UPDATED FOR 2025
GAF vs. CertainTeed: Which Roofing Shingles Are Best for Your Long Island Home?
Compare GAF vs. CertainTeed roofing shingles for Long Island homes. Shingle comparison, warranties, wind resistance, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- GAF Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed Landmark compete directly as flagship architectural shingles with similar pricing and performance
- Both manufacturers offer 25-year algae protection through StainGuard Plus (GAF) and StreakFighter (CertainTeed)
- Wind resistance reaches 130 MPH for both products when installed with complete manufacturer systems
- CertainTeed offers 40+ Landmark colors versus GAF’s 20+ Timberline HDZ selections
- GAF has a larger contractor network with more Master Elite certified installers across Long Island
- County Roofing Systems holds top certifications with both manufacturers (GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster)
You’re choosing between the two largest roofing manufacturers in North America.
GAF and CertainTeed both produce premium asphalt shingles installed on millions of homes. Both offer strong warranties, proven wind resistance, and algae protection that works in Long Island’s humid coastal climate.
And both cost roughly the same.
The differences are subtle but meaningful. GAF Timberline HDZ emphasizes their massive contractor network (20,000+ certified installers) and industry-leading market share. CertainTeed Landmark focuses on their Saint-Gobain corporate backing and slightly broader color selection.
Here’s what actually matters for your Nassau or Suffolk County home.
Brand Background and Market Position
Understanding each manufacturer helps explain their product development priorities.
GAF, an American manufacturing company, was founded in 1886 as General Aniline and Film. Today, GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America and a leading waterproofing manufacturer, known for producing quality, innovative roofing materials. They’re privately held, focused exclusively on roofing products, and have roughly 35-40% market share in residential roofing.
Their scale matters.
Massive production capacity means widespread product availability. Extensive contractor networks mean finding certified installers is easier. Industry dominance provides financial stability backing their warranties.
CertainTeed, originally founded in 1904 as a general roofing manufacturing company, is now part of Saint-Gobain—a 350-year-old French multinational. CertainTeed is often praised for its premium product lines and superior warranties compared to GAF. They manufacture roofing, siding, insulation, gypsum, and other building products. Market share runs 15-18% in residential roofing.
Saint-Gobain’s backing provides advantages in materials science and global manufacturing expertise. Their research benefits from corporate resources spanning multiple industries.
For Long Island homeowners, both represent stable manufacturers with proven track records and financial strength to honor decades-long warranties.
FINANCE YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TODAY
0% Financing, Quick and Easy Approval
With nearly four decades serving homeowners under our belt, we know what’s needed to make your roofing project a success.
When you work with County Roofing, you get only the best. As little as 0% interest on approval for 5 years, quick approval, easy pay, and all backed by the best guarantees in the industry.
Timberline HDZ vs. Landmark: Head-to-Head Comparison
These flagship products compete directly for the same homeowners. When it comes to CertainTeed vs GAF, homeowners often want to know which brand offers the best value, durability, and appearance for their specific needs.
Choosing the right shingle brand and the right shingles is crucial for your home’s protection and curb appeal. GAF focuses on high-performance engineering, while CertainTeed is known for its premium product lines and superior warranties. Selecting the right shingles means considering factors like warranty coverage, impact resistance, and how well the shingles match your home’s style and local weather conditions.
GAF Timberline HDZ Features
GAF shingles, including Timberline HDZ and the premium Timberline UHDZ, are among the most popular in the country.
They are engineered for performance with innovative features like LayerLock Technology, which provides mechanical bonding between shingle layers for enhanced wind resistance. The StrikeZone nailing area is 99.9% wider than traditional shingles, making proper installation easier and more reliable.
GAF offers a wide range of shingles, including architectural, designer, and specialty options. The shingles GAF offers feature advanced technologies such as StainGuard Plus algae protection, LayerLock Technology, and high-wind performance ratings.
GAF shingles are known for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and suitability for various climate conditions, making them a reliable and cost-effective choice for homeowners.
StainGuard Plus algae protection is standard and warranted for 25 years, but GAF’s StainGuard warranty against algae varies from 10 years for standard shingles to 30 years for StainGuard Plus PRO, as seen in Timberline UHDZ. GAF excels in high-wind performance, with wind resistance reaching 130 MPH when installed as part of GAF’s complete system.
GAF offers a Golden Pledge Warranty, which includes 50 years of coverage on materials and up to 25 years on workmanship if installed by a certified Master Elite Contractor. Timberline HDZ shingles come with a lifetime warranty with the Golden Pledge warranty, covering 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential properties.
Limited lifetime warranty covers materials. Available in 20+ colors. Pricing runs $95-120 per square installed. GAF shingles are typically more budget-friendly, making them ideal for homeowners looking for quality without a premium price tag.
CertainTeed Landmark Features
StreakFighter algae protection carries a 25-year warranty—matching GAF’s coverage period.
QuadraBond adhesive technology provides four bonding points per shingle for enhanced wind uplift resistance.
CertainTeed shingles, including Landmark, are known for being heavier and thicker, using more asphalt per shingle. This results in superior durability, impact resistance, and a longer lifespan compared to many competitors. CertainTeed shines in impact durability, with some products rated for Class 3 or Class 4 impact resistance, making them ideal for harsh weather conditions.
The shingles feature “advanced dimensional design” creating shadow lines and visual depth. CertainTeed offers the largest selection of shingles, with more luxury options than any other manufacturer.
The variety of shingles CertainTeed offers appeals to homeowners seeking both durability and aesthetic enhancements. CertainTeed products are often praised for their aesthetic variety and design options, providing better long-term value due to their durability and visual appeal.
Wind resistance rates at 130 MPH with CertainTeed’s Integrity Roof System. Landmark shingles come with a lifetime warranty with 5-Star protection, covering 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential homes. Available in 40+ colors. Pricing runs $100-125 per square installed.
The core performance metrics are remarkably similar. Your choice often comes down to color preference, contractor availability, and which warranty structure appeals to you.
THE BEST GUARANTEE IN THE INDUSTRY
50-Year Material, 25-Year Labor Guarantee
We’ve met the toughest requirements in the residential roofing industry- and we use only the best materials.
That’s why we stand behind our work with the best guarantee in the industry– including warranties only 2% of roofing companies can offer.
Your house deserves the best roofing warranty on the market. Give us a call today and get a brand new roof with a 50-year material, 25-year labor warranty from the best roofing contractor in Long Island and New York.
Algae Protection: StainGuard Plus vs. StreakFighter
This is the area where you’d expect major differences—but both manufacturers warranty 25 years.
GAF’s StainGuard Plus uses copper-containing granules that release algae-fighting copper when exposed to rain. The technology prevents blue-green algae from establishing itself on shingles.
CertainTeed’s StreakFighter uses the same copper-based approach with similar chemistry.
The warranty coverage period is identical—25 years. Both protect your Long Island roof from algae staining for its entire expected lifespan in our humid coastal climate.
County Roofing Systems has installed thousands of roofs with both products over 35+ years. When we return for inspections 15-20 years later, both StainGuard Plus and StreakFighter typically keep roofs clean and streak-free.
The algae protection parity means this factor won’t drive your decision between manufacturers.
Wind Resistance and Storm Performance
Both manufacturers achieve 130 MPH wind resistance through different engineering approaches. GAF shingles come with a 15-year 110 mph wind resistance warranty, which can be upgraded to 130 mph with special installation.
CertainTeed shingles also offer a 15-year 110 mph wind-resistance warranty, upgradeable to 130 mph when installed with CertainTeed starter, hip, and ridge accessories.
For full warranty protection, both brands require their shingles to be installed correctly as part of a complete roofing system by certified installers.
GAF’s LayerLock Technology
LayerLock mechanically bonds shingle layers together at the common bond point. This creates exceptional shingle-to-shingle connection that resists wind uplift.
Combined with the extra-wide StrikeZone nailing area, Timberline HDZ achieves 130 MPH ratings with GAF’s complete system.
GAF also offers WindProven limited warranty when installed by Master Elite contractors. This provides unlimited wind speed coverage—if wind damage occurs despite proper installation, GAF covers repairs regardless of measured wind speed.
CertainTeed’s QuadraBond Technology
QuadraBond creates four adhesive bonding points per shingle versus traditional products’ two bonding points. This dual-system approach (mechanical fastening plus enhanced adhesive bonding) provides wind resistance.
Landmark achieves 130 MPH ratings with CertainTeed’s complete Integrity Roof System.
The wind warranty structure is traditional—coverage up to the specified rating.
In Long Island’s actual wind environment, both perform excellently. Our coastal storms produce sustained winds of 40-70 MPH with gusts to 90-110 MPH. Both Timberline HDZ and Landmark handle these conditions effectively when properly installed.
Color Selection and Aesthetic Options
This is where CertainTeed provides notably more variety.
GAF Timberline HDZ offers 20+ colors including popular Long Island options like Weathered Wood, Shakewood, Charcoal, Pewter Gray, and Barkwood. The selection covers essential neutrals and earth tones.
It’s adequate for most homeowners but more limited than CertainTeed.
CertainTeed Landmark offers 40+ colors spanning light tans through dark charcoals and browns. This includes distinctive options like Burnt Sienna, Resawn Shake, and Cobblestone Gray not available from GAF.
The expanded palette matters primarily for specific aesthetic requirements or matching existing architectural color schemes.
For traditional Long Island styles, both manufacturers provide appropriate neutral options. CertainTeed’s advantage shows when homeowners want unique colors or need to match specific existing buildings.
Warranty Coverage and Enhanced Options
Both manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties with enhanced coverage through certified contractors.
GAF Warranty Structure
GAF’s standard limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects for as long as you own your home. When installed by a Master Elite contractor like County Roofing Systems, you access enhanced options.
System Plus limited warranty provides 10 years of materials and workmanship coverage.
Golden Pledge limited warranty extends to 25 years on materials and labor. This is GAF’s premium option requiring their complete system and Master Elite installation.
CertainTeed Warranty Structure
CertainTeed’s basic limited lifetime warranty covers material defects similarly. SureStart Plus provides 100% material and labor replacement during the first 10 years.
The Integrity Roof System limited warranty (available through SELECT ShingleMaster contractors like County Roofing Systems) provides 10-year or 15-year materials and labor coverage.
Both manufacturers’ enhanced warranties require certified contractors. County Roofing Systems holds both GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certifications, allowing access to the best warranties from either manufacturer.
Pricing and Overall Value
Pricing overlaps significantly with CertainTeed running slightly higher.
GAF Timberline HDZ typically runs $95-120 per square installed. For a 2,000 square foot Long Island roof (20-25 squares), total cost including tear-off and all materials runs $7,500-11,500.
CertainTeed Landmark typically runs $100-125 per square installed. Comparable projects run $8,500-13,000 total.
CertainTeed runs roughly $500-1,000 more on average projects. This reflects their broader color selection and marginally different material costs.
But pricing varies more by contractor overhead and roof complexity than inherent manufacturer differences.
Both offer premium designer shingles above their flagship lines at $150-300+ per square. For typical Long Island homes, the flagship products (Timberline HDZ and Landmark) provide optimal balance.
Fill out the form below or give us a call today at (888) 366-6619:
Contractor Network and Installation Availability
GAF’s larger contractor network creates practical advantages. Many roofers and roofing contractors choose to work with GAF or CertainTeed because of their strong reputations, quality products, and robust manufacturer certification programs. Hiring a certified roofer is crucial for warranty eligibility and long-term roof performance, as certified professionals ensure proper installation and access to extended warranties.
GAF’s certification program includes roughly 20,000 contractors at various levels nationwide. Master Elite certification requires strict criteria but thousands of contractors hold this top tier.
Finding a GAF Master Elite contractor on Long Island is straightforward.
CertainTeed’s SELECT ShingleMaster program is selective with comparable requirements to GAF’s Master Elite. But total certified contractors are fewer.
This creates a practical reality—finding contractors certified with both manufacturers gives you genuine choice. Finding a contractor certified with just one limits your options unless you’re willing to change contractors.
County Roofing Systems holds both certifications. We can install either manufacturer’s products to certified standards and offer honest comparison rather than being constrained to recommend whichever brand we’re certified with.
Which Manufacturer Should Long Island Homeowners Choose?
When comparing shingle brands, both CertainTeed and GAF are recognized as leading manufacturers in the industry, each offering a wide range of residential roofing products designed for durability, performance, and curb appeal.
Both CertainTeed and GAF provide cool roofing options that meet ENERGY STAR standards, helping homeowners improve energy efficiency.
Neither is universally superior—the right choice depends on your priorities.
Choose GAF Timberline HDZ if:
You prefer GAF’s WindProven unlimited wind warranty structure. You find your ideal color in their 20+ selections and don’t need CertainTeed’s broader palette. You value GAF’s larger contractor network. You want GAF’s Golden Pledge warranty option.
Choose CertainTeed Landmark if:
You need CertainTeed’s 40+ color selection for specific aesthetic requirements. You prefer working with CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractors. You value Saint-Gobain’s corporate backing and integration with other building products.
For most Long Island homeowners, the practical decision factors are color preference and contractor availability. Performance, warranties, and algae protection are comparable between manufacturers.
County Roofing Systems recommends both manufacturers depending on specific situations. We’ve installed thousands of roofs with both products. Both deliver excellent performance. Both represent quality investments.
Discover the Best Shingles for Your Home with County Roofing Systems
GAF Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed Landmark represent two excellent choices for Long Island roof replacement.
Both offer 130 MPH wind resistance, 25-year algae protection, strong warranties through certified contractors, and pricing in similar ranges ($95-125 per square installed).
The meaningful differences come down to color selection breadth (CertainTeed’s 40+ options versus GAF’s 20+), contractor network size (GAF’s advantage), and warranty structure preferences (GAF’s WindProven versus CertainTeed’s Integrity System).
County Roofing Systems has served Long Island for over 35 years. We hold both GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certifications—giving our customers genuine choice backed by proper manufacturer certification.
We can provide honest comparison based on your specific priorities rather than being limited to one manufacturer.
Call County Roofing Systems today at (888) 766-6619 for a free roof inspection and consultation. We’ll assess your current roof, show you physical samples from both manufacturers, and help you choose the right product for your Nassau or Suffolk County home.
Your roof protects your home for 20-30 years. Make sure you’re making the right choice with guidance from certified professionals who genuinely understand both options.
- First Approvals
- 0% financing
- No income check
- Up to 15 years
- Monthly payments as low as $149
Contact us below for a FREE roofing estimate:
