Company Overview: CertainTeed at a Glance
CertainTeed traces its roots to 1904 when George M. Brown founded General Roofing Manufacturing Company in East St. Louis, Illinois. The company adopted the name "CertainTeed" from its founding promise of "certain quality, guaranteed" -- a tagline that has defined the brand for more than a century. Headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, CertainTeed is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a French multinational corporation and one of the world's largest building materials companies with over $50 billion in annual revenue.
CertainTeed holds approximately 15% of the US residential roofing market, placing it third behind GAF (roughly 30-35%) and Owens Corning (roughly 20%). Despite the smaller market share, CertainTeed is widely regarded as the premium brand among the big three. Its 7 shingle manufacturing plants across the United States produce everything from budget 3-tab shingles to the most luxurious designer lines available in the American market.
What sets CertainTeed apart is not volume -- it is positioning. Contractors who install CertainTeed products tend to be higher-end operations that sell on quality rather than price. The company's SELECT ShingleMaster program is more selective than competing manufacturer programs, and its designer shingle lines (Presidential Shake, Grand Manor, Carriage House) have no real equivalent from GAF or Owens Corning. For homeowners shopping the premium tier, CertainTeed is often the first brand discussed.
Complete Product Lineup: Costs and Specifications
CertainTeed offers one of the broadest product lines in the industry, from an entry-level 3-tab to luxury designer shingles that rival the appearance of natural wood shake and slate. All prices below reflect 2026 national averages per square foot installed, including tear-off, underlayment, and labor. For a broader pricing context, see our full roof replacement cost guide.
| Product Line | Type | Cost / Sq Ft | Wind Rating | Impact | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XT 25 | 3-Tab | $3.50 – $5.00 | 60 mph | None | 25-Year | Budget projects |
| Landmark | Architectural | $4.75 – $7.50 | 110 mph | Class 3 | Lifetime | Most popular, best value |
| Landmark PRO | Architectural | $5.25 – $8.00 | 110 mph | Class 3 | Lifetime | Enhanced curb appeal |
| Landmark TL | Triple Laminate | $6.50 – $9.50 | 110 mph | Class 3 | Lifetime | Premium dimensional look |
| NorthGate | Impact Resistant | $5.75 – $9.00 | 110 mph | Class 4 | Lifetime | Hail zones |
| Presidential Shake | Designer | $8.00 – $13.00 | 110 mph | Class 4 | Lifetime | Wood shake aesthetic |
| Presidential Shake TL | Designer | $9.00 – $14.00 | 110 mph | Class 4 | Lifetime | Ultra-premium shake look |
| Grand Manor | Luxury | $10.00 – $16.00 | 110 mph | Class 3 | Lifetime | Estate / luxury homes |
| Carriage House | Luxury | $9.00 – $14.00 | 110 mph | Class 3 | Lifetime | European slate appearance |
National averages for March 2026. Regional pricing varies significantly. Use our cost calculator for local estimates.
The Landmark Series: CertainTeed's Bread and Butter
The Landmark series is CertainTeed's flagship architectural shingle line and accounts for the majority of their residential installations. Available in three tiers, this is the product line that most homeowners will be comparing when they shop CertainTeed.
Landmark ($4.75-$7.50/sq ft)
The standard Landmark is CertainTeed's most popular shingle and their direct competitor to GAF's Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning's Duration. It is a dual-layer laminated architectural shingle with a 110 mph wind warranty, Class 3 impact resistance, and a lifetime limited warranty. The Landmark comes in a broad color palette featuring CertainTeed's proprietary "Max Def" color technology, which uses multiple granule blends to create richer, more dimensional color from the street.
Contractors respect the Landmark line for its consistent quality and ease of installation. The shingle lies flat, cuts cleanly, and has a strong adhesive strip. Multiple industry surveys rank the Landmark among the top three architectural shingles in contractor preference alongside the Timberline HDZ and Duration.
Landmark PRO ($5.25-$8.00/sq ft)
The Landmark PRO is a step up in both appearance and weight. It uses a wider exposure and heavier mat for a more pronounced dimensional look on the roof. The color palette is curated for premium aesthetics, and the thicker profile creates deeper shadow lines that are visible from the curb. For homeowners who want more visual presence than the standard Landmark without jumping to the designer tier, the PRO hits a sweet spot.
