Are you trying to decide between CertainTeed’s Landmark shingle and GAF’s Timberline shingle? Do you want to avoid hours of digging through confusing technical information?
CertainTeed and GAF are two of the biggest asphalt shingle manufacturers in the country. So, it’s no surprise you’re considering CertainTeed’s Landmark shingle and GAF’s Timberline NS shingle.
While I have my own opinion on which is better, both shingles are good options. However, there are some big differences you need to consider to ensure you make the right decision.
For over 30 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has provided homeowners with transparent product information so they have confidence when picking their shingles. That’s why I’ll give you an honest overview of both products pulled directly from information provided by CertainTeed and GAF, plus my recommendation.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the answers to:
CertainTeed’s Landmark® shingle is an architectural shingle with a multi-layered design on a tough fiberglass base and protective outer layer. It’s a great option for homeowners who want a durable and aesthetically pleasing roofing option at an affordable price.
CertainTeed’s Landmark shingles offer:
Landmark shingles come with a basic lifetime-limited warranty against manufacturer defects. However, they also come with other warranties to back up the performance features, including:
CertainTeed’s Landmark asphalt shingle line is a high-quality, reliable choice and, most importantly, affordable.
GAF’s Timberline NS shingle is an architectural shingle part of their best-selling Timberline series. The “NS” stands for Natural Shadow, which provides an even-toned look with the warmth of natural wood.
While Timberline NS is the lowest quality of the Timberline shingle line, it still offers:
Like CertainTeed, GAF also offers a lifetime-limited warranty on their Timberline NS shingles. On top of this main warranty, GAF also provides the following warranties:
GAF Timberline NS shingles are a good option for homeowners with a tighter budget but still want a quality roof. However, they don’t offer the same performance benefits as Landmark or other Timberline shingles.
In my opinion, CertainTeed Landmark shingles are the best basic architectural shingles on the market. However, GAF Timberline NS is still a quality option at a slightly lower price point.
Even with my opinion, you have to make the decision. So, let’s see how they match up with a side-by-side comparison.
CertainTeed’s Landmark is my preferred shingle, and you can see why with the infographic above. GAF’s Timberline NS shingle is still a quality product; it just doesn’t perform as well or come with all the protections Landmark shingles have.
But at the end of the day, it’s your decision. Just consider your budget, how long you plan on living in your home, and what warranties are important to you.
Both CertainTeed and GAF are great shingles manufacturers, which is why they’re the top two in the United States. However, every roofing contractor has a preferred brand they recommend.
So, it really depends on who you talk to and their experience. I believe CertainTeed’s quality, durability, and protections are unmatched across all shingle manufacturers.
They also offer the most luxury shingle options for homeowners looking for high curb appeal and a longer lifespan. Even so, GAF is just as popular and is used by many roofers for affordability.
The important thing is to talk to your roofing contractor, get their recommendation, and ask if they're certified with the recommended manufacturer to get the best warranties.
Now, you know how CertainTeed’s Landmark shingle compares to GAF’s Timberline NS shingle. I recommend Landmark, but Timberline NS is still a quality shingle.
The important thing to understand is that shingles can only perform as well as the installation. Unfortunately, some homeowners get so enamored with a specific shingle brand that they may ignore the warning signs of a bad roofer.
The last thing you want is to focus on the wrong thing with the investment a new roof requires. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the importance of finding a happy medium between a preferred shingle brand and a potential roofing contractor.
Check out Shingle Brand vs. Roofing Contractor to learn which one to focus on when getting roof replacement estimates.