An improper roof installation or defective material can lead to leaks, which wastes energy and structural damage. If you’re having trouble choosing your roof shingles brand, then you’re in luck.
There are many options for your roof, but few are as trusted as GAF and Owens Corning. Both of these companies are known to offer long-lasting products and contractor training programs that won’t let you down.
Owens Corning vs. GAF Roofing Shingles is up against each other in a heated competition. Let’s examine them side-by-side, so we can see which is the better choice for your home. We’ll be comparing them according to cost, warranty, quality, and design.
Owens Corning Shingles
Owens Corning is an American company that manufactures among the best shingles in the North American market. They have a sizable marketing budget and have been second to GAF in US shingle sales.
The company aspires to provide the best in weathering-grand asphalt. Hence they employ innovative technologies to put new products on the market. They also develop sustainable solutions and constantly improve their manufacturing processes to keep up with the ever-changing demands.
OC shingles offer a shingle design that is different from anything else on the market. Unlike other shingles, these provide a woven fortification to improve grip and blow-through resistance at the nail area.
Owens Corning shingles are an amazing choice for quality, aesthetics, and durability. Their TruDefinition® color platform is designed to improve the appearance of their shingles by making them resistant to heat, moisture, and sunlight.
GAF Roofing Shingles
GAF roofing shingles come in a wide range of styles and colors. Furthermore, since most roofers in the US work with them, GAF is among the most popular brands in the country. If you’re looking to upgrade your home exterior, their Timberline® shingles can match nearly any color, style, or budget.
GAF started in 1886 as the Standard Print Company until one of its employees, William Griscom, developed innovative ideas for asphalt compounds. 1912 was when they introduced affordable shingles that were weatherproof and easy to install.
GAF shingles are a top-rated product with a proven track record. The award-winning innovation brand has been rated #1 by homebuilders for 11 years straight and titled many recognitions.
Owens Corning Vs. GAF Roofing Shingles: Comparison
Both brands have comparable pricing for standard 3-tab tab shingles at $75-$96 per square. The same goes for GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration shingles at $80-$225 per square price range.
When it comes to the top-selling GAF Timberline HDZ vs. OC’s TruDefintion Duration Series, you can’t go wrong with either. They both offer the same overall value and performance.
GAF’s Timberline architectural shingles series may be a good option for people looking for a cheaper product. However, Owens Corning offers better pricing to specialty shingles for hail-resistant shingles, such as OC Duration Storm and Flex.
GAF has some of the best warranties to protect homeowners nationwide. Roofers who have Master Elite certification can issue you a Golden Pledge warranty. This warranty covers the materials, labor, and installation. Furthermore, GAF warranties are transferable, and they offer a brand-name protection plan on your new roof.
Meanwhile, Owens Corning offers comprehensive warranties for its products. They are tiered based on the type of product installed, the number of products installed, and the installer’s certifications.
Just be mindful that warranties only cover shingles defect or manufacturer error, but not failure due to installation. All shingle companies face customer service issues under this condition.
GAF is among the leading industry standards for reliable and long-lasting shingles and roofing products. Their shingles are made from fiberglass-mesh-reinforced asphalt, which includes three to five layers of protection, depending on the product line.
In addition, GAF’s ArmorShield shingles are UL 2218 Class 4 rating, which is the highest rating available. Further improvements can be made when combined with GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System.
Meanwhile, Owens Corning offers a total protection roofing system that’s tiered based on the amount of investment and protection you need. This system starts with felt or synthetic underlayment seal and covers the roof with an ice and water barrier.
Then, it protects the roof with starter shingles and hip/ridge shingles in roll or strip form. You can also get improved ventilation through additional components.
When it comes to product quality, both companies offer excellent products. GAF, on the other hand, offers more protection for wind and hail.
Owens Corning Vs. GAF Roofing Shingles: Design and Available Finishes
GAF and Owens Corning both offer shingles in 3-tab, architectural, or designer. However, GAF offers a larger selection for each.
GAF has two lines of 3-tab asphalt shingles, while OC only has one. There are 2 standard 3-tab variations – Royal Sovereign and Marquis Weathermax.
Royal Sovereign is one of the most popular 3-tabs. While the Marquis WeatherMax has a lower wind rating, it offers a 5-year warranty to protect you from costly repairs.
Meanwhile, the Owens Corning Supreme 3-tab shingle line offers thirteen color options. They also allow you to customize your traditional shingle look. Owens Corning Supreme has a low wind rating of 60 mph. Also, it has a 25-year limited lifetime warranty, available only to the original client.
GAF’s most popular architectural shingles are the Timberline, which has multiple variations. All GAF’s OC lines have a 130 mph wind rating, Class A fire rating, and a limited lifetime warranty.
On the other hand, OC Duration is comparable to GAF Timberline dimensional lines. Duration features eight different options with differing features, like impact resistance or Energy Star colors, while Timberline offers 10.
GAF Designer Shingles have a 130 mph wind resistance, algae protection (AP), Class A fire rating, and limited warranty. The five product lines are divided into either Value Collection or Premium.
Designer shingles come in various styles, including wood and slate, and are typically more expensive than standard asphalt shingles.
Meanwhile, Owens Corning offers a great lineup of designer shingles, with five different lines to GAF’s six. All GAF designer lines have a wind rating of 110 to 130 mph and have a limited warranty. Woodmoor is the only OC designer shingle with a Class 4 impact rating.
The Best Shingles Brand For You
Owens Corning and GAF are two famous shingle lines that offer standard and popular architectural shingles options. And, both brands live up to their reputation.
However, one of the significant advantages of OC over GAF manifests among specialty shingle lines, like impact-resistant shingles. Owens Corning is preferred for hail-resistant shingles that will not break the bank regarding the value-to-price return.
