Best Shingles for Michigan Homes: Why We Recommend Owens Corning Duration®

When it comes to protecting your home in Southeast Michigan, not just any shingle will do. Our climate throws everything at your roof—lake-effect snow, ice dams, high winds, heavy rain, and scorching summer sun. That’s why at Lake Effect Exteriors, we install Owens Corning Duration® shingles on many of our roofing projects. They’re not just durable they’re engineered to perform in Michigan’s toughest weather while giving your home standout curb appeal.

Built for Michigan’s Weather

Owens Corning Duration shingles are a premium architectural shingle designed with durability and protection in mind. What makes them ideal for our region?

• SureNail® Technology: A reinforced nailing zone for outstanding gripping power and wind resistance.

• 130 MPH Wind Warranty: When installed with Owens Corning’s full roofing system and proper fastening, these shingles are backed by a limited warranty to stand up to strong Michigan storms.

• StreakGuard™ Algae Resistance: Helps prevent those unsightly black streaks caused by algae growth, keeping your roof looking clean longer.

• Wide Range of Colors: Duration shingles come in a variety of bold, dimensional color blends that complement every architectural style.

Why We Trust Owens Corning

We’ve worked with nearly every shingle brand on the market—and we keep coming back to Owens Corning Duration for their consistent performance and support. Their manufacturing quality is excellent, their warranties are straightforward, and their products are backed by decades of industry innovation.

At Lake Effect Exteriors, we’re committed to best practices on every install, and Owens Corning makes that easier by offering a full Total Protection Roofing System®, which includes underlayment, ventilation, ridge cap shingles, and more—all designed to work together to protect your home.

Our Favorite Duration Colors

Homeowners love the color selection Owens Corning offers. Here are a few of our most popular picks:

• Black Sable – A modern, moody blend that looks incredible on white or brick homes.

• Estate Gray – A classic choice that fits just about every home in Southeast Michigan.

• Driftwood – A rich, earthy blend of browns and grays that pairs beautifully with natural wood accents, stonework, and warm-toned siding.

In addition to the standard color lineup, Owens Corning also offers the Duration® Designer Series, which features vibrant, high-contrast color blends and granule patterns that create extra dimension and depth. These shingles don’t just protect your roof they elevate the entire look of your home.

Why Choose the Designer Series?

• Distinctive Curb Appeal – Unique color blends like Pacific Wave, Storm Cloud, and Sand Dune create dramatic, high-end looks.

• Same SureNail® Technology – Designer Series shingles come with the same enhanced wind resistance and durability as the original Duration line.

• Algae Resistance & Warranty Protection – They include StreakGuard™ protection and are backed by Owens Corning’s trusted warranty coverage.

• Perfect for Custom Homes & Upgrades – Ideal if you want your home to stand out with a designer finish that adds value.

We always help clients visualize their new roof using Owens Corning’s Color Comparison Tool, real project photos, and even physical samples of every available color. You’ll get to see and feel the exact shingle options in person before making a decision. Choosing a roof shouldn’t feel like a guessing game we’ll walk you through every step to make sure the color and style perfectly complement your home.

Duration vs. Other Shingles

You might be wondering—what makes Duration shingles different from other brands?

• Nail zone strength: Thanks to SureNail® Technology, Duration shingles stay put even in extreme weather.

• Longer-lasting curb appeal: The color blends and granule adhesion keep your roof looking newer, longer.

• Warranty options: When installed properly, Duration shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty—plus extended coverage when installed as part of the Total Protection System.

For homeowners in Michigan, where roofs have to perform year-round, that added peace of mind is worth every penny.

What to Expect from Our Installation Process

When you hire Lake Effect Exteriors, you’re not just getting great shingles—you’re getting a smooth, professional experience from start to finish:

• Clean dump trailer drop-off and removal

• Careful protection of your landscaping and exterior

• Thorough tear-off and inspection of decking

• Expert installation that meets manufacturer specs

• Full job-site clean-up and magnet sweep

We’re on time, on budget, and always here to answer questions.

Your Roof Deserves the Best

Choosing a roofing contractor is just as important as choosing the right materials. As a Michigan-based contractor with deep experience installing Owens Corning Duration® shingles, we take pride in delivering roofs that look beautiful, perform better, and last longer.

Ready to upgrade your home with a roof that’s built to last? Schedule your free estimate with Lake Effect Exteriors today.

Want to get an idea of how much a new roof might cost?

Use our quick and easy Roof Cost Estimator to get a ballpark figure based on your home and material preferences.