A roof replacement is not only about stopping leaks. For many Des Moines homeowners, it is a decision about how their home will look, how it will handle Midwest weather, and whether the investment will hold its value over time. A CertainTeed Presidential roof is designed for homeowners who want the dimensional appearance of traditional cedar shake with the familiar performance and maintenance requirements of an asphalt shingle system.
Its bold profile can make a major visual difference, particularly on larger homes, historic-style properties, and homes with steep rooflines. But its premium appearance also comes with a higher material and installation cost than standard architectural shingles. The right choice depends on your home, budget, roof structure, and expectations for long-term protection.
What Is a CertainTeed Presidential Roof?
CertainTeed Presidential shingles are premium, multi-layer asphalt shingles made to create a deep, shadowed look that resembles hand-split cedar shakes. They are substantially thicker and more dimensional than conventional three-tab shingles and many standard architectural shingle options.
The result is a roof with more visual weight. Instead of a flatter, repeating shingle pattern, Presidential shingles create pronounced lines and irregular-looking texture that can give a home a more established, upscale appearance.
This style is often a strong fit for Colonial, Craftsman, Tudor, traditional, and estate-style homes. It can also bring character to a newer home that needs more architectural definition. On a simple ranch home with a low-slope roof, however, much of that premium texture may be less visible from the street. That is one reason a product that looks excellent on one home may not be the best value on another.
How a CertainTeed Presidential Roof Handles Iowa Weather
Des Moines roofs must contend with strong winds, driving rain, ice, heavy snow, summer heat, and rapid temperature swings. A premium asphalt shingle can provide dependable protection when it is installed as part of a complete roofing system, not simply nailed over an aging roof deck.
Strengths of a heavier shingle profile
The layered construction of Presidential shingles gives them a substantial look and feel. Their weight and design can be reassuring for homeowners who want a roof that does not appear thin or easily worn. Many Presidential product configurations also offer high fire ratings and wind-resistance options when installed according to manufacturer requirements.
The shingles are available with algae-resistant technology intended to help limit the dark streaking that can develop on roofs over time. That can be especially valuable on shaded roof sections or homes surrounded by mature trees, though no roofing material is completely maintenance-free.
Just as important, the roof needs the right supporting components. Ice and water protection in vulnerable areas, quality underlayment, correctly installed flashing, balanced attic ventilation, and properly integrated gutters all affect how well the roof performs through Iowa winters and spring storms.
What the shingle cannot solve by itself
A premium shingle is not a substitute for correcting underlying issues. If roof decking is soft, attic moisture is excessive, flashing has failed, or ventilation is inadequate, those conditions should be addressed during the replacement process.
Presidential shingles are also still asphalt shingles. They offer a premium asphalt appearance and strong performance, but they do not provide the same long-term material profile as stone-coated steel roofing. Homeowners comparing those options should consider more than curb appeal. Expected service life, storm exposure, maintenance preferences, weight, and budget all deserve a place in the conversation.
Curb Appeal Is a Major Part of the Value
A CertainTeed Presidential roof is often selected because it changes the entire appearance of a home. Its deep shadow lines can make roof planes more noticeable and can help a home feel more finished from the curb.
Color selection matters as much as shingle style. A warm brown or weathered wood tone may complement brick, tan siding, and natural stone. Gray blends can work well with white trim, black windows, and cooler exterior palettes. Darker colors often create a dramatic appearance, but they can also show debris, pollen, and fading differently over the years.
Before making a final choice, look at large samples outdoors rather than relying only on a small brochure swatch. Morning light, afternoon sun, nearby trees, and the color of your siding can all change the way a roof color reads from the street.
A roof replacement is also a practical time to evaluate the rest of the exterior. Aging gutters, damaged siding, inefficient windows, or poor drainage can weaken both protection and curb appeal. Coordinating these needs can help ensure the finished exterior works together rather than forcing separate repairs later.
Cost Considerations for Presidential Shingles
Presidential shingles typically cost more than entry-level and mid-range architectural asphalt shingles. The difference reflects their multi-layer construction, heavier materials, premium styling, and the added labor involved in installing a more substantial roofing product.
The final price is not determined by shingle selection alone. Roof size, pitch, valleys, dormers, skylights, chimney flashing, deck repairs, tear-off requirements, ventilation upgrades, and local labor conditions all influence the total investment. A large, steep roof with multiple intersecting sections requires more time and material than a simple gable roof, even when both use the same shingle.
The lowest estimate is rarely the clearest measure of value. Homeowners should understand what the proposal includes: tear-off, disposal, decking allowances, underlayment, ice protection, flashing, ventilation, cleanup, workmanship coverage, and warranty registration requirements. A detailed quote makes it easier to compare roofing systems fairly.
Financing can also make a premium roof more manageable, especially when a replacement cannot wait for ideal timing. The goal is not to stretch a budget for a feature that does not serve the home. It is to choose a system that provides meaningful protection and appearance without creating avoidable financial pressure.
Installation Quality Protects the Investment
Even the best shingle can fail early if installation details are overlooked. This is especially true with high-profile shingles, where alignment, fastening, starter materials, ridge components, and flashing details affect both weather resistance and the finished appearance.
A qualified roofing contractor should inspect the roof deck after tear-off, identify areas needing repair, and explain how the new system will manage water around chimneys, walls, valleys, vents, and eaves. They should also assess attic ventilation. Inadequate ventilation can contribute to excessive heat and moisture, which may shorten the life of roofing materials and create issues inside the home.
Ask direct questions before work begins. Confirm whether the estimate includes removal of the existing roof, how hidden deck damage will be handled, which underlayment and flashing materials will be used, and what workmanship protection is provided. Clear answers help prevent surprises once the project is underway.
When Presidential Shingles Make Sense
A Presidential roof can be a worthwhile choice when a home has prominent rooflines and the homeowner wants a premium, cedar-shake-inspired look without choosing natural wood. It can also make sense for homeowners who plan to remain in the home for many years and want to invest in a stronger visual statement.
It may be less practical when the roof design is simple and low-profile, the budget is focused on essential replacement needs, or the homeowner is primarily seeking the longest possible material lifespan. In those situations, a high-quality dual-layer architectural shingle or a stone-coated steel system may offer a better match.
There is no single best roof for every Iowa home. At Guardian Roofing, the most useful recommendation starts with the condition of your current roof, your home’s architecture, and the protection you expect from the investment.
Make the Decision With the Whole Exterior in Mind
A new roof should make your home feel protected before the next storm arrives and look right every time you pull into the driveway. If the bold, layered character of Presidential shingles fits your home and priorities, it can be an attractive long-term choice. The next step is a careful roof evaluation and a clear, itemized estimate that lets you compare your options with confidence.
