Selecting a contractor and which material to cover your roof with are some of the most important decisions you’ll make when you plan a roof replacement. Once you decide on a material type, you’ll learn that there is more than one reputable company that makes that type of shingle, and you’ll need to uncover which one makes the best product.
If you are deciding between two of the most trusted asphalt shingle manufacturers in the roofing industry—GAF and Owens Corning—you really can’t go wrong with either, but one may be better suited to your specific needs.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Asphalt Shingles
GAF and Owens Corning both make durable, long-lasting, asphalt shingles that are highly customizable to bring out the best in your home’s aesthetics.
GAF Roofing System
These durable roof shingles are made of fiberglass-mesh reinforced asphalt, with choices that deliver 3-5 layers of protection to your home based on which you select. Their lifetime roofing system includes products that work together to fortify your home with unparalleled protection.
Beginning with GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles and their lifetime warranty, this roofing system offers balanced attic ventilation, roof underlayment, starter shingles to fortify eaves and rakes, a leak barrier for your roof’s valleys, and ridge cap shingles for your roof ridge and vents.
GAF also has a Class 4-rated shingle, which is the highest level of impact resistance—giving you peace of mind during storms.
Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System
This roofing system comes in various levels of protection based on your investment amount. It begins with a water-resistant underlayment, an ice and water barrier, and starter shingles to fortify your roof’s hip and ridge. The system also offers ventilation to prevent heat and moisture build-up in your attic, extending the life of your roof.
Owens Corning’s asphalt shingles are Class 4 rated, giving you confidence in your investment.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Certified Contractors
While researching which roofing contractor you should hire for your roof replacement, be sure to ask how many years of experience they have. Additionally, find out if they have special certifications from any manufacturers, ensuring homeowners that they are trained in the best practices for the materials they install.
GAF
GAF trains contractors in accurate shingle installation. Their highest level of trained contractors receives a Master Elite certification, indicating they are licensed and insured, have excellent customer reviews for quality workmanship, and are committed to ongoing training with GAF to stay up-to-date on their best practices and new products. The distinguished honor is only held by 2% of roofing contractors in the United States.
This elite group of contractors demonstrates total mastery of the installation of GAF products, and they are worth finding if you are looking for a trustworthy contractor. A GAF Master Elite contract is capable of offering the Golden Pledge Warranty which gives 25 years of workmanship coverage in addition to 50 years of material defect coverage, by far the best available from any manufacturer.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning has certifications for contractors. The homeowner must have Owens Corning’s total protection roofing system installed to qualify for the enhanced warranties. To be certified as an Owens Corning roofing contractor is a simple process and does not seem to have as many requirements.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Price
GAF
The range of shingle types comes with a range of prices when it comes to GAF’s asphalt shingle line. Cost-effective 3-tab shingles give you the basics, while architectural shingles offer optimal resistance against harmful UV rays and hail or debris impact. GAF’s ever-popular dimensional Timberline HDZ shingles offer a reliable, customizable, attractive shingle option that delivers reliable durability and attractive aesthetics.
Owens Corning
In general, Owens Corning’s initial cost is similar to GAF, but homeowners invest about the same amount or more for installation and maintenance.
Popular mid-range Definition Duration shingle features SureNail Technology. With up to seven Duration styles to choose from based on where you live, these attractive shingles deliver beauty and endurance at a viable cost.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Durability
GAF
Armorshield II is GAF’s Reinforced shingle, which is the best in the industry. These shingles are known for their superior durability. Reinforced with fiberglass, they stand up to the elements with ease. They blend in their SBS material into the shingle whereas Owens Corning only puts an SBS backer on their existing shingle. Some would say GAF and Owens Corning baseline shingles are very interchangeable, but we’ve found that GAF actually has a better reinforced shingle.
Owens Corning
Durability is one of Owens Corning shingles’ highlights, and their EverGuard Technology makes them significantly stronger against wear and tear than other roofing brands.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Color
GAF
Homeowners with distinct style preferences are happy with GAF’s shingle color options. They offer more color choices for your roof, giving you the perfect opportunity to express your style and bring out the best in your home’s aesthetics. Some popular colors include green, tan, and brown. And while they don’t have an abundance of light color options, they offer shingles with natural wood grain color for a blended natural look that mimics real wood.
Owens Corning
While there are traditional colors available in this line of shingles, some homeowners feel there are not enough light color options and light roofing colors are trending.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Warranty
GAF
Both brands are comparable in their standard roofing warranty with a 25-year limited and lifetime warranty. GAF stands out because they offer a non-prorated wind warranty for architectural and premium shingles for 130-plus mph. GAF’s enhanced warranties are a valuable asset to homeowners.
At Refined Exteriors, with every roof we do, we upgrade to a System Plus warranty at a minimum, which is a 50-year non-depreciating material and labor coverage against material defects.
Owens Corning
Both brands cover 60 mph winds and up. Owens Corning has enhanced warranties that customers can purchase for an additional percent of the total roof replacement price. They cover 110-plus mph winds.
Enjoy Durable Roof Replacement for Your Denver Home
Old roofing left unaddressed compromises your home’s protective layer, leaving it vulnerable to moisture damage and leaks. You deserve a reliable roof replacement installed by a qualified team you can trust.
At Refined Exteriors, we are a GAF Master Elite Residential Roofing Contractor. Only 1% of roofers in Denver can claim this. This distinction allows us to offer a 25-year workmanship warranty. We install roofs the right way, which is why GAF trusts us. Learn more about our GAF roofing services!
