Spring is a popular time for homeowners to start thinking about exterior upgrades, especially roofing. But choosing the right roof involves more than selecting a shingle color. A roof needs to look good, perform well, and include the right supporting materials to help protect the home long term.

For dealers, that means having access to the roofing products contractors need when they need them. Palmer-Donavin stocks roofing products designed to support both performance and availability, helping you serve your customers with dependable options and keep projects moving.

Here are a few common roofing mistakes homeowners should avoid:

1. Choosing shingles based on appearance alone

Curb appeal matters, but performance should be part of the conversation. Palmer-Donavin stocks Owens Corning shingles, including the Duration® Series with SureNail® Technology, giving contractors access to trusted performance and homeowners access to strong design flexibility. Owens Corning shingles are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 130 mph, and many options are ENERGY STAR® rated to help reflect heat and support energy efficiency. These product lines are supported by strong warranty coverage, providing added confidence and peace of mind with your purchase.

While Owens Corning Duration® Series is a strong, in-stock option, it’s not the only choice available. We offer a wide range of in-stock roofing products from multiple manufacturers, including:

• Malarkey Vista® AR

• Owens Corning Oakridge

• CertainTeed Patriot™ XL Designer Roofing Shingles

• CertainTeed Landmark

• CertainTeed Landmark PRO

• Malarkey Legacy® Scotchgard™

• Malarkey Highlander® NEX® AR

2. Waiting too long to decide on color

Color selection can slow down a project if homeowners are unsure what will look best on their home. Palmer-Donavin stocks two Owens Corning shingle series with 26 total color options, making it easier to help homeowners find a style that complements their exterior while giving contractors access to the products they need.

So far in 2026, our data shows a clear shift toward classic, natural-looking shingle colors. Leading the trend is Weathered Wood, valued for its resemblance to aged cedar shakes (CertainTeed and Malarkey). Dark, timeless tones like Moire Black (CertainTeed) and Onyx Black (Owens Corning) continue to perform strongly, while Driftwood, a versatile blend of gray and tan undertones (CertainTeed and Owens Corning), is also gaining traction across a variety of home styles.

To make the decision easier, our First Look Visualizer allows homeowners to preview shingle styles before the project begins.

3. Forgetting about what goes under the shingles

Another common mistake is focusing only on the shingles and overlooking the full roofing system. A high-performing roof depends on the components working together, including waterproofing and underlayment.

For reliable solutions, MFM Building Products offers a range of products designed to protect the entire roofing system. IB-3™ IceBuster provides dependable ice dam protection, while Wind & Water Seal™ is a 40 mil self-adhering underlayment that serves as an economical option for full-roof coverage and performs well in high-temperature applications, including under metal roofing. ShingleStarter® simplifies installation with a 50 mil self-adhering starter course, eliminating the need to cut tabs and featuring a sealing strip to help prevent wind uplift along roof edges.

4. Treating ventilation as an afterthought

Ventilation plays an important role in the performance of a roofing system. Products like the Quarrix SmartPlug™ Roof Patch help make roof upgrades more efficient by covering pre-existing holes in roofs quickly and efficiently while supporting over 700 pounds. It fits standard vent openings and installs faster than many traditional methods, helping contractors save time on the job.

5. Not checking product availability early

Even the right product choice can create delays if materials are not available when the job is ready to start. Ordering through Connect makes sourcing roofing materials simple and efficient, with real-time inventory across locations, pricing, and easy ordering options available to dealers.

With fast turnaround times on stock items, Palmer-Donavin helps dealers keep roofing projects on schedule from start to finish.

Help Homeowners Make the Right Roofing Decision

The right roofing decision involves more than just selecting a shingle, it’s about avoiding common pitfalls, choosing products that work together seamlessly, and ensuring the right materials are available to get the job done.

With FirstLook Visualizer, it’s easy to bring project ideas to life. Connect simplifies the ordering process, and with a wide range of stocked roofing products from Palmer-Donavin, dealers can confidently help contractors source everything they need, from shingles and underlayment to waterproofing and ventilation solutions.

Contact our team with any questions about roofing products.