Home Improvement Tips & Insights | Excel Roofing Blog

CertainTeed Roofing Products: Complete Guide

Written by Henry Bretz | Aug 3, 2026, 12:25:57 AM

Is CertainTeed a Good Roofing Manufacturer?

CertainTeed is an established North American roofing manufacturer offering asphalt shingles, impact-resistant roofing, luxury shingles, underlayments, ventilation products, commercial low-slope systems, roof coatings, and solar roofing. Its broad product range makes it a legitimate option for standard homes, hail-prone properties, custom residences, multifamily buildings, and commercial projects. The right CertainTeed product depends on the building, climate exposure, installation quality, budget, and warranty requirements.

CertainTeed was founded in 1904 as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company. It later became CertainTeed and is now a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain. The company operates more than 60 manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada and produces roofing, siding, insulation, gypsum, ceilings, and other building products.

CertainTeed Roofing Product Offerings

CertainTeed divides its asphalt roofing products into three general categories:

  • Strip or three-tab shingles
  • Architectural or dimensional shingles
  • Luxury shingles

The company also manufactures roofing-system accessories, modified-bitumen membranes, built-up roofing products, liquid-applied roof coatings, repair materials, ventilation products, and solar roofing systems.

Product category Major products General application Relative tier
Three-tab shingles XT 25 Budget residential roofing and replacement of existing three-tab roofs Entry
Architectural shingles Landmark, Landmark PRO Standard residential roof replacement Standard to upgraded
Impact-resistant shingles Landmark ClimateFlex, NorthGate ClimateFlex, Landmark Premium, Landmark TL Hail-prone and severe-weather areas Upgraded to premium
Luxury shingles Grand Manor, Carriage House, Belmont, Presidential Shake, Presidential Shake IR Custom homes and high-end replacements Premium
Cool-roof shingles Landmark PRO Solaris, Landmark TL Solaris and selected Solaris products Solar-reflective roofing applications Premium
Roofing accessories WinterGuard, RoofRunner, SwiftStart, hip-and-ridge shingles and ventilation Complete residential roofing systems System components
Low-slope roofing Flintlastic SA and other modified-bitumen systems Flat and low-slope residential or commercial roofs Commercial system
Roof coatings SMARTCOAT acrylic and silicone systems Eligible roof-restoration projects Restoration system
Solar roofing Solstice Shingle, Solstice Panel and SunStyle Roof-integrated or roof-mounted solar Specialty

Product and color availability can vary by manufacturing region and distributor. A product displayed on CertainTeed’s national website may not be stocked in every Colorado or Wyoming market.

CertainTeed XT 25

XT 25 is CertainTeed’s basic three-tab asphalt shingle. It uses a flatter, single-layer appearance and is primarily intended for budget-conscious projects or buildings where an existing three-tab appearance must be maintained.

XT 25 currently carries a 25-year limited transferable warranty, five years of SureStart protection, a five-year 60 mph wind-resistance warranty, and a 10-year algae-resistance warranty. It is also rated for Class A fire resistance.

XT 25 can reduce the initial material cost, but it is usually not the strongest long-term value for a primary residence in Colorado or Wyoming. Its lower wind coverage, flatter appearance, shorter warranty structure, and single-layer construction make it difficult to justify when the upgrade to an architectural shingle is reasonably priced.

Best for: Rental properties, detached structures, basic replacements and roofs that must match an existing three-tab design.

Main disadvantage: Saving a modest amount upfront can result in accepting a noticeably lower roofing specification.

CertainTeed Landmark

Landmark is CertainTeed’s standard architectural shingle and one of the manufacturer’s most widely recognized products. It uses a dual-layer design intended to create the dimensional appearance of wood shake roofing.

CertainTeed currently identifies Landmark as a UL 2218 Class 3 impact-resistant shingle with Class A fire resistance. Its published warranty information includes a lifetime limited transferable warranty, a 25-year StreakFighter algae-resistance warranty, 10 years of SureStart protection, and a 15-year 110 mph wind warranty. The wind warranty may be upgraded to 160 mph when the qualifying CertainTeed starter and hip-and-ridge components are used.

Landmark is the practical starting point for most homeowners. It offers a better appearance and stronger published specifications than XT 25 without entering luxury-shingle pricing.

