Owens Corning vs GAF Shingles: Detailed Comparison in 2024
Protecting their home is every homeowner’s top priority. Therefore, installing the best roof is vital for a safe and dry home. Choosing the right shingles can be daunting, especially with many available options. That’s why we’re here to help. At our company, the best roofing company in Texas, we understand the importance of making an informed decision regarding roofing needs.
In the US, 80% of homes have asphalt shingle roofs. However, Owens Corning vs GAF shingles stand out among the best brands of roofing shingles. Both brands have their strengths, but the best choice depends on your needs. You won’t go wrong with either brand, as each has pros and cons. We will provide a complete comparison across many categories that matter most to homeowners and contractors. Read more below!
Owens Corning Versus GAF Shingles: A Complete Overview
Owens Corning and GAF are highly respected roofing names for their top-quality products and strong reputations. Let’s have a look at how Owens Corning versus GAF shingles influence the roofing industry:
Owens Corning: Excellence in Building Materials
Owens Corning has been a global leader in building materials for over 80 years. They specialize in residential and commercial insulation, asphalt shingle roofing systems, and fiberglass composites. The brand is instantly recognizable thanks to its association with the Pink Panther mascot for over 40 years.
They offer asphalt shingles with unique attributes like class ratings, wind-speed resistance, and other features. Beyond standard shingles, Owens Corning provides hip and ridge shingles, underlayment for roofs and valleys, and ventilation systems. This allows homeowners and contractors to source a complete roofing solution from one brand.
It’s worth noting that there has been an Owens-Corning roof shingles recall in the past. Now, this needs to be considered when making your decision. Despite this, Owen Corning roof shingles remain a reliable and high-quality choice for many. With annual revenue exceeding $7 billion, their vast experience and financial stability make them a trustworthy option.
GAF: Leading the North American Market
GAF, with over 130 years in the industry, is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company offers a broad spectrum of products beyond just asphalt shingles and insulation. Their product range includes commercial roofing, flat roofing, siding, and solar roofing systems. This extensive product line makes GAF a preferred option for Texas residential and commercial roofing contractors.
GAF is also known for its deck armor GAF products, which provide superior protection for your roof deck. Reviews of GAF shingles consistently highlight their durability and robust performance. The brand boasts over $3 billion in annual revenue, underscoring its prominence and reliability in roofing.
Owens Corning Duration vs GAF Timberline Shingles: Which Is Better for Your Roof?
When choosing between Owens Corning versus GAF Shingles, it’s essential to understand the specifics of their most popular products. Both brands are highly regarded in the roofing industry, but how do their top-selling shingles stack up? This section will explore the features, benefits, and differences between Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles.
Overview of Popular Shingle Types
Owens Corning Duration Shingles are known for their vibrant color options and high performance. This makes them a favorite among homeowners and contractors. GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles, on the other hand, are celebrated for their durability and extensive warranty options. Let’s delve into the specifics of each to see how they compare.
| Feature | Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration | GAF Timberline HDZ |
| Shingle Life Expectancy | 30 years | 30 years |
| Algae Resistance | 10 years | 25 years |
| Impact Resistance Classification | Class 3 | Class 3 |
| Fire Resistance Rating | Class A | Class A |
| Number of Shingles per 100 SF (1 SQ) | 64 | 64 |
| Nailing Strip | SureNail Technology | StrikeZone Nailing Area |
| Number of Colors Offered | 11 standard + 2 limited | 20 basic + 4 Harvest Blend specialty |
| Wind Resistance | 130 MPH | 130 MPH |
| Availability | Widely available at Home Depot and Lowes across the US | Harder to find |
| Style Type | Architectural | Architectural |
Style and Availability
Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration and GAF Timberline HDZ are architectural shingles known for their layered, dimensional look. However, Owens Corning roof shingles are more readily available at major retailers like Home Depot and Lowes, while GAF Timberline HDZ may be harder to find.
Durability and Resistance
Both brands, Owens Corning versus GAF Shingles, offer shingles with a Class A fire resistance rating. This is the highest rating in the roofing industry. It helps them withstand a direct flame for extended periods without igniting. They also share a wind resistance rating of 130 MPH, which indicates strong performance under severe weather conditions.
Moreover, these roofing shingles are UL 2218 Class 3 rated in impact resistance. It means they can endure simulated hail damage with a steel ball up to 1 ¾ inches in diameter dropped from 17 feet. This resistance level is significant, though it does not qualify for homeowners’ insurance premium discounts reserved for Class 4-rated shingles.
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Algae Resistance and Color Options
GAF shingles offer superior algae resistance with a 25-year warranty compared to Owens Corning’s 10-year warranty. Regarding aesthetics, Owens Corning provides 11 standard colors and two limited options. In comparison, GAF offers a broader palette of 20 primary colors and 4 Harvest Blend specialty colors. Thus allowing for greater customization to match your home’s exterior.
