UPDATED FOR 2025
CertainTeed Landmark vs. GAF Timberline HDZ: Which Shingle Is Best?
Which shingles are best for your home? CertainTeed Landmark vs. GAF Timberline HDZ, both stellar options with unique features and advantages.
Key Takeaways:
- Construction: Landmark is heavier (230 lbs/sq) with dual-layer construction vs. Timberline HDZ (210 lbs/sq) with LayerLock technology
- Wind Protection: Both offer 130 mph warranties, but HDZ can upgrade to unlimited wind speed with complete GAF system
- Algae Resistance: GAF’s biggest advantage – 25-year warranty vs. CertainTeed’s 10-year (Landmark Pro offers 15-year)
- Installation: HDZ features wider StrikeZone nailing area for easier, faster installation with less error
- Warranty Claims: CertainTeed has reputation for more straightforward claims handling; GAF’s “reasonable cost” interpretation can be subjective
- Price: Landmark costs slightly more ($3-5/square) but difference is minimal on most projects
- Best for Landmark: Homeowners wanting heavier construction, traditional quality, and straightforward warranties
- Best for HDZ: Homeowners prioritizing extended algae protection and unlimited wind warranty potential
Choosing between CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles?
You’re comparing two of America’s best-selling architectural shingles.
Both offer solid performance. Both come with lifetime warranties. Both give you the dimensional wood shake look homeowners want.
So what’s the difference?
The truth is, the differences matter more than you might think—especially on Long Island where coastal weather demands reliable protection. Below, we’ll compare construction quality, wind resistance, algae warranties, installation requirements, and real-world durability so you can make the right choice for your home.
County Roofing Systems installs both brands as a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and GAF Master Elite contractor. We’ve seen how these shingles perform over decades of Long Island weather.
Roofing Materials: A Crash Course
When it comes to protecting your home from the unpredictable Long Island weather, choosing the right roofing materials is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
The roof is your home’s first line of defense against high winds, heavy rain, UV exposure, and even blue green algae discoloration. With so many shingle brands and roofing materials available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options—especially when you want a roof that’s both beautiful and built to last.
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice for residential roof replacement, thanks to their balance of durability, affordability, and aesthetic appeal. Among asphalt shingles, architectural shingles—like CertainTeed Landmark shingles and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles—stand out for their dimensional look and superior protection.
These designer shingles mimic the rich texture of wood shakes while offering enhanced durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
When comparing shingle lines, CertainTeed and GAF are two of the most trusted names in the roofing industry.
Both offer a wide range of architectural shingles designed to withstand high winds, resist fire, and protect against material defects. Their products are backed by strong warranty coverage, including limited lifetime warranties and, in some cases, unlimited wind warranty options for added peace of mind.
But choosing the right shingle brand is about more than just picking a color or style. It’s important to consider factors like wind resistance, algae resistance, and the overall performance of a complete roofing system—including ridge caps, starter strips, and proper installation by a certified contractor.
The right shingles, installed correctly, can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal and provide a long lasting roof that stands up to Long Island’s toughest storms.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between CertainTeed shingles and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, helping you navigate the world of roofing materials with confidence.
Whether you’re looking for enhanced durability, superior aesthetic appeal, or the best warranty coverage, we’ll help you find the right shingles for your home and budget.
Let’s get started and discover which shingle brand is the best fit for your roof replacement.
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Construction and Material Quality
Let’s start with what you can’t see—the construction that determines long-term performance.
CertainTeed Landmark shingles use dual-layer laminated fiberglass construction. Two separate asphalt-coated fiberglass mats bond together to create a single shingle. This gives Landmark its dimensional appearance while adding genuine structural strength.
The shingles weigh approximately 230 pounds per square. That’s heavier than most comparable architectural shingles. The extra weight comes from more asphalt and a denser fiberglass mat—both contribute to better impact resistance and longer lifespan.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles use a different approach with LayerLock technology. This system mechanically fuses the common bond between shingle layers during manufacturing. The result is strong adhesion without adding significant weight.
