Choosing the Best Shingle Brand for Your Roof Replacement

Is your roof getting close to the end of its life? Maybe it’s already worn out and you’ve started thinking about having it replaced soon. Not sure where to start?

There are so many shingle brands out here. It can be an overwhelming task to understand the differences.

Between the shingles, the warranties, and all the benefits available from the different brands.

What separates them?

Who’s warranty is better?

Which one makes the best shingle? And, why?

We get it. And if you’re like the rest of our clients, you realize this is one of the largest and most important investments you'll make. And by choosing the right shingle brand you could extend your roof's life by several years.

We've helped thousands of homeowners over the past 3 decades. Our family at RoofCrafters has done so by learning what's in the fine print of the shingle warranties. Then by helping educate our clients on the differences, they're able to choose the right brand of shingles for their home. Now we want to do the same for you.

Whether you're looking for a shingle that provides the greatest protection from storms.  One that'll add curb appeal to enhance the look of your home.  We want to help you make a well-informed decision.

Here's the thing, in this article, we're going to honestly and transparently answer the question...

“What brand of shingle should I use for my roof?”

With so many good shingle brands available, we'll cover the following:

• Top 3 shingle brands
• The 4 types of shingles available from each brand
• The pros and cons of each of those 4 shingles

Hopefully, by the end of this article, we've guided you in the right direction for selecting the best shingle brand for your home.

Let’s dive right in!

Top Shingle Brands for Enhanced Roof Longevity

There are several other brands for you to consider. But,  we've found that the pros and cons of the 3 we're featuring outperform the other shingle brands.

1. GAF
   
2. CertainTeed
   
3. Owens Corning

To make your decision less confusing, we've decided to just leave the other manufacturers off our list. 

1. GAF Shingles: Reliability and Variety for Your Roof

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.

Why is this important to you and to us as a factory-certified roofing contractor?

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. For us as the contractors that install their shingles and for you as the consumer who lives under their product.

Let’s say we offer a product from a manufacturer and then later on that manufacturer doesn't honor their warranty. It'll make us look bad as the contractor who offered you the shingles and we'll lose your trust.

Our business is built on trust. You trust us as your contractor. We expect that you trust that we've done the research and we're only using products and brands that we believe in. Brands that we trust to use in our own 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'll be here for us and honor their warranty.

Trust is important for us. We take it very seriously and hope you do as well.

GAF has 3 different levels for consumers. Below are the levels and the warranty coverage GAF offers for each level:

1. You can buy GAF’s products yourself from a roofing supply house or a local hardware store. (Home Depot) You can install the materials or you can have someone install them for you and receive a GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty.

• 10-year non-prorated warranty for any manufacturer defects. And prorated for the rest of the shingle lifespan. (This can be extended to 50 years non-prorated if you use 3 GAF accessories with the shingles)
  
  
• No workmanship or roof leak warranty is included.
  
  
• Example of a lifetime shingle: For the first 10 years, GAF will cover any defects in the materials. This is for the materials and the labor to re-install them, this does NOT include tear-off, disposal, or any accessories. 

2. You can hire a GAF factory-certified contractor. GAF factory-certified contractor program is how they bring in newer roofing contractors. These contractors have been recognized in the community for doing good work. The program is designed to hold these contractors more accountable. A GAF factory-certified contractor can offer a GAF System Plus Warranty. Below is the warranty coverage:

• 50-year non-prorated warranty for any manufacturer defects. 100% coverage for material defects And prorated for the rest of the shingle lifespan.
  
  
• No workmanship or roof leak warranty is included. (So, if there is not a material issue and the problem is an installation error, you will be responsible for the cost of the leak repair)
  
  
• On a lifetime shingle, your materials will also be non-prorated for 50 years, instead of only 10 years. As long as the GAF-certified contractor uses 3 GAF accessories. Such as GAF’s underlayment, ice, and water shield, and ventilation products to qualify for this warranty. Those products are also included in the System Plus Warranty as well.

3. You can hire a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. To become a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, the roofer has to be a GAF factory-certified contractor for at least 3 years without any issues. GAF Master Elite contractors are required to meet GAF’s yearly training and installation requirements.

Because of the warranties, they can offer as the installer, only 2 out of every 100 roofing contractors in America reach GAF Master Elite status. That’s only 2% of all the roofing companies in the United States.

