UPDATED FOR 2025
CertainTeed Landmark vs. Landmark Pro: What Is the Difference?
A head-to-head comparison between CertainTeed Landmark vs. Landmark Pro. Differences, features, and pros and cons.
Key Takeaways:
- Weight Difference: Landmark (230 lbs/sq) vs. Landmark Pro (270 lbs/sq) – 40 lbs more material per square
- Impact Resistance: Landmark Pro has Class 3 UL 2218 rating; standard Landmark has no official rating
- Algae Warranty: 25-year (Landmark) vs. 30-year (Landmark Pro) – 5 additional years of protection
- Colors: Landmark Pro features MaxDef technology with deeper, more vibrant hues and better dimensional appearance
- Price: Landmark Pro costs $700-$1,300 more on typical projects (5-7% increase)
- Long-term Value: Pro’s enhanced durability and impact resistance justify upgrade for 15+ year ownership
- Best for Standard Landmark: Excellent value, selling home within 10-15 years, budget-conscious, satisfied with traditional colors
- Best for Landmark Pro: Long-term ownership, prioritize curb appeal, want Class 3 impact protection, extended algae warranty worth investment
Trying to decide between CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark Pro shingles?
You’re not alone.
CertainTeed, established in 1904, is a longstanding leader in the building materials industry and a well-recognized brand name in the roofing world.
These are two of CertainTeed’s most popular architectural shingle lines, and the differences aren’t always obvious from spec sheets. Both are asphalt shingles with dual-layer construction, both carry lifetime warranties, and both provide the dimensional wood shake appearance homeowners want. Landmark and Landmark Pro are part of the Landmark Series, CertainTeed’s most popular line of architectural asphalt shingles.
So what exactly are you getting with the “Pro” upgrade?
The short answer: heavier construction, enhanced impact resistance, more vibrant colors, and extended algae protection. The wide range of color options and styles are designed to complement various architectural styles, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal. Whether those upgrades justify the higher cost depends on your budget, priorities, and Long Island’s specific weather challenges.
County Roofing Systems installs both Landmark and Landmark Pro as a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster. Below, we’ll compare construction differences, warranty coverage, color options, and performance so you can choose the right shingle for your home.
Benefits of Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, such as Certainteed’s Landmark Pro shingles, offer a host of advantages that make them a preferred choice for homeowners seeking both style and substance. Here are some of the key benefits:
Enhanced durability: Architectural shingles are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, providing long lasting protection for your home year after year.
Superior weather resistance: These shingles are engineered to resist wind, rain, and hail, making them ideal for areas prone to severe weather and ensuring your roof remains intact and secure.
Aesthetic appeal: With their dimensional design and wide range of color options, architectural shingles elevate the visual appeal of your home, mimicking the look of premium materials like wood shake or slate.
Energy efficiency: By reflecting more sunlight and reducing heat absorption, architectural shingles can help lower your home’s energy costs, keeping your interior cooler during the summer months.
Lifetime limited warranty: Certainteed’s architectural shingles, including Landmark Pro shingles, come with a robust lifetime limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects, giving you added confidence in your roofing investment.
Landmark Pro shingles offer homeowners a combination of key features—enhanced durability, superior weather resistance, and striking visual appeal—that set them apart from standard roofing options. With these benefits, you can trust that your new roof will not only look great but also provide reliable, long-term protection for your home.
In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Landmark shingles and Landmark Pro shingles, helping you understand which option best fits your needs and priorities.
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Construction and Weight Differences
Weight tells you a lot about shingle quality.
Standard Landmark shingles weigh approximately 230 pounds per square. That’s already heavier than most competing architectural shingles. The dual-layer construction features two laminated layers, which enhance durability and dimensional appearance. This design emulates the texture and look of a cedar shake roof, giving Landmark shingles a more premium aesthetic.