Best for: Standard residential roof replacements where cost, appearance and performance must remain balanced.

Potential disadvantage: Landmark is now Class 3, but it is not the most hail-focused option within CertainTeed’s portfolio. Homeowners specifically purchasing for Class 4 impact resistance should consider a different product.

CertainTeed Landmark PRO

Landmark PRO is a heavier and more visually defined version of Landmark. It uses richer Max Def color blends and is designed for homeowners who want a more pronounced roof color without moving into a luxury shingle.

Landmark PRO is currently classified as UL 2218 Class 3 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant. CertainTeed lists a lifetime limited transferable warranty, a 30-year StreakFighter algae-resistance warranty, 10-year SureStart protection, and a 15-year 110 mph wind warranty that may be upgraded to 160 mph with qualifying accessories.

The honest distinction is that Landmark PRO is primarily an upgrade in weight, color definition and overall presentation. It should not be confused with CertainTeed’s Class 4 ClimateFlex shingles.

Best for: Homeowners who like Landmark but want deeper colors, a heavier product and longer algae coverage.

Potential disadvantage: A homeowner focused mainly on hail performance may get more meaningful value by moving to Landmark ClimateFlex or NorthGate ClimateFlex instead.

Landmark ClimateFlex

Landmark ClimateFlex combines the general Landmark appearance with polymer-modified asphalt. The polymer modification is intended to improve impact resistance, granule adhesion, and flexibility in colder temperatures.

CertainTeed classifies Landmark ClimateFlex as UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant. Current published coverage includes a lifetime limited transferable warranty for qualifying residential applications, a 50-year limited warranty for group-owned or commercial applications, a 25-year algae-resistance warranty, 10-year SureStart protection, and a 15-year 110 mph wind warranty. An upgrade to 160 mph is available when qualifying starter and hip-and-ridge products are installed.

For many Colorado homeowners, Landmark ClimateFlex is one of the most rational products in the CertainTeed lineup. It retains a familiar architectural-shingle appearance while adding a verified Class 4 impact rating.

Best for: Hail-prone residential properties where the owner wants a traditional architectural appearance.

Potential disadvantage: Class 4 does not mean hail-proof. A severe storm can still cause functional or cosmetic damage.

NorthGate ClimateFlex

NorthGate ClimateFlex is another polymer-modified Class 4 shingle. It has a more dimensional appearance than standard Landmark and is designed to remain pliable under a wider range of weather conditions.

CertainTeed lists NorthGate ClimateFlex as UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant. Current published coverage includes a lifetime limited transferable residential warranty, a 50-year limited warranty on group-owned or commercial applications, a 30-year algae-resistance warranty, 10-year SureStart protection, and a 15-year 110 mph wind warranty that may be upgraded to 160 mph with qualifying CertainTeed accessories.

NorthGate ClimateFlex is a strong choice for homeowners who want Class 4 impact resistance but prefer a heavier and more dimensional roof than standard Landmark.

Best for: Hail exposure, cold-weather flexibility and an upgraded architectural appearance.

Potential disadvantage: NorthGate generally costs more than standard Landmark. That premium is wasted when the homeowner is unlikely to value either the Class 4 rating or the heavier appearance.

Landmark Premium and Landmark TL

Landmark Premium is a heavier premium version of the Landmark design. CertainTeed currently lists it as UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant, Class A fire resistant, and eligible for a wind-warranty upgrade from 110 mph to 160 mph when qualifying components are installed.

Landmark TL is a triple-laminate shingle designed to create deeper shadow lines and a heavier wood-shake appearance. It is also currently classified as UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant. CertainTeed lists a lifetime limited transferable warranty, 30-year algae protection where available, 10-year SureStart protection, and an available wind-warranty upgrade to 160 mph.

These products sit between upgraded architectural roofing and true luxury shingles.

Best for Landmark Premium: Homeowners wanting a heavier Landmark-style product with Class 4 impact resistance.

Best for Landmark TL: Homeowners who want visible thickness and a shake-inspired appearance without moving to Presidential Shake.

CertainTeed Grand Manor

Grand Manor is a multi-layer luxury asphalt shingle designed to imitate natural slate. It uses broad, randomly arranged tabs and deeper shadow lines to create a heavier roof profile.

