You want a roof that looks like a real cedar shake. But you’ve heard cedar is a fire hazard and banned in many areas. Now you’re stuck between settling for basic shingles or spending a fortune on something else.
Here’s the solution most homeowners don’t know about: presidential roof shingles.
I’ve installed these on dozens of homes at Rainy Roofers. They give you that high-end cedar aesthetic without the fire risk. And they come with warranties that’ll make your jaw drop.
Let me break down everything you need to know.
What Are Presidential Roof Shingles?
Presidential roof shingles are luxury-class asphalt shingles designed to replicate the look of natural cedar shakes. They use a sculptured tab design that creates the same depth and dimension as real wood.
But here’s where they beat cedar:
- Class A fire rating (the industry’s highest)
- No rot or insect damage
- 30-50 year lifespan
- Lower maintenance
Cedar shakes look gorgeous but come with serious problems. They’re fire hazards, require constant maintenance, and many areas have banned them entirely.
Presidential shingles give you the sophisticated aesthetic without the headaches.
CertainTeed Presidential Shingles: The Industry Standard
When people talk about presidential roof shingles, they’re usually referring to CertainTeed Presidential Shake. It’s the original and still the benchmark.
CertainTeed offers three variations:
Presidential Shake (Standard)
This is your entry point into the presidential line. Two-piece laminated fiberglass construction with a rustic cedar look.
What you get:
- 8 color options
- Class 3 impact rating
- 110-mph wind warranty (upgradable to 130 mph)
- 15-year algae protection
- Lifetime limited transferable warranty
It’s the most cost-efficient option while still delivering that luxury appearance.
Presidential Shake IR (Impact Resistant)
Living in a hail-prone area? This is your shingle.
The IR version holds the highest impact resistance rating in the industry. Perfect for Colorado, Texas, or anywhere severe weather is common.
Key benefits:
- Class 4 impact rating
- 4 color options
- Potential insurance premium discounts
- Same wind and algae warranties
I had a customer in a hail-heavy region install these last year. His insurance company knocked $300 annually off his premiums. The shingles practically paid for themselves over time.
Presidential Shake TL (Tri-Laminate)
This is the heavyweight champion. Three layers of material make it the thickest, heaviest, and toughest shingle available.
If you want maximum durability and don’t mind the premium price, TL is the way to go. Available in 7 colors.
GAF Grand Sequoia: The Alternative
CertainTeed isn’t your only option. GAF’s Grand Sequoia line competes directly with presidential roof shingles.
GAF offers two versions:
Grand Sequoia – Standard luxury shingle with 7 color options, StainGuard algae protection, and DuraGrip adhesive to prevent blow-offs.
Grand Sequoia Armorshield – Impact resistant version with 4 color options.
Both come with GAF’s lifetime limited transferable warranty and earned the Good Housekeeping Seal.
GAF is the longest-running manufacturer in the roofing industry. Their quality is solid, and many contractors swear by them.
How Long Do Presidential Roof Shingles Last?
Presidential shingles should last at least 30 years with proper installation. In ideal conditions—good attic ventilation, quality installation, moderate climate—they can push 40-50 years.
Compare that to standard architectural shingles at 20-25 years, and you’re getting significantly more life out of your investment.
The thickness and multi-layer construction make these shingles incredibly durable. They handle hail, wind, and UV exposure better than anything else in the asphalt category.
Presidential Shingles Warranty Coverage
Here’s where CertainTeed presidential shingles really shine.
Standard warranties include:
- Lifetime limited transferable warranty
- 10-year SureStart (100% replacement and labor for manufacturing defects)
- 15-year algae/streaking protection
- 15-year 110-mph wind resistance
Enhanced warranty option:
If you use CertainTeed accessories and hire a CertainTeed-certified contractor, you can upgrade to the 50-year SureStart PLUS warranty. This extends full non-prorated coverage for half a century.
That’s not a typo. Fifty years of coverage.
The enhanced warranty requires specific installation protocols, but it’s worth pursuing if you’re already investing in presidential shingles.
What Do Presidential Roof Shingles Cost?
Let’s talk real numbers.
Presidential roof shingles run approximately $8.00-$10.00 per square foot installed. This varies based on your roof’s complexity, your location, and the contractor you hire.
For perspective, that’s roughly double the cost of standard architectural shingles.
