What Most Homeowners Don’t Know About Their Roof (But Should)

When most people think about a roof, they think in simple terms: shingles, color, maybe cost. But behind every roof is a combination of material science, installation expertise, and long-term performance decisions that can impact your home for decades.

In a previous episode of Under Construction, we sat down with Mark Lorenz, a roofing expert from CertainTeed, to break down what really matters when it comes to roofing, from how shingles are made to what actually determines how long your roof lasts.

Here’s what homeowners should know before their next roofing project.

At its core, a modern asphalt shingle is built on a fiberglass base, coated in asphalt, and topped with protective granules. Simple, right? But that simplicity is a bit misleading.

Small differences in materials, like the amount of asphalt, the type of granules, or added polymers, can significantly impact durability, flexibility, and resistance to weather.

In fact, higher-quality shingles often include:

• Heavier construction (more asphalt = better protection)
• Advanced sealants to prevent blow-offs
• Copper-infused granules to resist algae growth

These aren’t things you’ll notice from the ground, but they make a major difference over time.

If you’ve been quoted multiple roofing options, you’ve probably seen terms like “good, better, best.” Here’s what that actually means:

1. Standard Roofing Shingles

A solid, reliable option with basic color and performance.

2. Premium Roofing Shingles

Heavier, more durable, and designed with richer, more dimensional color blends.

3. High-Performance (Impact-Resistant) Shingles

Engineered with rubberized polymers for flexibility and strength, especially important in climates like Wisconsin. These high-performance shingles are designed to flex with temperature changes and better withstand hail and impact.

Homeowner Translation: Fewer cracks, longer lifespan, and potentially fewer insurance claims.

Learn more about the pros and cons of shingle roofing for residential homes.

Here’s something that might surprise you: There’s no universal “roof lifespan.” That’s because longevity depends on several factors, including:

• Proper ventilation
• Roof pitch
• Tree coverage
• Installation quality
• Climate conditions

Even the best materials can fail early if the system isn’t installed correctly or if airflow isn’t properly managed. That’s why who installs your roof matters just as much as what goes on it.

Discover if your roof needs repairs or a full replacement.

“Lifetime warranty” sounds reassuring, but it doesn’t always mean what homeowners think. Most standard asphalt shingle warranties:

• Offer strong coverage for the first 10 years
• Then shift to prorated coverage (meaning you pay more over time)

That’s where extended warranties come in. When installed by certified contractors, extended warranties can:

• Extend full coverage to 20–50 years
• Include workmanship protection
• Cover both materials and labor in many cases

For many homeowners, this is one of the most important (and most overlooked) decisions in the entire project.

Roofing is a system, and manufacturers know that. That’s why top-tier certifications require:

• Trained and tested installers
• Proper ventilation systems
• Full system integration (all components working together)

Big Fish is a CertainTeed-certified SELECT ShingleMaster™ (SSM). This is the top level CertainTeed roofing credential, and represents the highest standards of excellence, quality, and knowledge in the shingle roofing industry.

As an SSM, Big Fish Contracting has shown extensive knowledge of shingle installation and quality through rigorous testing and has provided CertainTeed with proof of workers’ compensation and liability insurance. 

Only an SSM like Big Fish Contracting can offer you the highest level of SureStart PLUS™ extended warranty coverage when an Integrity Roof System is installed on your home.

While performance matters most, aesthetics still play a big role. Today’s roofing trends lean toward:

• High-definition color blends
• Strong contrast and shadow lines
• Neutral tones that complement siding and trim

Homeowner Pro Tip: Choose your siding first, then narrow roofing options down from there.

A roof isn’t just decoration. It’s protection for everything underneath it, and the decisions you make upfront (such as materials, contractor, and warranty) will determine how well that protection holds up over time.

At Big Fish, we believe homeowners deserve transparency, education, and the confidence that the job is done right the first time. We look at roofing as being about more than installing shingles, but building trust, one home at a time.