Malick Brothers Exteriors is a family owned roofing company in Pittsburgh, and Atlas Pinnacle® Pristine shingles in Coastal Granite are one of the colors homeowners ask us about most. This post covers how the color looks on a real Pittsburgh house, what makes the shingle hold up in our weather, and what the warranty actually covers when it is installed as a complete Atlas system.
If you want to compare Coastal Granite with the other Atlas colors we install, start with our asphalt shingle roofing page. It shows the shingle lines we use and how we build each roof from the deck up.
What Coastal Granite Looks Like
Coastal Granite is a blended gray. Up close you see a mix of lighter and darker granules, and from the street those granules read as a soft, stone colored gray with some depth instead of one flat tone. Pinnacle Pristine is an architectural shingle, so the layered tabs add shadow lines that make the color look richer on a steep roof than it does on a sample board.
Because it sits in the middle of the gray range, Coastal Granite does not fight with other colors on the house. That is a big reason it works on so many different homes across Allegheny County.
How the Color Reads on Pittsburgh Brick and Siding
Pittsburgh has a lot of red and brown brick. Older homes in neighborhoods like Brookline, Dormont and Mt. Lebanon, and many postwar houses in the North Hills, have brick on the front and siding on the sides or back. Coastal Granite pairs well with that mix because a neutral gray calms down strong red brick instead of competing with it.
- Red or orange brick: the cool gray gives a clean contrast and keeps the brick as the main feature.
- Brown or tan brick: the blend in the granules picks up the warmer tones and looks settled rather than stark.
- White, cream or light gray siding: Coastal Granite adds definition at the roofline without the heavy look of a near black shingle.
- Darker siding such as navy, deep green or charcoal: the lighter gray keeps the roof from blending into the walls.
Our advice is simple. Look at a full size shingle against your own brick or siding in daylight, and look again in the late afternoon. Gray roofs shift a little warmer or cooler depending on the light, and Pittsburgh has plenty of overcast days. We are glad to bring samples to your house during the estimate so you can see it in place.
Class 3 Impact Resistance
Pinnacle Pristine shingles carry a Class 3 impact rating. Pittsburgh does not see hail as often as the Plains states, but summer storms do roll through, and limbs and debris come down during high winds. A shingle that is built to take a harder hit gives you more margin on those days and helps the roof keep its appearance longer.
Wind Coverage
When installed to Atlas specifications, Pinnacle Pristine shingles are covered for winds up to 130 mph. On our jobs that means the right nailing pattern, starter strips at the eaves and rakes, and ridge cap shingles that match the system. Wind coverage depends on the install, which is one reason we follow the manufacturer steps on every roof.
3M™ Scotchgard™ Protector and Algae Streaks
Those black streaks you see running down older roofs around Pittsburgh are usually algae. Our humid summers, shaded lots and tree covered hillsides give it plenty of chance to grow, especially on north facing slopes. On a gray roof the streaks show up quickly.
Pinnacle Pristine shingles include 3M Scotchgard Protector, which uses algae resistant granules to fight those black streaks. For a color like Coastal Granite, that matters. The whole point of choosing a clean, even gray is that it stays clean and even, and Scotchgard is what keeps the roof from looking tired after a few seasons in a wooded neighborhood.
The Atlas 50 Year Warranty on Complete Systems
Malick Brothers Exteriors is an AtlasPro+ Platinum Select contractor. That status lets us offer the Atlas 50 year warranty when the roof is installed as a complete Atlas system. A complete system means more than the shingles. It includes Atlas underlayment, starter, hip and ridge, and ventilation components installed together, the way Atlas designed them to work.
A shingle only warranty covers the shingle. A system warranty covers the roof as Atlas built it, which is why we recommend the complete system on almost every replacement. During your estimate we will explain exactly which components go on your house and which warranty applies.
Why Pinnacle Pristine Works in Pittsburgh Weather
Pittsburgh roofs take a beating. We get freeze and thaw cycles all winter, heavy wet snow, spring downpours, and humid summers. Many homes here are older, with steep pitches, dormers, chimneys and valleys that need careful flashing. A good shingle helps, but the full system and the install are what keep water out.
On a typical Coastal Granite replacement we tear off down to the deck, replace any soft or damaged decking, install ice and water protection at the eaves and valleys, lay synthetic underlayment, and set new flashing at walls and chimneys. Then we install the shingles, ridge ventilation and ridge cap. We also install 5 and 6 inch seamless gutters if your old ones need replacing, so the water coming off the new roof has somewhere to go.
What Drives the Cost of a Coastal Granite Roof
Color does not change the price. The cost of a Pinnacle Pristine roof in Coastal Granite comes from the size and pitch of the roof, how many layers need to come off, how much decking needs replacing, the number of chimneys, skylights and valleys, and the ventilation the house needs. Every estimate we give is free and in writing, so you can see exactly what is included. If you would like to spread out the payments, ask us about financing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coastal Granite a light or dark gray?
It is a medium gray blend. It is lighter than charcoal or black shingle colors and darker than the pale grays, which is why it fits so many brick and siding colors.
Will algae streaks show on a gray roof?
Streaks show easily on gray shingles that lack protection. Pinnacle Pristine includes 3M Scotchgard Protector, which is designed to resist the black streaks caused by algae.
How do I get the Atlas 50 year warranty?
The roof must be installed as a complete Atlas system by a qualified contractor. As an AtlasPro+ Platinum Select contractor, we can offer it when we install the full Atlas system.
Can I see Coastal Granite against my house before I decide?
Yes. We bring samples to the estimate so you can hold the shingle next to your brick or siding in your own light.
Get a Free Written Estimate
If Coastal Granite is on your short list, we would be glad to show you samples on your house and walk you through the complete Atlas system. Malick Brothers Exteriors is BBB A+ accredited and licensed in Pennsylvania (PA HIC PA174918). Contact us to schedule your free written estimate.
