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Shingle selection is obviously a critical step during the roof replacement process. And because there are so many options on the market, many homeowners don’t even know where to begin.
To help, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for one of the leading options available: Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles. Some of the most durable and attractive shingles around, Atlas StormMaster Shingles should be on just about every homeowner’s short list.
We’ll explain everything you need to know about these shingles, from the materials they’re made from, to the colors they come in, to the warranty backing them. Hopefully, this will help you decide if they’re the ideal choice for your home.
What Are Shake Shingles? How Do They Differ From Traditional Shingles?
Though shake shingles have a lot of similarities to traditional shingles, they also differ in a number of key ways.
For example, shake shingles still work like traditional shingles, and they work together to create a scale-like covering for your roof that sheds water and protects your underlayment and decking from wind and rain. They’re even installed in a more or less similar manner, using nails to attach them to your roof deck.
However, shake shingles are made from thick slabs of wood rather than asphalt. They’re also added individually, rather than in groups the way asphalt shingles are. This means that while shake shingles are remarkably durable and incredibly attractive, they’re quite a bit more expensive than asphalt shingles.
Enter the Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingle — a synthetic shake shingle that’s built around an asphalt core. The result is a shingle that looks like a shake shingle, yet is lighter, easier to install, and more durable. Luckily for homeowners, Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are also more affordable than having a traditional shake shingle roof installed.
Key Features: What Makes Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles Stand Out?
Let’s be clear: All Atlas shingles are high-quality roofing products that are widely regarded as being some of the best options available in the entire roofing industry. However, their StormMaster Shake Shingle line in particular is particularly popular among homeowners and roofing professionals alike.
This is partially due to the fact that they feature Atlas’ most advanced technology and materials, but they’re also backed by the best warranty Atlas offers. They also give homeowners the chance to enjoy the shake-style aesthetic at a much more attractive price point.
Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles: Key Features and Innovations
Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles rely on the manufacturer’s Core4 construction platform and materials. This provides the shingles with several important benefits, including:
- Sweet Spot Nailing Area with FASTAC: To ensure they are capable of withstanding winds of 150 miles an hour or more, these shingles include a special nailing zone and double sealant line.
- HP42 Technology: The composition of these shingles includes asphalt and other materials to provide additional strength, incredible impact resistance, and greater longevity than many similar products.
- Class A Fire Resistance: Unlike wood shake shingles, Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are made from materials that’ll slow the spread of fire and allow them to earn a Class A fire rating — the highest rating available.
- Core4 Polymer Modified Technology: When compared to other shingles, Atlas’ StormMaster Shake Shingles provide greater shingle strength, thanks to the manufacturer’s Core4 Polymer Technology.
- 3M Smog-Reducing Granules: To help reduce smog, these shingles rely on granules that convert toxic nitric oxide into plant-friendly nitrates, which simply wash away when it rains.
- Scotchgard Protector by 3M: StormMaster Shake Shingles feature a Scotchgard Protector by 3M coating that helps prevent the unsightly black streaks many other shingles display over time.
- Class 4 Impact Rating: These shingles can withstand a simulated 2-inch hailstone impact without showing evidence of fractures or cracks, earning them a Class 4 Impact Rating.
Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles: Specifications
Some of the details of StormMaster Shake Shingles include:
- Wind Resistance: 150 miles per hour
- Algae Resistance: Lifetime
- Fire Rating: Class A (the highest possible fire rating)
- Shingles Per Square: 56
- Bundles Per Square: 3
- Coverage Per Square: 96 square feet
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty, with a 20-year non-prorated period
How Much Do Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles Cost?
Generally speaking, homeowners will have to pay between $6.00 and $12.00 per square foot to have Atlas StormMaster Shingles installed on their home. This is clearly quite a price range, which could significantly affect the total cost of the project.
A few of the factors that’ll influence the total costs you’ll pay include:
The Complexity of Your Roof
No matter what kind of shingles you choose to have installed, the layout and relative complexity of your roof will play a big part in the overall costs of the project. If you have a number of hips, valleys, vents, and unusual design features, your roof replacement will cost more than it would if your roof were relatively simple.
Your Geographic Location
The cost of living in your specific location will play a part in the total cost of a shingle installation project. Simply put, roofing professionals operating in more expensive areas face higher overhead costs, and this affects the typical labor rates they must charge.
Roof Accessibility
Some roofs are easier to access than others, and this factor is taken into account in the total cost of a reroofing project. If you have a number of landscaping features that make your roof difficult to access, or scaffolding must be constructed to provide access, you’ll typically face higher costs.