The warranties Master Elite contractors can provide put a lot of liability on GAF.  As you'll see below because of that liability they require more from their Master Elite contractors. Many contractors don’t meet GAF’s Master Elite standards. Here's the coverage:

• 50-year non-prorated warranty for any manufacturer defects for all GAF lifetime materials. GAF covers all labor costs too, so no out-of-pocket cost to you, if there is an issue with the materials in the first 50 years, you are covered.
  
  
• 25-year workmanship warranty for the Golden Pledge Warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty for the Silver Pledge Warranty. (This is a NO leak warranty.) So even if your roofer makes an installation error, GAF will cover the roof leak repair or replacement under either of these warranties.
  
  
• On a lifetime shingle, your materials will also be non-prorated for 50 years, instead of only 10 years. The Silver Pledge Warranty requires the GAF Master Elite roofer to use 4 GAF accessories with the shingles you selected. The Golden Pledge Warranty requires 5 GAF accessories. Along with the shingle of your choice. Accessories included are Deck-Armor synthetic underlayment, ProStart starter shingles, StormGuard ice, and water shield, Cobra ridge vents, Timbertex hip, and ridge cap shingles.
  

As you can see, each purchase and installation level has separate coverage periods and benefits available for you.

As the warranty coverage increases, GAF’s liability increases too. But, your roof investment is protected much longer as the level of contractor you choose to hire and the level of warranty you choose increases. 

2. CertainTeed: A Century of Roofing Excellence

CertainTeed was founded in 1904 as, General Roofing Manufacturing Company. Today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products. Including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum, and ceilings.

CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products. CertainTeed has more than 6,300 employees. They have more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

Their name was derived and changed in 1917 from their slogan.

"Quality made certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed"

CertainTeed also has 3 different levels for consumers. Below are the 3 levels and the warranty coverage offered by CertainTeed for each of the 3 levels.

1. You can also buy CertainTeed’s products yourself from either a roofing supply house or a local hardware store. You can install the materials yourself or you can have a roofer install them for you and you will still receive their limited lifetime warranty.

• A limited lifetime warranty is a 10-year non-prorated warranty. It covers any manufacturer defects and then the warranty is prorated for the remainder of the shingle lifespan.
  
  
• No workmanship or if the roof leaks due to faulty workmanship CertainTeed does not cover the cost of repairs.
  
  
• Example of a lifetime shingle: For the first 10 years CertainTeed will cover any defects in the materials. This is for the materials and the labor to re-install them. Including roof tear-off, metal work, flashing, and disposal expenses. On a lifetime shingle, if you get 25 years and have a warranty claim, CertainTeed will owe you 25 years of materials. (50 years warranty period) Again, this will be a small fraction of the cost of your roof replacement or repair. Why?  Because no labor cost or accessories will be included. That cost will fall on you.

2. You can hire a CertainTeed Shingle Master. Like the GAF factory-certified contractor program. A CertainTeed Shingle Master has been vetted by CertainTeed. Contractors are required to meet training and certain testing requirements. This is to stay eligible to provide you CertainTeed’s 3-star and 4-star SureStart Plus warranties.

• CertainTeed's 3-star & 4-star warranties are 50-year non-prorated warranties. Warrant against any manufacturer defects on the materials. If the material has a defect CertainTeed will pay for the materials and labor to tear off for the 3-star warranty. They will pay for that and include the disposal if you purchase the 4-star warranty. ShingleMaster contractors are required to follow Certainteed’s written specifications. They must follow guidelines for the installation of shingles and accessories.
  
  
• No workmanship or roof leak warranty is included with either warranty. Any installation errors that result in roof leaks you will be responsible for that cost.
  
  
• Example of a lifetime shingle: For the first 50 years CertainTeed will cover any defects in the materials. This is for the materials and the labor to re-install them. Roof tear-off, metal work, flashing, and disposal will be included in the 4-star warranty. No disposal fee is included in the 3-star warranty. Now on a lifetime shingle, if you get 25 years and have a warranty claim, CertainTeed will owe you 25 years of materials and labor. (50 years warranty.)  Labor and all the accessories are included. Accessories such as Diamond Deck synthetic underlayment, Winterguard ice & water shield, and Swift Start starters shingles. The metal drip edge flashing, roof-to-wall flashings, pipe vent collars, and ridge vents are included too.
  

3. You can hire a CertainTeed Select Shingle Master. This is CertainTeed's highest certification. A Select Shingle Master has been vetted by CertainTeed. To be eligible contractors have to be in business for 5 years and have been a Shingle Master for at least 1 of those 5 years. They also need crews and supervisors to meet training and certain testing requirements. This is required to stay eligible to provide the CertainTeed 5-Star warranty.

