Shingle Review: CertainTeed Vs GAF

CertainTeed Roofing Shingles in Ste-Anne-de-Prescott

Why They Are Worth The Price

If you’re anything like the typical home-owner, then you have probably spent some time thinking about everything from the design of your front door to the color of your rose bushes.

You may, however, have neglected something important, something that accounts for more than half of the exterior of your home: your roof

All roofing materials are not created equal, and you can dramatically improve, or worsen, the appearance of your home by choosing the right, or wrong, shingles.


Types Of Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing material in Canada. Why? Because 1) they are relatively cost-effective (far cheaper than slate or tiles roofs), 2) they come in a variety of different colors, and 3) they can be very stylish.

There are three main types of asphalt shingles:

•    3-Tab Shingles
•    Architectural Shingles (aka “laminate” or “dimensional” shingles)
•    Luxury Shingles (aka premium shingles)

All three kinds of shingles are made from the same materials, but their similarities stop there. They are priced differently, they look different, and they last different amounts of time.

3-Tab Shingles

3-tab shingles are lightweight and built to last about twenty or so years, although in some states they may only last about twelve to fifteen years. 3-Tab Shingles are the cheapest most popular of the three types. Odds are, most of the roofs you’ve seen in your life are built with 3-Tab shingles.


Architectural Shingles

Architectural or “dimensional” shingles get their name from the less-flat, more dimensional look that they can give your roof. Architectural roofs achieve this more dimensional look via different sized tabs the overlay and interlace one another in a loosely-patterned, aesthetically appealing sort of way.

Not only does layering make Architectural shingle roofs more attractive, they are also stronger, with warranties that can range anywhere from thirty years to life. Although they are more expensive, when it comes to durability and appearance, Architectural Shingles beat 3-Tab shingles any day of the week, and twice on Sunday.

Credit: CertainTeed Architectural Shingles Page

Luxury Shingles

Natural slate and cedar roofs look great, and they can last a lifetime, but they are incredibly expensive, falling well beyond most people's price range. When you're picking your roof you want to strike a balance between quality and cost, go too far to one side, and you'll regret it, just as you will if you go too far to the other. 

That's where luxury shingles, which are made to replicate the appearance of cedar and slate roofs, come in. They give you all the looks and protection at a fraction (sometimes less than a tenth) of the cost. Keep in mind that since luxury shingles weigh so much, they may not be right for all houses. But if they can work for yours, then it's an investment worth considering. 


Popular Shingle Roof Brands

Okay, so now that you know the different types of shingle roofs you're probably wondering what brand you should go with. Well, the two most popular shingle brands in the U.S. are GAF and CertainTeed, so that’s probably a good place to start.

GAF Shingles

GAF is the biggest residential roofing company in the U.S. GAF roofs are a bit cheaper than CertainTeed, which explains at least some of their popularity, and some of their shingles (like their line of “Camelot” shingles) are great. They also offer many different color options. Generally, however, GAF roofs are of a slightly lower quality than CertainTeed, and they don't last quite as long.

CertainTeed Shingles (Available in Ste-Anne-de-Prescott, Ontario)

CertainTeed makes the highest quality shingles, that much is difficult to argue. The question is whether the additional quality is worth the extra cost. We think that yes, it is. But that something that every one must decide for themselves based on their budget and expectations. If you’re interested in a CertainTeed roof but can’t afford the steep sticker price they have recently started offering more affordable options that you might want to consider looking into.

Another thing to keep in mind for those of you thinking about getting a CertainTeed roof is that they must must be properly installed. CertainTeed shingles are heavier than shingles from GAF and other brands so if your willing to pay the extra cash for a high-quality CertainTeed roof, make sure that you're also able to pay for a certified, high-quality, contractor; otherwise it's not worth the price.

For homeowners in and around Ste-Anne-de-Prescott, Ontario, MTM Roofing is a certified Shingle Master who can help with all services related to your roof and it's preparation for re-shingling.


GAF or CertainTeed?

Well, in short: if you’re looking for the best price, go with GAF. But if you care more about the overall quality and life-expectancy of your roof, you can’t go wrong with CertainTeed. If you can, we believe it’s worth saving up that extra cash, even if it takes a few more months than you’d like to wait, and going for the higher quality, CertainTeed roof.

Why You Should Go For Quality Over Price

Don't go for rock-bottom prices when it comes to your roof. As mentioned, not only is your roof an incredibly important, yet often overlooked, part of your home's appearance, it is also critical to its protection. If a hurricane or snowstorm comes, the last thing you want to have to worry about is your roof. That, plus the fact that nothing can improve the appearance of your home so dramatically as a great looking roof.

Conclusion

Despite Luxury shingles being the most expensive types of roof you can buy they don't, technically, cost the most. What roof does? Well, the roof the cost the most is the roof that you have to buy over and over again! If you go too cheap, you're going to have problems; it's that simple. There is nothing wrong with getting a good deal, but it’s always important to distinguish between what you should spend money on, and what you shouldn't.

We submit that a roof, above all other home improvements, is worth the extra cost. Also remember that you can’t have a great looking roof without a great, certified, contractor there to install it for you! Quality roofing shingles are worth the price so, if you can afford to fork up the extra cash, go with CertainTeed.

MTM Roofing Ste-Anne-de-Prescott Roofers
MTM Roofing
Ste-Anne-de-Prescott, Ontario
613-678-0281
mtmroofing.ca

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