Timberline HDZ shingles weigh about 210 pounds per square—lighter than Landmark but still substantial for an architectural shingle. GAF compensates for the lighter weight with their proprietary bonding technology and enhanced nailing zone.
The weight difference reflects each manufacturer’s design philosophy. CertainTeed prioritizes material density and traditional construction methods. GAF focuses on engineered bonding systems and installation precision.
Both approaches work. The question is which better serves Long Island’s specific weather challenges.
Impact Resistance
Hail isn’t common on Long Island, but debris from coastal storms is.
Neither Landmark nor Timberline HDZ carries a Class 4 impact rating. Both meet Class A fire resistance and handle typical storm debris without issues. For genuine Class 4 protection, you’d need to upgrade to CertainTeed Landmark TL or similar impact-rated products.
Having said that, Landmark’s heavier construction provides better resistance to everyday impacts—tree branches, windborne debris, maintenance foot traffic. The dual-layer design distributes impact forces across more material.
Wind Resistance and Hurricane Protection
Long Island faces nor’easters, tropical storms, and occasional hurricane remnants.
Wind resistance matters here.
CertainTeed Landmark shingles carry a 110 mph wind warranty straight out of the box. You can upgrade to 130 mph wind protection using CertainTeed starter strips and hip/ridge shingles. The 130 mph warranty requires strict installation standards but provides substantial protection.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles offer a different wind warranty structure. The standard warranty covers winds up to 130 mph when properly installed. With GAF’s complete system—four qualifying accessories including starter strips, ridge caps, roof deck protection, and either leak barrier or attic ventilation—you unlock the 15-year WindProven Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.
That unlimited wind warranty sounds impressive. And it is.
But keep in mind you need the complete GAF system to qualify. That means starter strips, ridge caps, underlayment, and ventilation all from GAF. Most homeowners installing Timberline HDZ do get these components anyway, so the requirement isn’t necessarily a drawback.
The practical difference for Long Island homeowners? Both shingles provide excellent wind protection when installed correctly. Landmark’s 130 mph warranty covers the vast majority of wind events we experience. Timberline HDZ’s unlimited warranty provides additional peace of mind during extreme weather.
Installation Requirements for Wind Warranties
Both manufacturers require specific installation practices for enhanced wind warranties.
For Landmark’s 130 mph warranty, you need CertainTeed starter strips on eaves and rakes, plus CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles. Six nails per shingle instead of the standard four. Specific nail placement and fastening patterns.
For Timberline HDZ’s unlimited wind warranty, you need four qualifying GAF accessories installed by a GAF-certified contractor. The LayerLock technology includes a reinforced StrikeZone nailing area that helps roofers achieve proper nail placement—GAF claims 99.9% nailing accuracy.
Both GAF and CertainTeed recommend using six nails per shingle for maximum wind protection and to prevent shingle blow-off.
County Roofing Systems meets all installation requirements for both manufacturers’ enhanced warranties. We’re certified with both CertainTeed and GAF, qualifying your home for the best available protection.
Algae Resistance Technology
Black streaks from algae growth are common on Long Island roofs.
The humid coastal climate creates perfect conditions for Gloeocapsa magma—the blue-green algae that causes those ugly streaks. Both manufacturers address this with copper-based algae resistance technology.
CertainTeed Landmark shingles feature StreakFighter algae resistance with a 10-year warranty. The technology uses copper granules integrated into the shingle surface. These granules release copper ions when rain hits the roof, preventing algae colonization.
Ten years of protection is solid. Most homeowners see the technology remain effective beyond the warranty period.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles use StainGuard Plus algae protection backed by a 25-year warranty. The technology similarly uses copper compounds—GAF refers to them as “time-release copper microsites” that continuously release algae-fighting ingredients.
The 25-year warranty is significantly longer than CertainTeed’s offering. This represents one of GAF’s clearest advantages over Landmark shingles. If algae resistance is a priority—and on Long Island it should be—Timberline HDZ provides better long-term protection.
