Are Atlas asphalt shingles good enough to be compared with top shingle brands GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed and IKO?
Atlas’s strategy is to produce good products, if not the absolute best, that are reasonably priced. Quality among the Atlas roofing lines ranges from average to very good. In short, they represent good value for the money. This is especially true in the 3-tab niche.
*The brand’s 3-tab StormMaster Slate and GlassMaster shingles get top ratings compared with competitors like Owens Corning Supreme, GAF Royal Sovereign and CertainTeed XT 25.
*Atlas Pinnacle Pristine, its leading line of dimensional shingles, are in the middle of the pack when compared best-sellers from other top asphalt shingle brands.
Specifically, Atlas roofing shingle ratings are a little lower than Owens Corning Duration and GAF Timberline but ahead of CertainTeed Landmark and IKO Cambridge.
Overview of Options and Costs
Atlas makes 8 lines of fiberglass-based asphalt shingles. Your options are 2 lines of 3-tab or strip shingles, mentioned above, and 6 dimensional/architectural shingle lines.
Prices fall between $75 and $160 per roofing square for just the shingles. One roofing square is 100 square feet, so that’s $0.75 to $1.60 per square foot for shingles.
And like all other major roofing brands, Atlas produces a complete roofing system, which includes underlayments, starter shingles, hip and ridge caps and ridge ventilation.
Installed prices: Whether adding a single layer to an existing roof or tearing off the old roof and redoing everything, installed cost ranges from around $4.00 to more than $8.50 per square foot.
What’s Here: In this Atlas Shingles guide, you get detailed information on all the Atlas products, the pros and cons, and the costs, allowing you to make the best decision for your home and even compare Atlas to GAF, Certainteed, Owens Corning, and Malarkey.
In this review we start with Atlas’s premium or luxury shingles, then cover the architectural shingles, and finish with the 3-tab shingles.
Atlas Premium Shingles
StormMaster Shake and StormMaster Slate are Atlas’s two offerings in premium luxury shingles. Both include a number of features and technologies designed to improve durability and weather protection.
The cost of StormMaster shingles ranges from about $145 to $160 per roofing square for shingles only.
StormMaster Shake
These shingles are created to mimic the look and feel of a wood shake and are available in 10 colors including Weathered Wood and Chestnut. Because they are made with the Atlas Core4 Technology, detailed below, they provide dependable protection against weather, impact, and algae.
StormMaster Shake shingles include a Limited Lifetime warranty, a 150-mph wind warranty, and are eligible for the Atlas Signature Select roofing system.
StormMaster Slate
The StormMaster Slate shingle is designed with the look of a slate shingle and comes in 6 color choices including Pewter and Emerald. This shingle also features Core4 technology for durability. StormMaster Slate comes with a 130-mph wind warranty, a Limited Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. It is also eligible for Atlas Signature Select, explained below.
StormMaster Shake and Slate Shingle Features
Atlas Core4 Technology
Core4 uses 4 technologies to create shingles that are durable, flexible, impact resistant, and can maintain stability during extreme temperature changes. These four technologies are:
PolyCore
In any shingle line, a polymer-enhanced core creates a stronger and longer lasting shingle.
Atlas uses virgin polymers within the asphalt core. The purpose is to produce a shingle with improved performance and consistency compared to shingles made with recycled polymers.
FlexCore
Flexcore technology is based on PolyCore, the use of new polymers in the asphalt that are fresher, less brittle. The goal is a shingle that maintains flexibility in transportation, installation and while on your roof to reduce the chance of cracks and tears.
Atlas claims that these shingles exceed the industry standard tear strength requirement by 50%, even when installed in cold weather and that they lay flatter and seal more quickly.
The proof is in the testing, and as noted, these shingles perform better than most according to independent tests.
WeatherCore
Here is another potential benefit of the use of enhanced polymers plus the Atlas double FASTAC adhesive sealant: StormMaster Shake shingles come with a 150-mph wind warranty.