Landmark TL ($6.50-$9.50/sq ft)
The triple-laminate construction of the Landmark TL represents the top of the Landmark series. Three layers of laminated asphalt create an exceptionally thick, rich shingle that approaches the depth and dimensionality of designer products at a lower price point. The TL is a strong choice for homeowners who want the Landmark's proven performance with maximum curb appeal, especially on larger homes where the extra dimension is visible from a distance.
Max Def Color Technology
CertainTeed's proprietary Max Def technology uses carefully blended granule mixtures to create multi-tonal color depth across the shingle surface. The result is a more natural, less uniform appearance than competitors' standard color options. Max Def is available across the entire Landmark series and is one of the details that contractors cite when explaining why CertainTeed commands a price premium.
NorthGate: The Impact-Resistant Specialist
CertainTeed NorthGate is the company's dedicated Class 4 impact-resistant shingle, designed for hail-prone regions across the central United States and beyond. At $5.75-$9.00 per square foot installed, it competes directly with GAF Armor Shield II and Owens Corning Duration FLEX in the impact-resistant segment.
NorthGate achieves its Class 4 UL 2218 rating through SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) polymer-modified asphalt. SBS is a synthetic rubber compound that gives the shingle flexibility and resilience -- where standard asphalt cracks and splits on impact, SBS-modified asphalt absorbs the energy and bounces back. This is the same technology used across most Class 4 shingles in the industry, but CertainTeed's implementation is highly regarded for consistency.
In UL 2218 testing, the NorthGate performs on par with the best Class 4 products on the market. The test drops a 2-inch steel ball from 20 feet onto the shingle twice in the same spot. No cracking, tearing, or fracturing is permitted for Class 4 classification. CertainTeed's NorthGate passes reliably, even after thermal aging simulations that replicate years of UV exposure.
NorthGate in Hail Country
In states like Texas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, Class 4 shingles like NorthGate qualify for insurance premium discounts of 10-35%. Over the life of the roof, these savings often exceed the additional upfront cost of upgrading from a standard architectural shingle. After the severe hail seasons of 2023-2025, many insurers in these states now strongly recommend or require Class 4 shingles for policy renewal. See our storm damage guide for more on hail-resistant roofing.
NorthGate vs GAF Armor Shield II vs OC Duration FLEX
All three major manufacturers produce Class 4 impact-resistant shingles, and all three pass the same UL 2218 Class 4 testing. The differences come down to granule retention, color options, warranty terms, and pricing. NorthGate typically costs 5-10% more than Armor Shield II but offers slightly better granule adhesion in independent testing. Duration FLEX from Owens Corning uses the patented SureNail strip for enhanced wind resistance and tends to fall between the other two in price. For most homeowners in hail zones, the best Class 4 shingle is the one installed by the best local contractor -- all three are excellent products.
Designer and Luxury Lines: Where CertainTeed Dominates
This is where CertainTeed truly separates itself from the competition. No other manufacturer offers the breadth and quality of designer shingles that CertainTeed produces. If you are building or re-roofing a high-end home and want the look of natural wood shake or European slate without the maintenance and fire risk, CertainTeed's designer lines are the industry standard.
Presidential Shake ($8.00-$13.00/sq ft)
The Presidential Shake replicates the appearance of hand-split cedar shake with the durability and fire resistance of asphalt. Its multi-layered construction and heavy shadow lines create a remarkably convincing wood shake aesthetic from the street. Presidential Shake carries a Class 4 impact rating (unlike many designer shingles), making it both beautiful and functional in storm-prone areas. This is the most popular designer shingle in the United States.
Presidential Shake TL ($9.00-$14.00/sq ft)
The triple-laminate version of the Presidential Shake adds a third layer of laminated asphalt for even greater depth and dimension. The TL version is thicker, heavier, and creates deeper shadow lines than the standard Presidential Shake. It is the closest any asphalt shingle comes to replicating the look of real cedar shake, and it does so with Class 4 impact resistance and a lifetime warranty.
Grand Manor ($10.00-$16.00/sq ft)
Grand Manor is CertainTeed's flagship luxury shingle and one of the most expensive asphalt roofing products on the market. Designed for estate homes, historic properties, and luxury custom builds, Grand Manor creates a thick, layered appearance that evokes hand-cut slate. Each shingle uses multiple random tab sizes and depths for a truly artisan look that no other manufacturer has been able to replicate at this price point. At $10.00-$16.00 per square foot, it remains significantly less expensive than real slate ($15.00-$30.00/sq ft) while delivering comparable aesthetics. See our roofing materials guide for comparisons with natural slate and other premium materials.