For even stronger algae resistance, CertainTeed’s Landmark Pro offers a 15-year warranty, and GAF’s Timberline UHDZ comes with a 30-year algae warranty. Both are premium upgrades from the base Landmark and HDZ lines.
Color Selection and Aesthetic Options
Both product lines offer extensive color palettes.
CertainTeed Landmark shingles are available in 24 colors including popular Long Island choices like Weathered Wood, Driftwood, Georgetown Gray, and Heather Blend. The MaxDef color technology on certain options provides enhanced color depth and contrast for a more dimensional appearance.
The colors tend toward natural earth tones—browns, grays, weathered wood tones. This matches traditional Long Island architectural styles well.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles come in 22 colors with regional availability varying by distribution. Common Long Island options include Weathered Wood, Charcoal, Barkwood, Pewter Gray, and Shakewood. GAF’s High Definition color blends create the shadow effect that gives these shingles their name.
GAF offers slightly more varied color options including some brighter choices like Hunter Green and Patriot Red. These aren’t common on Long Island but provide flexibility for specific architectural styles.
The practical difference? Both offer plenty of attractive, natural-looking options. Color selection between the two typically comes down to finding the specific shade that complements your home’s exterior.
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Warranty Coverage and Terms
Most shingles from both CertainTeed and GAF come with a limited lifetime warranty or lifetime limited warranty, providing long-term protection and peace of mind for homeowners.
Let’s talk about what happens when something goes wrong.
CertainTeed’s base warranty on Landmark shingles includes a 10-year non-prorated period. During this time, certain shingles are protected under their SureStart™ coverage, which covers 100% of material costs and “reasonable” labor costs for manufacturing defects.
After 10 years, coverage becomes prorated. CertainTeed is noted for being more upfront about their warranty terms compared to GAF, and their warranty is straightforward. CertainTeed has a reputation for handling warranty claims fairly without excessive requirements or subjective interpretation of coverage.
GAF’s base warranty on Timberline HDZ also includes a 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period. During this time, GAF pays a “reasonable” price for shingle replacement and installation costs due to manufacturing defects.
However, GAF requires a ‘reasonable’ price for warranty work related to manufacturer defects, which can lead to additional out-of-pocket costs for homeowners if your contractor’s charges exceed what GAF considers reasonable.
Here’s where opinions diverge. Some contractors and homeowners report that GAF’s interpretation of “reasonable” installation costs can be subjective. What your contractor charges might not match what GAF considers reasonable—leaving you to cover the difference.
Other contractors find GAF’s warranty process smooth and professional. Experience varies.
Enhanced System Warranties
Both manufacturers offer enhanced warranties when you install a complete roofing system with certified contractors.
CertainTeed’s SureStart PLUS with 5-Star protection requires installation by a SELECT ShingleMaster contractor using the complete Integrity Roof System. This provides:
50 years of non-prorated material coverage
25 years of workmanship coverage
Enhanced wind resistance up to 130 mph
Extended algae warranty
GAF’s Golden Pledge Limited Warranty requires installation by a Master Elite contractor using qualifying GAF products. This provides:
50 years of non-prorated coverage on materials
25 years of workmanship coverage
Enhanced wind protection
Extended algae coverage
County Roofing Systems qualifies homeowners for both enhanced warranties. We’re a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and GAF Master Elite contractor—credentials held by less than 1% of roofing companies nationwide.
Installation and Labor Considerations
From a contractor’s perspective, both shingles install reliably.
Timberline HDZ shingles feature GAF’s StrikeZone nailing area—the largest in the industry at 1.8 inches. This wide nailing zone makes proper nail placement easier, reducing installation errors. The LayerLock technology helps ensure strong adhesion even if nail placement isn’t perfect.
The result is faster installation with less room for error. Roofers using nail guns appreciate the generous target area.