Shingle Tear-Off and Disposal
Removing the existing shingles from your home and disposing of them properly is often a costly step in the roof replacement process, and this will be reflected in the estimate you’re provided with. That’s why layover installations (when feasible) are generally much more affordable.
Additional Materials
Roof replacement often involves other materials besides shingles. You may need to have new underlayment, vents, decking, or flashing installed during the process, and all of these things come with associated costs (including both the material costs and the labor costs for their installation).
Contractor Experience and Expertise
Typically, roofing professionals who have more skills and experience charge higher rates for their labor than startup roofing contractors, who are still establishing their business. But while you may be able to save a bit of money upfront by selecting an inexperienced roofer, you may face additional costs later on if the shingles weren’t installed properly.
How Does the Atlas StormMaster Warranty Work?
Given the fact that roof replacement requires a significant investment, it’s always important to consider the warranty offered for any type of shingle or metal roofing panel you want installed on your home. Fortunately for homeowners considering Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles, they’re backed by one of the best warranties in the entire roofing industry.
The shingles themselves are warrantied, but they also offer the Signature Select Warranty for homeowners who purchase the complete Atlas roofing system. This includes not only the shingles, but also the underlayment, flashing, and ventilation system.
Provided that the shingles are properly installed, they’re covered for the following things under the Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingle Warranty:
- Defects in materials and workmanship (for as long as you own your home)
- Winds of up to 150 miles per hour (for 15 years)
- Algae growth (for as long as you own your home)
That’s all included in the basic shingle warranty. But if you purchase a complete roofing system along with the Atlas Signature Select Coverage, you’ll also be protected from:
- Defects in any of the roofing system components, including shingles, underlayment, ventilation, etc.
- The labor costs associated with any repairs necessary
It’s also important to note that this warranty is transferable when you sell your home.
Just understand that while Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are backed by one of the best warranties in the entire roofing industry, it is critical that you have your roof replacement project completed by a qualified roofing contractor.
This helps to ensure that the shingles will be properly installed, and it also means that Atlas will be more likely to honor the warranty and cover any roof repairs deemed necessary.
But that’s not a problem when you trust the professionals at Willow Ash Roofing. As Atlas Pro Gold Select Contractors, we’ve demonstrated the integrity, professionalism, and expertise necessary to earn Atlas’ trust.
Atlas StormMaster Shingle Colors
One of the most appealing things about Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles is the variety of colors they’re offered in. In total, you can choose from 10 different colors to match your home and your aesthetic tastes:
- Aspen Grove
- Pewter
- Copper Canyon
- Moonlight Beach
- Morning Harvest
- Midnight Lake
- Grand Teton
- Black Shadow
- Chestnut
- Weathered Wood
Most of these colors will work quite well with homes in the Charleston, SC area.
Selecting the Best Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingle Color for Your Home
While you should focus on things like style, durability, and cost during the first stages of the shingle-selection process, you can start to consider the color that’ll work best for your house once you’ve narrowed down your options.
But that shouldn’t imply that shingle color isn’t an important consideration — shingle color will have a big influence on the overall aesthetics and curb appeal (and therefore resale value) of your home. In fact, selecting a shingle color that matches your home essentially serves as an instant upgrade.
There are no hard-and-fast rules regarding color selection, but most homeowners find that homes featuring “cool” color schemes look best with grey or blue shingles. On the other hand, “warmer” color palettes tend to work best with earth-toned or neutral color shingles.
Start by simply trying to narrow down your options to the two or three you like best. It’s also wise to look at lots of photographs of other homes featuring similar color schemes to get some ideas. Once you have narrowed your options down to a few leading contenders, you can request a few samples from your Willow Ash Roofing representative.
2025 Shingle Color of the Year: Midnight Lake
While you certainly don’t have to pay attention to current fads or trends, some homeowners are interested to know which color shingles are currently turning heads and rising in popularity. Atlas tries to make this easy by recognizing a different color every year as its “color of the year.”
For the year 2025, Atlas has identified Midnight Lake as its Color of the Year.
A pretty dark color (in fact, it’s one of the darkest in the entire StormMaster lineup), Midnight Lake is said to have been inspired by the “depth and richness of a moonlit lake.” The color works well with an array of different color schemes and provides a bold look that many homeowners love.
Atlas recommends pairing the color with two options from the Sherwin-Williams Color Palate of the Year: Sherwin-Williams Rain Cloud and Sherwin-Williams White Snow. These kinds of color combinations will help draw attention to the unique architectural details of your home and provide a charming combination of “sophistication and subtlety,” in Atlas’ own words.