Carriage House ($9.00-$14.00/sq ft)
The Carriage House is designed to replicate the appearance of European slate roofing. Its distinctive profile features clean, squared edges and a smooth surface that reads as refined slate from the curb. Carriage House is particularly popular in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions -- homeowners in New Jersey and Maryland frequently specify this product for its compatibility with Colonial, Tudor, and Federal architecture.
Designer Shingles: The CertainTeed Advantage
GAF offers the Camelot and Grand Sequoia designer lines, and Owens Corning has the Berkshire and Woodmoor. But neither manufacturer matches CertainTeed's breadth or quality in the designer segment. The Presidential Shake alone outsells all competing designer shingles combined. If designer aesthetics are a priority, CertainTeed is the clear market leader -- and it is not particularly close.
Warranty System: Among the Best in the Industry
CertainTeed's warranty program is a genuine competitive advantage. The structure is layered, with each tier adding protection depending on the products used and the credentials of the installing contractor.
Standard Limited Warranty
All CertainTeed shingles carry a lifetime limited warranty with 10 years of full coverage. After year 10, coverage prorates based on the original cost. This baseline warranty is comparable to what GAF and Owens Corning offer on their standard products.
SureStart Protection
SureStart provides full replacement cost coverage for the first 10 years with no prorating. This means if your roof fails in year 8, CertainTeed covers the full cost of materials and labor for replacement -- not a depreciated amount. This is stronger than most competitors' base warranty programs.
SureStart PLUS
When a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster installs the roof, SureStart coverage extends beyond the standard 10 years. The exact extension depends on the product line and installation specifications, but this enhanced coverage is a meaningful upgrade available only through CertainTeed's top-tier contractors.
5-Star Warranty
The 5-Star warranty is CertainTeed's most comprehensive coverage, available when a SELECT ShingleMaster installs the complete Integrity Roof System using all CertainTeed components (shingles, underlayment, starter strip, ridge caps, ventilation). It provides 50 years of non-prorated coverage including labor -- the strongest shingle warranty in the industry.
Warranty Transferability: A Rare Advantage
CertainTeed allows 2 warranty transfers over the life of the product. This is a significant advantage for homeowners who plan to sell -- most competitors, including GAF and Owens Corning, allow only 1 transfer. For a home with a CertainTeed roof installed 5 years ago, the second and even third owner can still be covered. This transferability can be a genuine selling point at closing.
SELECT ShingleMaster Program
CertainTeed's SELECT ShingleMaster is their highest-tier contractor certification program, equivalent to GAF's Master Elite or Owens Corning's Platinum Preferred. However, the SELECT ShingleMaster program is widely regarded as more selective -- only a small percentage of roofing contractors nationwide hold this credential.
Requirements for SELECT ShingleMaster status include:
- Completion of CertainTeed's advanced training curriculum covering all product lines
- Demonstrated track record of quality installations verified by CertainTeed inspectors
- Current licensing, insurance, and good standing in their operating markets
- Ongoing continuing education and recertification requirements
- Commitment to installing CertainTeed products according to manufacturer specifications
For homeowners, hiring a SELECT ShingleMaster unlocks the strongest warranty tiers (SureStart PLUS and 5-Star). It also provides an additional layer of confidence that the contractor has been vetted by the manufacturer. The trade-off is that SELECT ShingleMasters may charge more than non-certified contractors, and there are fewer of them in any given market compared to GAF Master Elite contractors.
CertainTeed vs GAF: Head-to-Head
CertainTeed is the premium choice with superior designer lines, a stronger warranty transfer policy (2 transfers vs 1), and the perception of higher quality among contractors. GAF is the volume leader with more widespread availability, a larger certified contractor network, and pricing that is typically 10-15% lower for comparable products. The GAF Timberline HDZ outsells the CertainTeed Landmark by a wide margin, but many contractors will tell you the Landmark is the better-made shingle. For most standard residential projects, both brands deliver excellent results. CertainTeed's edge becomes clearer in the designer and luxury segments where GAF's options are more limited.
