GAF vs CertainTeed Shingles
Both give their main architectural shingle a Lifetime warranty with 10 years non-prorated and 15 years of wind coverage.[1, 2] CertainTeed Landmark reaches a higher top wind speed, 110 mph, or 160 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge and no roof-over, against GAF's 130 mph.[1, 2] GAF's algae coverage has no ridge cap condition: 25 years (StainGuard Plus), against CertainTeed's 25 years with CertainTeed AR hip and ridge, otherwise 10.[1, 2]
GAF
Pick GAF if you want the algae coverage without a ridge cap condition, or GAF's separate WindProven wind warranty.[1, 3]
CertainTeed
Pick CertainTeed if you want the highest wind speed in a standard warranty, or a line that includes tear-off in the early years (CertainTeed's Lifetime A lines).[2]
At a glance
| Feature | GAF | CertainTeed | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural warranty term | Timberline HDZ: Lifetime | Landmark: Lifetime | [1, 2] |
| Other buildings | 40 years | 40 years (Landmark, a Lifetime B product) | [1, 2] |
| Non-prorated period | 10 years | 10 years | [1, 2] |
| Wind speed | 110 mph, or 130 mph | 110 mph, or 160 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge and no roof-over | [1, 2] |
| Wind coverage period | 15 years | 15 years | [1, 2] |
| Algae coverage | 25 years (StainGuard Plus) | 25 years with CertainTeed AR hip and ridge, otherwise 10 | [1, 2] |
| Tear-off and disposal | Tear-off and disposal are not covered | Not covered for Landmark (Lifetime B); covered during SureStart only on Lifetime A lines such as Landmark PRO and Premium | [1, 2] |
| Transfer to a buyer | once; full coverage if transferred during the non-prorated period, otherwise 2 years | once; during SureStart the new owner keeps coverage (Landmark: limited to 40 years), after SureStart 2 years | [1, 2] |
| Weight per square | Not listed on the spec sheet we read | Landmark: 217 to 229 lb per square (100 square feet) | [4] |
| 3-tab line | Royal Sovereign: 25 years, wind 60 mph | XT 25: 25 years, wind 60 mph | [1, 2] |
Wind
GAF covers its Lifetime shingles to 110 mph, or 130 mph, for 15 years.[1] CertainTeed covers Landmark to 110 mph, or 160 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge and no roof-over, also for 15 years.[2] GAF also offers a separate WindProven limited wind warranty for eligible installations, which is not part of the document compared here.[3]
Tear-off and transfers
GAF: Tear-off and disposal are not covered. CertainTeed: Not covered for Landmark (Lifetime B); covered during SureStart only on Lifetime A lines such as Landmark PRO and Premium.[1, 2]
If you sell the house, GAF's warranty transfers once; full coverage if transferred during the non-prorated period, otherwise 2 years. CertainTeed's transfers once; during SureStart the new owner keeps coverage (Landmark: limited to 40 years), after SureStart 2 years.[1, 2]
Cost
Brands do not publish installed prices, and we did not find a neutral price comparison, so this page does not show one.
Common questions
Sources
- GAF GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty (RESWT160L) (Form RESWT160L-0426, for installations after January 1, 2025). Accessed November 3, 2026.
- CertainTeed Asphalt Shingle Residential Products 2026 Limited Warranty (00-02-5540-NA-EN) (05/26, for shingles installed January 1 to December 31, 2026). Accessed November 3, 2026.
- GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles product page, specifications. Accessed November 3, 2026.
- CertainTeed Landmark Shingles Technical Data Sheet (copy hosted by RCABC) (03/23). Accessed November 3, 2026.
We did not install or test these products. Everything on this page comes from the documents listed above. If a source changes, numbers here may be out of date until our next check. Spot an error? Email [email protected].