To our knowledge the 150 mile per hour wind warranty is exceeded only by the Unlimited wind warranty on GAF Timberline HDZ, NS and CS shingles.
StormMaster Slate and Pinnacle Pristine shingles come with a 130-mph wind warranty.
Shingles with Core4 technology have a Class 4 Impact Rating which means that the shingles aren’t damaged in a controlled test in which a steel ball with a 2” diameter is dropped twice onto the same spot of the shingle.
Class 4 Impact Rating – Most brands offer several shingle lines that pass the UL2218 Class 4 test. If hail and windblown debris are concerns, consider these shingles and GAF Timberline AS II, CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex and Belmont IR, and Owens Corning Duration Storm shingles.
But…Just realize that no shingles are warrantied against hail damage. None.
Take a deeper dive, if interested, with this report from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety titled Relative Impact Resistance of Asphalt Shingles – Summary of UL 2218 Impact Tests.
Relative Impact Resistance of Asphalt Shingles (ibhs.org)
ThermalCore
All roofs experience thermal shock from wide variations in temperature. ThermalCore technology is designed to prevent damage to StormMaster shingles caused by normal expansion and contraction caused by temperature fluctuations.
| StormMaster Shake | Core4 Technology |
| Colors | 10 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 150 mph |
| Retail Cost | $135 – $160 per square |
| Installed Cost | $450 – $600 per square |
| StormMaster Slate | Core4 Technology |
| Colors | 6 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 130 mph |
| Retail Cost | $145 – $160 per square |
| Installed Cost | $475 – $650 per square |
Atlas Architectural Shingles
Atlas makes four lines of shingles in the architectural category. These are decent-quality, mid-level, asphalt shingles priced between $80 and $130 per roofing square for materials.
Pinnacle Pristine
This shingle is one of Atlas’s top-selling architectural shingles.
They are 50% heavier than most 3-tab shingles, but less than a dollar per square foot more expensive.
Pinnacle Pristine is available in 19 colors and is treated with Scotchgard Protector algae resistance. Atlas covers them with a 130-mph wind warranty and a Limited Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
FWIW: Mike Holmes, professional contractor, and host of the television show, “Make It Right” selected the Atlas Pinnacle shingles and other Atlas options treated with Scotchgard Protector by 3M as one of his Holmes Approved Products. It is unclear whether Holmes was paid for his endorsement – but he is putting his reputation on the line by endorsing Atlas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFHM7y0eH14
Briarwood Pro
Briarwood Pro shingles feature an extra-wide format with double sealant lines and a wide nailing zone designed for quick, accurate installation.
This shingle is available in 5 high-definition colors that provide interest and depth. Briarwood Pro comes with a Limited Lifetime warranty, a 130-mph wind warranty and Scotchgard Protector. It is eligible for the Atlas Signature Select roofing system.
ProLam
The ProLam shingle is noted as one of Atlas’s value-priced choices. It is an over-sized, laminated asphalt shingle with random cuts and deep shadow lines for a layered look. They come with a Limited Lifetime warranty, 130 mph wind warranty and 10-year algae resistance warranty.
Castlebrook
Castlebrook is a laminated architectural shingle at a budget price. These shingles are available in 7 colors and backed by a Lifetime Limited warranty and a 130-mph wind warranty. They are eligible for the Atlas Signature Select roofing system.
| Pinnacle Pristine | Architectural Best Seller |
| Colors | 19 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 130 mph |
| Retail Cost | $105 – $130 per square |
| Installed Cost | $450 – $575 per square |
| Briarwood Pro | High-Definition Colors |
| Colors | 5 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 130 mph |
| Retail Cost | $90 – $105 per square |
| Installed Cost | $450 – $550 per square |
| ProLam | Oversized & Value Priced |
| Colors | 7 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 130 mph |
| Retail Cost | $85 – $100 per square |
| Installed Cost | $450 – $500 per square |
| Castlebrook | Distinct Shadow Line & Value Priced |
| Colors | 7 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 130 mph |
| Retail Cost | $80 – $95 per square |
| Installed Cost | $450 – $500 per square |
Atlas 3-Tab Shingles
Atlas offers two additional lines of 3-tab asphalt shingles priced between $70 and $100 per roofing square for materials – before accessories and installation.