CertainTeed currently classifies Grand Manor as UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant. Published coverage includes a lifetime limited transferable residential warranty, 50 years for qualifying group-owned or commercial applications, a 30-year algae-resistance warranty, 10-year SureStart protection, and a 15-year 110 mph wind warranty that may be upgraded to 130 mph.

Grand Manor can substantially change the appearance of a home, but it is not a universal upgrade. The roof structure, home design, material weight, flashing requirements, and installation cost must make sense.

Best for: High-end residences, steep rooflines and homes designed around a slate-style appearance.

Potential disadvantage: Grand Manor costs considerably more than Landmark-based products and requires installers who understand its layout and accessory requirements.

CertainTeed Carriage House and Belmont

Carriage House uses cut-away corners and dark shadow lines to imitate scalloped natural slate. CertainTeed currently classifies it as UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant. The published wind warranty is 110 mph with an available upgrade to 130 mph.

Belmont is another slate-inspired luxury shingle with a more traditional slate pattern. It is currently listed as Class 4 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant, with a 110 mph wind warranty that may be upgraded to 130 mph.

These products should be selected for architecture first and specification second. Installing an elaborate slate-style roof on a house that does not visually support it can make the roof look unnecessarily busy.

Best for Carriage House: Historic, Victorian or highly detailed architecture.

Best for Belmont: Homeowners wanting a slate-inspired roof with a somewhat more restrained pattern.

CertainTeed Highland Slate

Highland Slate creates a slate-inspired appearance at a lower tier than Grand Manor or Carriage House. CertainTeed currently classifies it as UL 2218 Class 3 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant. Published coverage includes a lifetime limited transferable residential warranty, 25-year algae protection, 10-year SureStart protection, and a 15-year 110 mph wind warranty that may be upgraded to 130 mph.

Highland Slate is mainly an appearance-driven product. Someone paying specifically for hail protection should compare it carefully against CertainTeed’s Class 4 products.

Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake IR

Presidential Shake is a multi-layer luxury shingle designed to imitate hand-split cedar shakes. The standard Presidential Shake is currently classified as UL 2218 Class 3 impact resistant and Class A fire resistant.

Presidential Shake IR retains the heavy cedar-shake appearance but increases the impact classification to UL 2218 Class 4. CertainTeed lists a lifetime limited transferable residential warranty, a 50-year warranty for qualifying group-owned or commercial applications, 30-year algae protection, 10-year SureStart coverage, and a 15-year 110 mph wind warranty that may be upgraded to 130 mph.

Best for: Custom homes, mountain homes and properties where a heavy cedar-shake appearance is part of the architecture.

Potential disadvantage: Presidential Shake IR is expensive. Installing it on a basic roof with limited visible surface area may deliver little aesthetic return for the added cost.

Which CertainTeed Shingle Is Best?

There is no single best CertainTeed shingle. There is only the best fit for the building and owner.

Customer priority Strong CertainTeed option Why
Lowest initial cost XT 25 Basic three-tab product
Best standard value Landmark Balanced architectural shingle
Better color and appearance Landmark PRO Heavier construction and Max Def colors
Hail-focused architectural roof Landmark ClimateFlex Polymer-modified Class 4 construction
Hail protection with more dimension NorthGate ClimateFlex Class 4 rating and heavier appearance
Heavy Landmark-style shingle Landmark Premium Class 4 with familiar design
Premium shake appearance Landmark TL Triple-laminate Class 4 construction
Premium slate appearance Grand Manor Heavy slate-style Class 4 shingle
Decorative slate pattern Carriage House Scalloped Class 4 design
Cedar-shake appearance Presidential Shake IR Luxury Class 4 shake-style shingle
Low-slope roof Flintlastic SA Self-adhered modified-bitumen system
Eligible roof restoration SMARTCOAT Acrylic or silicone coating system

The strongest overall value for a typical homeowner will often be Landmark, Landmark PRO, Landmark ClimateFlex, or NorthGate ClimateFlex. The luxury lines make sense when appearance is a major project objective. They should not be sold as automatically better simply because they are heavier and more expensive.

Are CertainTeed Shingles Good for Colorado and Wyoming?

CertainTeed offers several products that make sense for Colorado and Wyoming, particularly its Class 4 impact-resistant shingles and products with available higher wind-warranty coverage.

