GAF Royal Sovereign Shingles: America's Best-Selling 3-Tab Roofing
Roofing Solutions for Homes & Businesses
FROM THE MOST AWARDED ROOFER IN NEW YORK
For over 50 years, GAF Royal Sovereign shingles have been the most popular 3-tab roofing choice in America.
More than 10 billion Royal Sovereign shingles have been installed across North America—enough to circle the Earth over 200 times if laid end to end. This remarkable track record reflects a simple truth: Royal Sovereign delivers reliable protection and timeless appearance at a price that works for budget-conscious homeowners.
County Roofing Systems has installed countless Royal Sovereign roofs throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the greater New York City area.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor with 35+ years of roofing experience, we understand when Royal Sovereign is the smart choice and when homeowners should consider upgrading to architectural alternatives. We provide honest, straightforward guidance based on your specific needs—not just trying to maximize our profit on every job.
Understanding Royal Sovereign’s Market Position
Royal Sovereign occupies a specific position in GAF’s product lineup: quality 3-tab shingles from America’s largest roofing manufacturer, offering dependable protection at accessible pricing.
These aren’t premium architectural shingles like Timberline HDZ or UHDZ, and they’re not designed to compete with those products. Instead, Royal Sovereign provides solid, time-tested performance for homeowners who need reliable roofing without spending for features they don’t require.
The 3-tab design creates the classic linear appearance that’s been protecting American homes for generations.
Each shingle features three distinct tabs separated by cutouts, producing horizontal lines across your roof when installed. Some homeowners genuinely prefer this traditional aesthetic, particularly on Colonial, Cape Cod, or other classic architectural styles where the clean, simple lines complement the home’s character.
The construction is straightforward: a fiberglass mat core provides structural strength while weather-grade asphalt and ceramic granules protect against UV radiation, weather, and wear. This proven design has sheltered millions of homes through decades of service—a track record that speaks to fundamental reliability.
THE BEST GUARANTEE IN THE INDUSTRY
50-Year Material, 25-Year Labor Guarantee
We’ve met the toughest requirements in the residential roofing industry- and we use only the best materials.
That’s why we stand behind our work with the best guarantee in the industry– including warranties only 2% of roofing companies can offer.
Your house deserves the best roofing warranty on the market. Give us a call today and get a brand new roof with a 50-year material, 25-year labor warranty from the best roofing contractor in Long Island and New York.
Advanced Protection Shingle Technology
GAF subjects Royal Sovereign shingles to their Advanced Protection manufacturing standards, which reduce material usage while maintaining protective performance.
Royal Sovereign shingles are built to provide long-lasting protection, emphasizing durability and strength against wind and fire. This isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about engineering efficiency that lowers costs without compromising the shingle’s fundamental job of protecting your home.
Advanced Protection includes over 4,375 quality control checks throughout manufacturing. Every Royal Sovereign shingle is tested and inspected to ensure it meets GAF’s specifications for thickness, granule adhesion, mat integrity, asphalt quality, and dimensional accuracy.
The Micro Weave fiberglass mat core provides a strong foundation that resists cracking and splitting. This reinforced construction helps Royal Sovereign shingles withstand thermal expansion and contraction, foot traffic during maintenance, and the gradual stresses that all roofs experience over decades of service.
Royal Sovereign shingles are designed to enhance the performance of roofing systems.
Wind Resistance Performance
One area where Royal Sovereign punches above its budget-oriented price point is wind resistance.
These 3-tab shingles are warranted to withstand wind speeds up to 60 mph and pass both ASTM D3161 Class F (110 mph) and ASTM D7158 Class H (150 mph) wind resistance tests under controlled laboratory conditions.
Royal Sovereign shingles are built to withstand winds up to 60 mph. The standard wind warranty coverage is 60 mph—adequate for many inland Long Island locations not directly exposed to coastal storms.
This level of wind resistance helps prevent shingle blow-offs during storms, offering added peace of mind for homeowners. While this doesn’t match the unlimited wind coverage available with Timberline installations using GAF’s complete system approach, it represents solid protection for properties in moderate wind zones.
For homes in sheltered neighborhoods, inland areas away from direct coastal exposure, or situations where budget constraints are paramount, Royal Sovereign’s 60 mph wind protection provides reasonable performance at an affordable price.
StainGuard Algae Resistance
Long Island’s humid climate creates ideal conditions for roof algae growth. Homes without algae protection develop unsightly black streaks within just a few years—a problem that affects curb appeal and can accelerate roof aging.
Royal Sovereign shingles include GAF’s StainGuard® Protection, which uses time-release copper-containing granules to inhibit blue-green algae colonization.
StainGuard protection helps ensure the beauty of your roof against blue-green algae stains. This protection is backed by a 10-year limited warranty against algae discoloration—meaningful coverage at the economy price point.
