Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material in America for good reason: they’re affordable, versatile, and available in dozens of styles and colors. When installed correctly by a qualified contractor, an asphalt shingle roof delivers decades of reliable protection.
Martin Exteriors has been installing asphalt shingle roofs across Rockford, Roscoe, and Northern Illinois since 2006. As a GAF Master Elite certified contractor (a status GAF gives to fewer than 2% of roofers), we offer access to the best shingle products and the strongest warranties available.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Not all shingles are created equal. Here are the main categories we install:
3-Tab Shingles
The classic, budget-friendly option. Three-tab shingles offer a clean, flat appearance and reliable performance for 20-25 years. They’re a solid choice when cost is the primary concern.
Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles
The most popular option today. Architectural shingles are thicker, more durable, and create a dimensional look that adds curb appeal. They typically last 30+ years and offer better wind and impact resistance than 3-tab.
Designer & Premium Shingles
For homeowners who want the look of slate, cedar shake, or tile without the weight and cost, designer shingles deliver stunning aesthetics with the practical benefits of asphalt. These premium options can last 40+ years with proper care.
Want a roof that is not shingles at all? See metal roofing in Rockford.
The GAF Master Elite Advantage
Our GAF Master Elite certification isn’t just a badge. It’s your assurance of quality. It means:
- Factory-trained installers following GAF’s exact specifications
- Access to GAF’s strongest warranty: a 50-year GAF warranty with 30 years on workmanship (GAF eligibility rules apply)
- Annual recertification ensuring our standards never slip
GAF gives this status to fewer than 2% of roofers. It’s one of the reasons we’ve been named What Rocks Rockford Best Roofer, 6 years running (2020 to 2025).
When to Replace Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it may be time for a roof replacement:
- Widespread curling or buckling shingles
- Significant granule loss (check your gutters)
- Multiple leaks or interior water stains
- Your roof is 20+ years old
Not sure if you need a full replacement or just a repair? We’ll give you an honest assessment during your free inspection.
GAF Shingles We Install
As a GAF Master Elite contractor, we lead with GAF shingles. Two lines cover what most homeowners around Rockford ask us for:
- GAF Timberline HDZ. The architectural shingle most of our customers pick, with a clean dimensional look that suits most homes.
- GAF Timberline UHDZ. A thicker shingle with a dual shadow line for a deeper look from the street. It is the shingle a Roscoe homeowner upgraded to after seeing it on site.
If hail is your main worry, ask about impact rated shingles. Our guide to Class 4 impact resistant shingles explains what the rating means and who it makes sense for.
Real Shingle Roofs We’ve Installed
Each of these project pages shows a real GAF shingle job on video:
- GAF Timberline UHDZ in Barkwood, Roscoe: a large roof in The Ledges neighborhood, where the homeowner chose the thicker UHDZ shingle after reviewing options on site.
- GAF Timberline HDZ in Charcoal, Lake Geneva: an all black roof look on a lakefront remodel, with black drip edge so the edge metal matches the shingles.
- GAF and James Hardie in Belvidere: GAF Timberline HDZ in Pewter Gray paired with James Hardie siding in Deep Ocean for a darker, modern exterior.
- Terramott Court condo roofs, Roscoe: nine condo buildings given new shingles the same day, with each homeowner choosing their own shingle color.
What Goes Under the Shingles
A shingle roof is a system, and the parts you never see do a lot of the work. On a replacement we strip the roof down to the deck and replace any soft or rotted decking. Then the layers go on:
- Ice and water shield on every eave, where melting snow and ice back up first.
- Underlayment across the rest of the deck as a second line of defense under the shingles.
- Starter strip along the edges so the first row of shingles seals down.
- Drip edge to carry water off the roof edge and into the gutters.
- Ridge cap shingles to finish the peak.
- Balanced attic ventilation so air moves in low and out high and the attic stays dry.
Everything goes on to GAF’s specifications and is built to code. If your current roof has trouble with ice along the edges, our ice dam repair page explains how we fix the damage and the cause.
Choosing a Shingle Color
Picking a color is often the hardest part of a new roof. A few tips that help:
- Look at photos of whole roofs, not just a single shingle. A color reads differently across a full roof.
- View samples outside in daylight and from the street, not under indoor lights.
- Think about the trim, drip edge and siding. A dark roof with matching black drip edge, like the Lake Geneva project above, gives a clean edge.
- If your siding is also due, plan both together. We install roofs and James Hardie siding, so the colors can be chosen as one package.
What to Expect on Install Day
It starts with a free inspection, and inspections are free for everyone. You get a written quote, and once you pick your shingle and color we put your job on the schedule. Most roofs are done in a day, and we install year round, winter included. When the shingles are on, we clean up and do a final walkthrough with you. See roof replacement in Rockford for the full process.
Repair or Replace?
Not every shingle problem needs a new roof. A few missing or lifted shingles can often be repaired, and we will tell you when a roof repair is enough. Our post on why a roof loses shingles explains the common causes. If a storm did the damage, see hail damage repair and wind damage repair.
Martin Exteriors Roofing & Siding has been family-owned since 2006 and installs hundreds of roofs every year. We hold GAF 2-Star President’s Club recognition, and you can read how the GAF warranty works before you decide. Still weighing materials? Start with four reasons homeowners choose asphalt shingles.
Financing Your New Roof
A new asphalt shingle roof is one of the best investments you can make in your home, both for protection and resale value. We offer flexible financing options to help make it affordable, with competitive rates and terms that fit your budget.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing FAQ
Which GAF shingle do most Rockford homeowners choose?
Most of our customers choose GAF Timberline HDZ. Some upgrade to Timberline UHDZ for a thicker shingle and a deeper look. We can walk you through both at your free inspection.
Are Class 4 impact resistant shingles worth it here?
It depends on your home, your budget and how much hail worries you. Our guide to Class 4 impact resistant shingles explains what the rating does and does not mean, and we can talk it through at your free inspection.
Do you tear off the old roof?
Yes. A replacement removes the old roofing down to the deck so we can check the wood and replace any soft or rotted decking before the new roof goes on.
How long does a shingle roof installation take?
Most roofs are done in a day.
Can you install a shingle roof in winter?
Yes. We install year round, winter included.
Can I finance a new shingle roof?
Yes. Financing is available as low as $149/month for qualified buyers. See our financing options for details.
Ready for a new roof? Schedule your free inspection or call (815) 624-6278 to get started. Martin Exteriors: family-owned, locally trusted, and built on doing the job right.
