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December 14, 2023

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    If you’re in the process of adding or upgrading your roof, it’s beneficial to consider all relevant information to know which roofing shingles will suit your preference and needs best. 

    In this article, we’ve narrowed it down to two brands—CertainTeed® and GAF to help you decide. Both CertainTeed® and GAF are durable and high-performing roofing shingle brands that enhance the value of your house and help build a much safer and comfortable quality of life in a cost-efficient way. 

    You might be wondering which of the two, CertainTeed® and GAF, is the ideal roofing shingle brand for you, so here is a comprehensive guide about the cost, warranty, roofing materials and technologies used, and available product lines.

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    Certainteed Shingles Overview

    Founded in 1904, CertainTeed® is a manufacturer of exterior and interior building materials for home remodeling and new construction needs. The company offers exterior products, including residential, commercial, and solar roofing, siding, trim, decking, railing, fence, and sheathing products.

    For the interior products, CertainTeed® offers insulation, technical insulation, insulation equipment, drywall, corner, and finishing products. They also provide services for architectural solutions, such as ceilings, walls, gypsum ceilings, and suspension systems.

    CertainTeed® offers residential roofing products that are available in two main product lines: Landmark® Shingles and Residential Roofing. The available material variations for the roofing products are Asphalt Shingles, Hip & Ridge, Underlayments, Ventilation, and Starter Shingles, and 3-Tab, Shake, and Slate are the style or design options. 

    The value of CertainTeed®’s roofing products is available in Traditional or Strip Shingles, Designer, and Luxury choices with 26 color or shades variation. It includes Atlantic Blue, Black Walnut, Burnt Sienna, Charcoal Black, Cinder Black, Cobblestone Gray, Colonial State, Cottage Red, Driftwood, Georgetown Gray, Heather Blend, Hunter Green, and Max Def Georgetown Gray. 

    The other available colors or shades are Max Def Moire Black, Max Def Weathered Wood, Moire Black, Mojave Tan, Painted Desert, Pewter, Pewter Wood, Resawn Shake, Silver Birch, Sunrise Cedar, Terra Cotta, Thunderstorm Gray, and Weathered Wood.


    GAF Shingles Overview

    GAF was formerly named Standard Paint Company, which was founded back in 1886 in Bound Brook, New Jersey, in a remodeled sawmill. In 1921, the company then changed its name to The Ruberoid Co and introduced its first Interlocking Asphalt Shingles in 1933.

    In 1967, The Ruberiod Co and GAF merged and adopted the name GAF. GAF is now a New Jersey-based manufacturer of both residential and commercial roofing and waterproofing products. Today, the company offers products, including solar roofing, fiber-cement siding, pavement coatings, and ornamental iron products, among others.

    GAF offers roofing shingles, which are available in three product lines: Timberline Shingles, Designer Shingles, and 3-Tab Shingles. The product line Timberline Shingles is available in four distinct types, including Timberline® HDZ™ Shingles, Timberline® AH Shingles, Timberline® UHD Shingles (Ultra High Definition), and Timberline® AS II Shingles. Read our in-depth analysis of Timberline Shingles.

    The Designer Shingles feature two available types, namely Slateline and Camelot II. 3-Tab Shingles feature only one type of roofing shingle, namely Royal Sovereign.

    Moreover, the available colors of GAF Roofing shingles are Barkwood, Birchwood, Biscayne Blue, Charcoal, Driftwood, Fox Hollow Gray, Hickory, Hunter Green, Mission Brown, Oyster Gray, Patriot Red, Pewter Gray, Shakewood, Slate, Weathered Wood, Williamsburg Slate, Appalachian Sky, Cedar Falls, Golden Harvest, and Nantucket Morning.


    Certainteed vs GAF: Comparison

    The average cost of CertainTeed® roofing shingles ranges from $85 to $280 per square. Square is equivalent to 100 feet per square. This only pertains to the cost of materials or roofing products. 

    With the installation costs, the cost of low-end CertainTeed® roofing shingles will range from $250 to $300 per square, while mid-grade CertainTeed® roofing shingles typically cost about $400 to $450 per square. The luxury CertainTeed® roofing shingles range from about $400 to $600 per square.

    For the most accurate estimate of the roofing shingle costs, customers can get it by finding a pro or a retailer or distributor authorized by CertainTeed®. Customers just need to complete the form, which can be accessed on their website.