CertainTeed vs Owens Corning: Head-to-Head
Both CertainTeed and Owens Corning position themselves in the premium tier, and the architectural shingle comparison is close. Owens Corning's Duration line features the patented SureNail technology that many installers prefer for wind resistance. Owens Corning also tends to have stronger color options in the standard architectural tier -- their TruDefinition palette is widely praised. Where CertainTeed pulls ahead decisively is in the designer and luxury segments. Owens Corning's Berkshire and Woodmoor are solid products, but they do not match the breadth or craftsmanship of Presidential Shake, Grand Manor, and Carriage House. CertainTeed also wins on warranty transferability (2 vs 1).
Pros and Cons: The Honest Assessment
Advantages
- Best designer and luxury shingle lines in the industry -- unmatched by any competitor
- SureStart warranty provides full replacement (no prorating) for the first 10 years
- Highest perceived quality among roofing contractors in multiple industry surveys
- 2 warranty transfers allowed -- most brands only allow 1
- Saint-Gobain financial backing provides long-term manufacturing stability
- Max Def color technology delivers richer, more natural-looking color blends
- 5-Star warranty with Integrity Roof System is the strongest shingle warranty available
Disadvantages
- 10-20% higher pricing than comparable GAF and Owens Corning products
- Fewer manufacturing plants (7) can lead to regional supply constraints
- Smaller certified contractor network than GAF Master Elite
- Standard Landmark color palette is smaller than Owens Corning TruDefinition
- Brand recognition among homeowners lags behind GAF and Owens Corning
- SELECT ShingleMaster contractors may be scarce in rural and smaller markets
Regional Availability Note
CertainTeed's 7 manufacturing plants are concentrated in the eastern half of the United States and the Pacific Northwest. Homeowners in Texas, Maryland, New Jersey, and Connecticut generally have strong CertainTeed availability and large SELECT ShingleMaster networks. In some Nebraska and Wisconsin markets, availability may be more limited, and fewer contractors hold the SELECT ShingleMaster credential. Always confirm local availability before committing to a CertainTeed specification.
Which CertainTeed Shingle Should You Choose?
With 9 product lines, the CertainTeed catalog can feel overwhelming. Here is a simple framework based on budget and priorities.
Tight budget: The XT 25 3-tab ($3.50-$5.00/sq ft) is functional but outdated. If budget is the primary concern, you may get better value from GAF's Timberline HDZ at a similar price point with architectural-grade performance.
Best value: The Landmark ($4.75-$7.50/sq ft) is where CertainTeed competes head-to-head with the rest of the industry. It is an excellent shingle with a proven track record. For most homeowners doing a standard replacement, this is the recommended starting point.
Hail country: The NorthGate ($5.75-$9.00/sq ft) is a must-consider in any state with significant hail risk. The insurance premium savings alone justify the upgrade over the Landmark in most markets.
Curb appeal upgrade: The Landmark PRO ($5.25-$8.00/sq ft) or Landmark TL ($6.50-$9.50/sq ft) deliver meaningfully better aesthetics without jumping to designer pricing. The TL in particular is an underrated value in the CertainTeed lineup.
Premium / luxury: Presidential Shake, Grand Manor, or Carriage House ($8.00-$16.00/sq ft) are where CertainTeed has no peers. If you want the look of natural shake or slate with the performance and warranty of a modern shingle, these are the products to specify. For homeowners considering natural materials, compare costs in our roofing materials guide -- CertainTeed's designer shingles often cost 40-60% less than the natural materials they replicate.
If metal roofing is also on your radar, the cost comparison shifts: standing seam metal at $10.00-$18.00/sq ft overlaps with CertainTeed's luxury tier but offers 50-70 year lifespans and superior storm protection. The choice often comes down to aesthetics -- if you want the look of shake or slate, CertainTeed's designer lines win. If you want the longevity and low-maintenance characteristics of metal, that is the better direction.
Getting the Best Price on CertainTeed
CertainTeed shingles are not sold direct to consumers -- pricing depends entirely on your contractor and their purchasing relationships. Get at least three quotes from CertainTeed-certified contractors in your area. A SELECT ShingleMaster may cost more for labor but unlocks stronger warranties that protect your investment for decades. Use our free estimate tool to connect with vetted local contractors who carry CertainTeed products.