Are SBS Shingles Worth the Money for Metro Detroit Homeowners?

If you’ve been searching for a roof replacement in Metro Detroit over the past couple of years, you’ve likely encountered the term SBS shingles. You probably also noticed the increased price tag for these premium roofing materials. So, the crucial question for homeowners in areas like Macomb County, Oakland County, and Wayne County is: Are SBS asphalt shingles worth the added investment?

The quick answer from our Metro Detroit roofing specialists at Four Seasons Kanga Roof is an overwhelming yes! While they may not be the perfect fit for every single homeowner, for the vast majority of houses in Southeast Michigan, the long-term benefits of polymer-modified asphalt shingles far outweigh the initial cost difference.

Why SBS Shingles Are the Smart Investment for Michigan Roofs

So what specifically makes the added cost of a premium SBS shingle worth the money for your Metro Detroit home?

1. Class 4 Impact Resistance: Protection Against Michigan Hail
   This is the highest impact resistance rating awarded to roofing materials by organizations like UL. What it means is that these shingles offer superior protection against damage from common Michigan weather threats like hail storms or falling debris. The benefit is clear: your chances of needing a costly roof repair or full replacement due to impact damage before the 30-year mark are significantly reduced. You can learn more about the Class 4 rating on the CertainTeed website.
2. Longer Lifespan & Durability for Harsh Michigan Winters
   Since SBS modified shingles are far less susceptible to damage, they are statistically proven to last longer. They are generally heavier than standard asphalt shingles and are built to endure. A normal asphalt shingle roof in Michigan typically lasts between 15-20 years. An SBS shingle roofing system, when properly installed and maintained by a professional local roofer like Kanga Roof, is expected to last between 30-35 years.
3. Superior Tear, Crack, and Splitting Resistance
   Due to the unique polymer-modified asphalt construction—essentially rubberizing the asphalt—most SBS shingles, such as CertainTeed’s NorthGate® ClimateFlex®, offer superior resistance to tears, cracks, and splitting. This enhanced flexibility and damage resistance significantly extends the overall lifespan of the shingle system, especially during temperature fluctuations.
4. Cold Weather Flexibility: Essential for Metro Detroit
   The rubberized SBS formula allows these shingles to remain flexible in temperatures down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Most traditional asphalt shingles start to become brittle and crack in temperatures below 35 degrees. In Michigan, we spend a considerable portion of the year in these frigid temperatures. This flexibility is critical, allowing for greater flexibility on when your new roof can be safely installed, along with offering greater repairability in the event of an emergency.
5. Increased Granule Retention: Shielding Your Roof from UV Rays
   The SBS composition, combined with a deeper seeding of the protective ceramic granules into the shingle matting, gives SBS shingles about 20% greater granule retention. This means year over year, the essential granules stay on your roof, protecting the asphalt from the sun’s harmful UV rays—and not clogging up your gutters and downspouts.
6. Decrease in Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums
   One of the best immediate benefits: When you replace your roof with an SBS shingle roofing system, most homeowner’s insurance companies are willing to lower your annual premiums. This is a direct result of the Class 4 rating mentioned above. The reduced likelihood of the roof being damaged by hail and debris means the insurance company’s risk is lower, and they often pass those savings directly to you. Always check with your specific insurance provider for exact premium reductions.

The Math Makes Sense for Your Roofing Investment

When you factor these six reasons together, and compare it to a price increase that is typically only between 10-20% more than a standard asphalt shingle, the decision for a long-term roofing solution becomes a slam dunk.Google Review from a Local Homeowner:

“Kanga Roof installed the NorthGate SBS shingles on our Royal Oak home last fall. The team was fast, professional, and explained the insurance discount we’d get with the Class 4 rating. It was an easy decision for the peace of mind and the 30-year warranty. Highly recommend this Metro Detroit roofing contractor!” – Michael S., Royal Oak, MI

Not only are you getting a demonstrably better, more durable roofing system, you are getting one that may last up to 33% longer, for only a small premium cost. This means your next roof replacement is pushed off 33% longer into the future, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in future roofing costs.

Ready to Explore Your SBS Roofing Options?

If you want to see a real cost-benefit analysis for your specific home in Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne County, our team at Four Seasons Kanga Roof would love to help you! We can send out a certified roofing specialist to run a full diagnostic inspection and provide a detailed breakdown of the exact cost for an SBS roofing system compared to a traditional asphalt roofing system.

In fact, we now proudly carry two different premium SBS roofing shingle systems, so you can compare the investment cost and features between the two to understand which is the right option for your home’s unique needs and budget.

You can give my team a call right now at 586-566-0308 or skip the line and schedule your appointment online by CLICKING HERE.

I sincerely hope you gained value from this article and helped clear up the benefits of investing in an SBS roofing system for your Metro Detroit home. And as always, I hope you have a Kanga-Rific day!

Sincerely,

Bill Burkhardt, Jr.

VP & Owner – Four Seasons Kanga Roof