What Are the 3 Best Asphalt Shingles for Homes in Illinois?

If you're considering a roof replacement in Illinois, you've probably realized just how overwhelming it can be to choose the right asphalt shingle. With so many brands claiming to be the best, and every contractor pushing their favorite, it's hard to know which materials are worth your investment.

At Happy Roofing, we've repaired and replaced hundreds of roofs across the greater Naperville area, and have come across a variety of shingles from many manufacturers. Based on what we've installed, tested, and seen succeed across all of our projects over the years, we've recognized a few shingles that repeatedly stand out to us.

In this article, you'll learn:

• The 3 asphalt shingles we recommend for homes in Northern Illinois
• The reasons these particular shingles stand out to us
• What other factors you should consider when you're planning a roof replacement

By the end, you'll gain valuable insight into some shingle options to help you get one step closer to making a confident decision that fits your goals.

Table of Contents:

• The Most Important Qualities to Consider When Comparing Shingles
• The Best Asphalt Shingles for Homes in Illinois
• How These Shingles Compare
• How to Choose the Right Shingle for Your Home

What Qualities Matter Most When Choosing a Roofing Shingle?

For many Illinois homeowners, the most important shingle qualities are durability and a good price-to-performance ratio, but the answer to this question largely depends on your specific goals and priorities. 

For this list, we didn't just pick the most expensive shingles on the market. Our recommendations are based on real-world experience installing shingles on Illinois homes, how the shingles withstand the fluctuating Midwest weather, and their overall value.

Specifically, we evaluated each product based on:

• Weather resistance and impact protection: Because Illinois weather is unpredictable, with the occasional severe storm, cold winters, and temperature swings, shingles that are well-suited for the elements last longer in our area. By no means do you need a top-tier, luxury shingle for your Illinois home, but Class 3 and 4 impact-rated shingles can withstand much more than their non-rated counterparts, and could qualify you for insurance discounts.
• Materials and construction: The way a shingle is built directly impacts how well it performs, resists damage, and even avoids common issues like algae growth. Something that seems simple, like a wider nailing strip, can actually contribute towards a better installation because it allows for more accurate fastening, reducing the risk of future leaks.
• Price-to-performance value: Every homeowner has different priorities. Some want the most affordable option, others are focused on longevity or style. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, which is why we can't directly speak to any shingle's value for you. That said, comparing what you get for the price in terms of warranty, durability, features, and long-term peace of mind is a smart starting point for figuring out what's a good fit for you.

While there's no such thing as a perfect shingle for everyone, the three we're about to highlight offer a strong balance of protection, performance, and durability.

What Are the Best Asphalt Shingles for Homes in Illinois?

The top 3 shingles we recommend in Northern Illinois are: CertainTeed Landmark Pro, Malarkey Vista, and Owens Corning Duration FLEX shingles, in alphabetical order. When it comes to choosing the best asphalt shingles for an Illinois home, the "best" shingle choice depends on your specific goals, budget, and how long you plan to stay in your home.

That said, after installing and evaluating dozens of options over the years, we've narrowed it down to three shingles that consistently deliver strong performance across the factors that matter most in our region.

CertainTeed Landmark Pro

The Landmark Pro is a well-known architectural shingle that's ideal for homeowners who value curb appeal and a brand with a familiar name. While it doesn't offer the highest impact rating (sitting at a Class 3), it's a noticeable upgrade from basic shingles in both appearance and durability.

Below is a photo of CertainTeed's Landmark Pro shingles installed, sourced from their website: 

Why We Recommend It

Landmark Pro combines deeper shadow lines, vibrant color options, and a heavier build than entry-level shingles, making it a smart choice for homeowners who want an aesthetic upgrade without sacrificing performance.

• Construction: Landmark Pro is a dimensional architectural shingle built on a fiberglass base with traditional asphalt and mineral granules. It uses a fiberglass core for structural strength and fire resistance, layered with asphalt for waterproofing and impact absorption. Its heavier weight and protective mineral granules help resist UV damage, algae growth, and weathering, making it a durable, long-lasting option for Illinois homes.

• Impact rating: Landmark Pro has a Class 3 impact rating, which means it passed a standardized impact test where a 1.75-inch steel ball is dropped from 17 feet to simulate hail impact. While not as durable as Class 4-rated shingles, Class 3 shingles are more than suitable for the weather we get in Northern Illinois.

• Warranty: CertainTeed lists Landmark Pro with a lifetime limited warranty, 10-year non-prorated protection, and a 30-year algae resistance warranty, plus 110 mph wind resistance (with an upgrade to 130 mph available).

