THE SHINGLE WARS, REFEREED
Homeowners ask "which shingle brand is best?" expecting a horse race. The honest answer disappoints salesmen: all three majors — GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed — make excellent architectural shingles, and the differences within each brand's lineup are bigger than the differences between brands.
What actually varies
- Warranty structure — each brand's top warranties require certified installers and full-system components (their underlayment, starter, cap). That's partly quality control, partly lock-in — know which you're buying.
- Wind ratings — flagship lines (Timberline HDZ, Duration, Landmark Pro) all carry 110–130 mph ratings when nailed correctly. The parenthetical is the whole game.
- Color ranges and regional availability — genuinely different; your supplier's stock often decides.
The uncomfortable truth
A mid-tier shingle installed excellently outlasts a premium shingle installed carelessly — six nails vs. four, correct exposure, real starter courses, ventilation done right. When comparing quotes, the brand line matters less than: certified installer? full system? warranty registered in your name? Those questions predict your roof's lifespan better than any brochure.
Common questions
Aesthetically, often; functionally, the flagship architectural lines already carry the top wind and algae ratings. Designer lines mostly buy looks.
'Lifetime' covers the original owner with strong protection early (often 10 years full coverage), then prorates. Labor coverage depends on the tier — read the schedule.
Yes — the black streaking common on Island roofs is algae. AR granules (standard on major flagship lines) genuinely slow it.
Ridge Exteriors opens in 2026 with honest, attic-first inspections across Staten Island & Brooklyn — photos documented, straight verdicts, including "it's fine."
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