When choosing the right roofing material for your Long Island home, the decision can heavily influence both the performance and appearance of your roof. Two leading options in today’s market are CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. The two brands are renowned for their high quality, durability, and curb appeal. This guide compares key features of each, from product specifications and material construction to colors, styles, and installation processes—helping you make a well-informed decision tailored to your home’s needs.
Short on Time? Below is a comparison table featuring the key product specifications for CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, tailored for easy reference:
CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles Product Specification Chart
| Feature | CertainTeed Landmark | GAF Timberline HDZ |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per Square | 230 pounds | 210 pounds |
| Fire Resistance Rating | Class A | Class A |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 110 mph | Up to 130 mph |
| Construction | Dual-layered asphalt shingles | Asphalt with LayerLock™ technology |
| Styles Available | Wood, slate imitation | Wood shake imitation |
| Color Options | Wide range (e.g., Cobblestone Gray, Heather Blend) | Wide range (e.g., Barkwood, Charcoal) |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty with 10-year SureStart™ | Limited lifetime warranty with WindProven™ |
| Recommended Installation System | Integrity Roof System | GAF complete roofing system |
Are you interested in learning more about these two brands of shingles? Let’s explore the details to see which shingle might be the best fit for your roofing project.
1. Weight, Fire Resistance, and Wind Resistance Comparison
This table provides a concise comparison to help you understand the differences in weight, fire resistance, and wind resistance between these two popular roofing shingle options. Whether you’re looking for durability, safety, or performance in high winds, the specifics below will guide you in selecting the right shingles for your home.
| Feature | CertainTeed Landmark | GAF Timberline HDZ |
|---|---|---|
| Weight per Square | 230 pounds | 210 pounds |
| Fire Resistance Rating | Class A | Class A |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 110 mph | Up to 130 mph |
CertainTeed Landmark Shingles are known for their dual-layered construction, which gives them a heavier and more durable feel. Typically, they weigh about 230 pounds per square and offer a Class A fire resistance rating. They are designed to withstand winds up to 110 mph.
GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles, on the other hand, boast a high-performance design with a weight of approximately 210 pounds per roofing square. They also carry a Class A fire rating and feature a unique LayerLock™ technology that scientifically fuses the common bond between overlapping shingle layers, enhancing their wind resistance up to 130 mph.
Wondering what a Roofing Square is and how to calculate it? Read more here.
2. Material and Construction
CertainTeed Landmark Shingles
Material Composition: CertainTeed Landmark shingles are composed of a fiberglass mat base that provides strength and tear resistance. The mat is coated with water-resistant asphalt and topped with ceramic-coated mineral granules. The granules provide UV protection and enhance color retention, preventing shingles from fading over time.
Construction Features: CertainTeed Landmark shingles’ dual-layer construction offers enhanced durability. This design mimics the appearance of traditional cedar shakes, adding aesthetic value along with robust protection against elements. Additionally, CertainTeed employs StreakFighter® algae resistance technology to prevent the unsightly growth of blue-green algae, which can affect the roof’s appearance and integrity over time.
GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles
Material Composition: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles also use a fiberglass mat base, but they incorporate GAF’s proprietary High Definition® Color Blends and Shadow Effect, which gives the shingles a sophisticated, dimensional appearance. The use of advanced color blending on these shingles offers a realistic wood-shake look that is highly sought after by many homeowners.
Construction Features: One of the most innovative features of the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles is their LayerLock™ technology. This technology significantly enhances the bonding strength between the shingle layers, providing exceptional durability and resistance to wind uplift. As a result of Dura Grip Adhesive, each shingle is sealed tightly and is less likely to blow off under extreme weather conditions.
Technological Advancements: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are engineered with the industry’s largest nailing zone, enabled by their LayerLock™ technology. This technology facilitates faster and more accurate installation, ensuring maximum hold and improving the overall installation process for roofing contractors.
Focusing on these aspects can provide a detailed understanding of the material and construction differences between CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. This information is crucial for homeowners who value not only the aesthetics of their roofing materials but also their long-term performance and resilience.
3. Colors & Styles of CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles
Colors and styles play an important role in determining the appearance of your home.
CertainTeed Landmark Shingles
Color Options: CertainTeed Landmark shingles are celebrated for their vibrant and varied color palette. A variety of colors are available, including natural and earthy colors that blend into a home’s surroundings, like Weathered Wood, Driftwood, and Heather Blend. More distinct shades, such as Moire Black, Colonial Slate, and Atlantic Blue, allow for personalization and dramatic curb appeal.
Style Variations: CertainTeed Landmark shingles are designed to emulate the classic depth and dimension of natural wood shake roofs. This is achieved through a dual-layered design that gives a rich, three-dimensional appearance. The architectural style of these shingles adds a sophisticated touch to traditional and contemporary homes alike. Additionally, CertainTeed provides a variety of high-definition shades that offer enhanced shadow lines and greater texture, further mimicking the look of real wood.
GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles
Color Options: GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles also offer a robust selection of colors tailored to integrate seamlessly with any home’s color scheme. Popular choices include Pewter Gray, Charcoal, and Hickory. Each shade is crafted using GAF’s proprietary High Definition® Color Blends technology, which creates subtle gradations and a nuanced coloring that replicates the natural variation seen in genuine wood shakes.
Style Variations: GAF focuses heavily on the dimensional look of their Timberline HDZ shingles, which is a significant draw for those looking to enhance the architectural details of their homes. The shadow effects and textural complexity of the shingles contribute to a robust, rugged wood-shake look that adds architectural interest and depth. This makes them highly suitable for a range of architectural styles, from rustic to modern.
