When it comes to re-roofing your home, the options can be overwhelming. After 34 years in the industry, we have seen every trend come and go. We believe in telling you the good, the bad, and the ugly about roofing materials so you can make the right investment for your home. Here is our deep dive into the top brands, the specific lines we recommend, and the products we advise you to avoid.
CertainTeed
We consider CertainTeed to be one of the main, reliable brands on the West Coast. They carry all colors in stock, making them readily available for your project.
- Landmark (Standard Laminated): This is the standard laminated shingle and what we install on 90% of homes. It is the best "bang for your buck." It offers the same warranty and longevity (20-25 years) as CertainTeed's more expensive lines.
- Landmark Pro: This is a thicker version of CertainTeed's standard shingle. It looks great, but the durability and warranty are the same as the Landmark standard shingle.
- Presidential & Presidential TL (Triple Layer): If you have want a specific look, this is your option. It features a distinct "jagged" pattern. However, keep in mind these shingles are heavier and harder to cut, require a "dual starter" and in our experience they dont provide any extra longevity. So if you're keen on these shingles, they absolutely look great, but the reason to choose these shingles are aesthetics.
Owens Corning (OC)
Owens Corning is another major brand we trust.
- Duration Series: This is OC's analogous line to the CertainTeed Landmark. It is a "great shingle" and dollar-for-dollar costs about the same as CertainTeed.
- Availability Note: While excellent, OC can sometimes be harder to source on the West Coast compared to CertainTeed. Not all colors are always in stock, so we may need to order them in advance.
Why We Do Not Recommend "Cool Roofs"
You will see many manufacturers advertising "Cool Roofs" (like the CertainTeed Solaris line) or "Title 24" compliant roofs. We generally advise against spending extra money on these style of roofs.
- They Aren't Actually Cooler: If you put a "cool roof" shingle next to a standard shingle on a hot day, both will burn your hand in the same amount of time. It does not translate to a noticeably cooler house.
- Cost vs. Value: They cost more but do not provide a significant temperature difference.
- Better Alternatives: To meet Title 24 efficiency standards or actually cool your home, we recommend blowing in proper insulation (R38) or installing active ventilation, such as a solar fan, rather than relying on the shingle color.
Why We Avoid GAF Timberline
While GAF is a very large company, we advise our clients to stay away from the GAF Timberline series.
- Durability Issues: In our experience, we have seen these shingles fall apart in less than 10 years.
- Quality Concerns: Since the company was bought out, we have observed a decline in quality, and we do not want to install a product that won't last the duration of its expected life.
The Bottom Line on Warranties
While all of the shingles we provide do carry a limited lifetime warranty, it is crucial to read the fine print: coverage for "normal wear" is typically a 10-year prorated warranty. You will often hear contractors selling a "50-year roof." To achieve the warranties they are promising, a roofer must hold specific certifications-which we have and must install a complete system using the manufacturer's specific products for every layer under the shingle, including the starter courses, underlayment, and ridge caps. At Affordable Roofing Systems, we install roofs that are just as durable as those sold by contractors pitching a "50-year" lifespan, but we refuse to mislead you. We want to be honest about expectations: practically speaking, even the best high-quality roof has a life expectancy of 20 to 25 years. We are here to provide that top-tier durability without the empty promises.