When it comes to protecting your home, roofing is a big deal. GAF and Owens Corning are two top names in the roofing world, each offering reliable, high-performance shingles. But which one suits your needs better?
We’ll walk you through key factors like materials, durability, warranties, cost, and installation to help you decide which brand can best protect your home and give it that perfect look.
Materials Used by GAF and Owens Corning
GAF Shingles: GAF shingles are made from fiberglass asphalt, incorporating DuraGrip® adhesive technology for durability. Top asphalt shingles like Timberline HDZ® and Timberline® ArmorShield (AS) II offer wind and impact resistance, making them a solid choice for areas with extreme weather.
Owens Corning Shingles: Owens Corning also uses fiberglass asphalt but emphasizes vibrant colors with TruDefinition® Technology. Their SureNail® Technology offers better nail placement and increased wind resistance, particularly with their Duration® series, known for both strength and aesthetics.
Which is Better for You?
GAF focuses more on technology-driven solutions for weather resistance, while Owens Corning excels in aesthetics and innovation. If you’re in an area with extreme weather, GAF might offer more protection, but if you want a wide range of color choices, Owens Corning is the winner.
Also Read – 5 Trending Architectural Asphalt Shingles In 2024
Durability and Performance
GAF Durability: GAF Timberline AS II shingles provide Class A fire resistance and Class 4 impact resistance. The WindProven™ limited warranty covers winds up to 130 mph, making it perfect for storm-prone areas.
Owens Corning Durability: With SureNail Technology, Owens Corning Duration shingles offer excellent wind resistance and longevity. Their products also hold up well against impacts and are rated Class 3, making them ideal for areas hit by hail and severe storms.
Verdict
Both brands offer strong protection in extreme weather, but GAF’s WindProven Warranty might tip the scale if you live in a hurricane-prone area.
Warranties
GAF: GAF’s Golden Pledge® Warranty covers shingle defects for a lifetime and 50 years for workmanship, but you need to hire a Master Elite® contractor. The WindProven Warranty covers winds up to 130 mph (for most products) when installed with the required components.
Owens Corning: Owens Corning offers their Platinum Protection Warranty, which provides lifetime coverage for materials and for workmanship, but this is only available through their Platinum Preferred contractors.
Which Warranty is Better?
GAF’s WindProven Warranty gives them the edge, especially in wind-prone areas, but both brands offer strong warranty options when installed by certified contractors.
Cost Comparison
GAF: GAF shingles typically range between $100 to $120 per square (100 square feet), with premium options like Timberline UHDZ® costing more.
Owens Corning: Owens Corning shingles range from $90 to $110 per square, with more premium products like Duration FLEX® priced higher.
Cost Verdict
Owens Corning may offer a slight edge in affordability, especially for those on a tighter budget, while GAF’s more advanced products generally justify the higher price.
Color Options and Aesthetic Appeal
GAF: While GAF provides a good range of colors, their primary focus is on durability and functionality.
Owens Corning: Owens Corning stands out with their TruDefinition Technology not only enhances colors but also improves dimensionality and texture, giving the shingles added depth. Their Duration series shingles are particularly popular for their aesthetic appeal.
Which Brand Offers Better Aesthetics?
For homeowners looking to enhance curb appeal, Owens Corning is a clear winner due to their wide range of vibrant color options.
Installation and Contractor Availability
GAF Contractors: GAF offers a wider network of Certified™ and Master Elite contractors, providing more options and ensuring expert installation. These contractors meet specific business requirements, maintain high customer satisfaction, and receive product training.
Owens Corning Contractors: While there are fewer Platinum Preferred contractors, Owens Corning contractors also provide top-tier workmanship and access to the brand’s strongest warranties.
Verdict
GAF has a larger pool of certified contractors, making it easier for homeowners to find qualified professionals, but both brands ensure high standards for installation.
Climate-Specific Shingle Performance
- Cold Climates: Both GAF Timberline AS II and Owens Corning Duration FLEX shingles are designed for cold-weather durability with Class 4 impact resistance, but GAF has the edge with its WindProven Warranty, making it more suited to regions with strong winds and storms. Owens Corning, with its SureNail Technology, excels in snowy areas by offering enhanced resistance to winter wear.
