Blog

Are All Shingles the Same?

When you’re trying to choose the right shingles for your commercial roof, you might find yourself asking: Are all shingles the same? Or Does it really matter which ones I use? It’s a fair question—and one we hear a lot. 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we’ve been helping business owners and property managers make smart roofing decisions for over 40 years. And let’s be honest: the commercial roofing world can feel overwhelming. Between brands, styles, warranties, and installers, it’s easy to think, “Shingles are shingles, right?” But the reality is a lot more nuanced—and understanding the difference could save you time, money, and frustration down the road. 

Are All Shingles Made the Same? 

The short answer: no, not all shingles are the same. 

While many shingles may look similar on the surface, the performance, durability, and manufacturer standards behind them vary dramatically. Take GAF, for example. It’s not just a popular brand—it’s the industry leader when it comes to shingles, especially for commercial projects. At Weather Shield, we often recommend GAF shingles because they’re consistent, high-performing, and backed by strong warranties. 

But here’s the thing: even the best shingles won’t perform well if they’re installed incorrectly. That’s where the real difference lies—not just in the materials, but in who’s installing them. 

What Really Matters? The Installer. 

We’ve seen it all. One time, we came across a job where someone had installed a pipe boot upside down. We didn’t even know that was possible—but it happened. And unfortunately, that’s not an isolated case. Poor shingle installation is everywhere, especially when crews lack experience or are thrown together last-minute. 

That’s why choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right shingle. Think of it this way: Would you rather have a high-performance car built by experts, or thrown together by whoever was available that day? 

At Weather Shield Roofing Systems, we don’t leave things up to chance. Every one of our installers—whether they’re part of our internal team or our exclusive insulation partners—is thoroughly trained, consistently evaluated, and committed to meeting our exact standards. Many of these relationships have lasted years. They attend our training sessions, follow our safety protocols, and—most importantly—they only work for us. That means you get consistency, quality, and peace of mind. 

Why Choose Weather Shield for Commercial Shingle Projects? 

You might be wondering—If Weather Shield specializes in commercial roofing, why would I hire you to install shingles? 

It’s a great question. 

Here’s the thing: commercial shingle projects—especially large-scale ones—aren’t the same as residential jobs. It’s not just about putting down shingles. It’s about project management, site coordination, logistics, and safety. 

For example, let’s say you’re re-roofing a big commercial building. The last thing you want is to get halfway done and have a storm roll in—leaving your operations exposed. At Weather Shield, we strategically plan every detail to avoid those scenarios. We make sure your roof gets buttoned up and weather-tight before any bad weather hits. 

Our team includes a dedicated superintendent and on-site foreman who oversee every part of your job. From material delivery to debris control, from safety planning to crew scheduling—we handle it all. We dictate when materials are uploaded, downloaded, and exactly how they’re handled, so they’re never scattered across your parking lot or blowing into your warehouse. 

And we’re proud to say we have the highest safety rating of any commercial roofer in Michigan. 

It’s not rocket science to put shingles down—but managing a complex, multi-day roofing project with precision? That takes real experience. 

What Frustrations Should You Avoid When Hiring a Shingle Installer? 

Here are some of the most common issues we’ve seen (and fixed) over the years: 

• Unreliable subcontractors: Many roofing companies bounce between different crews and subs, with little to no relationship or accountability. These crews often work for multiple companies and don’t follow a consistent standard. 

• Lack of oversight: If no one’s checking the work, problems are guaranteed. We’ve seen jobs where no one performed a proper walkthrough or inspection—just a “sling it and go” approach. 

• No pre-job planning: Especially on commercial sites, you need a strategic plan before the first shingle is touched. Otherwise, the chaos of poor staging and material handling can disrupt your entire facility. 

• Missed safety steps: Roofing is dangerous. If a contractor isn’t prioritizing safety with documented plans and trained crews, you’re at risk for far more than just a leaky roof. 

At Weather Shield, our crews are steady, trained, and dialed into our process. We do a full pre-job walkthrough, coordinate with your facilities team, and manage every moving part so nothing is left to chance. 

So, What’s the One Thing You Should Remember? 

If there’s one thing we hope you take away from this—it’s this: 

Choose a GAF-certified contractor with the experience and systems to manage your commercial roofing project the right way. 

Weather Shield Roofing Systems is a GAF Master Elite™ Contractor and part of the GAF Chairman’s Circle—a distinction given only to the top installers in the country. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a quality shingle; you’re getting an elite team that stands behind their work, every time. 

If you’re considering a commercial shingle project or just want a second opinion, we’re here to help. We’ll walk the roof with you, explain your options clearly, and make sure your investment is protected—for the long haul. 

Let’s make sure your next roofing project is done right.