Legend
Legend shingles are thicker than average 3-tab shingles. This allows for more shadowing designed to look more like an architectural shingle. It might be the only 3-tab shingle with a 110-mph wind warranty. Legend is available in 5 colors, comes with Scotchgard Protector to resist staining and streaking from algae, and a 40 Year Limited warranty.
GlassMaster
This is Atlas’s most affordable 3-tab shingle and is included with their three value-priced choices. GlassMaster shingles are also well-rated with Consumer Reports with a score of 60 out of 100. GlassMaster shingles come with a 30 Year Limited warranty, a 60-mph wind warranty, and ARS 10-year algae resistance, and are available in 10 colors including Cool White, Black Shadow, and Weathered Wood.
If you’re on a budget and live in a climate with mild weather, GlassMaster is an excellent choice.
| Legend | High-Contrast 3-tab |
| Colors | 5 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 110 mph |
| Retail Cost | $85 – $100 per square |
| Installed Cost | $400 – $500 per square |
| Glassmaster | Highly Rated 3-tab |
| Colors | 10 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
| Wind Speed Warranty | 60 mph |
| Retail Cost | $65 – $80 per square |
| Installed Cost | $400 – $500 per square |
Atlas is Big on Scotchgard Protector
StormMaster Shake, StormMaster Slate, Pinnacle Pristine, and Legend shingles are treated with 3M’s Scotchgard Protector to help prevent black streaks and staining caused by algae. The shingle granules contain copper which is an algaecide. The granules are made with a porous ceramic coating that allows the copper ions to be released over a number of years keeping the roof free of algae.
Worth knowing: Atlas provides a Limited Lifetime Algae-Resistance warranty on these shingles. But here are the specifics – you always must read the details – from Atlas:
“In order to qualify for the Atlas Lifetime Algae Resistance Limited Warranty against black streaks caused by blue-green algae, installation must include Atlas Pro-Cut® Hip & Ridge shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector or Atlas Pro-Cut® High Profile Hip & Ridge shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector with Atlas shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector.”
The bottom line is that you might pay more for your roof to get this protection. And we’ll just say it, “black streaks caused by blue-green algae” seems to provide a lot of loopholes. However, all things considered, Atlas does have the longest warranty against algae staining.
Do roofs in your neighborhood show black stains? If they do, then consider an Atlas shingle line with the Lifetime stain warranty.
Atlas Signature Select Roofing System
The Signature Select Roofing System includes all the components, besides the roof deck, for a complete roof. The system features underlayment, starter shingles, hip and ridge shingles, and roof venting. The roofing system is available for all the Atlas shingles lines and provides the homeowner with an extended warranty period.
Note – You and your roofer have options. For example, depending on your climate, you can use either or a combination of Atlas underlayment options, the first two products on the list.
Signature Select components include:
Atlas WeatherMaster Ice & Water Underlayment
This is a peel and stick underlayment that seals the roof deck from water infiltration.
Atlas Premium Underlayment
Depending on which shingle you purchase, the premium underlayment will either be Summit Underlayment which is a synthetic with enhanced tear resistance protecting against moisture and mold or Gorilla Guard 30, an engineered felt roll that is asphalt saturated, lighter, and stronger than organic felt.
Atlas Pro-Cut Started Shingles
Pro-Cut or Pro-Cut HP42 (extra wide @ 42”) starter shingles, or Pro-Cut Starter Roll are used, depending on which Atlas shingle you are installing, at the roof eaves to seal the shingle edges.
Atlas Roof Shingles
With the Signature Select roofing system you can install any of the Atlas shingles.