Who It's Best For

Homeowners who want a good-looking, well-known product that boosts curb appeal and holds up better than basic shingles, without paying for advanced features they may not need.

Malarkey Vista

Malarkey Vista is a Class 4 impact‑rated architectural shingle known for strong all‑weather performance, solid durability, and environmentally-conscious design. It's often selected by Illinois homeowners who want a product that offers the highest level of impact resistance, without a premium price tag.

We've included a photo of Malarkey's Vista shingles below, from their website: 

Why We Recommend It

Vista blends advanced materials, reliable weather resistance, and a strong performance track record, making it a reliable choice for homeowners who want quality but don't need a more expensive, luxury shingle option.

• Construction: Malarkey Vista uses NEX polymer‑modified (rubberized) asphalt, incorporating asphalt with synthetic and recycled rubber/plastic polymers to boost flexibility and strength. The enhanced asphalt formulation helps the shingle flex under stress and temperature swings instead of cracking. High‑quality mineral granules improve resistance to UV degradation, color fading, and wear from harsh weather. Vista shingles also feature a wide nailing strip that supports secure installation.

• Impact rating: Malarkey Vista carries a Class 4 impact rating, the highest possible level, meaning it withstands a 2‑inch steel ball dropped from a defined height without cracking. This is especially valuable in regions that see hail, like the occasional storms we get in Northern Illinois.

• Warranty: Vista shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty on the shingles themselves, a 110 mph wind resistance warranty (upgradable to 130 mph), and for algae‑resistant versions, a 15‑year algae warranty. Their standard non‑prorated warranty period (called the Right Start Period) is 15 years.

Who It's Best For

Homeowners who want strong weather and impact resistance with modern material technology, and are looking for a durable, long‑lasting shingle that offers great protection for the cost.

Owens Corning Duration FLEX

Owens Corning Duration FLEX is a Class 4 impact‑rated architectural shingle that combines advanced material engineering with enhanced flexibility and toughness. It's designed to deliver exceptional performance in areas with frequent storms, hail, and temperature swings.

An example of Owens Corning's Duration FLEX shingles, from their website, is included below:

Why We Recommend It

Duration FLEX stands out for its advanced SBS polymer‑modified asphalt formula and patented SureNail Technology (reinforced nailing strip), offering superior impact resistance and stronger installation reliability compared to many standard architectural shingles.

• Construction: Duration FLEX shingles are made with an SBS polymer‑modified asphalt blend, which rubberizes the asphalt to improve flexibility and resilience under impact. This flexibility helps the shingle absorb and disperse energy from hail and wind, reducing the risk of cracking or splitting. These shingles also include Owens Corning's SureNail Technology, a reinforced nailing strip that helps ensure a more secure installation. Ceramic‑coated granules provide UV protection and help the shingles maintain their color.

• Impact rating: These shingles also carry a Class 4 impact rating, making them one of the more durable asphalt options for severe weather and hail.

• Warranty: Duration FLEX comes with a limited lifetime warranty, including a 10‑year TRU PROtection non‑prorated period coverage for as long as you own your home. It features standard wind‑resistance coverage up to 130 mph (this can vary depending on specific materials used). It also includes StreakGuard algae resistance protection with a 10‑year warranty.

Who It's Best For

Homeowners who want strong weather and impact protection with enhanced durability, especially in areas prone to hail or severe storms, and are looking for a premium shingle that delivers long-term value.

How Do These Shingles Compare?

Each of these shingles offers a different balance of impact protection, durability, and price. While all three are architectural shingles suitable for Illinois weather, Landmark Pro stands out for curb appeal, Vista offers the best value for Class 4 impact resistance, and Duration FLEX provides reputable durability.

The chart below breaks down the key features of each shingle:

How Can You Choose the Right Asphalt Shingle for You?

The best way to choose the right asphalt shingle is to start with your priorities: Are you focused on storm protection? Long-term durability? Curb appeal? Budget?

Each of the shingles we covered here provides a high level of performance and protection without stepping into the luxury price tier, making them each reliable choices for most Illinois homeowners. Ultimately, answering the questions above determines whether one shingle is better for you than another.

If Malarkey Vista shingles caught your attention, we've got a full breakdown that compares the full Malarkey Roofing Products shingle lineup, so you can decide if they're the right manufacturer for your home: Which Malarkey Shingle Is Right for You?

If you'd like a professional assessment of your roof's health, we offer no-commitment roof consultations to give you clarity without the obligation to move forward with us.