Material Grade
The quality level and specifications of roofing materials, which affects durability, warranty, and price.
Why Grade Matters
Not all asphalt shingles are the same. Grade determines warranty length (15 years vs. 40 years), hail rating (from D to AAA), and lifespan (20 vs. 30 years).
A contractor saying "asphalt shingles" without specifying grade is hiding something—probably a cheap option.
Common Grades
For asphalt: Standard (25-year) vs. Premium (40-year). For metal: Standard gauge (26g) vs. Heavy gauge (24g). For slate: Different quarries and thicknesses.
Premium grades cost more upfront but last longer and have better warranties.
When You Get Estimates
Always ask contractors to specify: brand name, warranty length, hail rating, and exact grade. "Asphalt shingles" means nothing. "Certainteed Landmark 30-year, grade D hail rating" means something.
Compare apples to apples, not price to price.