UPDATED FOR 2025
Owens Corning Duration vs. CertainTeed Landmark: Which Shingle Wins?
Comparing Owens Corning Duration vs. CertainTeed Landmark. We break down performance,, cost, and more in this comprehensive guide.
Key Takeaways:
- Both are excellent shingles that will last 25-30 years with proper installation—you can’t go wrong with either choice
- Owens Corning Duration wins on dimensional appearance (more pronounced shadow lines), wind resistance (130 MPH standard vs. requiring upgraded installation for Landmark), and installation ease (SureNail Technology)
- CertainTeed Landmark wins on warranty coverage (15-year non-prorated vs. 10 years for Duration) and color selection (40+ colors vs. 30+ for Duration)
- Pricing is nearly identical at $450-600 per square installed—don’t choose based on price
- SureNail Technology gives Duration a 600% larger nailing area, making proper installation easier and wind resistance better
- Final scorecard: Duration wins 5 categories, Landmark wins 2, with 3 ties—but the categories where Landmark wins (warranty, colors) may matter more to YOU
- Choose Duration if you want maximum dimensional appearance and standard 130 MPH wind rating; choose Landmark if you need a specific color or value the longer non-prorated warranty
You’re down to two choices.
Owens Corning Duration shingles or CertainTeed Landmark shingles. Both are solid architectural roofing shingles. Both have great reputations. Both contractors you’ve talked to recommend one or the other.
So which one is actually better?
County Roofing Systems has installed hundreds of Duration roofs and hundreds of Landmark roofs across Long Island. We’re certified by both manufacturers—Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster.
We don’t have a dog in this fight. We install both. We just want you to pick the right shingle for your home.
Here’s the complete, honest comparison.
The Quick Answer
Both shingles are excellent choices. You’re comparing two of the most popular architectural shingles in America from premium roofing option manufacturers. Both will last 25-30 years with proper installation. Both handle Long Island weather just fine.
The differences are subtle, not dramatic.
If you need the short version:
Owens Corning Duration edges ahead on dimensional appearance and wind resistance
CertainTeed Landmark edges ahead on warranty coverage and color selection
Pricing is nearly identical
Still with us? Let’s dig into the details for homeowners seeking quality roofing solutions.
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Construction & Design
Owens Corning Duration
Owens Corning Duration shingles are known for their impressive durability and wind resistance. They feature SureNail Technology—a unique fabric strip in the nailing area that provides greater gripping power and easier professional installation.
Key features:
Dual layer design with common bond offset pattern for high end appearance
SureNail Technology for enhanced wind resistance and expanded nailing area
StreakGuard algae resistance (10-year warranty) prevents algae growth
TruDefinition color platform with advanced granules
Approximately 300-320 lbs per square
The dimensional profile is noticeable from the street. Duration has more depth and shadow lines than basic 3-tabs, though it’s not as dramatic as luxury designer shingles. Owens Corning shingles are designed for energy efficiency and weather resistance, making them celebrated for their resilience, especially in harsh climates.
CertainTeed Landmark
CertainTeed Landmark shingles use CertainTeed’s Quadrabond technology—a four-part sealant system for better adhesion and wind resistance. CertainTeed is known for its premium roofing materials and extensive color and design offerings.
Key features:
Two-piece laminate construction with dual layer design for dimensional appearance
QuadraBond sealant for wind resistance
StreakFighter algae protection (10-year warranty)
Advanced WeatherGuard protection
Approximately 280-300 lbs per square
CertainTeed shingles are known for their aesthetic appeal, offering a wide range of color options and styles to suit various architectural designs. Landmark’s dimensional profile is slightly less dramatic than Duration. Still a significant upgrade from 3-tabs, but the shadow lines aren’t quite as pronounced. CertainTeed is often favored for its upscale design and luxurious appearance with a timeless aesthetic.
Winner: Duration (slightly) for dimensional appearance and weight. The visual difference is subtle—most homeowners wouldn’t notice unless comparing them side-by-side. Owens Corning shingles are generally lighter, making them faster and often easier to install compared to CertainTeed shingles.