Hail

Landmark ClimateFlex, NorthGate ClimateFlex, Landmark Premium, Landmark TL, Grand Manor, Carriage House, Belmont and Presidential Shake IR are currently identified by CertainTeed as Class 4 impact-resistant products. Standard Landmark, Landmark PRO, Highland Slate and Presidential Shake are currently identified as Class 3.

UL 2218 Class 4 is an impact-test classification. It does not guarantee that a roof will survive every hailstorm. It also does not guarantee insurance coverage or a premium discount.

Before paying more for a Class 4 roof, the property owner should ask the insurance carrier:

  1. Whether the exact product qualifies for a discount.
  2. Whether the policy includes a cosmetic-damage exclusion.
  3. Whether the roof would be settled at replacement cost or actual cash value.
  4. Whether documentation must be submitted after installation.

High winds

Several Landmark products advertise a standard 110 mph wind warranty with an upgrade to 160 mph when required CertainTeed starter and hip-and-ridge products are installed. Several luxury products have a lower maximum upgrade of 130 mph. The warranty number should not be confused with a promise that the roof cannot fail at that wind speed.

Actual wind performance depends heavily on nail placement, nail quantity, deck condition, starter installation, shingle sealing, roof geometry and installation temperature.

Snow, ice and temperature swings

Colorado and Wyoming roofs must also manage snow accumulation, ice dams, wind-driven snow, freeze-thaw cycling, intense sunlight and large temperature changes.

ClimateFlex products use polymer-modified asphalt intended to provide greater flexibility in cold conditions. This can be useful during installation and may help the shingle tolerate temperature-related stress.

The shingle is only the exposed surface. Ice-and-water protection, flashing, underlayment, ventilation and insulation often determine whether the roof performs properly around valleys, walls, eaves and penetrations.

The CertainTeed Integrity Roof System

CertainTeed describes the Integrity Roof System as a coordinated combination of underlayments, shingles, accessory products and ventilation. The purpose is to build the roof as a complete assembly instead of treating the field shingle as the entire system.

A complete residential roof generally includes:

1. Roof deck

The roof deck must be solid, properly fastened and suitable for the selected roofing material. Rotten, delaminated or structurally inadequate decking should not be covered.

2. Ice-and-water protection

CertainTeed WinterGuard is a self-adhering waterproofing underlayment designed for vulnerable roof areas. These commonly include eaves, valleys, roof-to-wall transitions and penetrations. WinterGuard is designed to seal around fasteners and may carry coverage tied to the shingle installed above it, subject to warranty limitations.

3. Water-resistant underlayment

RoofRunner is a synthetic underlayment installed over the roof deck beneath the shingles. It serves as a secondary water-shedding layer and is part of CertainTeed’s residential system offering.

4. Starter shingles

SwiftStart is designed for use with Landmark-series shingles. Starter shingles provide a factory-applied sealant at roof edges and help resist wind uplift. CertainTeed also offers specialized starter products for heavier luxury shingles.

5. Field shingles

The field shingle is the primary visible roof covering. It should be selected based on roof design, weather exposure, appearance, budget, warranty requirements and local availability.

6. Hip-and-ridge shingles

Factory-manufactured hip-and-ridge products protect roof peaks and create a finished appearance. CertainTeed offers products including Shadow Ridge, Cedar Crest, Mountain Ridge and Shangle Ridge for different shingle families.

7. Balanced ventilation

A functioning attic ventilation system requires both intake and exhaust. Installing a ridge vent without adequate intake does not create a balanced system. Proper ventilation helps manage heat and moisture within the attic.

8. Flashing

Step flashing, counterflashing, pipe flashings, wall transitions, skylights and valleys are common failure points. Reusing deteriorated flashing to save money is usually a bad trade.

How Do CertainTeed Roofing Warranties Work?

CertainTeed’s standard asphalt-shingle warranties primarily protect against manufacturing defects. They are not unconditional guarantees against leaks, hail damage, wind damage, poor workmanship, ventilation problems, structural movement or installation errors.

Many lifetime-limited products include a 10-year SureStart period. During the applicable SureStart period, CertainTeed states that qualifying manufacturing-defect claims receive non-prorated material and labor coverage. XT 25 has shorter standard coverage.

CertainTeed also offers SureStart PLUS extended coverage through qualifying credentialed contractors and qualifying Integrity Roof System installations.

