We’ve all made purchases we later regretted. Maybe a small one, like a phone that didn’t live up to the hype, or a big one, like a car that didn’t perform as expected. That feeling sucks, right? Now, imagine feeling that way about your roof. A roof replacement is a major investment, one you’ll have to live with for decades, so choosing the right shingle brand is crucial.
We get it!
If you’re replacing your shingles and want to make the best choice, you’ve come to the right place. But here’s something you might not know: not all roofers recommend brands solely based on quality. Some push certain products due to manufacturer kickbacks or rebates.
At RoofCrafters, we’ve been installing both GAF and CertainTeed shingles for 30+ years. As a GAF Master Elite Contractor and CertainTeed Select Shingle Master, we’ve seen firsthand how these brands perform beyond the marketing claims.
That being said, in this guide, we’ll break down:
- The history and reliability of GAF and CertainTeed
- The types of shingles each brand offers
- Key warranty differences (wind, algae, material, workmanship)
By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to confidently choose the best shingles for your home. Sp, let’s dive in, shall we?
GAF vs. CertainTeed: A Look at the Brands
CertainTeed and GAF have been around for quite some time. So, let's start by reviewing the background and size of these companies, then we'll explain why it matters to us and you!
GAF: Roofing Excellence Since 1886
GAF is an American manufacturing company founded in 1886. GAF is an acronym for General Aniline and Film. They are the leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing in North America. They have more than 2 dozen manufacturing plants here in the US. They have over 3,000 employees and sell over 3 billion dollars worth of roofing materials worldwide.
Their trademark slogan: “We Protect What Matters Most”
CertainTeed: Building Excellence Since 1904
Originally founded as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company, CertainTeed expanded beyond roofing into siding, fencing, insulation, and more. They operate 60+ manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and Canada, with 6,300+ employees.
Their name? Derived from their slogan: “Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed.”
The Importance of Manufacturer Reliability for Contractors and Homeowners
We need to believe in the roofing manufacturer that offers consumers lifetime warranties. We must believe in their stability. Their commitment to providing excellent roofing products and continued warranty service. To us as the contractors who install their shingles and to you as the consumer who lives under their roofing materials.
Let’s say we offer a product from a manufacturer and then later on that manufacturer does not honor their warranty. It will make us look bad as the contractor who offered you the shingles. We will lose your trust, right?
Our business is built on trust!
You trust us as your contractor. So, we expect that you trust that we have done the research and we are only using products and brands that we believe in. Brands that we trust to use in our homes. If one of their products should fail before the stated warranty period.
If we have an issue and we need their help, we trust that they will be here for us and honor their warranty. Trust is important for us. We take it very seriously and hope you do as well.
Types of Shingles GAF Offers
Of the two manufacturers, GAF has the least products to offer with 5 shingle types. GAF recently brought their upgraded architectural shingles back into production after adding the new Layerlock Technology and StainGuard Plus.
- 3-Tab shingles called Royal Sovereign
- Architectural shingles called Timberline HDZ
- Upgraded architectural shingles called Timberline UHDZ
- Designer shingles called Slateline, Woodlawn, and Camelot II
- Solar shingles called Timberline Solar
Types of Shingles CertainTeed Offers
CertainTeed has the largest selection of shingles. They offer designer shingles and an upgraded architectural shingle if you're looking to increase your home's curb appeal.
- 3-Tab shingles called XT 25
- Architectural shingles called Landmark
- Upgraded architectural shingles called Landmark Pro
- Designer shingles called Grand Manor, Carriage House, Belmont, Presidential Shake, and Highland Slate
- Solar shingles which are named Apollo II and Apollo Tile II
We’d like to also add that both brands have impact-resistant shingles. GAF offers a cool series shingle or energy-efficient shingle that reflects the sun better.
GAF and CertainTeed Shingle Warranties
Now, let's discuss the fine print. What do you get when you purchase a GAF warranty? And what do you get if you choose the CertainTeed warranty?
We must clarify that we’re discussing the warranties that you’ll get going with one of their factory-certified contractors.
At RoofCrafters, we believe it's important to know that if you choose to use a non factory-certified contractor, there's a huge difference in the warranty coverage. This is majorly important if you enjoy peace of mind!
The warranties break down into 4 categories:
- Wind
- Algae
- Materials
- Workmanship
Wind Warranty on Shingles
3-Tab Shingles
GAF’s Royal Sovereign 3-tabs come with a 60 MPH wind warranty for 15 years.
CertainTeed's XT 25 3-tabs come with a 60 MPH wind warranty for 5 years.
Architectural Shingles
CertainTeed’s Landmark comes with a 110 MPH wind warranty for 15 years. They can be upgraded using the CertainTeed starter and CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles.
GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingle comes with a 110 MPH without special installation instructions. They can be upgraded to 130 MPH 4 nailing and install GAF starter strips on eaves and rakes. They also can be upgraded to an industry-leading 15-year unlimited wind speed warranty using 4 qualifying products.
Upgraded Architectural Shingles
CertainTeed’s Landmark Pro shingle comes with a 110 MPH wind warranty for 15 years. They can be upgraded to 130 MPH using the CertainTeed starter and CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles.
GAF's Timberline UHDZ comes with a 110 MPH. They also can be upgraded to the 15-year Unlimited wind speed warranty using 4 qualifying products.
Designer Shingles
Both brands come with a 110 MPH wind warranty for 15 years. Both can be upgraded to 130 MPH following their installation instructions.
Algae Warranty on Shingles
3-Tab Shingles
GAF’s Royal Sovereign 3-tabs come with a 10-year StainGuard warranty.
CertainTeed’s XT 25 3-tabs come with a 10-year StreakFighter warranty.
Architectural Shingles
CertainTeed’s Landmark comes with a 10-year StreakFighter warranty.
GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingle comes with a 25-year StainGuard Plus warranty.
Upgraded Architectural Shingles
CertainTeed’s Landmark Pro comes with a 15-year StreakFighter warranty.
GAF's Timberline UHDZ comes with an industry-leading 30-year StainGuard Plus warranty.
Designer Shingles
CertainTeed’s designer shingles come with a 15-year StreakFighter warranty.
GAF’s designer shingles come with a 25-year StainGuard Plus warranty.
Shingle Material Warranties
3-Tab Shingles
GAF’s Royal Sovereign 3-tabs come with a 25-year warranty with 5-Star Protection.
CertainTeed’s XT 25 3-tabs come with a 25-year warranty with the Golden Pledge warranty.
Architectural Shingles
GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles come with a lifetime warranty with the Golden Pledge warranty. 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential properties. (100% coverage for 50 years) And for all commercial properties(Gov’t, churches, schools, or multi-family) the non-prorated portion is 40 years.
CertainTeed’s architectural shingles, the Landmark come with a lifetime warranty with 5-Star protection. 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential homes. And for all commercial or multi-family properties, the non-prorated portion is 30 years.
Upgraded Architectural Shingles
GAF’s Timberline UHDZ shingles come with a lifetime material warranty with the Golden Pledge warranty. 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential properties. (100% coverage for 50 years) And for all commercial properties (Gov’t, churches, schools, or multi-family) the non-prorated portion is 40 years.
CertainTeed’s Landmark Pro comes with a lifetime warranty with 5-star protection. 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential homes. And for all commercial or multi-family properties, the non-prorated portion is 30 years.
Designer Shingles
GAF’s designer shingles come with a lifetime material warranty with the Golden Pledge Warranty. The non-prorated portion is 50 years. (100% coverage for 50 years) And they’re prorated after 50 years. For all commercial properties (Gov’t, churches, schools, or multi-family) the non-prorated portion is 40 years.
CertainTeed’s designer shingles come with a lifetime warranty with 5-Star Protection. 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential homes. And for all commercial or multi-family properties, the non-prorated portion is 30 years.
As you can see both manufacturers offer high-quality products and top-tier warranties. Warranties that'll provide you with security and peace of mind for many years to come.
Which Shingle Brand is Best for You?
It all comes down to your priorities:
• Want more color and design options? CertainTeed.
• Prefer the industry’s best wind and algae warranties? GAF.
• Looking for impact resistance or energy-efficient options? GAF’s cool series.
At the end of the day, both brands are top-tier choices with strong warranties. The best fit depends on your home’s needs and personal preferences. Selecting the perfect shingle brand is a personal decision that hinges on your unique preferences. Do you favor a particular aesthetic appeal or need enhanced durability due to local weather conditions?
Perhaps you want to prevent algae growth or find a color that matches your home's exterior. To make it easier to decide between CertainTeed and GAF's premium offerings, focus on the features that are most important to you. Both brands offer long warranties to protect your roof investment and give you peace of mind.
We know choosing the right shingles, style, color, and warranty, an feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here! If you live in one of our service areas, RoofCrafters has been protecting families one roof at a time for 30+ years. As both a GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed Select Shingle Master, we can guide you to the best choice for your home. Want expert advice? Let’s go over your options together!
