Are you wondering which shinlge is better CertainTeed vs GAF? The answer to your question can be found in the following article from THE Roofing Experts of Savannah!
As one of the premier roofing contractors in the Savannah region, we are often asked about our shingle brands and which shingle is better, GAF or CertainTeed. Considered the largest shingle manufacturers in the country, both are comparable in price, warranty, and color selection. So if that is the case, what is the ONE factor that will separate one from the other?
Keep reading and we will share which factor makes one (CertainTeed vs GAF) stand out!
GAF vs. CertainTeed, who is the BEST?
The best roofing shingle manufacturer is CertainTeed!
There you have it, the answer to the question of which is better GAF or CertainTeed. Now, obviously, that doesn’t give you a ton of context as to why they are the best, so we will elaborate in detail below.
- Weight—CertainTeed shingles are heavier and weigh 230 lbs per square foot (100 square feet), while GAF shingles weigh 207 lbs. This is the top factor we look at since everything else is nearly identical. The extra weight means the CertainTeed shingles are thicker and more durable.
- Price – GAF and CertainTeed shingles are virtually the same price, and the contractor will determine the installation price.
- Colors – CertainTeed has more color options and premium shingle options.
- Warranty Coverage – Both have the same wind ratings (130 MPH) when all installation requirements are met.
Just like finding the best roofing company, you will want to ensure you also have the best shingles installed on your roof! We will continue to outline everything below in detail for you, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to picking out shingles!
Quick Breakdown of GAF and CertainTeed:
GAF and CertainTeed offer 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles. While they have different names for their shingles, each primarily protects your home’s exterior from rain and weather. Here is a quick review of each product and a comparison!
GAF Shingles:
Similar to CertainTeed, GAF produces your basic 3-tab shingle and an architectural or “Dimensional” shingle. The most popular shingle in the United States is the GAF Timberline shingle. Below is some basic information about their shignles:
- 3 Tab – Royal Sovereign® Shingles: A 3-tab shingle known for its affordability and reliable performance, available in various colors.
- Architectural Shingles – Timberline UHDZ Shingles: These architectural shingles feature UltraMat high-performance technology and LayerLock technology, offering enhanced durability and wind resistance.
Premium Shingles:
- Camelot II® Shingles: Designer shingles that emulate the classic beauty of slate, providing an upscale look with advanced protection features
- Slateline® Shingles: These architectural shingles resemble traditional slate tiles, offering a sophisticated appearance with modern performance benefits.
- Woodland® Shingles: Designer shingles that capture the rustic charm of hand-cut wood shakes, enhancing the natural aesthetic of your home
Certainteed Shingles:
Both shingle companies offer a few shingle products. Ranging from your basic shingle to your luxury shingle, here are the CertainTeed shingle lines:
- 3 Tab – XT™ 25: A basic, single-layered shingle designed to resemble the appearance of slate, offering a flat and uniform look.
- Architectural Shingles – Landmark™: These shingles feature a dual-layer design, providing enhanced durability and a richer, more dimensional appearance. They come in a wide range of colors, including Weathered Wood, Moire Black, and Georgetown Gray.
- Architectural Shingles – Landmark™ PRO: An upgraded version of the Landmark series, offering Class 3 impact resistance and additional features for superior protection.
- Architectural Shingles – Landmark™ ClimateFlex®: Designed with rubberized asphalt, these shingles offer increased resistance to hail damage, often qualifying for insurance discounts.
Premium Shingles:
- Grand Manor™: Luxury shingles that emulate the look of natural slate, providing an upscale aesthetic with advanced protection features.
- Carriage House™: These shingles offer a similar appearance to handcrafted cedar shakes, adding a distinctive touch to your home’s exterior.
- Presidential Shake™: Designed to mimic the rustic charm of wood shakes, these shingles provide a premium look with enhanced durability.
Architectural GAF Timberline Shingles vs Certainteed Landmark Roofing Shingles
If you are getting a new roof in Savannah or anywhere for that matter, you will most likely be purchasing a shingled roof. The two most popular asphalt shingles in the United States are GAF and CertainTeed’s architectural (or dimensional) shingles.
Here is the breakdown of the differences between the two:
GAF Timberline Shingles
- Known for being cost-effective with strong performance.
- Offers a wide range of colors and a wood-shake appearance.
- Features Advanced Protection® Technology for durability and wind resistance.
- Popular models include the Timberline HDZ, which features nail-strip technology for improved installation.
- Limited lifetime warranty with wind warranty up to 130 mph (with proper installation).
- Generally lighter than CertainTeed, which can facilitate faster installation.
CertainTeed Landmark Shingles
- Known for superior thickness and weight, offering a heavier, more premium feel.
- Designed for enhanced durability and stronger resistance to wind and hail.
- Offers Max Def color options for deeper, richer tones.
- Limited lifetime warranty, but many models come with enhanced warranty coverage when installed by certified contractors.
