In getting estimates to re-roof my house, I have been told that all brands of 30-year architectural shingles (specifically, GAF, Certainteed and Tamko) are alike in quality. Another roofer called GAF and Certainteed "Cadillacs" and Tamko a "Buick." Which statement is correct?

Atlast, I have found that GAF products are the best on the market with the best warranty on the market. Be sure to find a GAF Certified Contractor to install your roof and ask for the GAF System Plus Warranty. This gives you a 20 year Non-prorated warranty on labor and material if the materials fail. Proration starts after the 20 year period. Colors also set GAF apart.

Here is a link to GAF. They even have a interactive section that allows you to play with houses and shingle colors. GAF Materials Corp - Residential and Commercial Roofing

Hope this helps.

I only work with 2 roofers and one likes GAF while the other prefers Certainteed. It may boil down to personal preferences to make a Buick into a Caddie. Got this from Rooferjim "I have tried them all over the years and would say the best for your money is GAF Timberline Ultra. second best Certainteed followed by OC".

THere is no correct answer. If they're warranted for 30 yr, then they're pretty much the same no matter what you're told. What is important is the ablity/willingness of the company to HONOR any warranty claims. I've had Tamko on my house for 11 years with no problems. Remember, a lot of problems, and negatives about a brand, comes from shoddy installation. I'd do a BBB search on the roofers. Tradesmen, and this is not a ding, tend to push what they sell, or have a good markup, or have had good luck with. My friend had his roof done and was told Certainteed was junk, and the roofer used Owens Corning, just the opposite of what you were told.

Owening gets more bad reports than any other of the big names but like Shaer points out, someone will push thenm if they can get a good price.

I have recently had a problem with certainteed brand and their warranty claims,there is a class action suit concerning the amounts offered for the replacement of defective materials,steer clear of Certainteed shingles.
I have over 20 years of experience with roofing and this is the first I have had problems with.

My HOA just had a similar issue with Certainteed. 6 year old 30 year shingles started curling and they required us to send them samples so they could determine if it will be warrantied. Hope this is an isolated issue since I just redid 5 buildings with 30 year Certainteed.

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

My HOA just had a similar issue with Certainteed. 6 year old 30 year shingles started curling and they required us to send them samples so they could determine if it will be warrantied. Hope this is an isolated issue since I just redid 5 buildings with 30 year Certainteed.

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Mine was the same,6 year old and with all the hub bub they required(pictures,samples,etc) my customer received an offer for $250.00 for 11 square of defective material, I can't even tear that off for that price,much less dispose of it and labor apply the new.:(,too bad ,I have installed Certainteed almost exclusively,for the last 15 years,this is the first time I have had a warranty claim and it looks bad for them.