Wind Resistance
This matters on Long Island. We get nor’easters, tropical system remnants, and occasional severe storms that create extreme weather conditions.
Owens Corning Duration
Wind rating: Up to 130 MPH (with proper installation using SureNail Technology)
The SureNail strip provides a wider nailing area—about 600% larger than traditional shingles. This makes proper nailing easier and helps shingles resist blow-offs in high winds. Duration excels in wind protection against harsh weather conditions.
We’ve seen Owens Corning Duration roofs survive severe coastal storms with minimal damage. The SureNail technology works in real-world conditions and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
CertainTeed Landmark
Wind rating: Up to 110 MPH (standard installation with proper starter strips)
Wind rating: Up to 130 MPH (with upgraded installation: special starter strip + 6-nail pattern)
Landmark shingles match Duration’s wind resistance IF you upgrade the installation method. Standard Landmark installations max out at 110 MPH, while upgraded installations can reach 130 mph wind protection.
Winner: Duration (slightly) because it achieves 130 MPH wind resistance with standard installation. Landmark requires upgraded installation (which costs more) to match. CertainTeed shingles tend to be thicker and heavier, making them more resilient against extreme weather conditions, though Landmark excels in impact and hail protection.
Reality check: Both ratings exceed what Long Island typically experiences. We rarely see sustained winds above 100 MPH unless a major hurricane makes direct landfall—which hasn’t happened in decades.
Algae Resistance
Black streaks on roofs? That’s algae growth. Long Island’s humidity makes this a real problem.
Owens Corning Duration
StreakGuard algae protection with 10-year limited warranty
Uses copper-infused granules to prevent algae growth. Works well in real-world conditions. We’ve seen Duration roofs stay clean for 10+ years even in humid coastal areas with impressive algae resistance.
CertainTeed Landmark
StreakFighter algae protection with 10-year limited warranty
Also uses copper-infused granules. Same concept as Owens Corning’s technology, different branding.
Performance is comparable. Both manufacturers deliver effective algae resistance. The 10-year warranty coverage is identical.
Winner: Tie. Both deliver effective protection against unsightly algae growth. The 10-year warranty is identical.
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Color Selection
Owens Corning Duration
TruDefinition Duration Colors (standard line):
Onyx Black
Estate Gray
Teak
Driftwood
Amber
Sierra Gray
Brownwood
Colonial Slate
Harbor Blue
Terra Cotta
TruDefinition Duration COOL Colors (reflective energy efficient options):
Chateau Green
Pacific Wave
Sand Dune
Summer Harvest
Owens Corning Duration shingles provide a variety of colors and styles to ensure homeowners can find a look that complements their home’s exterior. The TruDefinition color platform features dimensional depth and color variation that looks natural with more than 30 color choices.
Harbor Blue and Estate Gray are popular on Long Island.
CertainTeed Landmark
CertainTeed Landmark shingles offer over 40 color choices—more colors than Duration—including:
Burnt Sienna
Cobblestone Gray
Colonial Slate
Driftwood
Georgetown Gray
Hunter Green
Mojave Tan
Moire Black
Pewterwood
Resawn Shake
Shadow Gray
Silver Birch
Weathered Wood
…and more
CertainTeed shingles are known for their aesthetic appeal, offering a wide range of color options and styles. More variety means better chance of matching your home’s specific visual appeal. The expanded color palette is Landmark’s advantage here.
Georgetown Gray and Weathered Wood are extremely popular on Long Island.
Winner: Landmark for color selection. Owens Corning offers a variety of colors and styles, but their options are considered slightly more limited compared to CertainTeed. If you’re picky about color matching or want something specific, Landmark gives you more options.
Warranty Coverage
This is where things get interesting when comparing these shingle manufacturers.
