CertainTeed classifies its asphalt shingles into three categories:

• Strip shingles are three-tab, fiberglass-based and available in three weights. The heavier the shingle is, the higher the price is and the longer the warranty is.

• Dimensional shingles are also fiberglass-based. These shingles are laminated architectural shingles and are available in a wide variety of designs and colors. The warranty on these shingles is much longer than that for strip shingles - a lifetime limited transferable warranty.

• The premium shingle is also a laminated architectural shingle. It differs from the dimensional line in that the designs mimic old-world shingles such as natural slate or shake. Within this series are advanced shingle designs that offer improved impact resistance or solar reflectivity. These premium shingles also carry a lifetime limited transferable warranty.

Similar to CertainTeed, Malarkey offers three categories of asphalt shingles:

• Traditional three-tab shingles are fiberglass-based and available in three weights. Price and warranty coverage increases as weight increases.

• The High Profile Laminate series consists of three styles of laminated architectural shingles. The warranty on this series is longer than that for traditional three-tab shingles-30-, 40- or 50-year limited warranty, depending on the style. The wind warranty also varies according to the style.

• The solar reflective shingle, available in one style, ECOASIS Premium, is similar to CertainTeed's premium shingle, the Landmark Solaris. It uses reflective granules to reflect the sun's rays and thus reduce cooling costs. This shingle has a 50-year limited warranty.

Here is the purple garden I promised:

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