CertainTeed vs. GAF: Which Shingle Brand is Right for You?

Are you about to replace your asphalt shingle roof? Are you interested in CertainTeed or GAF shingles but struggling to decide which one to choose?

It makes sense that you’re trying to learn more about these top manufacturers. After all, CertainTeed and GAF are two of the biggest shingle brands in the United States. 

You can’t go wrong with either, but there are some differences between them and what they offer. So, let’s compare them. 

For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has given homeowners like you unbiased and honest information about the roofing industry. That’s why I want to help you decide which one is right for you based on the facts. 

By the end of this article, you’ll learn:

• A brief company overview of CertainTeed and GAF
• Shingle options for CertainTeed and GAF
• Performance features of the different shingles
• Warranties provided by CertainTeed and GAF

Who is CertainTeed?

CertainTeed was founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company before changing to the name we know today in 1917. CertainTeed has become the leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, trim, solar, drywall, insulation, and much more. 

In recent years, they have focused on increased quality, energy efficiency, and solar. CertainTeed has more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada.

Who is GAF?

Founded in 1886, GAF is a leading roofing manufacturer in North America specializing in residential and commercial roofing materials. Their Timberline shingle line is recognized as the most popular shingle today. 

Recently, GAF has focused on promoting sustainability across all areas of their business to reduce environmental impact and increase their products’ energy efficiency. With over 4,800 employees across 30 locations in the United States, GAF prides itself on being one of the largest roofing and waterproofing businesses in the world.

CertainTeed vs. GAF: Which shingle brand is right for you?

After learning a little about who the two types of shingle manufacturers are, it’s time to get to the matchup. We need to compare three main things to help you determine which one is right for you. 

Let’s look at how CeratinTeed and GAF compare on the following:

• Shingle options
• Performance features
• Warranties

All the information below is pulled directly from CertainTeed’s and GAF’s websites, marketing materials, and technical data sheets. 

Shingle options

Both CertainTeed and GAF offer the three types of asphalt shingles. However, there are some differences in the number of options available. 

Keep in mind that the availability of the shingles varies by location. 

CertainTeed shingle options

CertainTeed has a larger shingle selection, with more luxury options than any other manufacturer. However, they’re known for their Landmark line of architectural shingles. 

Below is a table with the shingles CertainTeed offers: 

GAF shingle options

GAF has a smaller selection of shingles between the two, but their Timberline architectural shingle line is among the most popular in the United States. While they don’t offer as many, GAF does have multiple luxury shingle options.

Below is a table with the shingles GAF offers:

Performance features

CertainTeed and GAF shingles come with patented technology to ensure the products perform at the highest level. While they have different names and ways of doing it, the features are pretty much for the same things.

CertainTeed shingle performance features

All CertainTeed shingles come with a fire-resistance rating and wind rating, with the majority coming with a Class 3 or Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating. However, they also come with patented technology features on the shingles to back up the performance. 

These include:

• StreakFighter®: Algae-resistant copper granule blend to prevent unsightly black streaks.
  
  
• NailTrak®: Three separately defined lines to guide nailing for proper and efficient installation.
  
  
• QuadraBond®: CertainTeed’s specially formulated adhesive to adhere shingle layers at four points for a superior bond.
  
  
• CertaSeal®: A fast-activating modified asphalt sealant designed to seal shingles to prevent wind uplift and shingle blow-off.  

All CertainTeed shingles come with performance features, but some vary based on the specific manufacturing process. So, you’ll need to look at the brochure and/or technical data sheet to learn the specifics.

GAF shingle performance features

All GAF shingles come with a fire-resistance rating and wind rating, with a few coming with a Class 3 or Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating. Like CertainTeed, they come with their own patented technology features to back up the performance. 

These include:

• StainGuard Plus™: Proprietary GAF time-release technology to protect shingles from unsightly algae streaks. 
  
  
• StrikeZone™: The industry's widest nailing area to ensure efficiency and up to 99.9% nailing accuracy. 
  
  
• LayerLock™: Mechanically fuses the bond between overlapping shingle layers to pair with Dura Grip and StrikeZone for the best possible installation. 
  
  
• Dura Grip™: Adhesive to seal and create a strong protective bond on shingles to prevent wind uplift and rain penetration. 

All GAF shingles come with the above performance features, but you’ll need to look at the brochure and/or technical data sheet to learn more about each shingle.

Warranties

Both CertainTeed and GAF offer their own prorated limited lifetime warranty to protect against manufacturer defects for as long as you own the home. However, they also offer additional coverage and provide other warranties on the performance features we just covered. 

CertainTeed warranties

CertainTeed’s main warranty is their SureStart™ non-prorated period that covers 100% of materials and labor costs to replace defective materials. The standard period for all their shingles (except XT 25) is 10 years, but hiring a CertainTeed-certified roofer can extend it to 20 to 50 years.

If they have the highest level of certification, CertainTeed will also provide a 10 to 25 year workmanship warranty. On top of this, they also offer algae and wind warranties. 

Their StreakFighter® warranty against algae growth ranges from 10 to 30 years, depending on the shingle. To get the 25 to 30 year warranty on specific shingles you must install CertainTeed algae-resistant (AR) hip and ridge accessories.

Besides their 3-tab shingle, all CertainTeed shingles come with a 15-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. However, it can be upgraded to 130 mph with CertainTeed starter, hip, and ridge accessories. 

GAF warranties

GAF’s main material warranty is their 10-year non-prorated Smart Choice Protection Period. It can be extended to 50 years when installed by a GAF-certified roofing contractor, with the two highest levels also offering a workmanship warranty for 10 to 30 years. 

Their StainGuard warranty against algae varies from 10 years for standard, 25 years for StainGuard Plus, and 30 years for StainGuard Plus PRO. GAF labels their product to help you identify the algae warranty for specific shingles. 

Like CertainTeed, GAF shingles come with a 15-year 110 mph wind resistance warranty, but it can be upgraded to 130 mph with special installation. However, they offer a no maximum wind speed limitation warranty on LayerLock-labeled Timberline architectural shingles when combined with at least 4 qualifying accessories.

So, is CertainTeed or GAF the better option?

Both CertainTeed and GAF are great shingles manufacturers, which is why they’re the top two. I recommend CertainTeed, but every roofing contractor has a preferred brand. 

I exclusively use CertainTeed products because I believe their quality and durability are unmatched. The luxury shingle options also put them at the top of the list for homeowners looking for high curb appeal and a longer lifespan. 

However, GAF is just as popular and is used by many roofers for affordability. The important thing is to talk to your roofing contractor, ask for their recommendation, and make sure they're certified with the recommended manufacturer to get the best warranties. 

How do you find a reputable roofing contractor?

After reading this article, you know how CertainTeed and GAF compare on things that matter. Both are great and trusted brands, so you really can’t go wrong either way. 

However, it doesn’t matter what brand or product you choose if it's installed incorrectly. That’s why hiring a great roofing contractor is way more important than choosing a specific shingle brand.

Unfortunately, the roofing industry is oversaturated with companies. Not only does it make it overwhelming to narrow it down, but it also increases the chances of making the wrong hire. 

I don’t want this to happen to you. That’s why I wrote another article with tips every homeowner needs when looking for a roofer in their area.  

Check out 9 Tips for Hiring a Great Roofing Contractor to ensure you make the right hiring decision for your upcoming roofing project.