Owens Corning Duration
Owens Corning Duration shingles typically come with a lifetime limited warranty: Non-prorated period: 10 years Wind warranty: 15 years (up to 130 MPH with SureNail) Algae warranty: 10 years (StreakGuard)
After 10 years, the warranty becomes prorated. At 15 years, you’re getting about 60% coverage on material defects. By 20 years, you’re down to 40%. Owens Corning includes warranties with their products, but they are generally considered less comprehensive than CertainTeed’s.
Transferability: Transfers to new homeowner with reduced coverage (typically 10 years prorated)
CertainTeed Landmark
Material warranty: Limited lifetime warranty (life of original homeowner) Non-prorated period: 15 years (with registered warranty) Wind warranty: 15 years (up to 110-130 MPH depending on installation) Algae warranty: 10 years (StreakFighter)
CertainTeed Landmark shingles offer 5 extra years of non-prorated warranty coverage compared to Duration. That’s meaningful. At 15 years, Landmark still offers 100% material replacement if defects occur. Duration is already down to prorated coverage.
Transferability: Transfers with reduced coverage (10 years prorated)
Winner: Landmark for warranty coverage. The extra 5 years of non-prorated protection adds value, especially if you’re staying in your home long-term.
Reality check: Manufacturing defect claims are rare. In 35+ years, we’ve filed maybe a dozen legitimate defect claims across all manufacturers. Most roof problems stem from storm damage (insurance issue) or poor installation (workmanship issue), not manufacturing defects.
Still, warranty coverage matters for homeowners seeking long-term protection. Landmark’s edge here is real.
Long-Term Performance on Long Island
We’ve installed both shingles across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens for years. Here’s what we’ve seen in our roofing project experience:
Summer Heat
Duration: Holds up well. Minimal granule loss. Colors stay vibrant. No heat-related failures. Great durability in extreme conditions.
Landmark: Also holds up well. Comparable performance in high heat.
Verdict: Tie. Both handle Long Island summers just fine and withstand harsh weather conditions.
Winter Cold
Duration: No issues with brittleness or cold-weather cracking. SureNail strip prevents winter blow-offs.
Landmark: Also performs well in cold. QuadraBond sealant handles freeze-thaw cycles.
Verdict: Tie. Both handle harsh winters without problems.
Coastal Conditions
Duration: Performs well near water. Algae resistance holds up. Salt air doesn’t accelerate degradation noticeably. Owens Corning Duration shingles are celebrated for their resilience, especially in harsh climates.
Landmark: Similar performance. StreakFighter technology works in coastal humidity.
Verdict: Tie. Both are solid choices for waterfront properties.
Storm Damage
Duration: The 130 MPH wind rating isn’t marketing hype. We’ve seen Duration roofs survive severe nor’easters with minimal blow-offs.
Landmark: Also performs well in storms. Occasional shingle loss in extreme winds (100+ MPH), but that’s expected for any roof in those conditions. Landmark excels in impact and hail protection.
Verdict: Slight edge to Duration for real-world storm performance, mainly due to SureNail technology. However, homeowners often feel overwhelmed when choosing roofing shingles due to the variety of options available, and both are excellent choices.
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Installation Considerations
Both shingles feature similar installation process requirements, but there are differences.
Owens Corning Duration
Easier to install correctly. The SureNail strip gives installers a wide nailing zone—hard to miss. This reduces installation errors and ensures professional installation quality.
Faster installation. The larger nailing area speeds up the process slightly.
Less waste. The common bond pattern uses shingles more efficiently.
Ventilation requirements. Standard 1:150 attic ventilation ratio required for warranty.
CertainTeed Landmark
Standard installation. No special technologies—just proper nailing technique and starter strips for professional installation.
To achieve 130 MPH wind rating, requires upgraded installation (special starter strips, 6-nail pattern). This adds time and cost.
Ventilation requirements. Standard 1:150 attic ventilation ratio required for warranty.
Winner: Duration for installation process ease. The SureNail technology makes proper installation easier, which reduces the chance of installer error.
Reality check: A good contractor handles both shingles easily. Installation differences are minimal for experienced crews.
