The Right Shingle for the CSRA
We install asphalt shingles from five of the most trusted manufacturers in the country. Whatever brand you have your heart set on, we can put it on your home — and if you want our honest opinion, we'll tell you exactly which one we'd put on our own.
Atlas Pinnacle Pristine
Premium algae protection at a price that makes sense.
Homeowners ask us all the time, "If it were your house, what would you use?" Our answer is the Atlas Pinnacle Pristine. It's a fantastic value — and it does the one thing that matters most on a roof in Aiken, North Augusta and Evans better than anything else we install: it fights off algae.
- Built-in algae defense. Pinnacle Pristine uses Scotchgard™ Protector from 3M — copper-containing granules with a porous ceramic coating that slowly releases copper over time to keep black streaks from taking hold.
- Lifetime algae warranty. Atlas backs it with a lifetime algae-resistance limited warranty when installed with matching Pro-Cut® Hip & Ridge — the longest algae coverage of any shingle we offer.
- 130 mph wind warranty. Strong wind coverage for the summer storms that roll through the CSRA.
- Bigger shingle, cleaner install. Pinnacle Pristine is made in Atlas's oversized HP42 format, with a wide nailing "sweet spot" that helps our crews nail accurately.
- Real value. You get top-tier algae protection without paying a premium-line price.
Those Black Streaks Aren't Dirt
The dark streaks you see running down roofs around Aiken and Augusta are algae. Our hot, humid summers and shaded, tree-lined neighborhoods make the CSRA a perfect place for it to grow — which is why algae protection is the first thing we look at when choosing a shingle.
It Spreads Fast Here
Airborne algae spores land on the roof, feed on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles, and thrive in heat, humidity and shade — conditions the CSRA has most of the year.
It Ruins Curb Appeal
Streaks can make a fairly new roof look tired and neglected, which matters if you ever plan to sell. Pressure washing to remove them can strip the protective granules off your shingles.
Copper Stops It
Copper-containing granules release a little copper every time it rains, which keeps algae from establishing. How well that works over decades — and how long it's warrantied — is where shingles really differ.
How the Brands Compare
Every brand below makes a quality architectural shingle, and we're happy to install any of them. Here's how each manufacturer's most popular line stacks up on the features we think matter most in our climate.
| Feature | AtlasPinnacle Pristine ★ Our Pick | GAFTimberline HDZ | Owens CorningTruDefinition Duration | CertainTeedLandmark / Landmark PRO | IKODynasty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algae technology | Scotchgard™ Protector by 3M (ceramic-coated copper granules) | StainGuard Plus™ time-release algae protection | StreakGuard™ algae resistance | StreakFighter® algae resistance | Algae-resistant granules |
| Algae warranty | Lifetime with Pro-Cut® Hip & Ridge | 25 years | 25 years with OC hip & ridge | 25 years (Landmark) 30 years (Landmark PRO) | 10 years |
| Wind warranty | 130 mph | 130 mph standard; no wind speed limit with required GAF accessories | 130 mph | 110 mph standard; 130 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip & ridge | 130 mph |
| Nailing feature | HP42 oversized shingle with wide nailing "sweet spot" | LayerLock® / StrikeZone™ wide nailing area | SureNail® reinforced fabric nailing strip | NailTrak® nailing guides | ArmourZone® woven nailing surface |
| Shingle warranty | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited | Limited lifetime |
| Best for | Homeowners who want the strongest algae protection and the best overall value | Brand recognition and the widest color selection | Homeowners who like Owens Corning's bold, high-contrast colors | A heavier, premium look (especially Landmark PRO) | A solid, budget-friendly option |
← Swipe to compare all five brands →
Warranty terms are set by each manufacturer and often depend on using their matching accessories (starter strips, hip & ridge, underlayment) and on contractor certification level. Specifications reflect each manufacturer's published information as of October 2026 and may change — we'll walk you through the exact warranty for the product you choose before you sign anything.
A Closer Look at Each Brand
Atlas Roofing
Atlas doesn't spend as much on national advertising as the bigger names, and that's part of why Pinnacle Pristine is such a good value. What you're paying for is the shingle itself: Scotchgard™ Protector algae technology, a lifetime algae warranty, 130 mph wind coverage, and an oversized format that installs clean and true. For a home in the CSRA, it's the shingle we recommend first.
Best algae protection + best valueGAF
One of the most widely installed shingles in the country. Timberline HDZ has a very wide nailing zone, a 25-year StainGuard Plus™ algae warranty, and a wind warranty with no maximum speed when installed with GAF's required accessories.
Most recognized nameOwens Corning
Known for its bold, high-contrast color blends and its SureNail® reinforced nailing strip. Duration carries 130 mph wind coverage, and Owens Corning's StreakGuard™ algae warranty is 25 years when installed with their hip & ridge.
Signature color blendsCertainTeed
A heavier shingle with a premium look. Landmark carries a 25-year algae warranty and Landmark PRO steps that up to 30 years. Standard wind coverage is 110 mph, upgradable to 130 mph with CertainTeed accessories.
Premium heft & appearanceIKO
A dependable architectural shingle with a woven ArmourZone® nailing surface and 130 mph wind coverage. Its algae warranty is the shortest of the group at 10 years, which is why we usually steer CSRA homeowners toward other options.
Budget-friendlyCommon Questions
Can I choose a shingle brand other than Atlas?
Absolutely. We install Atlas, GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed and IKO, and you can choose any shingle line from those manufacturers. We recommend Atlas Pinnacle Pristine because of its algae protection and value, but it's your home and your decision.
Why do you care so much about algae protection?
The CSRA's heat, humidity and shade make it ideal for the algae that cause black streaks on roofs. Streaks hurt curb appeal and can make a newer roof look old. A shingle with strong, long-warrantied algae resistance keeps your roof looking the way it did on install day.
What's the best shingle for Aiken, North Augusta and Evans?
For most homes in the area, we recommend the Atlas Pinnacle Pristine. It combines 3M Scotchgard™ Protector algae technology and a lifetime algae warranty with 130 mph wind coverage at an excellent price.
Can I see shingle samples before I decide?
Yes — and we recommend it. Colors look different on a screen than they do on a roof in direct sunlight. Ask us to bring samples to your inspection or estimate appointment.
Not Sure Which Shingle Is Right for You?
We'll walk your roof, talk through your options and give you a straightforward recommendation — with zero hidden costs. Real people answer our phones 24/7.