Coverage level Manufacturing-defect coverage Tear-off and disposal Workmanship coverage
Standard Initial SureStart period, then limited warranty terms Generally not included in standard coverage Not included
3-Star Extended manufacturing-defect coverage Included under applicable terms Not included
4-Star Extended manufacturing-defect coverage Included under applicable terms Up to 15 years
5-Star Extended manufacturing-defect coverage Included under applicable terms Up to 30 years

CertainTeed states that SureStart PLUS can extend full manufacturing-defect coverage for as long as 50 years on qualifying single-family applications. Coverage periods are different for XT 25 and for structures that are not qualifying single-family detached residences.

“Lifetime” does not mean every cost associated with the roof is covered for the owner’s entire life. Property type, ownership, product, registration, transfer timing, required accessories, contractor credentials, ventilation, installation and exclusions can materially change the coverage.

Before signing a contract, request:

  • The exact CertainTeed warranty document
  • The proposed SureStart PLUS level
  • A list of required CertainTeed components
  • The contractor’s separate workmanship warranty
  • Written confirmation of who registers the warranty
  • Written confirmation of any added warranty cost
  • The rules for transferring the warranty

Excel Roofing’s current eligibility to offer a particular SureStart PLUS level should be confirmed for the specific project before that coverage is promised.

CertainTeed Commercial and Low-Slope Roofing

CertainTeed’s product portfolio extends beyond shingles. Its commercial roofing division offers modified-bitumen membranes, built-up roofing products, coatings, adhesives, primers, flashing products, and repair systems.

Flintlastic SA

Flintlastic SA is a self-adhering SBS-modified bitumen system for low-slope roofing. The system includes base, mid-ply and cap-sheet options. CertainTeed also offers CoolStar reflective cap sheets and selected fire or impact-resistant configurations.

Flintlastic SA may be appropriate for:

  • Low-slope residential additions
  • Porches
  • Garages
  • Multifamily buildings
  • Small commercial buildings
  • Roof sections that cannot properly use asphalt shingles

A low-slope membrane should not be treated as an interchangeable substitute for shingles without reviewing slope, drainage, deck type, insulation, flashing and manufacturer requirements.

Built-up and modified-bitumen roofing

CertainTeed offers systems using SBS modified bitumen, APP modified bitumen, and built-up roofing assemblies. These systems can be installed through self-adhering, torch-applied, hot-asphalt, cold-adhesive or mechanically attached methods, depending on the selected assembly and project requirements.

SMARTCOAT roof coatings

SMARTCOAT includes acrylic and silicone liquid-applied restoration products. These systems are intended to extend the service life of eligible existing roofs without automatically requiring a complete tear-off. CertainTeed currently offers coating warranties of up to 20 years for qualifying SMARTCOAT systems.

A coating is not a cure for a failed roof. Before coating, the contractor must evaluate:

  • Existing membrane condition
  • Trapped moisture
  • Wet insulation
  • Adhesion
  • Drainage
  • Ponding water
  • Seam condition
  • Flashings
  • Rust or corrosion
  • Existing coating compatibility

Roofs with widespread saturated insulation, unstable substrates or major drainage defects may require recovery or replacement instead.

Commercial warranties

CertainTeed lists material warranties, Integrity Roof System warranties, and No Dollar Limit limited warranties for qualifying commercial systems. Standard asphaltic-membrane warranty durations generally range from 10 to 25 years, depending on the assembly and application.

CertainTeed Solar Roofing

CertainTeed’s solar offerings currently include Solstice solar shingles, Solstice solar panels and SunStyle integrated solar roofing.

Solstice Shingle is a low-profile solar product installed directly to the roof deck and integrated with asphalt roofing. CertainTeed lists a 110 mph wind rating and approvals for installation in high-wind zones, subject to system requirements.

SunStyle uses photovoltaic roof tiles to create an edge-to-edge integrated solar roof. CertainTeed states that SunStyle tiles carry a 25-year limited warranty.

Solar roofing should be treated as a separate design and electrical project. Roof orientation, shading, utility requirements, structural capacity, electrical design, installer credentials, snow retention, maintenance access and replacement planning must all be evaluated.