Cost Comparison
Pricing on Long Island for standard architectural roofing shingles:
Owens Corning Duration
Installed cost: $450-$600 per square (100 sq ft)
For a typical 2,000 sq ft roof (20 squares): $9,000-$12,000 installed
Includes tear-off, underlayment, Duration shingles, hip/ridge caps, and disposal. Owens Corning shingles are generally more budget-friendly, making them an attractive option for homeowners seeking quality roofing solutions without breaking the bank.
CertainTeed Landmark
Installed cost: $450-$600 per square
For a typical 2,000 sq ft roof: $9,000-$12,000 installed
Same inclusions as Duration. CertainTeed shingles are often considered a premium roofing option, which can come with a higher initial cost, though pricing is nearly identical at comparable specifications.
Winner: Tie. Pricing is nearly identical for comparable installations.
Factors that affect cost for any roofing project:
Roof complexity (steep pitch, valleys, penetrations)
Number of layers to remove
Decking condition (rot requires replacement)
Access and material delivery challenges
Your specific location on Long Island
Don’t choose based on price. Choose based on which shingle better fits your priorities.
Aesthetics: Which Looks Better?
This is subjective, but here’s our take after installing hundreds of both:
Duration has slightly more dimensional appearance and depth. The shadow lines are more pronounced. From the street, Duration roofs have a bit more “pop” and visual appeal.
Landmark has a more traditional architectural shingle appearance. Still dimensional, still attractive, but slightly less dramatic.
Both look significantly better than 3-tab shingles. Either choice dramatically improves your home’s exterior curb appeal compared to flat basic shingles.
Color matters more than shingle choice. The right color in Landmark will look better than the wrong color in Duration.
Winner: Slight edge to Duration for dimensional appearance and high end appearance. But color selection (where Landmark wins) often matters more than subtle dimensional differences.
The Head-to-Head Scorecard
Let’s tally it up:
Category | Winner | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Dimensional Appearance | Duration | More pronounced shadow lines |
Weight/Durability | Duration | Slightly heavier construction with great durability |
Wind Resistance | Duration | 130 MPH standard vs. upgraded install for Landmark |
Algae Resistance | Tie | Both offer 10-year algae warranties |
Color Selection | Landmark | 40+ colors vs. 30+ for Duration |
Warranty Coverage | Landmark | 15-year non-prorated vs. 10 years |
Installation Ease | Duration | SureNail technology reduces errors |
Cost | Tie | Nearly identical pricing |
Long-Term Performance | Tie | Both perform excellently on Long Island |
Aesthetics | Duration | Slight edge for dimensional depth |
The categories where Landmark wins—warranty coverage and color selection—might matter more to YOU than the categories where Duration wins.
So, take this all with a grain of salt. Consider it more a general guide to help you decide based on what is most important to you.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Owens Corning Duration if:
You want maximum dimensional appearance and curb appeal
You prioritize ease of proper installation (reduces contractor error risk)
You value the 130 MPH wind resistance achieved with standard installation
You don’t need a huge color selection (the standard colors work for you)
You like the idea of SureNail Technology and energy efficient design
You want a slightly more budget-friendly option
Choose CertainTeed Landmark if:
You want the longest non-prorated warranty period (15 years vs. 10)
You need a specific color that Landmark offers (and Duration doesn’t)
You prefer CertainTeed as a brand (name recognition, history)
You’re working with a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractor who’s especially experienced with Landmark shingles
You value the extra warranty coverage for long-term peace of mind
You want a premium roofing option with timeless aesthetic
Our honest take: You can’t go wrong with either shingle.
Both are top-tier architectural shingles from respected shingle manufacturers. Both will last 25-30 years with proper installation and professional installation. Both handle Long Island weather beautifully and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
The decision often comes down to:
Which colors do you prefer? (Landmark has more options)
Do you value longer non-prorated warranty? (Landmark wins)
Do you want maximum dimensional appearance? (Duration wins slightly)
Which manufacturer does your contractor prefer? (Installation expertise matters)
What About Upgraded Versions?
