Sep 7, 2025
Choosing the Right Roofing Shingles in the Midwest: Brand, Upgrades, and Long-Term Value
When it comes time to select a new roof, most homeowners have the same two questions:
Which shingle brand should I choose?
Is it worth upgrading to a higher-grade shingle, and what do those costs look like?
Let’s break each of these down.
1. Which Shingle Brand is Best?
KCX Roofing & Exteriors has installed shingles from leading manufacturers such as Owens Corning, GAF, and Tamko. Years ago, there were major differences in price and quality between shingle brands. Today, most top manufacturers are more like car companies—they all make dependable products at similar price points, with additional upgrades available for premium performance or style. Whether you choose GAF or Malarkey, you really can't go wrong these days.
That being said, we are currently using a lot of Tamko Building Products for roofing projects over the past couple of years. Here's a few reasons for that:
Built-in Warranties – Many manufacturers advertise a “lifetime warranty” but heavily prorate it unless you pay for an upgrade. Tamko automatically includes warranty protection with every installation, without hidden fees.
Responsive Customer Service – Warranty issues can happen, such as shingles showing inconsistent color patches or premature granule loss. When that happens, Tamko has proven far more willing to address concerns than some of the larger brands.
Commitment to Quality – Once considered more of a “builder grade” product, Tamko has invested heavily in quality, durability, and innovation, quickly becoming one of the most competitive shingle manufacturers in the country.
The bottom line: for homeowners weighing roofing companies in the Midwest, Tamko often delivers what we feel is currently the best combination of product value, warranty, and manufacturer support, but most of the mainstream shingle manufacturers today have an excellent product and warranty.
2. Should I Upgrade to Better Shingles?
Once a brand is selected, the next decision is which grade of shingle to install. Here are the main options homeowners consider:
Standard Architectural Shingles – A solid, reliable option with a 30-year life expectancy. These are a big improvement over older 3-tab shingles but can still be vulnerable to large hail.
Class 3 or Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles – Designed to withstand severe weather, with Class 4 being the highest rating. While they cost more upfront, they often make the most practical financial sense:
Insurance discounts often range from $800–$1,000+ per year with a Class 4 upgrade.
A typical upgrade cost might be $3,700, which can pay off in about four years through insurance savings alone.
Over the long term, those savings can exceed $20,000, effectively paying for the entire roof just by making the upgrade decision.
It’s important to note: the real choice isn’t whether you spend extra money or not—that money will be spent either way. Homeowners can pay for it through higher insurance premiums over time, or you can invest in a Class 4 roof that not only protects your home but pays for itself and more.
For homeowners concerned about the upfront cost, financing options are available. In many cases the monthly payment is lower than the annual insurance savings, making the upgrade effectively free.
3. What About Designer or Metal Roofs?
Beyond architectural and impact-resistant shingles, some midwest homeowners explore designer shingles or metal roofing systems. Both offer exceptional durability and aesthetics, but at a significantly higher cost.
Metal roofs are gaining popularity, and efforts are underway to bring installation costs down, but for most homeowners, Class 4 shingles strike the best balance of performance, protection, and affordability.
Our Recommendation
Right now, the Tamko StormFighter FLEX Class 4 Hail-Resistant Shingle is one of the strongest choices for your home's roof. It was also rated best product of the year for 2025 by consumer reports. It offers:
Superior hail protection
A trusted, built-in warranty
Long-term cost savings through insurance discounts
However, if you plan on selling your home in the next 3–4 years, the financial payoff may not be as clear. And, some insurances barely make the savings worth it, while others discount policies so heavily as a reward that it essentially pays for the entire roof. Everyone's scenario is a little bit different, and sometimes a standard architectural shingle may be the more practical option. At the end of the day we encourage all our customers to make the decision that's best for them and their family! And that doesn't always mean taking the upgrade.
From what we’ve seen, about half of our customers choose the Class 4 upgrade for the long-term benefits, while the other half opt for standard shingles due to shorter-term housing plans or financial reasons.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right roofing shingle isn’t just about color or style—it’s about weighing brand reputation, warranty protection, durability, and long-term savings. With severe Midwest weather and rising insurance costs, upgrading to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles simply makes sense.
If you have questions about your options or would like to discuss which shingle is the best fit for your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to KCX Roofing & Exteriors. We’re here to help you make the decision that gives you the most value, the most protection, and the most peace of mind.