What Do Roofing Pros Think of Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles?
Generally speaking, Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are well-regarded among roofing professionals. While some individual roofers prefer other brands, Atlas’ products are widely recognized as being high-quality products — especially in the case of Atlas’ premium offerings, such as their StormMaster Shake line.
Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) tested several leading shingle brands in 2023. They found that StormMaster Shake Shingles were capable of withstanding hail impacts and providing better protection than some other brands. They were also one of only three brands that received an “excellent” rating for granules. They also received a “good” rating for tear strength.
Roofing Insights also found that Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles performed well, giving them a 97 overall rating in the publication’s 2024 comparison. This allowed them to earn a six-way tie for first place (there were 21 competitors in total).
Other Shingle Options Available from Atlas
While most homeowners who select Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are very happy with their choice, they aren’t ideal for every home or situation. Accordingly, it’s worth considering the other options offered by Atlas.
Just note that while most of these shingles provide some of the benefits StormMaster Shingles do, none of them provide all of the same benefits.
- Pinnacle Impact: These shingles are great for homeowners who want a Class 4 impact resistance, yet need a more affordable option than StormMaster Shake Shingles.
- Pinnacle Sun: Pinnacle Sun Shingles feature cooling roof granules that reflect sunlight away from the roof to keep your home cooler and Scotchgard Protector to prevent algae growth.
- Pinnacle Pristine: The perfect choice for homeowners seeking a ton of color options, these shingles provide Class 3 impact resistance, and they’re available in 16 different colors.
- ProLam: Featuring smog-reducing technology and a distinctive texture that provides a polished appearance, Atlas ProLam Shingles are an eye-catching option.
- Briarwood Pro: The Briarwood Pro line comes in seven different colors and smog-reducing technology to provide considerable curb appeal.
- Castlebrook: Capable of withstanding winds of up to 130 miles per hour, the Castlebrook Shingle line is available in your choice of seven colors.
While Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are the manufacturer’s flagship product line, the brand also offers a number of other shingles that provide different combinations of colors and features designed to suit a variety of budgets.
Trust Willow Ash Roofing for Your Roofing Needs!
Whether you think Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are perfect for your home, or you’d like to examine some other options, the professionals at Willow Ash Roofing are ready to help! We’ll be happy to provide a complimentary roof inspection and recommend some of the best shingles for your situation.
Contact us today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions: Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles
Still have questions about Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles? Curious about whether they’re right for your home? We’ll answer some of the most common questions homeowners have below!
Are Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles any good?
Absolutely. In fact, Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles are among the very best shingles available on the market.
Who makes StormMaster shingles?
StormMaster Shake Shingles are made and sold by the Atlas Roofing Corporation.
Are Atlas shingles better than GAF?
That is truly a question of personal preference. Both manufacturers offer high-quality shingles, and each has a different set of benefits and drawbacks. Atlas usually offers fewer colors and has a smaller product line than GAF, but most of its shingles have superior wind and impact resistance. Atlas Shingles are also more affordable in many cases.
Are more expensive shingles worth it?
In many cases, yes – more expensive shingles are usually worth the additional cost. Higher-quality shingles not only look better than budget-priced shingles, but they usually offer better durability and value.
Are Atlas StormMaster Good for Winter Climates?
Absolutely. In fact, Atlas StormMaster Shingles work well in most climates.
How long will Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles Last?
Atlas StormMaster Shingles often last for 50 years or more when properly installed and maintained. They’re also backed by both a limited lifetime warranty and a 20-year non-prorated warranty.
Are Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles worth the cost?
This is a bit of a subjective question, but we feel that they’re absolutely worth the price. These shingles look great and are available in a variety of colors, and they are also remarkably durable and fire-resistant.
Source and References
- Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety – “Shingle Performance Ratings”
A study by IBHS comparing the impact resistance of various shingle products under real-world hail simulation shows how StormMaster Shake performs relative to competitors.
https://ibhs.org/hail/shingle-performance-ratings/ - Atlas Roofing – “StormMaster-Shake Data Sheet / Brochure”
Technical specifications for Atlas StormMaster Shake Shingles: wind resistance, warranty, impact rating, Core4® technology, Scotchgard, etc.
https://www.atlasroofing.com/img/Literature/StormMaster-Shake-Data-Sheet.pdf - Roofing Insights – “Best and Worst Roofing Hail Shingles: IBHS Report”
A roofing-industry review summarizing IBHS test results, highlighting StormMaster Shake among top performers for hail resistance.
https://www.roofinginsights.com/news/best-and-worst-roofing-hail-shingles