- Hot and Humid Climates: Owens Corning Duration shingles perform well in sunny climates due to TruDefinition Technology, which provides extra UV protection. For homeowners in humid or hot regions, GAF offers Cool Series® (CS) shingles that reflect sunlight and lower attic heat, while both brands include algae-resistant options.
Environmental & Social Responsibility
GAF: GAF takes a strong stance on sustainability, offering Cool Roof options that help reduce energy consumption by reflecting sunlight. They also participate in initiatives like Roofs for Troops and the RoofCycle™ Process, which recycles asphalt shingles into new products. GAF products can contribute to LEED points in a project.
Owens Corning: Owens Corning is a leader in sustainability, known for EcoTouch® Insulation and Energy Star®-rated shingles. Their efforts to reduce carbon emissions and water use, along with partnerships like the Roof Deployment Project for veterans, have earned them spots on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and S&P Sustainability Yearbook. Owens Corning was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere.
Which Is More Sustainable?
Both brands excel in eco-friendly initiatives, but Owens Corning’s strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability makes it a slightly better choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
Customer Reviews & Testimonials
GAF: Homeowners praise the durability and ease of installation of GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles, though some have noted issues tied to contractor errors.
Owens Corning: Owens Corning gets high marks for its aesthetic appeal and customer service. Their shingles are also lauded for their weather resistance, particularly in regions with harsh winters.
Verdict: Both brands have strong customer followings, but Owens Corning’s customer service and aesthetic appeal earn higher ratings overall.
GAF Timberline HDZ vs. Owens Corning Duration: The Final Showdown
Both the GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration are top-tier laminated shingles, offering superior performance, aesthetics, and durability. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare:
GAF Timberline HDZ
- Core Features: The Timberline HDZ shingles use LayerLock™ Technology, allowing for a wider nailing zone and faster, more accurate installation.
- Durability: They boast a WindProven Limited Warranty with no maximum wind speed limit, providing peace of mind for homeowners in hurricane-prone areas.
- Impact Resistance: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles have a Class 4 impact rating, making them a top choice for areas prone to hail or severe storms.
- Aesthetic Appeal: These shingles offer a timeless, wood-shake look, which is especially appealing to homeowners who prioritize aesthetics along with performance. The shingles are available in various colors to suit different home styles.
Owens Corning Duration
- Core Features: Owens Corning’s SureNail Technology gives the Duration shingles a triple-layer nail zone for better wind resistance and easier installation.
- Durability: Duration shingles offer Class 3 impact resistance and are highly rated for areas with extreme weather, such as hail storms.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Owens Corning excels in color variety and vividness with TruDefinition Technology, offering richer, more vibrant color blends for curb appeal. The Duration series is known for its ability to complement various architectural styles.
- Wind Resistance: Duration shingles offer a wind warranty of up to 130 mph when installed with Owens Corning’s Total Protection Roofing System®.
Showdown Verdict
- Installation Ease: GAF Timberline HDZ’s wider StrikeZone™ nailing area makes it slightly easier to install, reducing the risk of contractor errors.
- Wind Resistance: Both GAF and Owens Corning’s wind resistance is capped at 130 mph.
- Color & Appearance: Owens Corning Duration offers a more vivid range of colors, appealing to homeowners who want maximum curb appeal.
- Durability: GAF Timberline shingles offer Class 4 impact resistance, making them ideal for storm-prone areas. Owens Corning Duration shingles have Class 3 impact resistance, slightly less durable than GAF.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for ease of installation and wind resistance, GAF Timberline HDZ might be the better pick. However, if color and vibrant aesthetics are your priority, Owens Corning Duration is the clear winner. Both shingles provide exceptional durability, but your decision ultimately depends on whether you prioritize installation simplicity, aesthetic appeal, or wind protection.
Which Roofing Brand Is Right for You?
Both GAF and Owens Corning offer excellent products, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. GAF stands out for its wind warranties and technological advancements, while Owens Corning is favored for its color options, energy efficiency, and customer focus.Need help deciding? At Prestige Roofing LLC, we install both GAF and Owens Corning products and can help you pick the right shingles for your home. Call us at (920) 791-0414 for expert advice or to start your roofing project today!