    The pricing of GAF’s roofing shingles is measured per square. A square is equal to 100 square feet.

    In general, the price of GAF’s standard dimensional Timberline Shingle ranges from about $90 to $125 per square, while their high-quality dimensional GAF Timberline Ultra HD Shingles typically costs about $125-$150 per square.

    For their 3-Tab Shingles, the price ranges from $60 to $80 per square, while their Designer Shingles range from $150-$160 per square.

    The pricing only includes the products or materials. It doesn’t include the installation and accessories costs yet, which are another essential cost to consider. The base professional installation costs range from $200 to $350, and the costs for accessories typically range from $20 to $30.

    Moreover, the most accurate price of GAF’s roofing shingles may vary, depending on a variety of factors. It includes the location of where you live and the shape and size of your roof.

    The warranty coverage of CertainTeed® roofing shingles varies, depending on the selected type of shingle. For architectural shingles, CertainTeed® offers a Lifetime, also known as Lifetime Limited Warranty against manufacturing defects, while 3-Tab shingles have coverage of 20 to 30 years against manufacturing defects.

    CertainTeed® roofing shingles also offer 10 years of warranty coverage for the SureStart Period for extra protection. They also offer 10-year warranty coverage for StreakFighter® or the warranty against discoloration or streaking caused by algae and a 15-year warranty for wind resistance. 

    Moreover, a Lifetime Warranty applies to the original owner of the property where the shingles are installed. It is also transferrable only by the original owner of the property to the first succeeding property owner.

    GAF offers a Limited Warranty for their roofing shingle products. The Limited Warranty is available in four types: GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, System Plus Limited Warranty, Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranty.

    Both GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty and GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty provide 10 Years of coverage during the Smart Choice Protection Period, while the System Plus Limited Warranty, Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranty provide 50 Years of warranty coverage.

    Moreover, all four types of the GAF Limited Warranty offer 10 Years of coverage for the StainGuard-Labeled Shingles or Ridge Cap Shingles (Algae Warranty Term) and 15 years for the Wind Warranty Term.

    CertainTeed® utilizes various roofing technologies to help create durable and high-performing roofing products. They feature QuadraBond technology with an industry-best adhesive that binds the shingle layers together to provide strength and help maintain the roof’s performance as they stand up against harsh weather and wind.

    CertaSeal is an example of a high-grade adhesive that binds shingle layers together on the roof. It is made from a combination of polymers and asphalts that provides protection against moisture infiltration, wind uplift, and shingle blow-off. 

    Another roofing technology is the StreakFighter® technology that provides protection by infusing copper granules into the surface of the roof. The technology produces anti-algae properties, which inhibit black streaks caused by algae growth on the roof.

    Moreover, CertainTeed® features NailTrak®, which is a nailing area that provides ease of installation for roofing contractors.

    GAF uses LayerLock™ Technology to blend overlapping shingle layers. It also uses another technology, StainGuard Plus™ Time-Release Technology, which helps protect the roofing shingles roof from stains and algae.

    They also feature StainGuard® Plus™, a technology that uses a capsule infused with copper microsites to protect the roof against stain and algae. GAF’s roofing shingles also feature StrikeZone™, a nailing area feature that provides 99.9% nailing accuracy. 

    Moreover, the StrikeZone™ nailing area is paired with Dura Grip™ sealant to enhance the durability and strength of the roofing shingles.

    For information on copper roofing and it’s cost read our article.

    Both the CertainTeed® roofing shingles and GAF roofing shingles are made from layers of fiberglass-reinforced asphalt shingles that are fused or laminated. CertainTeed® has coverage of at least 4 to 5 layers, while GAF has coverage of at least 3 to 4 layers. 


    Certainteed vs GAF: Final Showdown

    Both CertainTeed® and GAF Roofing Shingles provide sustainable and durable roofing shingles that guarantee the safety and protection of your home even when exposed to harsh weather and wind conditions. Both brands also use roofing technologies that help create durable and high-performing roofing products.

    If you prefer high-quality roofing shingles at a fraction of a cost, then CertainTeed® will suit you best. If you want a roofing shingle brand with a wider selection of types, designs, colors, and warranty variations, then GAF is the ideal brand for you.

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    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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