Landmark shingles use traditional dual-layer construction without specialized nailing zones. Experienced crews have no trouble achieving proper installation, but the margin for error is smaller. Proper nail placement matters more with conventional laminated shingles.
For homeowners, this translates to potentially lower labor costs with Timberline HDZ on complex roof designs. The easier installation can reduce overall project time.
However, County Roofing Systems maintains the same installation standards regardless of shingle brand. Our crews are experienced with both products and follow manufacturer specifications precisely.
Real-World Durability on Long Island
After 38+ years installing both brands on Long Island, we’ve seen how they perform.
CertainTeed Landmark shingles hold up extremely well in coastal conditions. The heavier construction resists wind-driven rain better than lighter shingles. The dual-layer design provides genuine dimensional appearance that doesn’t flatten over time.
We see Landmark roofs regularly exceed 25 years of service life with proper maintenance. The shingles maintain their appearance well—the MaxDef colors resist fading, and the dimensional profile stays intact.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles also perform excellently on Long Island. The LayerLock technology prevents shingle blow-off during high winds. The StainGuard Plus algae protection keeps roofs looking clean longer than older GAF products.
Timberline HDZ roofs similarly last 25+ years when properly installed and maintained. The High Definition color blends maintain good appearance retention.
The honest assessment? Both products deliver on their performance promises. We’ve replaced very few of either product due to manufacturing defects. When replacements happen, it’s typically from extreme storm damage that would affect any shingle.
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Cost Comparison
Price varies by supplier and current market conditions.
Generally speaking, CertainTeed Landmark shingles cost slightly more per square than GAF Timberline HDZ. The difference is typically $3-5 per square at wholesale—not a massive difference on most residential projects.
For a standard 2,000 square foot Long Island home (approximately 28 squares accounting for pitch), that translates to roughly $85-$140 more in material costs for Landmark shingles.
Installation costs should be similar for both products when working with experienced contractors. Less experienced crews might charge slightly more for Landmark installation due to the stricter nailing requirements.
The bigger cost consideration is the complete roofing system. Both manufacturers’ enhanced warranties require specific underlayments, starter strips, ridge caps, and ventilation products. These system components cost roughly the same between brands.
County Roofing Systems provides transparent pricing for both options. We’ll show you exact costs for complete CertainTeed or GAF systems so you can make an informed choice.
Which Shingle Should You Choose?
Here’s how to decide based on your priorities.
Choose CertainTeed Landmark if you want:
Heavier, more robust construction for maximum durability
Traditional dual-layer design proven over decades
Straightforward warranty terms with fair claims handling
Slightly better impact resistance from denser materials
A shingle that performs exceptionally well in coastal conditions
Choose GAF Timberline HDZ if you want:
Extended algae protection with a 25-year warranty
Unlimited wind warranty potential (with complete system)
Easier installation with lower potential for contractor error
Slightly lower material costs
America’s best-selling shingle with widespread contractor familiarity
Both are excellent choices for Long Island homes. You won’t make a wrong decision choosing either one.
Professional Installation Makes the Difference
The shingle you choose matters less than the contractor who installs it.
Even the best shingles fail when improperly installed. Conversely, proper installation makes good shingles perform exceptionally well.
County Roofing Systems holds top certifications from both CertainTeed and GAF. We install according to manufacturer specifications, qualify homeowners for the best available warranties, and back our work with comprehensive workmanship guarantees.
With 38+ years of Long Island roofing experience, we’ve seen every weather condition these shingles face. We know how they perform. We know which details matter during installation. We know how to maximize the lifespan of your investment.
Let County Roofing Transform Your Old Roof
Ready to get started?
County Roofing Systems provides detailed proposals comparing both CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ options. We’ll show you exact costs, explain warranty coverage, and recommend the best choice for your specific home and budget.
Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection and consultation. We’ll assess your current roof condition, identify any underlying issues, and provide honest recommendations for your roof replacement.
Call County Roofing Systems or fill out the form below to get started.
Let’s build a roof that protects your Long Island home for decades to come.
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