GAF vs Owens Corning Shingles 

As a roofing company that prides itself on delivering top-notch craftsmanship and exceptional customer satisfaction, we primarily specialize in installing CertainTeed roofing materials. We firmly believe that informing our clients about the various options available in the market is crucial to making well-informed decisions for their roofing needs.

In this post, we will delve into the comparison of GAF and Owens Corning roofing materials, two reputable brands often sought after by homeowners. By presenting the pros and cons of each product, we hope to equip you with the knowledge needed to choose the roofing material that best suits your specific requirements and preferences. At Artisan Quality Roofing, we believe that an informed customer is a happy customer, and we are committed to providing you with all the necessary information to make your roofing project a resounding success.

Our reputable roofing company serving Raleigh and surrounding areas understands that making an informed decision about your roofing products is crucial. That’s why our roof repair experts are comparing GAF vs Owens Corning shingles, exploring their features, benefits, and drawbacks in order to provide valuable insights that will assist homeowners in making the best decision possible for the longevity of their roofs. 

Why Artisan Quality Roofing Prefers CertainTeed Roofing Materials

In the world of construction, the relationship between a roofing contractor and their choice of materials speaks volumes about their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. For Artisan Quality Roofing, the choice of roofing materials isn’t taken lightly. Among a sea of options, they’ve always leaned towards CertainTeed, and here are some rock-solid reasons why.

Longevity and Durability

Roofs aren’t just about covering a house. They’re a home’s first line of defense against the elements. This is where CertainTeed shines with its reputation for longevity and durability. The robust construction of CertainTeed’s shingles and tiles ensures they stand the test of time, significantly reducing the need for frequent maintenance or premature replacement.

Versatility of Designs and Styles

CertainTeed offers a broad array of styles, designs, and colors, catering to a wide range of architectural needs. This versatility allows Artisan Quality Roofing to provide its clients with a tailor-made roofing solution, reflecting their unique taste and style. Whether it’s a traditional cottage or a contemporary villa, CertainTeed has a perfect fit for every home.

Understanding GAF Shingles

GAF, a renowned company in the roofing industry, has established itself as a trusted name for high-quality shingles. With a rich history dating back over a century, GAF has earned a solid reputation for delivering reliable and innovative roofing solutions.

GAF’s Architectural Shingles 

A complete GAF roofing system includes the availability of a wide range of architectural shingles, which are popular for their enhanced durability, dimensional appearance, and versatility. These GAF roofing shingles can mimic the look of traditional slate or wood shake, providing an aesthetically appealing option for various architectural styles. An architectural shingle from GAF is known for its strength, wind resistance, and long-lasting performance and offers a total protection roofing system for your home.

GAF’s Specialty Shingles 

In addition to architectural shingles, GAF provides specialty, designer shingles. For areas prone to severe weather or hailstorms, GAF offers impact-resistant shingles designed to withstand the impact of hail or flying debris. GAF also offers solar shingles that integrate photovoltaic technology, allowing homeowners to harness renewable energy while maintaining an attractive roof.

Pros and Cons of GAF Shingles

It’s important to consider both the pros and cons of GAF shingles when making a decision on the best materials for your roof. By consulting with roofing professionals and assessing your specific needs and budget, you can determine if GAF shingles are the right choice for your roofing project.

Pros of GAF Shingles

• Durability: GAF shingles are known for their durability and long lifespan. They are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain, and UV exposure.
• Performance: GAF shingles offer excellent performance, with features such as Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology. This technology enhances their resistance to cracking, splitting, and warping, ensuring optimal performance over time.
• Aesthetics: GAF provides a wide range of shingle styles and colors, allowing homeowners to find the perfect match for their architectural style and personal preferences. Their architectural shingles often replicate the appearance of premium materials like slate or wood shake.
• Energy Efficiency: GAF offers shingles with energy-saving features, such as Cool Series shingles. These shingles reflect more sunlight and reduce heat transfer, helping to lower cooling costs and enhance energy efficiency.
• Warranty Coverage: GAF provides robust warranty programs, including limited lifetime warranties for many shingle products. These warranties offer peace of mind and protection against manufacturing defects.