Atlas Hip & Ridge Shingles
Atlas StormMaster hip and ridge shingles are used with StormMaster Shake or Slate, Pinnacle Pristine, Briarwood Pro, and Castlebrook roofing shingles and feature Core4 technology and Scotchgard Protector.
The ProLam hip and ridge shingles are used with ProLam roof shingles, and Pro-Cut High Profile hip and ridge shingles with Scotchgard Protector are used with all other Atlas roofing shingles.
Atlas TruRidge or HighPoint Ventilation Products
TruRidge or HighPoint ventilation products are used with the Atlas Signature Select roofing system to ensure proper ventilation and prevent heat and moisture build-up.
Warranty Info
All Atlas warranties are transferable. The premium and the architectural shingles all provide a 10-year Premium Protection period that is non-prorated and covers replacement materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal of defective materials. The 3-tab shingles include a 5-year Premium Protection period.
Installing the Atlas Signature Roof Systems allows you to extend the Premium Protection period of each shingle warranty. The extended warranty is transferable, but the downside is that extended warranty is only valid if you tear off the old roof and use an Atlas Pro Plus contractor for the installation.
If you have an Atlas Signature Select roofing system installed by an Atlas Pro Plus contractor, the premium protection period is extended.
| Atlas Warranties | Limited Warranty | Premium Protection | With Signature Roof System |
| Non-Prorated | Extended Premium Protection | ||
| Non-Prorated | |||
| StormMaster Shake | Lifetime | 10 | 20 |
| StormMaster Slate | Lifetime | 10 | 20 |
| Pinnacle Pristine | Lifetime | 10 | 15 |
| Briarwood Pro | Lifetime | 10 | 15 |
| ProLam | Lifetime | 10 | 15 |
| Castlebrook | Lifetime | 10 | 15 |
| Legend | 40 Year | 5 | 10 |
| GlassMaster | 30 Year | 5 | 10 |
Pros and Cons
Here are advantages to consider and disadvantages to beware of.
Pros
Wind Warranty
Atlas provides a 150-mph wind warranty on StormMaster Shake shingles and a 130-mph wind warranty on StormMaster Slate, Pinnacle Pristine, Pro Lam, Briarwood Pro, and Castlebrook shingles. Legend is a 3-tab shingle with a 110-mph wind warranty – the only one of its kind. GAF says Royal Sovereign 3-tab shingles withstood 110 mph winds in testing, but GAF only backs them with a 60-mph warranty.
A larger nailing area and a double adhesive sealant strip are there to prevent shingle uplift and tearing in high winds. They give Atlas the confidence to offer warranties that are on average slightly above average for the industry.
Cost Effective
Atlas’s strategy seems to be to provide good-quality shingles at a competitive cost, and for the most part, Atlas has succeeded. Don’t expect them to look like or last as long as premium shingles from CertainTeed, for example. But you’ll save money. In the end, and one of the best reasons to consider Atlas, is that its shingles deliver pretty good value for the money.
Lifetime Algae Warranty on Some Lines
StormMaster Shake, StormMaster Slate, Pinnacle Pristine, and Legend shingles are backed by this warranty. Other brands don’t offer a lifetime algae-stain warranty. GAF’s best stain warranty is 25 years, so that’s not far behind “lifetime.” CertainTeed backs its shingle lines with 10-year or 15-year stain warranties against staining.
https://www.gaf.com/en-us/residential-roofing/stainguard-plus
https://www.atlasroofing.com/roof-shingles/warranty-and-signature-select-system
Atlas Energy Star Rated Shingles
The Pinnacle Pristine shingle in the color Pearl and the GlassMaster shingle in the color Cool White are Energy Star rated. These shingles can reduce the temperature of your roof therefore reducing your peak cooling costs by 10% to 15%. They may also qualify for incentives or rebates offered by some utility companies for energy-saving products.
Cons
Warranty Claims
Atlas warranties are similar to other shingle brands. But the hubbub from homeowners is that most warranty claims are rejected by Atlas. Typically, the fault lies with installation, not with the shingle manufacturer. Frankly, this is true of shingles from GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, Malarkey, etc.