Is it worth it? Depends on your situation.
Presidential shingles make sense if:
- You plan to stay in your home long-term
- Curb appeal matters to you
- You’re in a hail-prone area (insurance discounts help offset cost)
- You want maximum warranty protection
They might not make sense if:
- You’re selling soon
- Budget is tight
- You’d need to stretch finances significantly
Don’t go broke trying to afford luxury shingles. There are excellent architectural options that deliver great value without the premium price tag.
For detailed pricing on all roofing options, see our roof replacement cost guide.
Insurance Discounts for Impact Resistant Shingles
Here’s something most homeowners miss.
Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for Class 4 impact resistant roofing. We’re talking 5-30% off your annual premiums depending on your carrier and location.
With presidential IR or Grand Sequoia Armorshield shingles, you may qualify for these discounts.
One customer saved $300 per year. Over a 30-year roof life, that’s $9,000 back in his pocket.
Before installation:
- Call your insurance company
- Ask about impact resistant roofing discounts
- Get the requirements in writing
- Confirm which shingle ratings qualify
Every insurance company handles this differently. Don’t assume—verify.
Installation Considerations
Presidential roof shingles require experienced installation. The process is more complex than standard shingles, and mistakes are costly.
Critical installation elements:
- Proper starter shingles
- Specific ridge cap requirements
- Correct underlayment
- Adequate attic ventilation
- Precise flashing details
If you want the enhanced 50-year warranty on CertainTeed presidential shingles, your contractor must be CertainTeed-certified and follow their exact protocols.
This isn’t a DIY project. And it’s not something you hand to the cheapest bidder.
At Rainy Roofers, we’re certified installers for both CertainTeed and GAF systems. Proper installation is the difference between a roof that lasts 30 years and one that fails in 10.
Schedule a professional roof inspection to assess whether your home is ready for presidential shingles.
Color Options for Presidential Shingles
Presidential roof shingles come primarily in earth tones designed to mimic natural cedar.
CertainTeed Presidential Shake colors:
- Browns and tans (most popular)
- Charcoal black
- Various grays
- 8 total options (4 for IR, 7 for TL)
GAF Grand Sequoia colors:
- 7 options for standard
- 4 options for Armorshield
Color availability varies by region and supplier inventory. Your contractor can tell you what’s actually available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a presidential shingle?
Presidential shingles are luxury-class asphalt shingles designed to replicate cedar shake appearance. They feature multi-layer construction, Class A fire ratings, and premium warranties lasting 30-50 years.
Are CertainTeed presidential shingles worth the cost?
Yes, if you value curb appeal, longevity, and warranty protection. They cost roughly double architectural shingles but last significantly longer with better warranties. Impact resistant versions may qualify for insurance discounts.
How long do presidential roof shingles last?
Expect 30 years minimum. With proper installation and attic ventilation, they can last 40-50 years. This exceeds standard architectural shingles by 10-20 years.
Do presidential shingles qualify for insurance discounts?
Impact resistant versions (Presidential Shake IR, Grand Sequoia Armorshield) often qualify for premium discounts. Contact your insurance company before installation to confirm eligibility and requirements.
What’s the difference between presidential shake and Grand Sequoia?
Both are luxury shingles replicating cedar appearance. CertainTeed Presidential Shake offers more color options and the TL tri-laminate version. GAF Grand Sequoia features StainGuard and DuraGrip technologies. Quality is comparable between brands.
Can I get an enhanced warranty on presidential shingles?
Yes. CertainTeed offers a 50-year SureStart PLUS warranty when you use their complete roofing system and a certified installer. GAF offers the Golden Pledge warranty with similar requirements.
The Bottom Line on Presidential Roof Shingles
Presidential roof shingles deliver the cedar shake aesthetic without the fire risk, maintenance headaches, or code violations.
Certain Teed presidential shingles remain the industry standard, but GAF Grand Sequoia is a solid alternative. Both offer exceptional durability, warranties, and curb appeal.
They’re not cheap. But if you’re planning to stay in your home and want a roof that’ll last decades while looking incredible, presidential shingles are worth serious consideration.
At Rainy Roofers, we help homeowners decide whether luxury shingles fit their budget and goals. Contact us for a consultation, and we’ll give you honest advice on the best roofing solution for your situation.