• CertainTeed's 5-Star warranty is 50 years of non-prorated warranty. Warrant against any manufacturer defects on the materials. If the material has a defect CertainTeed will pay for all the materials and the labor to tear it off. If repair or replacement of the materials is ever needed. Select Shingle Master contractors must follow Certainteed’s guidelines.
  
  
• 25-year workmanship or a NO roof leak warranty is included with a 5-star warranty. For any installation errors that result in roof leaks, Certainteed will be responsible for that cost.
  
  
• Example of a lifetime shingle: For the first 50 years CertainTeed will cover any defects in the materials. This is for the materials and the labor to re-install them. Including roof tear-off, metal work, flashing, and disposal. On a lifetime shingle, if you get 25 years and have a warranty claim, CertainTeed will owe you 25 years of materials and labor. (50 years warranty period.)  Labor is included and all the accessories are included. Such as Diamond Deck synthetic underlayment, WinterGuard ice, and water shield, SwiftStart starter shingles, and metal drip edge flashing. Roof-to-wall flashings, pipe vent collars, and ridge vents will be included in the warranty claim too.

Like the GAF warranties, each installation level has coverage periods and benefits available to you. CertainTeed’s liability increases as the warranty coverage increases. This means your roof investment will have more protection.

Now that you understand more about GAF and CertainTeed. Let's review Owens Corning’s levels of protection.

3. Owens Corning: Innovative Roofing Solutions

Owens Corning Fiberglass Company was formed in 1935 through the merger of Owens-Illinois and Corning Glass Works. Owens Corning is an American company that produces roofing, insulation, and composites.

In 1979 the company reported over 2 billion in sales and currently, they employ over 19,000 people around the world.

Like GAF and CertainTeed, Owens Corning has 3 different levels for their consumers too. Below we will break down the levels and the warranties Owens Corning offers for each of their levels:

1. You can buy Owens Corning roofing shingles yourself from either a local roofing supply company or a local hardware store. You either install the materials yourself. Or you have a roofing contractor install them for you and you will receive their standard product limited warranty.

• A Standard Product Limited warranty is a 10-year non-prorated warranty. This covers any manufacturer defects and then the warranty is prorated at 80% and 2% less for each year for the remainder of the shingle lifespan. Owens Corning does not pay for the tear-off or disposal of defective shingles. but, they will pay for the accessories if they are an Owens Corning product. *Their warranty is also void by installation errors
  
  
• No workmanship or if the roof leaks due to faulty workmanship Owens Corning is not liable under this warranty to cover the cost for repairs.
  
  
• For example for a lifetime shingle, for the first 10 years, Owens Corning will cover any defects in the materials. If there are no installation errors. This is for the materials and the labor to re-install them. This excludes roof tear-off, and disposal expenses incurred during the repair or replacement. Now on a lifetime shingle, if you get 20 years and have a warranty claim, Owens Corning will owe you approximately 60% of the 30 years of materials. (50 years warranty period) Again, this will be a small fraction of your roof replacement or repair cost. Because no labor will be included. Also, none of the accessories needed will be included. Accessories such as ProAmor synthetic underlayment, WeatherLock ice, and water shield, and Start Strip Plus starter shingles. The metal eave drip, roof-to-wall flashings, pipe collars, and VentSure ridge vent won't be included in the warranty either. The cost of labor and those accessories needed to make the repairs will fall on you.

2. You can hire an Owens Corning Roofing Preferred Contractor. Much like the GAF factory-certified contractor program, and the CertainTeed Shingle Master. An Owens Corning Roofing Preferred contractor has been vetted by Owens Corning. All contractors have been screened for financial stability. They provide customer service and also carry general liability insurance. Owens Corning Roofing preferred contractors can offer the System Protection Limited Warranty and the Preferred Protection Limited Warranty.

• Owens Corning’s Systems Protection Limited warranty. This warranty covers 50 years of non-prorated warranty against any manufacturer defects. This is for the materials and all roofing components. And if the material has a defect Owens Corning will pay for the materials and labor to tear off and the disposal fees. But their warranty is voided by installation errors.
  
  
• No workmanship or roof leak warranty is included with the System Protection Limited Warranty. If any installation errors result in roof leaks, you will be responsible for all roof leak repair costs.
  