Advantages and Disadvantages of CertainTeed Roofing

Advantages Potential disadvantages
Broad selection from basic to luxury products The number of product lines can make comparisons confusing
Multiple Class 3 and Class 4 options Impact ratings do not eliminate hail risk
Strong selection of slate and shake appearances Luxury products can be expensive and labor-intensive
Complete roofing-system components Upgraded warranties may require specific accessories
Available extended warranty levels Warranty language is more limited than many homeowners assume
Residential and commercial roofing systems Not every product or color is stocked in every region
Polymer-modified ClimateFlex products ClimateFlex products cost more than standard Landmark
Low-slope and restoration systems Coatings are inappropriate for some deteriorated roofs
Solar roofing options Solar requires specialized design, electrical work and credentials

CertainTeed’s main strength is choice. Its main weakness is also choice. Homeowners can easily be pushed into paying for a product tier or warranty they do not need.

CertainTeed Compared With Other Roofing Manufacturers

CertainTeed is not the only manufacturer offering polymer-modified Class 4 shingles. Owens Corning Duration FLEX, GAF Timberline AS II, Malarkey Legacy, and Atlas StormMaster Shake are also currently marketed as Class 4 impact-resistant products.

Manufacturer Hail-focused product General strength
CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex and NorthGate ClimateFlex Broad selection of architectural and luxury designs
Owens Corning Duration FLEX Nailing-system design and widely recognized architectural products
GAF Timberline AS II Broad distribution and a familiar Timberline appearance
Malarkey Legacy Polymer-modified architectural shingles across a focused product range
Atlas StormMaster Shake Class 4 designer shingle with algae-protection options

The manufacturer should not be selected in isolation. Compare the actual proposals, including:

  • Exact product
  • Accessory system
  • Impact classification
  • Wind terms
  • Ventilation
  • Flashing
  • Decking allowance
  • Workmanship warranty
  • Manufacturer warranty
  • Contractor installation history
  • Total installed cost

A properly installed standard product can outperform a premium product installed by a careless contractor.

How Much Does a CertainTeed Roof Cost?

There is no honest universal price for a CertainTeed roof. Installed cost depends on far more than the shingle name.

Major cost factors include:

  • Product line
  • Roof size
  • Roof pitch
  • Number of stories
  • Roof complexity
  • Tear-off requirements
  • Disposal
  • Decking repairs
  • Valleys
  • Wall and chimney flashing
  • Skylights
  • Ventilation
  • Ice-and-water protection
  • Code upgrades
  • Access difficulty
  • Material availability
  • Labor conditions
  • Warranty level

One roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. A 2,000-square-foot house does not necessarily have a 20-square roof. Pitch, overhangs, garages, porches and waste increase the measured roofing area.

In general, CertainTeed products move through these price tiers:

  1. XT 25
  2. Landmark
  3. Landmark PRO
  4. Landmark ClimateFlex or NorthGate ClimateFlex
  5. Landmark Premium or Landmark TL
  6. Highland Slate, Belmont and other designer products
  7. Grand Manor, Carriage House and Presidential Shake products

The cheapest proposal is not automatically the best value. The most expensive proposal is not automatically the best roof.

Why Installation Quality Matters

A roofing manufacturer controls the product leaving its plant. It does not control every installation.

Premature failures frequently involve details such as:

  • Nails placed above the approved nailing area
  • Too few nails
  • Overdriven or underdriven nails
  • Improper starter shingles
  • Poor valley construction
  • Reused flashing
  • Inadequate attic intake
  • Incorrect ridge ventilation
  • Shingles installed over damaged decking
  • Unsealed penetrations
  • Improper low-slope transitions
  • Materials installed outside acceptable weather conditions

Excel Roofing evaluates the roof as a complete system. That means reviewing the field shingles, deck, flashing, underlayment, ventilation, penetrations, drainage and low-slope areas before recommending a product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CertainTeed a good roofing brand?

Yes. CertainTeed is an established roofing manufacturer with standard architectural shingles, polymer-modified Class 4 products, luxury shingles, commercial membranes, coatings and complete roof-system accessories. Product selection and installation quality still matter more than the brand name alone.

What is the most popular CertainTeed shingle?

Landmark is CertainTeed’s core architectural shingle and is commonly used for standard residential replacements. Landmark PRO is a popular upgrade for homeowners wanting heavier construction and more pronounced colors.

