Are you in the market for a new roof and unsure about which shingle to choose? It's a common dilemma when you want to make the best decision for your home, and trust is crucial in matters like this! Two shingles that we often recommend are the CertainTeed Landmark Pro and the GAF Timberline HDZ shingle. Each of these shingles has its unique features and benefits, which can make the decision-making process slightly overwhelming. Many homeowners approach us with the same question- "Which shingle is right for me?"
At RoofCrafters, with 30 years of experience installing various shingles, we understand the confusion and want to help. We won't provide biased opinions, just facts. Both Landmark Pro and Timberline HDZ shingles offer distinct features and benefits that might suit your home. Our job is to point them out, assisting you in choosing the shingle that best meets your needs.
In this article, we aim to provide you with an in-depth comparison of CertainTeed's Landmark Pro and GAF's Timberline HDZ shingle. You'll learn about the background of Certainteed and GAF and why it matters, the similarities and differences between Landmark Pro and Timberline HDZ shingles (including features, benefits, and drawbacks), and the warranties each brand offers for their shingles/what they cover. By the end, we hope this information will guide you in selecting the best shingle for your roof replacement investment!
CertainTeed vs. GAF: Background & Size
When choosing the right shingle for your roof, understanding the background and size of the manufacturer is crucial. In this section, we'll closely examine CertainTeed and GAF, the two brands behind the Landmark Pro and Timberline HDZ shingles. But before we dive in, acronyms like HDZ need context to be useful, right?
For clarification, the HDZ in the Timberline shingles stands for High Definition, and the Z stands for LayerLock Technology. Glad we got that cleared up! Also, their order doesn't imply ranking—just because CertainTeed is listed first doesn't mean we rank them higher.
CertainTeed
CertainTeed boasts over a century of industry presence, making it a well-established brand. They offer a variety of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum, and ceilings. With more than 60 manufacturing facilities across the United States and Canada, CertainTeed has a vast distribution network and a strong reputation for quality products.
GAF
GAF stands as the leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing in North America. Founded in 1886, the company operates over two dozen manufacturing plants in the US and sells over 3 billion dollars worth of roofing materials worldwide. With a keen focus on innovation and sustainability, GAF has positioned itself as a reliable and forward-thinking brand in the roofing industry.
Why Background Matters
Opting for a well-known brand with a good reputation can make you feel at ease. This means the shingles you're getting are likely high-quality and come with a dependable warranty.
It's crucial to pick a manufacturer that will still be around to honor the warranty if any problems pop up. When you go for CertainTeed or GAF, you're going for brands with a solid history. Both create top-notch roofing materials. We've been using their products for 30 years, and we believe they'll support their products for us and for you if necessary.
Comparing CertainTeed Landmark Pro & GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles
CertainTeed Landmark Pro and GAF Timberline HDZ are both excellent choices for roofing shingles, and they share some similarities while having a few differences:
Similarities:
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Architectural Style: Both CertainTeed Landmark Pro and GAF Timberline HDZ are upgraded architectural shingles, providing a three-dimensional appearance that enhances the aesthetics of your roof.
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Material: They are made of asphalt, a common and durable roofing material known for its weather resistance and longevity.
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Algae Resistance: Both brands incorporate technology to resist algae growth, maintaining the cleanliness and appearance of your roof.
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Warranty: CertainTeed Landmark Pro and GAF Timberline HDZ come with solid manufacturer warranties, offering protection and peace of mind for homeowners.
Differences:
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Technology Features:
- CertainTeed Landmark Pro: These shingles feature Max Def color technology, providing a richer and more vibrant color palette for your roof.
- GAF Timberline HDZ: They boast LayerLock technology for enhanced durability and a striking appearance.
- CertainTeed Landmark Pro: These shingles feature Max Def color technology, providing a richer and more vibrant color palette for your roof.
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Size and Weight:
- CertainTeed Landmark Pro: These shingles are generally heavier than standard asphalt shingles, adding to their robustness.
- GAF Timberline HDZ: Known for their larger-sized shingles, they offer extended coverage per shingle, potentially reducing installation time.
- CertainTeed Landmark Pro: These shingles are generally heavier than standard asphalt shingles, adding to their robustness.
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Color Options:
- CertainTeed Landmark Pro: Offers a wide range of color options, allowing homeowners greater flexibility in choosing a color that suits their preferences.
- GAF Timberline HDZ: Also provides a variety of colors to choose from, ensuring you can find a style that complements your home.
- CertainTeed Landmark Pro: Offers a wide range of color options, allowing homeowners greater flexibility in choosing a color that suits their preferences.
Understanding these similarities and differences can help you make an informed decision based on your preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your roofing project.
The Scoop on Warranties
When picking a new roof, it's smart to check the warranties to ensure your investment stays protected. We'll break down the warranties from CertainTeed for Landmark Pro shingles and from GAF for Timberline HDZ shingles.
Wind Resistance Warranty: Both CertainTeed and GAF promise to cover you if your shingles blow off. Here's the comparison:
- CertainTeed's Landmark Pro: 130 MPH wind warranty for 15 years (with special installation instructions).
- GAF's Timberline HDZ: Unlimited wind warranty for 15 years (with special installation instructions). GAF also offers an impressive 15-year Infinite wind speed protection (with four qualifying products).
Algae Resistance Warranty: Protection Against Black Streaks: Both brands offer warranties for algae resistance, crucial if you have trees around. Here's the comparison:
- CertainTeed's Landmark Pro: 15-year StreakFighter warranty.
- GAF's Timberline HDZ: 30-year StainGuard Plus Pro warranty.
At around the 15-year mark, CertainTeed might see algae growth if you're close to trees. It's a decision between sacrificing extra algae protection from GAF if you can't find a color you love in their shingles. Important choices to make sure you get the best roof for you.
Material Defect Warranty: CertainTeed and GAF assure 50 years of coverage for any material defects. Here's how they compare:
- Landmark Pro: Lifetime material warranty with 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential homes.
- Timberline HDZ: Lifetime material warranty with 50 years non-prorated for single-family residential properties.
Workmanship Warranty: Both brands provide extended workmanship warranties, available when you hire their factory-trained/certified contractors:
- CertainTeed's Landmark Pro: 25-year workmanship warranty with the CertainTeed 5-Star SureStart Protection.
- GAF's Timberline HDZ: 30-year workmanship warranty with the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty.
Transferability of Warranties and Coverage: CertainTeed's Landmark Pro warranty is transferable to the next homeowner with no fee, and it becomes prorated after the transfer. GAF's Timberline HDZ warranty is transferable within 20 years of installation, with no fee, and becomes prorated after the transfer.
Remember, each warranty has its terms and conditions, so read and understand them before deciding on the shingle that suits you best.
Making Your Choice: Which Shingle Suits You?
Picking between Landmark Pro and Timberline HDZ shingles can be challenging. Both come with special features, so it's crucial to think about your needs and priorities before deciding! Your roofer will help you with this.
Consider the background of each brand, along with the design, performance, cost, and ease of installation for each shingle. Don't forget to check the warranties offered by each brand, as well. This way, you can make a smart decision based on all the essential factors.
Here at RoofCrafters, we suggest both shingles to our clients based on their unique needs. We hope that our comparison of these popular upgraded architectural shingles helps you understand their similarities, differences, and special features. Ultimately, the choice of which shingles to pick for your home is totally yours. However, if you need a hand to help navigate you through the process, drop us a line on our contact page!