  
• The System Protection Limited Warranty requires the contractor to use three Owens Corning components. Components such as Owens Corning Pro Armor synthetic underlayment, WeatherLock ice, and water shield, Starter Strip Plus shingle, and VentSure ridge vents. 4 components are needed for the warranty to be registered and valid.
  
  
• The Preferred Protection Limited Warranty is the same but it includes a 10-year workmanship warranty. So any leaks that happen due to installation errors, you would be covered. The Preferred Protection Limited Warranty requires the contractor to install 4 components. 

3. You can hire an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Contractor. An Owens Corning Roofing Platinum contractor has been vetted by Owens Corning and all their Platinum Roofing Contractors have been screened for financial stability. They carry general liability insurance and passed an installation workmanship inspection. Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Contractors are the only contractors who can offer the Platinum Protection Limited Warranty.

• Owens Corning Platinum Protection Limited warranty covers 50 years of non-prorated warranty. This is against any manufacturer defects on materials and roof components. And if the material has a defect Owens Corning will pay for the materials and labor to tear off and the disposal fees. Their warranty is also voided by installation errors.
  
  
• 25-year workmanship or no roof leak warranty is included with the Platinum Protection Limited Warranty.
  
  
• This warranty requires that your contractor use 4 Owens Corning components. These include Owens Corning ProAmor synthetic underlayment, WeatherLock ice, and water shield, Starter Strip Plus shingle, and VentSure ridge vents. The components are needed for the warranty to be registered and valid.
  

As you can see, the 3 brands have small differences in their warranties. They all have enhanced warranty programs available to you. Programs to promote and hold contractors accountable. These programs were designed for your protection.

Now that you see each of their different levels of protection let’s talk about their different types of shingles.

Comparing Different Types of Shingles Available

The most economical roof materials installed on homes are asphalt shingles. They're 4 different shingle types for you to choose from. Depending on the particular style you prefer, the duration of the warranty, and the cost or budget you have set aside.

The 4 different styles of shingles are:

1. 3-Tab shingles
   
2. Architectural shingles
   
3. Upgraded architectural shingles
   
4. Designer shingles

In this section, we will review each of the brand's 4 styles of shingles. We will go over the features and benefits of each shingle type and point out their differences.

Budget-Friendly 3-Tab Shingles: An Overview

These shingles are the most economical shingles on the market. 3-tab shingles are often referred to as “builder grade’ shingles. They are typically installed on new construction homes and some investment properties. Good choice, if you have an extremely tight budget.

Aesthetics: 3-tab shingles lay flat and have 3 cutouts in a strip that create a 3-tab look. They will provide your home with a slate shingle look.

Lifespan: Typically lasts 12-15 years

Protection: With only a 60 mph wind warranty.  Because 3-tabs are the lightest of the shingles. They provide the least wind protection, during a major wind event the 3-tabs shingles are at a greater risk of blowing off the roof.

GAF 3-Tab Shingle is the Royal Sovereign

• 25-year limited warranty, 5 years non prorated
• 25-year StainGuard Plus algae protection warranty
• 60 mph wind warranty

View GAF Royal Sovereign shingles & colors here.

CertainTeed XT-25 3-Tab Shingle

• 25-year limited warranty, first 5 years non prorated
• 10-year Streakfighter algae-resistant warranty
• 62 mph warranty

View CertainTeed XT-25 3-tab shingles & colors here.

Owens Corning Supreme 3-Tab shingles

• 25-year limited warranty, first 5 years non prorated
• 10-year StreakGuard algae-resistant warranty, prorated after 1 year
• 60 mph wind warranty

View Owens Corning Supreme 3-tab shingles & colors here.

Architectural Shingles: Durability Meets Style

Architectural shingles are the most popular shingles. They are heavier than the 3-tab shingles and will provide you with a much higher wind rating than the much lighter 3-tab shingles

Architectural shingles are sometimes referred to as laminated shingles.  During production, the manufacturer laminates shingle parts together. This laminated part creates depth or provides dimension, fun fact, this shingle was designed to look like real wood shingles.

Architectural shingles are also referred to as dimensional shingles. During production, the manufacturer laminates shingle parts together. This laminated part creates depth or provides dimension, fun fact, this shingle was designed to look like real wood shingles.

Aesthetics: These shingles provide a 3-D dimensional look that'll provide your home some extra curb appeal.

Lifespan: Most architectural roofs last 17 to 22 years and up to 25 years with proper roof ventilation.

Protection: With the correct installation method GAF’s HDZ shingle provides 15 years of unlimited wind speed coverage. CertainTeed and Owens Corning provide a 110 mph wind warranty. They offer a 130 mph warranty when following their special high wind installation instructions.

GAF Architectural Shingle is the Timberline HDZ Shingle

• Lifetime warranty 10 years non-prorated. 50 years non-prorated if you use 3 GAF accessories or choose to use a GAF factory-certified or Master Elite contractor.
  
  
• 25-year StainGuard Plus algae protection warranty.
  
  
• Infinite wind warranty for first 15 years using 4 GAF accessories.

View GAF's HDZ shingles and colors here.

CertainTeed Architectural Shingles are the Landmark

• Lifetime warranty(10-year non-prorated) - 50 years non-prorated if you use a Shingle Master or a Select Shingle Master.
  
  
• 10-year StreakFighter warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by blue-green algae.
  
  
• 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. A wind warranty upgrade to 130 mph is available for Landmark. By using specified CertainTeed starter shingles and CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles.

View CertainTeed's Landmark shingles and colors here.

Owens Corning Architectural Shingles are the Oakridge

• Lifetime warranty(10 years non-prorated) - 50 years non-prorated if you use a Preferred or Platinum-approved contractor.
  
  
• 10-year StreakGuard algae-resistant warranty, prorated after 1 year.
  
  
• 15-year 110 mph wind warranty. The warranty can be upgraded to 130 mph. Special installation methods and an Owens Corning starter and hip and ridge are needed.

View Owens Corning Oakridge shingles and colors here.

Upgraded Architectural Shingles: Luxury Style

Upgraded architectural shingles provide the same economic ease as the other shingles.

The major difference is the curb appeal. Side by side with its little brother the regular architectural shingle there is no comparison. The upgraded shingle is much heavier in weight. This makes it a thicker shingle giving your roof much more definition, creating pop and a greater curb appeal.

The lifetime warranties for the upgraded architectural shingles are the same. 

CertainTeed increases the algae-resistant warranty to 15 years instead of 10. Which will allow the shingles to look better for longer.

Aesthetics: The thickness of these shingles creates a very noticeable visual difference. Along with the placement of colored granules from each of their regular architectural shingles. This provides extra pop and an added 3-D dimension.

Lifespan: Created by putting more asphalt in the shingle, better sealant, and a wider area for nail placement. These shingles will typically last 25 to 30 years.

Protection: The heavier a product the less likely it is to blow off in a major wind storm. These shingles can weigh as much as 100 lb per square foot more than regular architectural shingles.

GAF’s Upgraded Architectural Shingles are Timberline Ultra HDZ

• A lifetime warranty is 10 years non-prorated. 50 years non-prorated if you use 3 GAF accessories or choose to use a GAF factory-certified or Master Elite contractor.
  
  
• 25-year StainGuard Plus algae protection warranty.
  
  
• Infinite wind warranty for first 15 years using 4 GAF accessories, then 130 mph for the rest of the warranty period.

View GAF's UHDZ Timberline shingles and colors here.

CertainTeed’s Upgraded Shingles are the Landmark Pro

• Lifetime warranty(10 years non-prorated) - 50 years non-prorated if you use a Shingle Master or a Select Shingle Master.
  
  
• 10-year StreakFighter warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by blue-green algae.
  
  
• 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. A wind warranty upgrade to 130 mph is available for Landmark. Specified CertainTeed starter shingles and CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles are needed.

View CertainTeed's Landmark Pro shingles and colors here.

Owens Corning’s Upgraded Shingles are the Duration Designer

• Lifetime warranty(10 years non-prorated) - 50 years non-prorated if you use a Preferred or Platinum-approved contractor.
  
  
• 10-year StreakGuard algae-resistant warranty, prorated after 1 year.
  
  
• 15-year 110 mph wind warranty. The wind warranty can be upgraded to 130 mph. Owens Corning starter and hip and ridge accessories along with a special installation method are needed.

View Owens Corning Duration shingles and colors here.

Designer Shingles: The Premium Choice for Aesthetic Appeal

Designer asphalt shingles are also sometimes referred to as luxury shingles. Designer or luxury shingles are specially designed to simulate real products, such as real slate or real wood shingles.

