Choices, choices, and so many to choose from.
As a homeowner, selecting the ideal roofing shingles is a critical decision. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed are among the top players in the roofing industry, offering a wide range of products. Each brand has unique features, advantages, and disadvantages, just like any other.
Wouldn't it be amazing if the right shingle for you presented itself without doing any research? Only in our dreams. However (and luckily), you have a comprehensive guide to show you everything you need to know about three of the top shingle brands. RoofCrafters has repaired and replaced asphalt shingle roofing systems for over three decades. After all these years, we've concluded that despite seemingly endless choices to browse, finding the perfect one can take you on quite the adventure.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed shingles. By doing so, we'll assist you in making an informed choice that aligns with the preferences and needs you have for your beautiful home. Which shingle is the best choice? If you're ready to find out, let's start comparing!
Comparing GAF Shingles: The Gold Standard in Roofing
GAF is a renowned roofing manufacturer known for its commitment to quality and innovation. If you're partial to excellence, this brand won't let you down. Let's explore the key aspects that define GAF shingles:
Quality and Durability
GAF shingles are recognized for their high quality and durability, providing excellent protection against various weather conditions. They are designed to withstand wind, rain, snow, and hail, ensuring long-lasting roofing protection. If you live in an area that experiences harsh weather, don't leave this one out of the running.
Style Variety
GAF offers a wide variety of shingle styles, including 3-tab, architectural, and designer. This variety allows homeowners to choose shingles that suit their aesthetic preferences and match their home's design. Modern home? They've got you covered. Traditional home? They also have you covered.
Energy Efficiency
GAF shingles are designed with energy efficiency in mind, offering options that can help reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. This feature contributes to a cooler home and potential energy savings. Because this is a topic that's becoming increasingly popular as homeowners become more aware of the environment and money savings, we couldn't leave this part out. Choose a high-quality roof option = save money in the long run.
Cost-Effectiveness
While GAF shingles may be slightly more expensive than some competitors, their durability and longevity often justify the initial investment, making them cost-effective in the long run. Keep in mind that GAF offers fantastic warranties, making it an even more cost-effective option in the grand scheme of things.
Owens Corning Shingles: Innovative and Sustainable Roofing Solutions
Owens Corning is another leading manufacturer in the roofing industry, known for its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Let's delve into the key features of Owens Corning shingles:
Quality and Durability
Owens Corning shingles are applauded for their quality and durability, offering excellent protection against the elements. They are designed to resist wind, impact, and algae growth, ensuring a durable roofing solution. Note that the brands mentioned here are all quite comparable, so choosing one will ultimately come down to you.
Wide Range of Styles
Owens Corning provides a diverse range of shingle styles, catering to various design preferences. Homeowners can choose from traditional 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and designer shingles, allowing for customization based on their home's aesthetics. Like GAF, you have several choices depending on where you live.
Energy Efficiency
Owens Corning shingles are engineered with energy efficiency features, designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. This aids in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment and potential savings on energy bills. Everyone wants to save on bills, right? Yep!
Cost-Effectiveness
While Owens Corning shingles may be priced competitively, their durability, quality, and energy efficiency features make them a cost-effective choice for many homeowners. While not the cheapest shingle, there's still some wiggle room with this one as far as finances go.
CertainTeed Shingles: Superior Quality and Timeless Appeal
CertainTeed is yet another reputable roofing manufacturer known for its focus on superior quality. Right up there with GAF, this is a trusted brand by roofers and homeowners alike. Let's uncover the defining features of CertainTeed shingles:
Quality and Longevity
CertainTeed shingles are synonymous with quality and durability. They are crafted to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring a long-lasting roofing option for homeowners. If you live in the Southeast, we're sure you understand how important having a sturdy roof is. CertainTeed won't let you down in that department.
Won't Cramp Your Style
CertainTeed offers a broad spectrum of shingle styles, providing options for every architectural design. Homeowners can choose from 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury designer shingles, allowing for a perfect match with their home's style. Again, keep in mind that the options available to you are dependent on your zip code.
Energy Efficiency
CertainTeed shingles incorporate energy-efficient features, aiding in reducing energy consumption and potentially lowering energy bills. This is achieved through advanced design and reflective properties! If saving energy is a must for you, this option is one to consider.
Cost-Effectiveness
While CertainTeed shingles may fall within a similar price range as competitors, their durability and energy efficiency contribute to a cost-effective roofing choice over the long term. With fantastic warranties and a promise to outlast the elements, it's hard to go wrong with this manufacturer.
Final Comparison: GAF vs. Owens Corning vs. CertainTeed
Now, let's conduct a side-by-side comparison of GAF vs Owens Corning vs CertainTeed shingles based on several crucial factors:
- Quality & Durability
- Style Variety
- Energy Efficiency
- Cost Effectiveness
Quality and Durability: Which Shingle Brand Stands Out?
- All three brands excel in providing high-quality, durable shingles designed to withstand diverse weather conditions.