Many budget 3-tab shingles lack any algae resistance, leaving homeowners to watch their roofs turn black and streaky shortly after installation. Royal Sovereign’s inclusion of StainGuard® Protection represents genuine added value that helps preserve your roof’s appearance and your home’s curb appeal.
Color Lock Ceramic Firing
Royal Sovereign shingles feature Color Lock ceramic-fired granules that help maintain true shingle color throughout years of sun exposure. This proprietary granule technology resists UV degradation better than standard colored granules, keeping your roof looking fresher longer.
The color range includes seven popular options:
Charcoal – Classic dark gray
Weathered Gray – Mid-tone neutral gray
Aged Oak – Warm brown tones
Birchwood – Light brown-gray blend
Autumn Brown – Rich, traditional brown
Mission Brown – Deep brown
White – Bright white (available in select regions)
While this palette is more limited than architectural shingle options, it covers the most requested colors for value-oriented installations. County Roofing Systems maintains samples of all available colors so you can see exactly how they’ll look before making your selection.
Roofing Services
When Royal Sovereign Makes Sense
Royal Sovereign isn’t right for every situation, but it’s ideal for several common scenarios County Roofing Systems encounters regularly:
Strict Budget Constraints: If your roof needs replacement but funds are limited, Royal Sovereign provides reliable GAF protection without overspending. The material cost savings versus architectural shingles can reduce your total project cost by $2,500-$4,500 on a typical Long Island home.
Rental Properties and Investment Real Estate: Landlords balancing cost control with tenant-worthy quality find Royal Sovereign delivers appropriate protection at investment-friendly pricing. The 25-year warranty provides tenant confidence while lower costs improve your returns.
Simple Roof Geometries: Straightforward gable or hip roofs showcase 3-tab shingles’ clean aesthetic better than complex rooflines. Some traditional homes actually look better with classic 3-tab appearance than with dimensional architectural alternatives.
Properties with Limited Storm Exposure: If your home isn’t in a high-wind coastal zone or directly exposed to severe weather patterns, the 60 mph wind rating may provide adequate protection at substantial savings.
Short-Term Ownership Plans: If you’re selling within 5-10 years or anticipate renovations that might require roof modifications, Royal Sovereign provides functional protection without over-investing in premium features you won’t enjoy long enough to justify.
25-Year Limited Warranty with Smart Choice Protection
Royal Sovereign shingles come with GAF’s 25-year limited warranty including Smart Choice Protection—non-prorated coverage on both materials and installation labor for the first five years after installation.
During the Smart Choice period, if warranty-covered issues arise, GAF covers 100% of material costs and reasonable labor costs for repairs. This removes the depreciation factor that reduces coverage as shingles age, providing meaningful protection during the critical early years.
After the five-year Smart Choice period, the warranty continues but becomes prorated based on shingle age. This structure still provides valuable long-term coverage while recognizing that shingle performance naturally declines over time.
The warranty is transferable once if you sell your home, potentially providing value to buyers who appreciate GAF warranty backing on the roof.
Fill out the form below or give us a call today at (888) 366-6619 to get your free roof estimate:
Realistic Performance Expectations
County Roofing Systems believes in honest guidance about what you can expect from Royal Sovereign shingles:
Service Life: With proper installation and maintenance, Royal Sovereign typically lasts 20-25 years on Long Island. This is less than premium architectural shingles that might reach 30-40 years, but it’s honest performance for the price point. Your actual results depend on sun exposure, attic ventilation, maintenance quality, and weather exposure.
Wind Resistance: The 60 mph warranty is adequate for many situations but insufficient for exposed coastal properties or high-wind zones. Homeowners in vulnerable locations should seriously consider upgrading to Timberline shingles with higher wind ratings.
Impact Resistance: Royal Sovereign has standard impact resistance without special enhancements. These shingles are vulnerable to damage from falling branches, hail, and debris. Properties with large tree coverage or hail exposure benefit from Class 3 or Class 4 rated alternatives.
Appearance: The flat, linear 3-tab look is traditional and clean but lacks the dimensional depth of architectural shingles. For resale appeal, architectural shingles typically create stronger impressions, though some buyers specifically prefer classic 3-tab aesthetics.
FINANCE YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TODAY
0% Financing, Quick and Easy Approval
With nearly four decades serving homeowners under our belt, we know what’s needed to make your roofing project a success.
When you work with County Roofing, you get only the best. As little as 0% interest on approval for 5 years, quick approval, easy pay, and all backed by the best guarantees in the industry.