Innovative Features
Both CertainTeed and GAF invest in technologies that not only extend the life of the shingles but also maintain their aesthetic appeal over time. CertainTeed’s StreakFighter® technology is a notable feature that uses copper-lined granules to resist algae growth, thus maintaining the vibrancy and clarity of the roof color. Similarly, GAF includes StainGuard Plus™ time-release technology to protect against algae staining, ensuring that the roof retains its appearance with minimal maintenance.
4. Roofing Installation
The quality of your roof’s installation plays a crucial role in its longevity. To ensure maximum performance, CertainTeed and GAF have comprehensive installation protocols.
CertainTeed Landmark Shingles
Installation System: CertainTeed Landmark shingles are designed to be installed as part of the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System. This comprehensive approach to roofing includes underlayments, shingles, accessory products, and ventilation, all engineered to work together to maximize the roof’s performance and durability. Here are key aspects of the CertainTeed installation system:
- Underlayment: CertainTeed recommends specific underlayments that provide additional protection against leaks. These underlayments are especially important in areas prone to high winds and heavy rain, which are common in Long Island.
- Shingle Layout: Landmark shingles are designed with NailTrak™, a wider nailing area that helps speed up installation and improves accuracy. This feature ensures that nails hit the mark consistently, which is crucial for effective installation.
- Accessory Integration: The use of CertainTeed’s accessory products, such as starter shingles, ridge vents, and hip and ridge accessories, is essential for achieving optimal performance. These accessories are tailored to integrate seamlessly with Landmark shingles, providing a complete roofing solution.
GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles
Installation System: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles feature several innovations aimed at simplifying the installation process and enhancing roof durability. These include:
- LayerLock™ Technology: This technology significantly increases the size of the nailing area, allowing for faster, more precise nail placement. LayerLock™ also enhances the bonding strength between overlapping shingle layers, contributing to superior durability and wind resistance.
- StrikeZone™ Nailing Area: GAF has created the industry’s largest nailing zone with the StrikeZone™ nailing area, which is up to 600% larger than standard nailing zones. This feature provides exceptional accuracy in nail placement and reduces the risk of installation errors.
- Complete Roofing System: GAF encourages the use of a complete roofing system that includes leak barriers, roof deck protection, starter strip shingles, ridge cap shingles, and ventilation. Each component is designed to work together to enhance the roof’s weather resistance and longevity.
Importance of Professional Installation
For both CertainTeed and GAF shingles, a professional roofing installation by certified contractors is highly recommended. An experienced and professional Long Island roofing contractor, like our team at Unified, can make the difference between a roof that lasts and one that doesn’t. Our contractors are trained in the particular installation techniques required by each manufacturer and can ensure that all components are installed according to industry-standard procedures. Additionally, using a certified installer often extends the warranty benefits, providing homeowners with additional security and peace of mind.
By adhering to each manufacturer’s detailed installation guidelines and utilizing trained professionals, homeowners can maximize the lifespan and performance of their CertainTeed Landmark or GAF Timberline HDZ roof, ensuring it stands up to the elements and provides reliable protection for years to come.
5. Warranty and Support
Warranties are a significant factor in the roofing decision process as they offer homeowners peace of mind regarding the longevity and durability of their investment.
CertainTeed Landmark Shingles Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty: CertainTeed offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty for its Landmark shingles, primarily targeting residential applications. As an added benefit, this warranty covers manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the original owner. If ownership changes, the warranty can still extend to the subsequent owner for up to 50 years from the date of installation.
SureStart™ Protection: A standout feature of CertainTeed’s warranty is the SureStart™ protection. This coverage is fully comprehensive during the initial few years following installation—commonly ten years. During this period, CertainTeed covers 100% of the material and labor costs needed to repair or replace defective shingles. The coverage is not prorated, which means it does not decrease over time during the SureStart period.
Wind Warranty: CertainTeed Landmark shingles come with a specific wind warranty that protects against shingle blow-off or damage due to wind velocities up to 110 mph. An upgrade to CertainTeed’s high-wind warranty is available, increasing coverage to 130 mph when Landmark shingles are installed with CertainTeed starter and ridge cap shingles.
GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty: Similar to CertainTeed, GAF offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty for its Timberline HDZ shingles. This warranty applies for as long as the homeowner owns the house. For non-single family residential structures, the warranty typically lasts 40 years.
WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty: One of the most significant advantages of the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles is the WindProven™ limited wind warranty, which GAF claims is the first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. This warranty applies when Timberline HDZ shingles are installed with four qualifying GAF accessories, making it a robust offering for areas prone to high winds.
Algae Protection Warranty: GAF shingles include a warranty against algae growth, which is crucial in humid climates where algae can be a frequent issue. This warranty generally covers cleaning or replacement of shingles that show significant staining due to algae growth over a specified period.
Enhanced Coverage Options: GAF also offers enhanced warranty coverage through its Golden Pledge® and Silver Pledge® warranty plans, which require installation by GAF-certified contractors. These plans can extend the coverage and provide better terms, including complete system coverage and workmanship coverage for up to 25 years.
Get Affordable Roofing Shingles Installed on Long Island
Have you realized that it’s time to replace your roof because it shows one of these eight signs to look out for? Whether you choose CertainTeed Landmark or GAF Timberline HDZ shingles for your Long Island home, both options offer exceptional durability, a range of styles and colors, and comprehensive warranties. As your roofing contractor, Unified Home Remodeling will guide you through the selection, installation, and maintenance phases of your project, ensuring you have a roof that not only looks great but also lasts. Call (888) 631-2131 or contact us today to learn more and start your home remodeling journey with confidence.