks to begin manufacturing steel roofing shingles. Currently, TAMKO offers a variety of weather-proof asphalt shingles and SBS-modified waterproofing options for flat roofs. Let’s take a look at the types of TAMKO shingles available.

Types of TAMKO shingles

TAMKO features three types of shingles: traditional 3-tab, laminated asphalt shingles, and metal shingles. Unlike other roofing manufacturers, TAMKO has one line of 3-tab shingles and one line of architectural dimensional shingles; the Elite Glass Seal line and the signature Heritage laminated line, respectively. TAMKO also manufactures two new brands of shingles, the Titan XT and the StormFighter IR, which are part of their new Heritage Proline series.

3-tab shingles

TAMKO's Elite Glass-Seal shingle in Weathered Wood. Image source: Builders Supply Co

Elite Glass-Seal – TAMKO's only brand line of 3-tab shingles is its Elite Glass-Seal brand. Available in six different colors, these shingles feature a fiberglass mat coated on both sides with asphalt and ceramic granules. They come with a 25-year limited warranty and a 5-year Full Start Period, a certificate that covers the cost of replacement shingles and labor. Coverage is prorated after the five-year period. Costing about $102 per square, the Elite Glass-Seal shingles are Class A fire resistant and come with 10-year algae cleaning warranty.

Heritage shingles

TAMKO’s Heritage Premium shingle in Rustic Redwood. Image source: Roofle

Heritage – TAMKO's primary brand line is its Heritage series shingles. The standard Heritage shingles feature a fiberglass mat with textured cuts to give it a layered appearance. These shingles include a layer of asphalt and mineral granules, which are then laminated together. Designed to mimic the appearance of wood shakes, Heritage shingles have a 10-year Full Start Period, a Class A fire rating, and a 15-year limited wind warranty up to 130 MPH. Standard Heritage shingles are available in six colors and cost about $108 per square.

Heritage Vintage – Cut with its sawtooth design, these classic-looking laminated shingles feature a layer of asphalt, sealant strips, and mineral granules. Heritage Vintage shingles are slightly heavier than the others, which can make them more difficult to install. Available in only five colors, these shingles are eligible for TAMKO's Mastercraft Limited Warranty, which extends the Full Start Period from 10 years to 30 years and a longer transferable warranty.

StormFighter IR – Part of TAMKO's new Heritage Proline series, the StormFighter IR shingles are designed to be weather-resistant. These shingles feature a Class 4 impact rating, a wider nailing zone, a wind warranty up to 160 MPH, and an additional polyester fabric called the AnchorLock Layer. Available in four different colors, such as Thunderstorm Grey, the StormFighter IR shingles are perfect for homeowners who consistently face severe weather.

Titan XT – The Titan XT shingles are another shingle brand part of TAMKO's Heritage Proline series. These shingles are also designed to withstand any kind of severe weather, featuring wind warranties up to 160 MPH, an AnchorLock layer, anti-aging granules, and additional sealants.

MetalWorks shingles

Tamko's MetalWorks StoneCrest slate in Sequoia Red. Image source: Schulte Roofing

StoneCrest Slate Steel – In addition to TAMKO's asphalt shingles, the building company has acquired MetalWorks, to manufacture metal roofing shingles. Made from steel, these shingles are designed to mimic the appearance of rustic cedarwood or natural slate. These galvanized steel shingles are finished with Kynar 500, which prevents them from rusting and can be installed on top of two layers of existing asphalt shingles. Available in eight different colors, StoneCrest Slate Steel shingles come with a 50-year limited warranty and a 25-year Full Start Period.

StoneCrest Tile Steel – These steel shingles are designed to have the appearance of a uniform-like tile roof. The StoneCrest Tile Steel shingles are coated with Kynar 500, are 100% recyclable, and are even Energy Star qualified. Available in three different colors, these interlocking tiles come with a 50-year limited warranty.

AstonWood Steel – Designed to bear the resemblance of cedar shakes, TAMKO's AstonWood Steel shingles are made from galvanized steel and coated with Kynar 500. Available in eight different colors, these shingles are also Energy Star qualified, which helps reduce cooling costs. Fully recyclable, these shingles can also be installed over existing asphalt shingles and feature the same warranties as other steel shingles.

Pros and cons of TAMKO shingles

TAMKO’s Heritage Premium shingle in Olde English. Image source: Roofle

Pros of TAMKO shingles

Cost-effective - While TAMKO shingles compare pretty closely with larger manufacturers in terms of durability and warranties, their popular Heritage shingles cost less than some of the more expensive architectural shingles.

Strong warranties - TAMKO features some of the most straightforward warranties available. When you install shingles on a new roof, poor installation is a huge issue. TAMKO's Full Start Period guarantees coverage of all defective materials and labor within 10 years.

Weather protection - With TAMKO's new StormFighter IR and Titan XT shingles, these shingles offer excellent protection against severe weather. And many of the Heritage shingles can withstand winds up to 110 or 130 MPH.

TAMKO Edge program - The TAMKO Edge program is a brand new contractor program that features certified and non-certified tiers, enhanced warranties, and an extended Full-Start period for several Heritage shingles. The program also includes a digital portal which makes it easy to register warranties and contractors to stay connected with the manufacturer.

Cons of TAMKO shingles

Delamination - While some of TAMKO's shingles like the Heritage Premium brand are a little thicker, customers have complained that some shingles delaminate easily over time.

Short lifespan - Some customers have filed class-action lawsuits against TAMKO for defective shingles and claiming the shingles failed after a short period of time and do not last as long as advertised.

TAMKO vs. Owens Corning and GAF

TAMKO’s Heritage Premium shingles in Autumn Brown. Image source: SmartRoof

While TAMKO doesn’t get as widely recognized as other major manufacturers like Owens Corning and GAF, they do compare fairly closely. Let’s dig into the details and see where they stack up.

Are TAMKO shingles right for you?

TAMKO’s Heritage Premium shingle in Black Walnut. Image source: Builders Supply Co

While other manufacturers like GAF make the best-selling shingles available today, TAMKO’s roofing products compare well at a cheaper cost. If you’re looking for a more cost-effective, high-quality shingle that has the appearance of wood shakes, look no further than the TAMKO Heritage shingle series. These shingles feature a large variety of warm color options and with their laminated fiberglass mat, they are durable in severe weather conditions. As with any kind of roof installation, it is important to hire an experienced roofer. TAMKO’s new Edge contractor program makes it easier for contractors to become more experienced with its building products and assure you of a smooth installation.

Although some customers have filed complaints about the delamination of shingles after a short period of time, TAMKO’s 10-year Full Start period makes it easy to replace them. TAMKO shingles are a solid option if you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective shingle that holds up well in the toughest conditions.