They're by far the heaviest in the asphalt shingle family. Certainteed has historically led the industry in designer and luxury shingles

Designer shingles will add tremendous aesthetic value. They create amazing curb appeal with their unique designs. This may be the right shingle for you if you want your home to stand out from the rest.

Aesthetics: These shingles are specifically manufactured to provide the greatest curb appeal.

Lifespan: You can expect these shingles to last 30 to 40 years.

Protection: Being the heaviest of the shingle family. With the proper installation methods, they provide unmatched wind and protection from storms.

GAF has 3 Styles of Designer Shingles

• The lifetime warranty is 10 years non-prorated. 50 years non-prorated if you use 3 GAF accessories or choose to use a GAF factory-certified or Master Elite contractor.
  
  
• 25-year StainGuard Plus algae protection warranty.
  
  
• Infinite wind warranty for the first 15 years using 4 GAF accessories Then 130 mph for the rest of the warranty.

Camelot II - View shingle & colors here

Slateline  -   View shingle & colors here

Woodland - View shingle & colors here

CertainTeed has 6 Styles of Designer Shingles

• Lifetime warranty(10 years non-prorated) - 50 years non-prorated if you use a Shingle Master or a Select Shingle Master.
  
  
• 10-year StreakFighter warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by blue-green algae.
  
  
• 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. A wind warranty upgrade to 130 mph is available for Landmark. By using specified CertainTeed starter shingles and CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles.

Grand Manor -  View shingle & colors here

Carriage House -  View shingle & colors here

Belmont Shingles-  View shingle & colors here

Presidential Shake TL -  View shingle & colors here

Presidential Shake -  View shingle & colors here

Highland Slate -  View shingle & colors here

Owens Corning has One Designer Shingle

• Lifetime warranty(10 years non-prorated) - 50 years non-prorated if you use a Preferred or Platinum-approved contractor.
  
  
•  10-year StreakGuard algae-resistant warranty, prorated after 1 year.
  
  
• 15-year 110 mph wind warranty. The wind warranty can be upgraded to 130 mph. Using Owens Corning starter and hip and ridge accessories along with a special installation method. 

Berkshire - View shingle & colors here

We've covered a lot of information. You learned the different levels of factory-certified contractors. The levels of warranties their factory-certified contractor can provide. And the four shingle styles each brand offers. So what does it mean for you? We'll summarize the information in the key takeaway section.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Shingles

Owens Corning has a clause in their warranty that states "Their warranty can be voided by installation errors."

As a homeowner, anytime there's a clause in the fine print of a warranty, it's a red flag. This clause allows Owens Corning to void the warranty if the materials were not installed properly. With over 90% of roof failures being attributed to installation errors, this leaves the door open to denying many roof warranty claims. (Yes, it's already happened)

For this reason, RoofCrafters doesn't recommend Owens Corning shingles as a first or second choice. With that being said, if you find a particular style or color that you love that's ok.  As long as you understand you'll have less coverage, then there's no problem using their shingles.

Neither CertainTeed nor GAF has these "installation error" clauses in their fine print. GAF has included in their fine print that even if your GAF products were not properly installed. They'll still warranty their products. 

Certainteed has the best selection of colors for upgraded architectural shingles to choose from. They also have the largest selection of designer shingles if you are wanting a certain style of luxury shingle.

Now, if you're concerned with black streaking and algae you may want to consider moving to a GAF shingle. CertainTeed shingles only come with 10 or 15-year algae warranties. GAF shingles will provide 25-year algae protection. 

Algea Causing Black Streaks

Also, CertainTeed only has one level of warranty with 100% labor and material coverage. Their 5-Star Protection Warranty. If you're looking for 100% coverage and need to reduce the cost, GAF has the Silver Pledge Warranty which is 100% material and labor coverage for 10 years. However, CertainTeed is a great option if you find a specific style and color you want and are not concerned about the algae growing after 10 or 15 years. 

GAF offers as much as the other manufacturers do. And they're the only brand to have the 25-year StainGuard Plus algae warranty. It's available for their architectural and designer shingles. 

Making Your Final Shingle Choice with Confidence

Choosing the brand of shingles comes down to deciding what you want out of your roof investment. Getting the color you want may be the most important to you. Getting the perfect style shingle may be most important to you. Or maybe it's getting the maximum warranty coverage.

Once you decide what's important, our family at RoofCrafters Roofing will be here to guide you every step along the way. You'll get the highest-quality roof with a lifetime warranty. If you'd like help selecting the right shingle style and color, you can schedule your inspection below.