Shingle Life Expectancy and Nailing Technology
Owens Corning vs GAF Shingles have a life expectancy of 30 years. However, they differ in their nailing technology. Owens Corning SureNail Technology provides a reinforced nailing strip for better holding power. GAF employs the StrikeZone nailing area, which is designed to enhance ease of installation and performance.
Comprehensive Comparison of Owens Corning and GAF Shingle Warranties
Understanding their warranty offerings is crucial when selecting between Owens Corning vs GAF Shingles. This section breaks down the key elements of their warranties to help you make an informed decision. Both brands offer robust warranties but differ in specific aspects, especially in the coverage of their 3-tab and luxury shingles.
Key Elements of Asphalt Shingle Warranties
- Labor Warranty: Covers the installation workmanship, ensuring the roofer installs the roof per manufacturer guidelines and local building codes.
- Material Warranty: Covers defects in the shingle material, such as excessive granule loss or failure to meet wind resistance ratings.
Owens Corning Shingles Warranty
Owens Corning provides different warranties based on the product line and the number of Owens Corning-specific components installed. Enhanced warranties are often available through certified residential and commercial roofing contractors, offering additional peace of mind.
Owens Corning Warranty Details
| Shingle Style | Standard Warranty | Non-Prorated Period | Wind Resistance | Algae/Stain Resistance |
| Architectural | Lifetime | 10 years | 130 MPH | 10 Years |
| 3-tab | 25 Years | 5 years | 60 MPH | 10 Years |
| Luxury | Lifetime | 10 years | 110-130 MPH | 10 Years |
- Architectural Shingles: The Owens Corning Duration shingles have a lifetime material warranty, 130 MPH wind resistance, and 10 years of algae resistance.
- Luxury Shingles: Products like the Woodcrest and Woodmoor have similar warranties but may offer different wind resistance based on installation.
GAF Shingles Warranty
GAF offers comprehensive warranties, including options for certified contractors to provide enhanced coverage. These warranties can cover materials, installation, and labor, with some transferable to new homeowners.
GAF Warranty Comparison Details
| Shingle Style | Standard Warranty | Non-Prorated Period | Wind Resistance | Algae/Stain Resistance |
| Architectural | Lifetime | 10 years | 130 MPH | 10 years |
| 3-tab | 25-30 Years | 5 years | 60-80 MPH | 10 years |
| Luxury | Lifetime | 10 years | 130 MPH | 10 years |
- 3-tab Shingles: The GAF Marquis WeatherMax has a 30-year warranty and an 80 MPH wind resistance rating, superior to many competitors.
- Architectural Shingles: Timberline HDZ warranty includes lifetime coverage, 130 MPH wind resistance, and 10 years of algae resistance, which can be upgraded to 25 years with StainGuard Plus.
Frog Roofing: Your Top Choice for Comprehensive Roofing Services
Regarding high-quality roofing services, Frog Roofing stands out as the best roofing company in Texas. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, we have built a solid reputation for delivering top-notch craftsmanship and exceptional customer service. Our clients consistently rate us highly, earning us a 5-star rating on Google. These positive reviews reflect our commitment to quality service.
Moreover, we offer roofing services using top-quality shingles from renowned brands like Owens Corning and GAF. If you’re interested in Owens Corning versus GAF Shingles, we provide the perfect solution for your roofing needs at competitive pricing. Plus, we are offering a discount coupon for new roof installations, helping you save on your roofing investment.
So, ready to experience the best roofing services in Texas? Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our services and special offers.
Phone: 945-227-8333
Email: sales@frogroofing.com
Website: https://frogroofing.com/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which shingles are more durable, GAF or Owens Corning?
Owens Corning and GAF shingles offer high durability. Still, GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles have a slight edge due to their reinforced nailing zone and enhanced wind resistance.
2. Are there any notable differences in the warranties offered by Owens Corning and GAF?
Yes, GAF generally provides better coverage for their 3-tab and luxury shingles. Both brands offer lifetime warranties on architectural shingles, but specific coverage details, like non-prorated periods and wind ratings, may vary.
3. Can Owens Corning and GAF shingles withstand severe weather conditions?
Both brands produce shingles with high wind resistance (up to 130 MPH) and Class A fire ratings. However, specific product lines, like Owens Corning’s Duration Storm and GAF’s Timberline HDZ, are designed for enhanced performance in severe weather.
4. How do the color options compare between Owens Corning and GAF shingles?
GAF offers a broader range of color options with more than 20 standard colors plus specialty blends. Owens Corning also provides diverse color choices but focuses on unique shades and tones, including their famous Owens Corning Brown Shingles.