Both manufacturers offer premium versions of these shingle lines:
- Owens Corning Duration FLEX: Adds impact resistance (Class 4 rating) plus extended warranties. Costs about $50-$75 more per square.
- CertainTeed Landmark PRO: Heavier shingle (360 lbs vs. 280 lbs), better wind resistance, longer warranties. Costs about $75-$100 more per square.
- Owens Corning Duration Storm: Impact-resistant version similar to FLEX.
- CertainTeed Landmark Solaris: Premium version with enhanced energy efficiency and impact resistance.
If you’re considering upgrades, that’s a separate comparison. But for standard Duration vs. standard Landmark, the differences are what we’ve outlined above.
The Contractor Factor
Here’s something most homeowners don’t consider: Your contractor matters as much as the shingle you choose.
A great contractor installing Landmark will deliver better results than a mediocre contractor installing Duration.
Make sure your contractor is:
Certified by the manufacturer (Owens Corning Preferred/Platinum or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster)
Experienced with the specific shingle you’re choosing
Willing to follow proper installation procedures (ventilation, starter strips, nailing patterns)
Offering a solid workmanship warranty (20-25+ years)
County Roofing Systems is certified by both manufacturers. We install both roofing shingles regularly through our residential roofing services. We’ll help you compare your specific home’s needs and recommend the best option—not push one over the other.
Real Long Island Homeowner Scenarios
Let’s go over a few quick scenarios to help paint a better picture.
Maybe you don’t quite know what you want and you need to see things play out to have a better idea of what your preference is.
Here are a few examples:
Scenario 1: Coastal home in Nassau County, exposed to salt air and storms
Recommendation: Owens Corning Duration
Why: The 130 MPH wind rating (achieved with standard installation) gives extra peace of mind. SureNail technology performs well in coastal wind conditions. Both handle salt air fine, but Duration’s wind advantage matters here with great durability.
Scenario 2: Inland Suffolk County home, large mature trees nearby, homeowner staying long-term (20+ years)
Recommendation: CertainTeed Landmark
Why: The 15-year non-prorated warranty provides better long-term protection. The homeowner isn’t selling soon, so warranty value accumulates. Trees are the main risk (falling branches), not extreme wind—both shingles handle tree debris fine.
Scenario 3: Queens home, homeowner wants maximum curb appeal for resale in 5-7 years
Recommendation: Owens Corning Duration
Why: The dimensional appearance provides slightly better visual appeal and curb appeal. For resale, aesthetics matter. The difference in warranty coverage doesn’t matter much on a 5-7 year timeline.
Scenario 4: Traditional Long Island colonial, homeowner very specific about color (wants Georgetown Gray)
Recommendation: CertainTeed Landmark
Why: Color is the deciding factor. Georgetown Gray is one of Landmark’s most popular colors. Duration doesn’t offer a perfect match. When a specific color matters for the home’s exterior, choose the shingle that offers it.
Final Verdict: Which Wins?
There is no clear winner.
Owens Corning Duration and CertainTeed Landmark are both excellent architectural shingles that will serve Long Island homeowners well for 25-30+ years. Both are preferred choice options from top shingle manufacturers.
Duration edges ahead on:
Dimensional appearance and visual appeal
Wind resistance (standard installation)
Installation ease
Landmark edges ahead on:
Warranty coverage (15-year non-prorated)
Color selection
Both are tied on:
Cost
Algae resistance
Long-term durability
Real-world performance
The “right” choice depends on your priorities. There’s no objectively superior option—just the better option for YOUR specific situation and your new roof.
Still can’t decide? Contact County Roofing Systems. We’ll show you samples of both shingles, walk your roof, and give you honest recommendations based on your home’s architecture, your budget, and your long-term plans.
We’re certified by both Owens Corning and CertainTeed. We install both regularly. We have zero incentive to push one over the other.
We just want you to get the right roof for your home with proper professional installation and great shingle that fits your needs.
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