Cons of GAF Shingles

• Pricing: GAF shingles can be relatively higher in price compared to some other brands in the market. The cost of GAF shingles may vary depending on the specific product line, features, and regional factors. It is advisable to consider your budget and consult with roof replacement professionals to find the best options within your price range.
• Availability: Certain styles or colors of GAF shingles may have limited availability in specific regions. 
• Installation Considerations: While GAF shingles are designed for easy installation, it is crucial to have them installed by qualified roofing contractors to ensure optimal performance and warranty coverage. Improper installation can impact the durability and effectiveness of the shingles.
• Limited Specialty Options: While GAF offers a wide selection of architectural shingles, their specialty options, such as impact-resistant or solar shingles, may be relatively limited compared to other manufacturers.

Exploring Owens Corning Shingles

Owens Corning is another prominent player in the roofing industry, known for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and high-quality asphalt shingles. Owens has earned a reputation for manufacturing reliable and durable roofing materials, backed by its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

Owens Corning’s Architectural Shingles

Owens Corning products excel at capturing the authentic look of traditional materials, such as slate or wood shake, while delivering exceptional durability and performance. Renowned for its aesthetic appeal, Owens Corning’s architectural shingle manufacturers seamlessly combine style and functionality. They not only enhance the visual appeal of a roof but also offer reliable weather resistance and long-lasting quality. With Owens Corning architectural shingles, homeowners can achieve a timeless and striking roof design while ensuring their property remains protected for years to come.

Owens Corning’s Specialty Shingles

Owens Corning additionally provides specialty shingles catering to various requirements from homeowners and business owners alike. For instance, impact-resistant Owens Corning roof shingles are available, offering increased resistance against hail, wind, and other forms of impact. Owens Corning also offers energy-efficient shingles, designed to enhance the energy performance of buildings by reducing heat transfer and improving insulation.

Pros and Cons of Owens Corning Shingles

Owens Corning shingles have established a strong reputation in the roofing industry for their quality and performance. When considering Owens Corning shingles for your roofing project, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages they offer. 

Owens Corning PROS

• Durability and Longevity: Owens Corning shingles are known for their exceptional durability and long lifespan. They are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including strong winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures. Owens Corning shingles are built to provide reliable protection for your roof for many years.
• Aesthetics and Versatility: Owens Corning offers a wide range of shingle styles, colors, and designs, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired aesthetic for their roofs. Whether you prefer a classic, traditional look or a more modern and contemporary appearance, Owens Corning provides options to suit various architectural styles and personal preferences.
• Energy Efficiency: Owens Corning shingles include energy-efficient options that can contribute to reducing your energy consumption. These shingles are designed to reflect more sunlight and reduce heat transfer, helping to keep your home cooler in hot climates and potentially lowering your cooling costs.
• Reliable Performance: Owens Corning shingles undergo rigorous testing to ensure their performance meets or exceeds industry standards. They are engineered with quality materials and advanced manufacturing techniques to provide consistent and reliable performance, giving homeowners peace of mind.
• Warranty Coverage: Owens Corning offers comprehensive warranty programs for their shingle products. These warranties provide coverage against manufacturing defects and can vary in length and terms based on the specific shingle line chosen. Having a strong warranty in place adds an extra layer of protection and assurance for homeowners.
• Brand Reputation: Owens Corning has established a solid reputation in the roofing industry for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The brand’s longstanding presence and positive reputation can instill confidence in homeowners when choosing Owens Corning shingles for their roofing project.