What is the difference between Landmark and Landmark PRO?

Landmark PRO is positioned above Landmark and offers greater weight, richer Max Def colors and a longer published algae-resistance warranty. Both are currently listed as Class 3 impact resistant, so Landmark PRO should not be mistaken for a Class 4 shingle.

Which CertainTeed shingles are Class 4?

Current Class 4 products include Landmark ClimateFlex, NorthGate ClimateFlex, Landmark Premium, Landmark TL, Grand Manor, Carriage House, Belmont and Presidential Shake IR. Product availability and specifications should be reconfirmed before ordering.

Is NorthGate ClimateFlex good for hail?

NorthGate ClimateFlex is one of CertainTeed’s strongest hail-focused architectural products because it uses polymer-modified asphalt and carries a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating. It is impact resistant, not hail-proof.

Are CertainTeed Class 4 shingles hail-proof?

No. No asphalt shingle should be represented as hail-proof. A Class 4 shingle has passed a laboratory impact test. Hail size, density, wind speed, roof age, temperature and impact angle can still cause damage.

How long do CertainTeed shingles last?

Actual service life varies based on product, climate, roof design, attic conditions, ventilation, installation, maintenance and storm exposure. A lifetime-limited warranty is not a promise that the roof will remain problem-free for the owner’s lifetime.

What does the CertainTeed lifetime warranty cover?

The lifetime-limited warranty primarily addresses qualifying manufacturing defects. Coverage changes over time and is subject to exclusions, ownership rules, proration and product-specific requirements. Extended SureStart PLUS protection may provide broader coverage on qualifying systems.

What is the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System?

It is CertainTeed’s coordinated approach to combining waterproofing underlayment, water-resistant underlayment, starter shingles, field shingles, hip-and-ridge accessories and ventilation into one roofing system.

Can any contractor offer CertainTeed SureStart PLUS warranties?

No. SureStart PLUS coverage requires an eligible CertainTeed-credentialed contractor and a qualifying roof-system installation. The available level depends on the contractor’s current credential and the products installed.

Does CertainTeed make commercial roofing?

Yes. CertainTeed offers modified-bitumen roofing, built-up systems, self-adhered Flintlastic products, SMARTCOAT restoration systems, adhesives, primers, flashing products and commercial warranty options.

Can CertainTeed shingles be installed on a flat roof?

Generally, asphalt shingles should not be installed on flat roofs. Low-slope sections require a system approved for the actual slope and assembly. Flintlastic SA or another compatible low-slope system may be appropriate after the roof has been evaluated.

Can Class 4 shingles reduce insurance premiums?

Possibly. Some insurance companies offer discounts for qualifying impact-resistant products, while others do not. Some policies also add cosmetic-damage exclusions. The property owner should obtain written information from the insurance carrier before purchasing the roof.

Is CertainTeed better than Owens Corning or GAF?

Not universally. CertainTeed offers one of the broader luxury-shingle selections. Owens Corning and GAF offer strong architectural systems and extensive contractor networks. The better choice depends on the exact product, installed system, contractor, price and warranty.

Are CertainTeed shingles appropriate for Colorado and Wyoming?

Yes, particularly CertainTeed’s impact-resistant and higher-wind-rated products. However, proper ventilation, ice protection, flashing, fastening and installation are essential. The brand alone will not overcome a poorly designed or poorly installed roof.

Get a CertainTeed Roofing Estimate

CertainTeed offers legitimate options for standard residential roofs, hail-prone homes, luxury properties, multifamily buildings, commercial roofs, low-slope additions and roof-restoration projects.

The correct product depends on the roof, not merely the marketing tier. A homeowner may be better served by Landmark than an expensive luxury shingle. A hail-exposed property may justify Landmark ClimateFlex or NorthGate ClimateFlex. A low-slope roof may require Flintlastic instead of shingles. A deteriorated commercial roof may need replacement rather than another coating.

Excel Roofing can inspect the property, identify steep-slope and low-slope conditions, review ventilation and flashing, compare CertainTeed product options, and provide a written roofing estimate.

Excel Roofing is a family-owned roofing contractor founded in 1993, serving homeowners, property managers, HOAs, multifamily communities and commercial properties throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

Contact Excel Roofing to schedule a roof inspection or request a written CertainTeed roofing estimate.