- Higher initial cost, but often regarded as a “luxury” option among architectural shingles.
- Typically, more textured and dimensional compared to GAF.
Shingles Color And Design Differences
Many of the customers we install new roofs for love the availability of shingle selection and colors that both GAF and CertainTeed offer. We have installed both shingles, and when it comes to color selection, we give the nod to CertainTeed by just a small margin. Their color selection is pretty comparable!
CertainTeed Shingle Colors
- Atlantic Blue
- Birchwood
- Burnt Sienna
- Cobblestone Gray
- Colonial Slate
- Driftwood
- Georgetown Gray
- Heather Blend
- Hunter Green
- Moire Black
- Pewter
- Resawn Shake
- Silver Birch (noted for being ENERGY STAR® rated)
- Weathered Wood
GAF Shingle Colors
- Barkwood
- Birchwood
- Charcoal
- Fox Hollow Gray
- Hickory
- Hunter Green
- Mission Brown
- Oyster Gray
- Patriot Red
- Pewter Gray
- Shakewood
- Slate
- Weathered Wood
- Williamsburg Slate
CertainTeed vs GAF – Cost and Price Factors:
Let us guess, you want to know which shingle is more expensive, CertainTeed or GAF shingles?
Here’s a quick side-by-side cost comparison for GAF Timberline vs. CertainTeed Landmark shingles (based on 2025 national averages):
| Category | GAF Timberline HDZ | CertainTeed Landmark |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost per Square (100 sq ft) | $110–$135 | $125–$160 |
| Installed Cost per Square (with labor) | $350–$450 | $400–$525 |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime (basic); Upgraded options available | Limited Lifetime (standard); Stronger extended warranties available |
| Durability | Very good | Excellent (heavier, thicker) |
| Overall Value | Budget-Friendly & Reliable | Premium Feel & High-End Durability |
In our opinion, GAF tends to be more affordable and faster to install by a fraction; however, while CertainTeed is more expensive, they are thicker and considered the more premium product. Consider a mid-size sedan versus a luxury sedan for analogy purposes.
CertainTeed vs GAF – Durability
Perhaps more vital to selecting shingles than price, the durability of your roof’s shingles should be your top concern. In the Savannah, GA region, for example, hurricanes and strong thunderstorms will negatively impact your shingles. Having new shingles that are durable, thick, and properly installed is essential.
Here is a look at the durability comparison between GAF Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed Landmark shingles:
| Category | GAF Timberline HDZ | CertainTeed Landmark |
|---|---|---|
| Material Thickness | Lighter, slightly thinner profile | Heavier, thicker asphalt mat |
| Wind Rating | Up to 130 mph (with 4 nails + proper installation) | Up to 110 mph (standard); 130 mph with CertainTeed’s enhanced system |
| Impact Resistance | Good (standard Class A fire rating, not always Class 4 impact rated) | Very good; heavier weight gives slightly better hail and debris resistance (also Class A fire rating) |
| Longevity | 25–30 years average (can last longer with perfect conditions) | 30–40 years average (due to thicker construction) |
| Warranty Strength | Lifetime Limited Warranty (50 years non-prorated if installed by certified contractor) | Lifetime Limited Warranty (stronger non-prorated coverage with certified installers) |
GAF or CertainTeed Shingle Warranty Coverage:
Price comparison? Check. Durability comparison? Double check.
Now, let’s take a look at one of the most underrated and overlooked factors when picking out shingles – warranties. Below are some of the highlights of GAF Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingle warranties:
| Category | GAF Timberline HDZ Warranty | CertainTeed Landmark Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Coverage | Lifetime Limited Warranty on shingles | Lifetime Limited Warranty on shingles |
| Non-Prorated Period | 10 years (can extend to 50 years with system installation and certified contractor) | 10 years (can extend up to 50 years with SureStart™ PLUS warranty) |
| Workmanship Coverage | Up to 25 years with GAF Master Elite® contractor (Golden Pledge® warranty) | Up to 25 years with CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ contractor (SureStart™ PLUS warranty) |
| Wind Coverage | Up to 130 mph with proper installation | Up to 130 mph with CertainTeed Integrity Roof System installation |
| Transferability | 1-time free transfer within first 20 years | 1-time free transfer during non-prorated period |
| Algae Protection | 10 years StainGuard Plus™ | 10–15 years (depending on region and product) |
As you can see, the two warranties are essentially similar. CertainTeed shingles may have a few extra years in terms of algae protection.
The Verdict
Keep in mind this article is a review and is subject to change in terms of pricing or warranty information. We recommend that when you meet with a local roofing contractor, you ask them about their shingle preferences and why.
A reputable roofer will always be able to give you the inside scoop on shingles, their price factors, pros and cons. We hope you find this article helpful and if you live in Savannah, we recommend you give us a call or reach out below if you have questions about shingles!
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