Owens Corning CONS

• Price: When it comes to pricing, Owens Corning offers shingles at a relatively higher price point compared to certain other shingle brands available in the market. The cost of Owens Corning shingles can vary depending on factors such as the specific product line, included features, and regional considerations. 
• Availability: Depending on your location, certain styles or colors of Owens Corning shingles may have limited availability. 
• Professional Installation: To ensure optimal performance and warranty coverage, it is strongly recommended that Owens Corning shingles be installed by a skilled roofing contractor. Proper installation plays a critical role in ensuring the durability and effectiveness of the shingles over their lifespan. 
• Color Variation: Like any shingle manufacturer, there may be some degree of color variation within Owens Corning shingles. While efforts are made to ensure consistency, slight differences in color may occur between different batches or production runs. It is advisable to discuss this aspect with your contractor or supplier before making a final decision.

Comparing Owens Corning vs GAF Shingles

When it comes to selecting the right shingles for your roofing project, both Owens Corning and GAF offer a range of options to consider.

Performance

GAF shingles are known for their excellent performance in terms of durability and weather resistance. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures.

Owens Corning shingles are also recognized for their strong performance and ability to endure harsh weather conditions. They are designed to resist wind uplift and provide reliable protection against water infiltration.

Durability

GAF offers shingles with high wind resistance ratings, such as their Timberline® series with a Class F wind rating (up to 130 mph). They also provide impact-resistant shingles that can withstand hail and debris impact.

Owens Corning shingles feature excellent wind resistance, with products like the Duration® series having a Class D wind rating (up to 110 mph). Owens Corning also offers impact-resistant shingles designed to endure strong impacts.

Aesthetics and Design Options

GAF provides a wide range of shingle styles, including the popular GAF Timberline shingles series that offers a dimensional appearance resembling wood shake or slate. They offer various color options to suit different architectural styles. GAF offers a wide range of color choices to cater to different preferences and architectural styles. They provide textured shingles that mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood or slate.

Owens Corning shingles also come in a variety of styles, including their Owens Corning Duration® shingles series, which offers a dimensional look. Owens Corning provides a broad color palette, allowing homeowners to choose from diverse options. Owens Corning also offers a broad selection of colors and textures to match various architectural styles. They provide shingles with a variety of surface textures, including those resembling wood or clay tiles.

Cost and Value for Money

GAF shingles are available at different price points, offering options for various budgets. The cost can vary depending on the specific product line, features, and regional factors. GAF shingles are known for their durability and long lifespan, which can provide long-term value for homeowners. They offer features like Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology, enhancing their performance and longevity.

Owens Corning shingles are priced competitively and offer value for money. Like GAF, the shingle cost can vary based on the chosen product line and additional features. Owens Corning shingles are also designed for long-term durability and value. They are engineered with quality materials and features like SureNail® Technology for improved performance and installation.

Warranties and Customer Support

GAF offers robust warranty programs, including limited lifetime warranties on many of its shingle products. They also provide additional warranty options for enhanced coverage. GAF has a reputation for responsive customer support. GAF warranties typically cover manufacturing defects and have varying terms depending on the specific shingle line chosen. Some warranties may be transferable to subsequent homeowners, adding value to the property.

Owens Corning provides comprehensive warranties, such as limited lifetime warranties, on their shingle products. They offer transferable warranties and have a dedicated customer support team to address inquiries and concerns. Owens Corning warranties also cover manufacturing defects, and the length of coverage may vary based on the selected shingle line. They offer transferable warranties, which can be advantageous for homeowners looking to sell their property.

Contact Artisan Quality Roofing for High-Quality Roofing Materials in Raleigh, NC

To ensure you make the right decision and secure high-quality roofing materials for your project in Raleigh, NC, contact Artisan Quality Roofing. Our reputable roofing contractors and roof installation experts have the knowledge and skills to help you make an informed decision about your complete roofing system. Whether you choose Owens Corning specialty shingles or GAF architectural shingles, our team will professionally install your new roof with precision.

Contact us by calling 919-906-3791 or filling out our contact form below to get started.