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10 Wendell Ave Extension Pittsfield, MA 01201
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210 Columbia St., Lee, MA 01238
CertainTeed Belmont shingles are a premium architectural asphalt shingle designed to replicate the look of natural slate — without the weight, cost, or maintenance that comes with real stone.
Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shingle Type | Architectural laminate (fiberglass base) |
| Dimensions | 18″ x 36″ |
| Weight per Square | ~275 lbs |
| Weather Exposure | 8″ |
| Impact Rating | UL 2218 Class 3 (Class 4 IR version available) |
| Fire Rating | Class A |
| Wind Resistance | 110 mph standard; upgradable to 130 mph |
| Algae Resistance | 30-year StreakFighter® warranty |
| Residential Warranty | Lifetime limited transferable |
These shingles use a fiberglass mat core coated in high-quality asphalt and ceramic-coated mineral granules. The result is a shingle that delivers authentic slate depth and shadow lines — at a fraction of the cost of real slate.
They’re built for homeowners who want a roof that looks stunning, holds up to tough weather, and stays low-maintenance for decades.
I’m Christopher Battaini, owner of Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters, with over two decades of hands-on roofing experience across Greater Boston and the North Shore — including installing and evaluating premium products like CertainTeed Belmont shingles on a wide range of residential projects. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Belmont line, how it stacks up against other CertainTeed products, and whether it’s the right fit for your home.
Important CertainTeed Belmont shingles terms:
When we talk about luxury roofing in Berkshire County, we are looking for materials that can handle our heavy snow loads and high winds while looking like they belong on a historic Lenox estate. CertainTeed Belmont shingles were engineered specifically to bridge the gap between “standard” asphalt and high-end natural slate.
Structurally, these shingles are heavyweight contenders. Weighing in at approximately 275 lbs per square, they provide a substantial barrier against the elements. The core is a tough fiberglass mat, which is then saturated with weathering-grade asphalt. This isn’t just about bulk; it’s about creating a dimensionally stable product that won’t warp or crack under the intense freeze-thaw cycles we see in places like Pittsfield or North Adams.
The primary draw of the Belmont® | CertainTeed line is its ability to fool the eye. Traditional asphalt shingle roofing often looks flat, but Belmont uses “random tabs” and multi-positioned layers to create authentic depth.
When you look at a natural slate roof, the stones aren’t uniform; they have hand-carved edges and varying thicknesses. CertainTeed replicates this by using sculpted tabs and deep shadow lines that move with the sun throughout the day. This creates a handcrafted look that is virtually indistinguishable from real slate from the curb. For homeowners in Williamstown or Stockbridge who want that classic New England aesthetic without the structural reinforcement required for heavy stone, this is a game-changer.
Choosing the right color is just as important as the material itself. The Belmont line offers a sophisticated palette designed to complement the natural landscapes of the Berkshires. Available colors include:
If you are having trouble deciding, we always recommend using the Colorview Colorview tool. This AI-powered visualizer lets you upload a photo of your actual home and “try on” different colors of CertainTeed Belmont shingles before we ever nail a single shingle down.
Beyond the pretty face, these shingles are high-performance machines. In our region, a roof isn’t just a decoration; it’s a shield. The technical specs of CertainTeed Shingles ensure that your investment is protected against the worst Massachusetts weather.
Safety and durability ratings are where the Belmont line truly shines. These shingles meet a rigorous list of industry standards:
Have you ever noticed those ugly black streaks on older roofs in Cheshire or Dalton? That is actually a type of blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa magma. To combat this, CertainTeed Belmont shingles feature StreakFighter® technology.
This system utilizes copper-containing granules that are blended into the shingle surface. Copper is naturally toxic to algae, preventing those unsightly stains from ever forming. CertainTeed is so confident in this technology that they provide a 30-year algae resistance warranty. When paired with their Lifetime Limited Transferable warranty, you are looking at a roof that stays beautiful and functional for the long haul.
It helps to see where the Belmont fits within the CertainTeed family. We often help homeowners choose between a traditional “3-tab” shingle, a designer shake, or a luxury slate-look shingle.
| Feature | XT 30 (Traditional) | Presidential Shake (Designer) | Belmont (Luxury) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetic | Flat, uniform | Thick, rugged wood shake | Elegant, hand-cut slate |
| Weight | ~200 lbs/sq | ~355 lbs/sq | ~275 lbs/sq |
| Wind Warranty | 70 mph | 110/130 mph | 110/130 mph |
| Algae Warranty | 10 years | 15-30 years | 30 years |
| Impact Rating | Standard | Class 4 available | Class 4 available |
While the XT 30 is a reliable entry-level choice, it lacks the depth of the asphalt shingles cost per square premium lines. The Presidential Shake is a “beast” of a shingle, offering a heavy wood-shake look, but the CertainTeed Belmont shingles offer a more refined, sleek profile that many Berkshire homeowners prefer for their architectural style.
Is a luxury shingle worth the extra cost? We believe so, especially when you consider the maintenance requirements of real slate. Natural slate requires a specialized mason for repairs, and it is prone to cracking if stepped on. Belmont shingles offer the same look with the “walkability” and easy repair profile of asphalt.
Based on publicly available internet data, the average cost for luxury asphalt shingles ranges from $450 to $1,800 per square installed. These are average costs and do not reflect the actual pricing of Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters.
When you factor in the 30-year algae warranty and the potential for lower insurance premiums (especially with the Class 4 IR version), the “cost per year” of owning a Belmont roof is often lower than cheaper alternatives that need replacing or cleaning more frequently.
Because CertainTeed Belmont shingles are thicker and heavier than standard shingles, they require a professional touch. You can’t just slap these on like a basic 3-tab shingle. As an Owens Corning Certified contractor, we understand the importance of following manufacturer-specific “best practices” to ensure your warranty remains valid.
Installation of Belmont shingles involves several specific requirements:
A roof is a system, not just a shingle. To get the full 130 mph wind warranty and maximum protection, we recommend the CertainTeed Shingle Master Ultimate Guide approach, which includes:
The UL 2218 test involves dropping steel balls of different sizes onto the shingle. Class 3 uses a 1.75-inch ball, while Class 4 uses a 2-inch ball. CertainTeed Belmont shingles in the IR version meet Class 4, the highest possible rating. This means they are significantly more likely to survive a hail storm without needing a full replacement.
Yes, they can be installed on slopes as low as 2″ per foot (2:12). However, this requires special underlayment procedures. We typically install a layer of CertainTeed WinterGuard over the entire deck for low-slope applications to ensure absolute water tightness.
StreakFighter is a 30-year warranty against the black streaks caused by blue-green algae. If your roof develops these streaks within the warranty period, CertainTeed covers the cost of cleaning or replacement (subject to their terms). This is a huge benefit in the humid, wooded areas of Berkshire County.
Choosing the right roof is about more than just picking a color. It’s about finding a system that provides peace of mind, increases your home’s value, and stands up to the unique challenges of our Massachusetts climate. CertainTeed Belmont shingles offer a rare combination of luxury aesthetics and rugged performance.
At Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters, we take pride in our owner-led, on-site service. We don’t just “manage” projects; we are there to ensure every nail is driven correctly and every flashing is watertight. Whether you are looking for a complete asphalt shingle roof cost guide or you are ready to upgrade your home with the look of natural slate, we are here to help.
Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. This earned, elite designation is limited to the top tier of roofing professionals nationwide.
Chris Battaini Roofing and Seamless Gutters services Berkshire County, Massachusetts.
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