CertainTeed vs GAF Shingles: Why CertainTeed Is the Better Choice for Pennsylvania Homes

CertainTeed vs GAF: Two Industry Giants, One Clear Winner

When it comes time to replace your roof, the shingle brand you choose matters just as much as the contractor who installs it. Two names dominate the asphalt shingle market in the United States: CertainTeed and GAF. Both are reputable manufacturers with decades of history, but after years of installing both products across the Lehigh Valley, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties, we’ve made CertainTeed our primary manufacturer partner — and here's why.

This comparison covers the key factors that matter most to Pennsylvania homeowners: durability, warranty protection, aesthetics, cost, and long-term value.

The Companies Behind the Shingles

Before comparing products, it's worth understanding who makes them.

CertainTeed has been manufacturing building products since 1904 — over 120 years. They're a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a French multinational corporation founded in 1665 that is one of the world's largest building materials companies. CertainTeed operates multiple manufacturing plants across North America and produces roofing, siding, insulation, and other exterior products.

GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America by market share. Founded in 1886, GAF is now owned by Standard Industries, a private holding company. GAF focuses primarily on roofing products and has built a massive contractor network through their Master Elite program.

Head-to-Head: CertainTeed Landmark vs GAF Timberline HDZ

The most common comparison is between each brand's flagship architectural shingle: CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ. These are the shingles most homeowners in the Lehigh Valley will choose for their roof replacement.

Why CertainTeed Wins: 6 Key Advantages

1. Heavier Shingles = Greater Durability

In roofing, weight matters. Heavier shingles contain more asphalt and more granules, which translates directly to better weather resistance and a longer functional lifespan.

CertainTeed Landmark shingles weigh 211 to 230 pounds per square (100 sq ft), while GAF Timberline HDZ shingles weigh approximately 207 to 210 pounds per square. That 10-15% weight difference means CertainTeed shingles are thicker, more substantial, and better equipped to handle Pennsylvania's freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and summer heat.

Move up to CertainTeed Landmark Pro, and the weight increases to approximately 250 pounds per square — significantly heavier than any GAF architectural shingle in the same class.

2. Superior Warranty Protection Through Credentialing

This is where CertainTeed truly separates itself from GAF — and where choosing the right contractor matters most.

CertainTeed's SureStart PLUS warranty system is tied directly to contractor credentials. As a CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ contractor, RoofOps can offer you:

• ■3-Star Protection: 20 years of full coverage (materials, labor, tear-off)
• ■4-Star Protection: Up to 50 years of full coverage (materials, labor, tear-off, AND disposal)

GAF's warranty system (System Plus, Silver Pledge, Golden Pledge) offers similar coverage periods, but there are important differences:

• ■CertainTeed's SureStart is non-prorated from day one. GAF's standard warranty prorates after the initial period.
• ■CertainTeed includes tear-off and disposal in their 4-Star coverage. GAF's Golden Pledge covers workmanship but doesn't always include tear-off/disposal costs.
• ■CertainTeed warranty transfers are free. GAF typically charges a fee for warranty transfers when you sell your home.

For a deeper look at warranty tiers, visit our Warranty Details page.

3. More Color Options and Better Aesthetics

CertainTeed offers over 30 color options across their Landmark line, compared to approximately 20 for GAF Timberline HDZ. But the difference goes beyond just the number of colors.

CertainTeed shingles have a noticeably deeper dimensional appearance. The thicker profile creates more shadow lines and visual depth on your roof, giving it a more premium, architectural look. Many roofing professionals and homeowners note that CertainTeed shingles simply look more substantial on the roof.

For homeowners in historic Lehigh Valley neighborhoods — Bethlehem's Southside, Nazareth's downtown, Easton's College Hill — the aesthetic quality of your roof matters. CertainTeed's color palette and dimensional profile complement both traditional and modern Pennsylvania home styles.