Landmark Pro asphalt shingles weigh approximately 270 pounds per square—40 pounds more per square than standard Landmark. On a typical 28-square Long Island home, that translates to over 1,100 pounds of additional roofing material. As premium shingles, Landmark PRO shingles also have a dual-layer design that mimics the dimensional appearance of cedar shake roofs, but with a thicker profile and enhanced features, such as advanced polymer technology, for increased durability and weather resistance.
The extra weight comes from thicker asphalt coatings and a denser fiberglass mat. More material means better durability, improved impact resistance, and enhanced protection against wind-driven rain.
Both shingles use CertainTeed’s QuadraBond technology. This advanced adhesive system creates four points of adhesion between shingle layers instead of the traditional two or three points. The result is superior resistance to shingle delamination—a common failure mode in lower-quality architectural shingles.
In summary, the key differences between Landmark and Landmark PRO are the enhanced features, increased thickness, and premium status of Landmark PRO, which provide greater durability, extended warranties, and a more dimensional, cedar shake-like appearance.
Impact Resistance Ratings
Here’s where Landmark Pro pulls ahead significantly.
Standard Landmark shingles don’t carry an official UL 2218 impact rating. They’ll handle normal roof impacts—tree branches, maintenance foot traffic, occasional debris—without issues. But they’re not certified for impact resistance.
Landmark Pro shingles carry a UL 2218 Class 3 impact rating. This certification means the shingles withstand a 1.75-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking or tearing. That’s genuine hail protection tested under controlled laboratory conditions.
For Long Island homeowners, Class 3 impact resistance matters less than in hail-prone regions like Texas or Colorado. We don’t see significant hail here. But the enhanced impact rating translates to better resistance against all impacts—not just hail.
Fallen tree limbs during nor’easters? Landmark Pro handles them better. Windborne debris? Better protection. Contractors walking on your roof during maintenance? Less chance of shingle damage.
The impact rating alone often justifies the Pro upgrade for homeowners planning long-term ownership.
Algae Resistance Warranty
Black streaks from algae growth plague Long Island roofs.
Our humid coastal climate creates perfect conditions for Gloeocapsa magma, the blue-green algae responsible for those ugly dark stains. Both Landmark and Landmark Pro address this with StreakFighter algae resistance technology.
StreakFighter uses copper-containing granules integrated into the shingle surface. When rain hits the roof, these granules release copper ions that prevent algae colonization. The technology works—we see far fewer algae problems on CertainTeed roofs than on shingles without copper protection.
Standard Landmark shingles come with a 25-year StreakFighter warranty. That’s solid protection covering the majority of the shingle’s expected lifespan.
Landmark Pro shingles include a 30-year StreakFighter warranty—five additional years of guaranteed algae protection. Given that algae issues typically appear 10-15 years after installation on Long Island, the extended warranty provides valuable peace of mind.
Keep in mind that even after the warranty expires, the copper granules continue working. The warranty period represents CertainTeed’s confidence in the technology, not necessarily when protection stops.
Color Selection and MaxDef Technology
Aesthetic differences separate these shingle lines more than any other factor.
Standard Landmark shingles come in 21 colors. The palette includes classic options like Weathered Wood, Georgetown Gray, Driftwood, and Heather Blend—all natural earth tones that complement traditional Long Island architecture.
These colors look good. They’re attractive, appropriate, and proven performers. The granule blends create adequate shadow lines and dimensional appearance.
Landmark Pro shingles come in 23 colors featuring MaxDef color technology. This isn’t just marketing—the difference is visible from the street.
MaxDef colors use enhanced granule blends that create deeper, more vibrant hues. The colors have higher contrast between light and dark granules, producing more pronounced shadow lines. The dimensional effect is noticeably stronger than standard Landmark shingles.
Popular MaxDef colors include MaxDef Weathered Wood, MaxDef Driftwood, MaxDef Burnt Sienna, and MaxDef Resawn Shake. If you place standard and MaxDef versions of the same color side-by-side, the MaxDef option looks richer and more three-dimensional.
For homeowners who prioritize curb appeal, the MaxDef upgrade makes a real visual difference. Your roof represents roughly 40% of your home’s visible exterior. Enhanced color depth translates to stronger architectural impact.
Wind Resistance and Installation
Both shingles handle Long Island winds effectively.
Standard Landmark shingles carry a 110 mph wind warranty straight from the package. You can upgrade to 130 mph wind protection by using CertainTeed starter strips on eaves and rakes, plus CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles. Six nails per shingle instead of four.
Landmark Pro shingles offer the same wind warranty structure—110 mph standard, upgradeable to 130 mph with proper accessories and installation. The QuadraBond technology in both products provides exceptional wind resistance when installed correctly.
The 130 mph upgrade covers the vast majority of wind events on Long Island. Even during severe coastal storms, sustained winds rarely exceed that threshold. When they do, structural damage to the home typically occurs before shingle failure.
Both shingles install similarly. They use the same NailTrak alignment markers that help contractors achieve proper nail placement. The heavier weight of Landmark Pro makes handling slightly more labor-intensive, but experienced crews adapt easily.
County Roofing Systems follows CertainTeed’s strict installation standards for both products. We qualify homeowners for the 130 mph wind warranty as standard practice.
Warranty Coverage
Both shingles come with CertainTeed’s comprehensive lifetime limited warranty.
The term “lifetime” means as long as you—the original owner of a single-family residence—own the property. For second owners or commercial properties, the coverage period differs.
Both include SureStart protection during the first 10 years. This covers 100% of material and “reasonable” labor costs for manufacturing defects. CertainTeed has a solid reputation for fair warranty claims handling—better than some competitors who interpret “reasonable” labor costs more restrictively.
After the SureStart period, both warranties become prorated. As the roof ages, CertainTeed’s financial responsibility decreases while your responsibility increases.
The main warranty differences come from the algae coverage (25 years vs. 30 years) and the impact rating (none vs. Class 3). These features don’t change the base shingle warranty itself.
Enhanced System Warranties
Both shingles qualify for CertainTeed’s SureStart PLUS with 5-Star protection when installed as part of the complete Integrity Roof System.
This enhanced warranty requires:
Installation by a SELECT ShingleMaster contractor (like County Roofing Systems)
Complete Integrity Roof System components (underlayment, starter, ridge, ventilation)
Proper documentation and warranty registration
The SureStart PLUS warranty provides:
50 years of non-prorated material coverage
25 years of workmanship coverage
Enhanced wind resistance to 130+ mph
Extended warranties on all system components
County Roofing Systems qualifies homeowners for this premium warranty on both Landmark and Landmark Pro installations.
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Price Difference and Value
Landmark Pro costs more than standard Landmark—typically $8-12 per square more at wholesale.
On a standard 28-square Long Island home, that translates to approximately $225-$335 additional material cost. Installation labor is similar for both products. The total project cost difference usually falls in the 5-7% range.
For example:
Standard Landmark system: $14,500
Landmark Pro system: $15,200-$15,800
That $700-$1,300 difference buys you:
40 additional pounds per square of roofing material
Class 3 impact resistance certification
5 additional years of algae warranty
MaxDef enhanced colors with better curb appeal
Slightly better long-term durability
Whether the upgrade is worth it depends on your priorities and how long you plan to own the home.
Long-Term Performance on Long Island
After 38+ years installing CertainTeed shingles on Long Island, we’ve seen both products perform.
Standard Landmark shingles regularly exceed 25 years of service life with proper maintenance, typically lasting 20-30 years. Landmark Pro shingles, on the other hand, can last 30-40 years, making both excellent options for long term roofing.
They handle coastal weather well, resist wind-driven rain effectively, and maintain good appearance over time. The dual-layer construction prevents the flattening that sometimes affects single-layer architectural shingles.
We see very few warranty claims on properly installed Landmark roofs. When replacements happen, it’s typically from extreme storm damage rather than manufacturing defects.
Landmark Pro shingles perform even better in Long Island’s coastal conditions. The heavier construction provides additional protection against wind-driven rain—a constant challenge in our climate. The enhanced impact resistance means less damage from fallen tree branches and storm debris.
The MaxDef colors maintain their appearance exceptionally well. The deeper color saturation seems to resist fading better than standard granule blends. After 10-15 years, Landmark Pro roofs typically look newer than standard Landmark roofs of the same age.
Both Landmark and Landmark PRO shingles are designed to enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal while providing reliable protection. Both products deliver on their performance promises.
But you can’t get the full benefit from either without a great roofing company that is certified to install them correctly.
That’s where County Roofing comes in.
With the highest-level award for roofing excellence from CertainTeed themselevs- CertainTeed SELECT Shingle Master- we know not only how to properly install on Long Island and NY roofs, we have over 35 years of experience doing it.
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Which Shingle Should You Choose?
Let’s break this down by priority.
Choose standard Landmark if:
You want excellent quality at the best value
Your budget is firm and every dollar matters
Standard colors meet your aesthetic needs
You’re satisfied with 25 years of algae protection
The home will be sold within 10-15 years
Standard Landmark is an outstanding shingle. It’s heavier than most competitors, backed by solid warranties, and proven over decades of Long Island installations. You’re not compromising quality by choosing Landmark.
Choose Landmark Pro if:
You plan to own the home long-term (15+ years)
Curb appeal and rich colors matter significantly
You want the best available impact resistance
Extended algae protection is worth the investment
The additional cost fits comfortably in your budget
Landmark Pro is genuinely better than standard Landmark. The question is whether “better” is worth the additional investment for your specific situation.
Making the Decision
Consider how long you plan to own the home.
If you’re selling in 5-7 years, standard Landmark provides excellent protection without unnecessary upgrades. The home will look great, perform well, and appeal to buyers.
If you’re planning 20+ years of ownership, Landmark Pro’s enhanced durability and extended warranties make more sense. The better long-term performance justifies the higher initial cost.
Also consider your home’s exposure. Homes with significant tree coverage face more impact risk—fallen branches, storm debris, maintenance challenges. The Class 3 impact rating provides real value in those situations.
Homes in open areas with less tree coverage face less impact risk. Standard Landmark’s construction handles normal exposure without issues.
Finally, think about aesthetics. If you’re particular about your home’s appearance and want the richest possible colors, MaxDef technology delivers. If you’re satisfied with traditional color options, standard Landmark looks excellent.
Professional Installation Maximizes Performance
The shingle you choose matters less than proper installation.
Even Landmark Pro shingles fail when installed incorrectly. Conversely, standard Landmark shingles perform beautifully when installed to CertainTeed’s specifications.
County Roofing Systems holds CertainTeed’s SELECT ShingleMaster certification—awarded to less than 1% of roofing contractors nationwide. We’ve completed extensive training on both Landmark and Landmark Pro installation. We follow manufacturer specifications precisely. We qualify homeowners for the best available warranties.
With 38+ years of Long Island roofing experience, we know which installation details matter in coastal conditions. We know how to maximize shingle lifespan. We know how to prevent the common failure modes that affect improperly installed roofs.
Get Expert Guidance for Your Project
Still unsure which shingle is right for your home?
County Roofing Systems provides detailed proposals comparing both Landmark and Landmark Pro options. We’ll show you actual shingle samples, explain the specific differences, discuss warranty coverage, and recommend the best choice for your situation.
We’ll assess your current roof condition, identify any structural issues, and provide honest recommendations. We never push unnecessary upgrades, but we’ll clearly explain when upgrades provide genuine value.
Contact County Roofing Systems today to schedule a free roof inspection and consultation. We’ll answer all your questions, provide accurate pricing, and help you choose the perfect shingle for your Long Island home.
Call us or visit our website to get started. Let’s build a roof that protects your home and fits your budget.
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