FAQs
Are Atlas shingles durable?
Yes, their durability is good to very good depending on the specific line. Keep in mind that the durability of any shingle will be affected by certain factors.
For instance, improper installation and a lack of adequate attic ventilation will cause shingles to fail prematurely. Climate conditions also play a large role in how long a shingle lasts regardless of brand.
Do Atlas shingles have a problem with sealing?
All shingles have an adhesive asphalt or tar strip on the back designed to soften when warm and stick to the shingles beneath it. This bond is essential to keeping shingles in place in high winds.
Starting in the early 2000s, Atlas shingles had a reputation for not sealing well, and the “word” got around the internet. However, whether the issue was legitimate at that time, it no longer exists. In fact, Atlas is the only brand we’re aware of that applies a double strip of sealant to the back of its dimensional shingles.
FWIW, we communicated with Stan Bastek, Atlas VP of Sales & Marketing for Atlas shingles and underlayment. Referring to the reputation for poor sealing, Bastek said, “We take great issue with these statements as we have shown our products to be the BEST sealing products on the market…If you talk to contractors that use Atlas, they will certainly tell you that our product seals down FAST and stays down. It is one of our top assets.”
Roofers generally agree with Bastek on this.
A word to the wise – No shingles seal well in cold weather, regardless of brand. Atlas’s warranty contains language similar to most other asphalt shingle warranties: “SEALANT FEATURE – In order to activate the sealant feature, the shingles must be exposed to direct sunlight for a continued period of time for the shingles to seal.
Shingles installed in fall or winter and not exposed to adequate surface temperatures, or other conditions, which temporarily or permanently preclude activation of the sealant, may never seal and must be hand sealed at the time of installation. It is not a manufacturing defect if shingles fail to seal under the above circumstances…”
https://www.atlasroofing.com/literature
Hand sealing involves applying a dab of roofing cement or tar to the back of each shingle as it is installed.
How long do Atlas shingles last?
Premium Luxury shingles including RoofMaster – 35-40 years.
Architectural shingles including Pinnacle Pristine – 20-35 years.
3-Tab shingles including Legend – 18-25 years.
How Do Atlas shingles compare with other brands?
Looking at Atlas vs GAF, Atlas vs Owens Corning and other top manufacturers:
3-tab: Atlas StormMaster Slate – a premium strip shingle, which is unusual – and GlassMaster are among the best 3-tab shingles on the market. As was stated above, they rank higher than top-selling strip shingles from Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed.
Midrange dimensional: Atlas Pinnacle are better than average too for overall quality and durability. They are comparable Owens Corning Duration, Tamko Heritage and GAF Timberline shingles and better than CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark Premium.
Premium: The only shingle from Atlas in this class is the StormMaster Shake, and it’s pretty average. If you want the most durable shingles available and are willing to pay a higher cost, consider Owens Corning Berkshire, CertainTeed Presidential Shake or Grand Manor, or even the IKO Crowne Slate.
Where are Atlas shingles available?
You can buy Atlas shingles or have a roofing contractor install them in most parts of the country – though they are scarce in California.
For DIY, Menards sells StormMaster Shake and Slate, Castlebrook, Briarwood Pro and Pinnacle Pristine, Atlas hip and ridge shingles and other accessories. Many other building supply stores have them too – it varies around the country.
What Atlas shingles are available where I live?
It’s hard to say. Atlas’s website doesn’t give you the option to type in your zip code to see which lines are available to you – a feature offered on the CertainTeed and GAF sites. Generally speaking, all Atlas lines should be available wherever Atlas shingles are sold.
https://www.certainteed.com/residential-roofing/products/
Does Atlas make solar energy roofing?
No. The brand makes a couple solar-reflective asphalt shingles, Pinnacle Pristine in Pearl and GlassMaster in Cool White.
Atlas doesn’t make any true solar-energy products like CertainTeed Apollo II shingles and tiles.