4. Premium Product Lines with No GAF Equivalent

CertainTeed offers designer shingle lines that GAF simply doesn't match:

• ■Grand Manor® — A luxury shingle that replicates the look of natural slate
• ■Presidential Shake® — Mimics the appearance of cedar shake
• ■Carriage House® — A hand-crafted look with dramatic shadow lines

These premium options are ideal for high-end homes, historic properties, and homeowners who want a truly distinctive roof. GAF's designer options (Camelot, Slateline) exist but don't offer the same depth of selection or visual impact.

5. StreakFighter® Algae Resistance

Both manufacturers offer algae-resistant shingles, but CertainTeed's StreakFighter® technology uses copper-based granules that are widely considered more effective than GAF's zinc-based StainGuard Plus™ approach.

In Pennsylvania's humid summers, algae growth (those dark streaks you see on older roofs) is a real concern. CertainTeed's copper-based algae resistance provides long-lasting protection that keeps your roof looking clean for years.

6. Backed by Saint-Gobain's 350+ Year Legacy

CertainTeed's parent company, Saint-Gobain, has been in business since 1665 — over 350 years. This isn't just a fun fact; it speaks to the financial stability and long-term commitment behind CertainTeed's warranty promises.

When you're relying on a 50-year warranty, you want to know the company will be around to honor it. Saint-Gobain is one of the largest and most stable building materials companies in the world, with operations in 75+ countries.

Where GAF Has an Edge

To be fair, GAF does have some advantages worth acknowledging:

Wind Warranty

GAF Timberline HDZ shingles carry a 130 mph standard wind warranty, compared to CertainTeed Landmark's 110 mph. GAF also offers their WindProven™ limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed when you use a full GAF system — though this warranty is limited to 15 years.

For most Pennsylvania homes, 110 mph wind protection is more than adequate. The Lehigh Valley rarely experiences sustained winds above 80 mph, even during severe storms.

Market Share

GAF is the #1 selling shingle brand in America, which means more contractors are familiar with their products. However, this doesn't necessarily translate to a better product — it means GAF has invested heavily in marketing and contractor incentives.

LayerLock Technology

GAF's proprietary LayerLock™ nailing zone technology makes installation slightly more straightforward, which can reduce installation errors with less experienced crews. For a trained, credentialed contractor like RoofOps, this difference is negligible.

Cost Comparison for Lehigh Valley Homeowners

For a typical 2,000 sq ft Lehigh Valley home (approximately 20-25 squares of roofing):

The material cost difference between CertainTeed and GAF is minimal — typically less than $200-$500 for a complete roof. The real cost difference comes from the warranty value: CertainTeed's SureStart PLUS 4-Star coverage (available through ShingleMaster contractors like RoofOps) provides significantly more protection at no additional cost to the homeowner.

The Bottom Line: Why RoofOps Chooses CertainTeed

After installing both CertainTeed and GAF products across the Lehigh Valley, Bucks, and Montgomery Counties, we’ve made CertainTeed our primary manufacturer partner for these reasons:

1. 01Thicker, heavier shingles that perform better in Pennsylvania's demanding climate
2. 02Superior warranty protection through our ShingleMaster certification — up to 50 years of coverage
3. 03Better aesthetics with more color options and deeper dimensional profiles
4. 04Free warranty transfers that add value when you sell your home
5. 05Premium product lines for homeowners who want something beyond standard architectural shingles
6. 06A 120-year track record backed by one of the world's most stable building materials companies

GAF makes a solid product, and we can install GAF shingles if a homeowner specifically requests them. But when we're recommending the best value for your investment, CertainTeed wins.

Ready to See the CertainTeed Difference?

As a CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ contractor, RoofOps can offer you extended warranty protection that non-credentialed contractors cannot. Schedule your free inspection to see CertainTeed samples in person and learn which product line is right for your home.

Call (835) 248-0004 or get your free estimate today.

RoofOps is a veteran-owned, PA licensed (HIC #200014) roofing contractor serving Bethlehem, Nazareth, Allentown, Easton, and the greater Lehigh Valley, Bucks County, and Montgomery County.