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Maybe you’ve seen a neighbor’s roof being redone with something that doesn’t look like the usual asphalt. Or you’ve heard about CertainTeed’s Presidential Shake shingles and wondered if they’re actually worth the extra cost. You’re not alone.
More homeowners in Northeastern Ohio are asking us about luxury shingles, especially when they’re looking for a roof that lasts longer and holds up better in harsh weather. It’s a fair question—are high-end shingles like Presidential Shake really worth it, or are they just a cosmetic upgrade?
At S&K Construction and Remodeling, we’ve installed these shingles on homes across Lake County, and we’ve also helped homeowners decide when they’re not the right fit. If you’re trying to make the right call for your home and budget, this post breaks it down clearly.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What Presidential Shake shingles are and how they compare to regular shingles
- Real costs, real lifespan, and what you can expect in Lake County
- Pros and cons based on actual experience
- What to consider before upgrading
- Straightforward answers to common questions
S&K Construction and Remodeling is here to help, with advice grounded in experience, not sales goals.
What Are Presidential Shake Shingles — and Why Some Homeowners Choose Them
The Basics: What Makes them “Luxury”
Presidential Shake shingles are a premium asphalt shingle line designed to mimic the look of wood shake. Instead of a thin, flat shingle, these are multi-layered, heavier, and built with durability in mind. They carry higher fire resistance, stronger wind and impact ratings, and often come with a longer warranty when properly installed.
In simple homespeak: they’re meant to last longer, weather better, and look more substantial than basic or even architectural shingles.
Why That Matters in Northeastern Ohio
Our weather ranges from icy winters to sunny summers, heavy rains to hail, and sometimes strong winds. A regular shingle may hold up — but over time, freeze‑thaw, granule loss, and repeated storms wear on them. Presidential Shake gives homeowners a roofing option that’s engineered for stress.
If your goal is to protect your home for 30–40 years without frequent repairs or worry, a heavier, high‑quality roof can make sense.
What to Know Before Choosing a Luxury Roof
Before you decide to upgrade to something like Presidential Shake, it helps to understand what’s involved.
What Affects the Cost and Performance
- Roof size and complexity. More square footage or complicated roof shapes (dormers, hips, valleys) means more material and labor.
- Tear‑off vs overlay. For a long-lasting roof, we almost always recommend a full tear‑off, followed by fresh underlayment and proper ventilation.
- Roof deck condition. Because the shingles are heavier, the deck needs to be solid. Any weak or damaged decking should be repaired first.
- Ventilation and moisture protection. Good attic airflow, ridge vents, underlayment, and ice-and-water shields are crucial — especially with our winters.
- Long-term plans. If you plan to stay in your home for decades, a luxury roof can pay off. If you might sell soon, you might want to factor that in.
We always walk through these with homeowners before any shingles get ordered.
What Does a Presidential Shake Roof Cost — And What You Get
What You Might Pay
On a typical 2,500 sq ft home in Lake County:
- A quality architectural asphalt roof (tear‑off and install) might cost $10,000 to $14,000
- A Presidential Shake roof typically runs $14,000 to $18,000+, depending on complexity and material grade
Yes — you’ll pay more up front. But you’ll be paying for durability, appearance, and longevity.
What You Get With a Quality Installation
- Full tear-off of old roof
- New underlayment, ice‑water shield, proper flashing
- Proper ventilation setup (ridge vents, intake vents, attic airflow)
- High‑quality Presidential Shake shingles
- Cleanup, inspection, and warranty paperwork
For example, a recent roof we quoted in Mentor was just over 2,600 square feet. The homeowner was exploring Presidential Shake because they wanted a long-term solution and were tired of dealing with repairs every few years. The estimate came in around $17,000, which included tear-off, upgraded underlayment, ridge ventilation, and the full Presidential Shake system. In their case, the higher upfront cost made sense for the peace of mind it offered.
Pros and Cons: Is the Upgrade Worth It for You?
What You Get With Premium Shingles
- Longer-lasting roof (often 30–50 years)
- Better resistance to snow, hail, wind, and ice
- Attractive, textured look — more curb appeal than flat shingles
- Less long-term maintenance and fewer premature replacements
- Stronger warranties when installed correctly
What You Trade Off
- Higher upfront cost
- Heavier materials — requires good deck condition and proper install
- More exacting installation standards — underlayment, ventilation, flashing
- Higher upfront labor and material charges
- Not always ideal if you plan to move soon
For many homeowners, the added cost is worth the long-term benefits. But it only pays off if the installation is done right — and that’s where an experienced local contractor matters.
Presidential Shake FAQs from Lake County Homeowners
If you’re considering a luxury shingle like CertainTeed Presidential Shake, you’re probably weighing the investment carefully. Below are some of the most common questions we get from homeowners here in Lake County.
Are Presidential Shake shingles worth the cost?
Presidential Shake shingles are often worth the cost if you’re planning to stay in your home long term. They’re designed to last longer, hold up better in severe weather, and add visual appeal that can improve resale value over time.
How long does a Presidential Shake roof last?
A Presidential Shake roof typically lasts between 30 to 50 years when installed correctly and maintained. That’s significantly longer than most standard architectural shingles, which often need replacement after 20–30 years.
How do Presidential Shake shingles perform in Ohio weather?
Presidential Shake shingles perform well in Lake County’s four-season climate. They handle wind, ice, snow, and hail better than many standard shingles, thanks to their heavier construction and layered design.
Will installing Presidential Shake shingles increase my home’s value?
Yes, Presidential Shake shingles can increase your home’s value by boosting curb appeal and signaling to buyers that the roof won’t need replacing anytime soon. This can be especially beneficial in higher-end neighborhoods or when selling a long-held home.
Can Presidential Shake shingles be installed over my current roof?
No, Presidential Shake shingles should not be installed over existing roofing. Because of their weight and design, they require a full tear-off to ensure the roof deck is in good shape and the system is properly ventilated and sealed.
Are these shingles harder to maintain?
Presidential Shake shingles are not difficult to maintain, but like all roofs, they benefit from seasonal inspections, gutter cleaning, and proper attic ventilation. They generally require less maintenance than natural wood shakes or lower-grade asphalt shingles.
Final Thoughts: What Makes Sense for Your Home
There’s no universal “right” answer. The decision depends on your home, budget, and how long you plan to stay.
If you want a roof that lasts decades, handles storms and snow, and gives your home a premium look — Presidential Shake shingles are often worth the price. If you prefer lower upfront cost or expect to move in the near future, standard shingles remain a reasonable and reliable choice.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling, we’ve helped many homeowners in Lake County weigh these decisions. We inspect roofs, suggest options, and deal with permits, materials, and installation — with no saved-up sales pitch.
If you’d like to see whether Presidential Shake shingles suit your home, give us a call for a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll walk your roof with you, explain the options, and help you decide with confidence.