Installation Quality Matters
Royal Sovereign’s economy pricing doesn’t mean County Roofing Systems cuts corners on installation. We apply the same professional standards to every roof regardless of shingle choice:
Proper deck preparation addresses any warped, damaged, or deteriorated decking before installation begins. Money saved on shingle materials shouldn’t be undermined by inadequate deck preparation.
Quality underlayment creates secondary water protection across your entire roof. We install appropriate felt or synthetic products based on your roof’s specific needs and local building codes.
Required starter strips protect roof edges from wind uplift and provide proper sealing for the first shingle course. Some contractors skip starters on economy jobs—we never do, because this false economy leads to premature failure.
Adequate ventilation ensures your Royal Sovereign roof achieves its design life. Without proper attic airflow, heat buildup accelerates shingle aging and can void warranties. We assess ventilation requirements and install ridge vents, soffit vents, or other solutions to maintain appropriate attic temperatures.
Comparing Royal Sovereign to Alternatives
Understanding how Royal Sovereign compares to other options helps you make informed decisions:
Royal Sovereign shingles make effective use of advanced technology and materials to provide reliable protection and classic curb appeal. Each bundle of Royal Sovereign shingles covers approximately 33.33 sq. ft., and the typical length of each shingle is designed for efficient installation and consistent coverage.
vs. GAF Timberline HDZ: Timberline HDZ architectural shingles cost approximately 25-40% more than Royal Sovereign but provide dimensional appearance, LayerLock wind protection, and typically longer service life. For properties where appearance and longevity matter, HDZ delivers substantial additional value despite higher material costs.
vs. GAF Timberline UHDZ: UHDZ costs roughly 40-60% more than Royal Sovereign but includes Ultra High Definition appearance, 30-year algae warranty, and premium aesthetics. The performance and appearance gap is substantial—these represent different product classes entirely.
vs. Owens Corning Supreme: Supreme is Owens Corning’s 3-tab offering at similar pricing to Royal Sovereign. Both are quality economy shingles from top manufacturers. Choice often depends on contractor certification, color preferences, or warranty details rather than major performance differences.
For most homeowners choosing Royal Sovereign, the key comparison is against Timberline HDZ. The jump from Royal Sovereign to HDZ is moderate in cost but significant in performance and appearance.
The County Roofing Systems Approach
Our 35+ years serving Long Island means we’ve installed thousands of Royal Sovereign roofs—and we’ve also replaced failed Royal Sovereign installations done incorrectly by other contractors. This experience guides our honest approach:
We won’t recommend Royal Sovereign if your situation demands better performance. If you’re in a high-wind coastal zone, have significant tree coverage creating impact risks, or need maximum curb appeal for an imminent sale, we’ll explain why upgrading makes sense even if it exceeds your initial budget.
Conversely, we won’t push premium shingles when Royal Sovereign meets your needs. If you’re properly balancing cost and performance for a rental property, budget-limited replacement, or short-term ownership scenario, Royal Sovereign provides genuine GAF quality at appropriate pricing.
We install Royal Sovereign to the same quality standards we apply to premium installations. Your economy roof gets proper deck preparation, quality underlayment, correct fastening, adequate ventilation, and careful workmanship. The materials might be value-oriented, but installation quality never is.
Our Master Elite contractor status means your Royal Sovereign roof is eligible for GAF warranty coverage and proper registration, protecting your investment even at the economy price point.
Get Expert Guidance on Your Roofing Decision
Roof replacement decisions shouldn’t be made in isolation. County Roofing Systems provides free consultations where we evaluate your specific property, discuss your goals and budget honestly, and provide detailed pricing for Royal Sovereign and alternative options that might better suit your needs.
Our 35+ years serving Long Island homeowners means we understand local conditions, building codes, and the real-world performance different shingles deliver in our climate. We’ll give you straight answers about what Royal Sovereign can and can’t do—and whether it’s the right choice for your particular situation.
Call (888) 366-6619 today to schedule your free roof evaluation and estimate. Whether you choose Royal Sovereign or upgrade to architectural alternatives, you’ll make an informed decision backed by expert guidance from one of Long Island’s most experienced roofing contractors.
OVER 35 YEARS IN THE ROOFING INDUSTRY
Long Island and Westchester's Go-To Roofing Contractor
Keith Schmied, CEO of County Roofing Systems, is a native Long Islander.
He’s worked on houses throughout Long Island and the greater New York area for nearly four decades with countless happy customers.
We’ll give your old home a beautiful and durable roof that doesn’t just look good- it also saves you money on your energy bills. We can handle everything from minor repairs to a full roof installation. No matter what you need, we’re here to help.
If you’ve had problems with bad roofing contractors in the past, give us a call. We do the job right the first time and we stand behind our work.
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Up to 15 years
Monthly payments as low as $149
Contact Us Today for Your In-Home Roofing Consultation: