When it comes to the roof that protects your home, you want to ensure that you get the greatest final product for your money and that it comes with a thorough warranty in case anything goes wrong. GAF and Owens Corning are two of the most trusted and widely known shingle brands in the industry. Both brands are known for their high quality, long lasting shingles, incredible warranties, and training programs for contractors. While both of these companies are excellent choices, one may fit your specific needs more than the other. Let’s compare GAF vs. Owens Corning on what matters most: product quality, warranty coverage, contractor certifications, and costs.
PRODUCT QUALITY
When investing in a new roof, making sure that your project is completed with high-quality materials and shingles is one proactive step that you don’t want to miss. We recommend that you choose shingles that are made to last for many years. Then you won’t have to worry about repairs or replacements in the near future. Thankfully, GAF and Owens Corning shingles are both made with high quality, tested materials.
GAF’S SHINGLES QUALITY
Made with fiberglass-mesh reinforced asphalt, and offering three to five layers of protection, GAF sets the industry standard for reliable and long lasting shingles and roofing products.
GAF’s lifetime roofing system is just one of the many reasons many roofers and homeowners prefer GAF. It includes multiple amenities that ensure high product quality, including:
- Timberline shingles with a limited lifetime warranty
- Attic ventilation
- A leak barrier for valleys
- Ridge cap shingles for vents and ridges
- Starter strip shingles for eaves
OWENS CORNING’S SHINGLES QUALITY
Owens Corning also offers a total protection roofing system, with tiered products based on investment and protection level. Features included:
- A reinforced synthetic underlayment
- A water barrier
- Starter shingles and hip/ridge shingles
- Additional roofing products for ventilation such as VENTSURE.
- Owens Corning also offers Class 4 rated shingles in their Duration Line.
WARRANTY COVERAGE
Another major part of protecting your new roof investment is ensuring you have a comprehensive warranty attached. Since the weather in Florida is unpredictable, it’s crucial that you have protection against the elements.
GAF’S WARRANTY COVERAGE
With some of the best warranties in the industry, GAF is a trusted brand for roofers and homeowners everywhere. If your shingles need repairs, contractors and roofers are usually the one held responsible. That’s why roofers and homeowners prefer to work with suppliers that offer quality materials and warranties to make their job easier.
GAF roofers who have the prestigious Master Elite certification can issue a Golden Pledge warranty. Not only does this warranty cover materials, but it also covers labor and installation.
Another plus of GAF’s warranties? They’re transferable if the ownership of your home changes, which is an uncommon amenity in most roof warranties.
OWENS CORNING’S WARRANTY COVERAGE
Owens Corning offers comprehensive, tiered warranties for their shingles. The tiers are based on the types of products installed, the number of products installed, and the certifications of the installer.
- Their Standard Roofing System warranty is available for work done by any contractor and covers structural defects in the shingles only.
- Their Preferred Protection System and Platinum Protection System warranties are only available for work done by an Owens Corning certified contractor, come at extra costs, and require the installation of a total protection system.
CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATIONS
Certifications are one of the best ways to measure and confirm a contractor’s level of expertise and reputation.
GAF’S CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATIONS
GAF provides contractors with excellent training in proper shingle installation, ensuring the very best performance for your roof. Their highest certification level is the Master Elite certification. Any contractors with GAF’s Master Elite certification meet the following requirements:
- Licensing and insurance
- Great, customer-reviewed reputation for high-quality workmanship
- Commitment to ongoing training with GAF for new products and best practices
- GAF certified installers are also able to provide homeowners with enhanced warranties, including System Plus or Golden Pledge.
OWENS CORNING’S CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATIONS
Owens Corning has installer certifications that allow contractors access to enhanced product warranties. These higher-level warranties can be added for an additional percentage of the project cost and require customers to install Owens Corning’s total protection roofing system.
COST
Cost is one of the most important elements when it comes to roofing projects. You don’t want to overspend, but you also don’t want to underspend and suffer the consequences of poor material or installation quality. The key is finding a happy medium that’s worth your investment. As key players in the roofing industry, GAF and Owens Corning shingles are priced similarly.
GAF’S SHINGLE COSTS
GAF shingles come in a range of affordable options, most notably their architectural shingles with superior resistance to impact, stains, and UV rays. Their popular dimensional Timberline shingles are available in a variety of color and style options.
OWENS CORNING’S SHINGLE COST
Owens Corning shingles are comparable in cost to other leading shingle brands, including GAF. Their builder grade line is the Oakridge Series and they offer a more dimensional look with their DURATION Line which is offered in a variety of color and style options.
TRADEMARK IS YOUR LOCAL ROOFING COMPANY
At Trademark Roofing we are your Roofing Contractor in Cape Coral. From installing the roof on your dream home, to re-roofing your second home, we will guide you through the process and help you find the right product that meets your needs.
Whether you choose GAF or Owens Corning, it is our mission to provide excellent service and communication throughout the entire project. Your new roof will exceed Florida Building Code requirements and protect what is important to you.
