UPDATED FOR 2025
Owens Corning vs. CertainTeed: Which Roofing Shingles Are Right for Your Long Island Home?
Compare Owens Corning and CertainTeed roofing shingles for Long Island homes. Duration vs Landmark comparison, warranties, wind resistance, colors, and expert recommendations.
Key Takeaways:
- Owens Corning Duration and CertainTeed Landmark are directly comparable flagship products with similar pricing and performance characteristics
- Owens Corning products offer superior wind resistance with SureNail Technology achieving 130 MPH ratings and exceptional fastener pull-through resistance
- CertainTeed provides more color options with 40+ Landmark shingle selections versus Owens Corning’s 30+ Duration choices
- Algae warranties differ significantly with CertainTeed StreakFighter at 25 years and Owens Corning StreakGuard at 10 years
- Owens Corning’s TruDefinition technology delivers superior color consistency ensuring uniform appearance across your entire roof
- Both CertainTeed and Owens Corning require professional installation by certified contractors for optimal warranty coverage.
- County Roofing Systems holds top certifications with both manufacturers allowing honest comparison based on your specific needs
You’re choosing between two premium shingle manufacturers with excellent reputations.
Owens Corning shingles and CertainTeed shingles both represent top-tier asphalt shingles installed on thousands of Long Island homes. Both roofing shingles offer strong warranties, proven wind resistance, and algae protection that works in our humid coastal climate.
And both cost roughly the same.
Here’s what actually separates these manufacturers. Here’s what actually separates these manufacturers. Owens Corning offers superior wind resistance through SureNail Technology and exceptional color consistency through TruDefinition. CertainTeed Landmark shingles provide broader color selection and integration with Saint-Gobain’s building products ecosystem.
Both CertainTeed and Owens Corning deliver quality roofing solutions proven across decades of installations.
Both will protect your Nassau or Suffolk County home for 20-30 years when properly installed.
The real question in this CertainTeed vs Owens Corning comparison isn’t which is objectively better—it’s which aligns better with your priorities.
Company Background and Manufacturing Philosophy
Understanding each manufacturer’s origins helps explain their product development priorities.
Owens Corning was founded in 1938 and pioneered fiberglass insulation technology. They’re a publicly traded company recognized for durable and energy-efficient roofing products focused primarily on building materials—roofing, insulation, and composites.
Their fiberglass expertise translates directly to shingle manufacturing.
CertainTeed was established in 1904 and is known for its premium roofing materials and extensive product range. As part of Saint-Gobain—a 350-year-old French multinational—CertainTeed is one of the world’s largest building materials companies. They manufacture roofing, siding, insulation, gypsum, windows, and more.
Saint-Gobain’s connection provides advantages in materials science and global manufacturing expertise.
For Long Island homeowners, both companies represent stable, financially sound manufacturers with proven track records. Neither is a budget brand or unreliable operation.
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Duration vs. Landmark: Head-to-Head Comparison
These flagship products compete directly for the same Long Island homeowners.
Owens Corning Duration Features
SureNail Technology provides a reinforced nailing zone with 600% larger surface area compared to standard shingles. This makes proper installation easier and dramatically improves wind resistance.
StreakGuard algae resistance is standard, warranted for 10 years.
TruDefinition color granules ensure consistent, rich color across your entire roof. Wind resistance reaches 130 MPH when installed with Owens Corning accessories. Limited lifetime warranty on materials.
Available in 30+ colors.
Pricing typically runs $90-115 per square installed depending on color selection and roof complexity.
CertainTeed Landmark Features
QuadraBond adhesive technology provides enhanced wind resistance and shingle-to-shingle bonding through four bonding points per shingle. StreakFighter algae protection is warranted for 25 years—significantly longer than Owens Corning’s 10-year coverage.
CertainTeed Landmark shingles are known for being thicker and heavier, which makes them more resilient against extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, heavy rain, and hail.
The shingles feature “advanced four-layer design” for dimensional appearance and enhanced durability.
Wind resistance rates at 110 MPH standard, upgrading to 130 MPH when using CertainTeed’s complete Integrity Roof System with proper installation. This system approach helps CertainTeed shingles withstand harsh weather conditions common to Long Island’s coastal environment.
Limited lifetime warranty on materials. Available in 40+ colors. Pricing typically runs $100-125 per square installed.
CertainTeed shingles often include leading warranties that can extend up to 50 years, providing homeowners with peace of mind and long-term protection for their roofing project investment.
The core performance metrics are remarkably similar. Both will last 20-30 years in Long Island’s coastal climate. Both handle nor’easters and tropical storms effectively.
Your choice often comes down to specific features—wind resistance technology, algae warranty length, color selection, and contractor certification.
Wind Resistance: SureNail vs. QuadraBond Technology
Wind resistance is critical for Long Island’s coastal exposure to hurricanes and nor’easters.
Owens Corning’s SureNail Technology
SureNail creates a reinforced fabric strip running across the shingle’s nailing zone. When installers drive nails through this strip, it grabs and holds the fastener far more effectively than traditional shingle construction.
The performance difference is measurable.
Standard shingles can experience nail pull-through during extreme wind events. SureNail’s reinforced zone increases pull-through resistance by approximately 200-300%.
This enhanced fastener holding translates to 130 MPH wind resistance when Duration shingles are installed with Owens Corning starter strips, underlayment, and hip/ridge products.
CertainTeed’s QuadraBond Technology
QuadraBond focuses on adhesive bonding between shingle courses. Four bonding points per shingle create strong shingle-to-shingle adhesion that resists wind uplift.
When combined with proper nailing, this dual system provides wind resistance.
CertainTeed Landmark achieves 110 MPH wind resistance as standard, upgrading to 130 MPH when using the complete CertainTeed system.
In Long Island’s actual wind environment, both technologies perform well. Our coastal storms typically produce sustained winds of 40-70 MPH with gusts to 90-110 MPH.
Both Duration and Landmark handle these conditions effectively when properly installed by certified contractors.
Algae Resistance: 10 Years vs. 25 Years of Protection
This is where the manufacturers diverge most significantly.
Owens Corning’s StreakGuard technology provides 10 years of warranted algae protection. The technology uses copper-containing granules that release algae-fighting copper when exposed to rain.
After 10 years, the StreakGuard warranty expires completely.
If algae appears in year 12 or year 15, you’re not covered—even if your shingles still have 10-15 years of expected life remaining. This creates a potential scenario where your roof is structurally sound but develops unsightly black streaks that force premature replacement purely for aesthetic reasons.
CertainTeed’s StreakFighter technology offers 25 years of warranted algae protection—matching what GAF provides.
For Long Island’s humid coastal climate where algae growth is nearly inevitable on unprotected shingles, this 15-year warranty difference matters significantly. Algae typically appears within 3-5 years on standard shingles.
County Roofing Systems’ experience across thousands of Long Island installations confirms the practical importance. We occasionally see algae beginning to appear on Duration roofs installed 12-15 years ago—beyond the StreakGuard warranty period.
Meanwhile, CertainTeed Landmark roofs of similar age with StreakFighter typically remain clean because they’re still within the warranty period.
If you’re planning to stay in your Long Island home for 15+ years, CertainTeed’s longer algae warranty provides meaningful additional protection.
Color Selection and TruDefinition Technology
Color selection represents another area where these manufacturers differ and where aesthetic preferences play a significant role.
CertainTeed Landmark offers 40+ color options spanning light tans through dark charcoals and browns. CertainTeed shingles are known for their aesthetic appeal and offer a wide range of color options to suit various architectural designs. This includes several distinctive options like Burnt Sienna, Resawn Shake, and Cobblestone Gray not readily available from other manufacturers.
The expanded palette gives Long Island homeowners flexibility matching specific architectural visions while potentially improving curb appeal.
Owens Corning Duration offers 30+ colors—still substantial variety but less than CertainTeed. Popular Long Island options include Driftwood, Estate Gray, Onyx Black, Teak, and Sand Dune.
Owens Corning also offers energy-efficient options that contribute to overall home energy efficiency.
Where Owens Corning Differentiates
Owens Corning’s TruDefinition technology ensures exceptional color uniformity across your entire roof. The technology involves precision color blending during granule manufacturing and strict quality control.
The practical benefit?
When installers open shingle bundles from different manufacturing batches, the colors match nearly perfectly. This matters because most roofs require shingles from multiple production runs.
CertainTeed emphasizes color accuracy and offers more choices, but doesn’t claim the same level of batch-to-batch consistency as Owens Corning’s TruDefinition.
For traditional Long Island architectural styles, both manufacturers provide appropriate neutral options. CertainTeed’s advantage shows primarily when homeowners want specific unique colors.
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Impact Resistance and Insurance Discounts
Both manufacturers offer Class 4 impact-resistant versions qualifying for insurance discounts.
Owens Corning’s impact-resistant option is Duration STORM. These shingles meet UL 2218 Class 4 requirements by incorporating a proprietary layer that absorbs impact energy without tearing or fracturing.
New York insurance companies typically offer 5-15% premium discounts for Class 4-rated roofs.
For Nassau or Suffolk County homeowners paying $2,500 annually for insurance, that’s $125-375 in yearly savings. Over a 20-25 year roof lifespan, cumulative savings run $2,500-9,000.
CertainTeed’s impact-resistant option is IR (Impact Resistant) Landmark. Like Duration STORM, it meets Class 4 testing standards and qualifies for insurance discounts.
Performance is comparable—both pass identical impact testing requirements.
Pricing for Class 4 versions runs approximately $15-25 per square higher than standard shingles from both manufacturers. For a typical 2,000 square foot Long Island roof, that’s $300-500 in additional material cost.
With annual insurance savings of $200+, payback occurs within 2-3 years.
County Roofing Systems recommends Class 4 shingles for most Long Island homeowners regardless of manufacturer. The combination of insurance savings and enhanced protection justifies the modest premium.
Warranty Coverage and Enhanced Options
Both manufacturers offer limited lifetime warranties with enhanced coverage through certified contractors, though warranty coverage details differ between their shingle lines.
Owens Corning Warranty Structure
Owens Corning’s standard limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects for as long as you own your home. Owens Corning shingles typically come with warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, depending on the product line.
When installed by an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor like County Roofing Systems, you gain access to the Preferred Protection limited warranty.
This provides 10 years of coverage on both materials and workmanship—a valuable benefit recognized throughout the roofing industry.
Owens Corning’s Total Protection Roofing Guarantee is their premium warranty option. It covers materials, labor, and even non-Owens Corning materials for 25 years. This warranty requires using Owens Corning’s complete system and installation by a Platinum Preferred contractor.
Professional installation helps control overall installation costs while ensuring full warranty protection.
CertainTeed Warranty Structure
CertainTeed offers a similar tiered structure favored for its premium quality and extensive product range. CertainTeed shingles often include leading warranties that can extend up to 50 years, providing homeowners with peace of mind and long-term protection.
Their basic limited lifetime warranty covers material defects. The SureStart Plus warranty provides 100% material and labor replacement during the first 10 years.
When installed by a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractor like County Roofing Systems, you can access the Integrity Roof System limited warranty.
This provides 10-year or 15-year materials and labor coverage.
CertainTeed and Owens Corning strongly recommend professional installation to ensure the warranties remain valid. This requirement protects both manufacturers and homeowners by ensuring quality workmanship that maximizes roof performance.
Both manufacturers’ enhanced warranties require certified contractors. County Roofing Systems holds both Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certifications.
This dual certification means we can offer you the best possible warranty from either manufacturer.
The warranty cost differences are modest—typically $200-600 for enhanced coverage on an average roof. Both manufacturers provide similar warranty value when accessed through properly certified contractors.
Pricing and Overall Value Comparison
Pricing for Owens Corning and CertainTeed flagship products overlaps significantly.
Owens Corning Duration typically runs $90-115 per square installed for standard colors. Premium colors like Onyx Black may run $105-125 per square.
For an average 2,000 square foot Long Island roof, total installed cost including tear-off, underlayment, ventilation, and accessories typically runs $7,500-11,500.
CertainTeed Landmark typically runs $100-125 per square installed for standard colors. Premium or specialty colors may run $115-135 per square.
Total installed costs for comparable projects run $8,500-13,000 including all materials and labor.
CertainTeed runs slightly higher—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-specific complexity than inherent manufacturer differences.
For typical Long Island residential roofing projects, the flagship products provide optimal balance of performance, durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.
Installation Differences and Contractor Availability
Installation requirements and contractor certifications create practical considerations.
Owens Corning’s Platinum Preferred program certifies contractors who meet strict requirements including proper licensing, insurance, ongoing training, and proven quality. The program is selective.
Fewer total contractors hold Owens Corning certification compared to GAF.
But quality typically correlates with selectivity—contractors who invest in achieving Platinum Preferred status usually maintain high installation standards.
CertainTeed’s SELECT ShingleMaster program is similarly selective with comparable requirements. Total certified contractors are fewer than GAF’s extensive network but comparable to Owens Corning’s program size.
Finding contractors certified with both Owens Corning and CertainTeed gives you genuine choice between manufacturers.
County Roofing Systems holds both certifications.
We can install either manufacturer’s products to certified standards, offer enhanced warranties from both, and provide honest comparison rather than being constrained to recommend whichever brand we’re certified with.
Installation techniques for both manufacturers follow similar best practices. The products install comparably in terms of time and complexity.
Proper underlayment, correct nailing patterns, adequate ventilation, and quality accessories matter more than marginal differences in shingle design.
If you’re ready to make your brand new roof a reality, contact us for a free estimate.
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Performance in Long Island’s Coastal Climate
Both manufacturers’ products perform excellently in Nassau and Suffolk Counties’ demanding environment.
Long Island’s climate challenges include humid summers promoting algae growth, coastal storms bringing high winds and driving rain, temperature extremes from summer heat to winter cold, and salt air accelerating material deterioration near the coast.
Owens Corning Duration’s Strengths
Exceptional wind resistance through SureNail Technology handles nor’easters and tropical storms effectively. TruDefinition color consistency maintains appearance despite harsh UV exposure.
Superior fastener holding resists wind uplift during coastal storms.
Fiberglass mat construction handles temperature cycling well.
CertainTeed Landmark’s Strengths
Extended 25-year algae protection covers the full expected roof lifespan in humid conditions. Broad color selection allows choosing lighter colors that reflect solar heat in summer.
QuadraBond adhesive provides reliable shingle-to-shingle bonding.
Proven durability across decades of Long Island installations.
County Roofing Systems has installed thousands of roofs using both manufacturers over 35+ years serving Long Island. When we return for inspections 10, 15, or 20 years later, both products typically perform well when properly installed with adequate ventilation and basic maintenance.
The manufacturer choice matters less than installation quality, proper ventilation, and regular maintenance. A Duration roof installed carelessly will underperform a Landmark roof installed meticulously, and vice versa.
Which Manufacturer Should Long Island Homeowners Choose?
Neither Owens Corning nor CertainTeed is universally superior—the perfect roofing solution depends on your priorities and circumstances.
Choose Owens Corning Duration if:
You prioritize maximum wind resistance through proven SureNail Technology. You value superior color consistency with TruDefinition granules. You prefer Owens Corning’s Total Protection warranty structure.
You find your ideal color in their 30+ selections and don’t need CertainTeed’s broader palette. Owens Corning shingles are generally more budget-friendly, making them attractive for cost-conscious homeowners seeking quality without premium pricing.
Choose CertainTeed Landmark if:
You need CertainTeed’s 40+ color selection for specific aesthetic requirements. You prioritize extended 25-year algae protection over Duration’s 10 years.
CertainTeed is often favored for its premium quality, extensive product range, and longer warranties for your next roofing project.
You prefer CertainTeed’s integration with other Saint-Gobain building products.
You work with a contractor specializing in CertainTeed installations.
For most Long Island homeowners, the algae warranty difference is the most significant practical consideration. If you’re planning to stay in your home for 15+ years, CertainTeed’s 25-year algae protection provides meaningful coverage beyond Owens Corning’s 10-year warranty period.
In our humid coastal climate where algae growth is nearly inevitable, that extended warranty matters.
However, Owens Corning’s superior wind resistance technology and exceptional color consistency may outweigh algae warranty differences for homeowners in particularly wind-exposed locations.
County Roofing Systems recommends both manufacturers depending on specific homeowner situations. We’ve installed thousands of roofs with both products.
Both deliver excellent performance. Both provide strong warranty coverage through certified installers. Both represent quality investments in your home’s protection.
Make Your New Roof a Reality
Owens Corning Duration and CertainTeed Landmark represent two excellent architectural shingle choices for Long Island roof replacement.
Both manufacturers produce premium asphalt shingles with proven performance in coastal environments. Both offer comparable wind resistance (130 MPH with complete systems), strong warranties through certified contractors, Class 4 impact-resistant options for insurance discounts, and pricing in similar ranges.
The meaningful differences come down to algae warranty length (CertainTeed’s 25 years versus Owens Corning’s 10 years), color selection breadth (CertainTeed’s 40+ options versus Owens Corning’s 30+), wind resistance technology (Owens Corning’s SureNail versus CertainTeed’s QuadraBond), and color consistency (Owens Corning’s TruDefinition advantage).
County Roofing Systems has served Long Island for over 35 years. We hold both Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certifications—giving our customers genuine choice backed by proper manufacturer certification.
As experienced roofing professionals, we understand both manufacturers’ complete product lines and installation processes. We can provide honest comparison of these quality roofing solutions based on your specific priorities rather than being limited to one manufacturer.
Our expertise ensures optimal performance through proper installation techniques that maximize the life and protection of your investment. We’ll explain the real differences, show you physical shingle samples, and help you choose the right product for your Nassau or Suffolk County home.
Call County Roofing Systems today at (888) 766-6619 for a free roof inspection and consultation. We’ll assess your current roof, explain your options from Owens Corning and CertainTeed, and provide the expertise that comes from decades installing both manufacturers’ products across Long Island’s diverse communities.
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.
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