- GAF Ultra High Definition shingles offer the longest warranty for workmanship and algae. Both have an industry-leading 30 years when you choose a GAF Master Elite contractor
Style Variety: Finding the Perfect Match for Your Home
- GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed offer a wide range of styles to cater to different architectural designs and personal preferences.
- CertainTeed has the largest selection of styles and colors to choose from and the most designer shingles on the market.
Energy Efficiency: How Each Brand Helps You Save on Bills
- Each brand incorporates energy-efficient features in its shingles, contributing to potential energy savings and a more comfortable indoor environment.
- GAF and CertainTeed both offer a "cool series" shingle line. These shingles have special granules that help reflect the sun and heat
Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing Quality and Budget
- Shingle pricing doesn't vary much, all the brands are competitive. So, the cost of the materials will only vary slightly. All three brands offer cost-effective roofing solutions considering the durability, quality, and energy efficiency their shingles provide in the long run.
- On an average size home, let's say 2000 to 3000 square feet, the cost of the materials installing a comparable line of shingles from either brand will be less than $250 to $350. Not much considering the average cost of a roof replacement is $14,500.
So, we highly recommend that you choose a style and color you love!
Warranty Comparison: Which Brand Offers the Best Protection?
When buying new shingles for your roof, you must consider the warranties from each brand. A strong warranty protects your investment. It covers material defects and can cover workmanship issues. Here's a detailed look at the warranties offered by GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning.
GAF Ultra HDZ Shingles: Industry-Leading Protection
GAF stands out. It has the best warranty in the industry on the GAF Timberline Ultra HDZ shingles. They offer unmatched protection and peace of mind. The GAF Golden Pledge warranty gives you confidence. It covers the durability and longevity of your roofing investment.
- Material Warranty: 50 years non-prorated
- Algae Warranty: 30 years only on the Timberline Ultra HDZ shingle
- Workmanship Warranty: 30 years only on the Timberline Ultra HDZ shingle
- Wind Speed Coverage: Unlimited for 15 years on architectural shingles
CertainTeed: Comprehensive Coverage with 5-Star Warranty
CertainTeed's 5-Star Warranty is identical to GAF's Golden Pledge for the materials and labor. Except for the GAF Ultra HDZ shingles listed above. Certainteed's algae warranty is less than GAF's too. These warranties are the top in the shingle industry. They provide thorough coverage. It ensures your roof stays in great shape for decades.
- Material Warranty: 50 years non-prorated
- Algae Warranty: 10 to 15 years depending on which architectural shingles
- Workmanship Warranty: 25 years
- Wind Speed Coverage: 130 mph on architectural/designer shingles
GAF: Golden and Silver Pledge Warranties
GAF leads in the warranty category. It has the best warranty in the industry on the Ultra HDZ shingles. Along with the Golden Pledge which is comparable to CertainTeed's 5-star warranty, GAF also offers the Silver Pledge, which is the same as the Golden Pledge but lowers the workmanship to 10 years. This helps reduce costs for those seeking a more affordable option.
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Material Warranty: 50 years non-prorated
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Algae Warranty: 25 years on architectural shingles
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Workmanship Warranty: 25 years and 10 years for the Silver Pledge
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Wind Speed Coverage: Unlimited for 15 years on architectural shingles
Owens Corning: Competitive but Limited Warranties
Owens Corning is a reputable brand. But, their warranties do not match those offered by GAF and CertainTeed. The facts are the facts. Homeowners wanting the best protection might find Owens Corning's warranties less appealing.
- Material Warranty: 20 years non-pro-rated
- Algae Warranty: 10 years and only 2 years non-prorated on architectural shingles
- Workmanship Warranty: 20 years
- Wind Speed Coverage: 130 mph for 10 years on architectural shingles
These warranty options demonstrate that GAF and CertainTeed offer better protection. They ensure your roof lasts a long time. Owens Corning is still a strong contender. But, it falls short in warranty coverage for all categories. Nevertheless, any brand that provides a 10, 15, or 20-year warranty for a product that withstands harsh sun and extreme weather conditions has our vote.
Consider the level of warranty protection that best meets your needs. It should give you the most peace of mind.
Which Asphalt Shingle Manufacturer is Right for You?
What do you think? Selecting the best shingles for your roof involves weighing the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each brand.
GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed are all reputable manufacturers that provide durable, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing shingles. You should consider your preferences, budget, and specific roofing needs when making a decision. Ultimately, investing in high-quality shingles will enhance the protection and beauty of your home for years to come!
Did you learn something new today? Remember- your roof is nothing short of a long-term investment, and selecting the right shingles will ensure you have a sturdy roof over your head for years down the line. Don't rush, and know that there are roofers out there who will have your back during the process!
If you live in one of our service areas, help is right around the corner! When you're ready, visit our contact page to connect with one of our awesome RoofCrafters representatives. We're excited about the opportunity to take on your roofing project!
