CertainTeed asphalt roofing shingles are available in several styles, weights, colors, and performance tiers, from traditional three-tab shingles to designer products that resemble wood shake or slate. Choosing the right option involves more than comparing appearance: roof slope, local weather, ventilation, installation quality, and warranty terms all matter. This guide explains major CertainTeed shingle families, how to compare them, what can affect project cost, and what homeowners should check before hiring a roofer.
What Sets CertainTeed Asphalt Shingles Apart?
CertainTeed is a North American building-products manufacturer whose roofing portfolio includes asphalt shingles and related roofing components. Its products span entry-level, architectural, and premium categories, allowing homeowners to compare different looks and performance features within one brand. Product names, colors, and specifications can vary by market, so local availability should be confirmed with a contractor or distributor.
Many CertainTeed shingles use a fiberglass-reinforced asphalt construction with mineral granules on the exposed surface. The mat provides structural reinforcement, asphalt helps resist water, and granules protect the surface while contributing to color and, on some products, algae resistance. A shingle’s actual performance also depends on roof design, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and installation.
CertainTeed promotes an Integrity Roof System, a coordinated approach that pairs shingles with compatible components such as underlayment, starter shingles, hip-and-ridge products, and ventilation. A complete system can help address water shedding, wind exposure, and attic airflow, but it does not eliminate the need for correct installation or regular maintenance.
Popular CertainTeed Asphalt Shingle Types
The best-known products fall into distinct categories. Comparing category, construction, appearance, and warranty terms is more useful than choosing by color alone.
| Shingle category | Examples | Typical characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Three-tab | XT 25, where available | Flat, uniform appearance; generally a more basic option |
| Architectural | Landmark, Landmark PRO | Layered appearance and greater visual depth than traditional three-tab shingles |
| Designer | Presidential Shake TL, Highland Slate | Distinctive profiles designed to evoke shake or slate roofing |
| Specialty performance | NorthGate ClimateFlex | Product-specific construction and features intended for particular performance needs |
Landmark and Landmark PRO
Landmark is a widely recognized architectural shingle line. Its dimensional design creates a more textured roof than a flat three-tab product. It is commonly considered for homes where the owner wants a traditional asphalt roof with a layered appearance and a broad selection of colors.
Landmark PRO is a higher-tier option in the Landmark family. Depending on the product version and market, it may offer differences in color blending, granule characteristics, or other specifications. It should not be assumed to have identical features or warranty provisions everywhere. The current product data sheet is the best source for a precise comparison.
NorthGate ClimateFlex
NorthGate ClimateFlex is a specialty asphalt shingle designed with a modified asphalt formulation. CertainTeed describes ClimateFlex technology as intended to improve flexibility in cold-weather conditions and impact performance. The relevant classification and warranty details depend on the specific product and installation. Homeowners in hail-prone regions should ask for the product’s current impact-resistance documentation and check whether their insurer offers any discount; insurance rules vary by company and state.
Presidential Shake TL and Highland Slate
Designer lines such as Presidential Shake TL and Highland Slate are intended to create a more substantial, high-end roof appearance than standard architectural shingles. Their profiles and shadows can resemble wood shake or slate, while retaining an asphalt-shingle format. These products are generally heavier or more specialized than basic shingles, so the roof structure, installation requirements, and total project price should be reviewed carefully.
Three-tab shingles
Three-tab shingles have a flatter, repeating pattern and are often positioned as a basic roofing choice. CertainTeed’s XT 25 is an example, although availability can be limited by region or distributor. Because product lines change, homeowners should confirm whether the shingle is currently sold locally and compare its expected service life, wind rating, and warranty with available architectural alternatives.
How to Compare Shingle Features
Several specifications can help narrow the choices, but none should be assessed in isolation. A higher number or premium label does not automatically make a shingle the best fit for every home.
- Appearance and color: View full-size samples outdoors if possible. Roof color can look different in direct sun, shade, and from street level.
- Wind performance: Ratings depend on the exact product, fastening pattern, roof design, and installation instructions. Local building codes and exposure conditions also matter.
- Algae resistance: CertainTeed offers StreakFighter algae-resistance protection on selected products. Confirm that the exact color and model include it and read the limited-warranty language.
- Impact performance: Some shingles have impact-resistance classifications. These classifications do not mean a roof is hailproof, and coverage or insurance benefits are not guaranteed.
- Fire classification: Ratings apply to tested roof assemblies and installation details, not simply to a shingle name. Local code requirements should be checked.
- Weight and roof structure: Heavier designer products may require additional review of the existing roof deck and framing, particularly on older homes.
CertainTeed Shingle Warranties: What to Review
CertainTeed publishes limited warranty documents for its roofing products. Coverage is governed by the current written warranty, not by a general description on a product page or a salesperson’s summary. Terms can differ by shingle, component, installation method, and warranty version.
Before purchasing, check the warranty for its coverage period, non-prorated or initial coverage period, transfer rules, exclusions, claim process, and remedies. Read how the document treats installation defects, ventilation, moisture, algae discoloration, wind damage, and other conditions. A stated “lifetime” warranty is not a promise that the roof will last forever or that every repair or replacement cost is covered.
Some enhanced coverage options may depend on using specified CertainTeed components and working with a contractor who meets program requirements. Homeowners should request the exact warranty name and a written explanation of eligibility. They should also keep the contract, product invoices, installation records, photographs, and warranty registration confirmation where applicable.
Warranty coverage and product performance are separate questions. A warranty may have exclusions for improper installation, inadequate ventilation, structural movement, or conditions outside the manufacturer’s control. A qualified installer should evaluate the roof system and explain how the proposed assembly follows both manufacturer instructions and local code.
What Affects the Cost of a CertainTeed Shingle Roof?
There is no single nationwide price for a CertainTeed roof. The final estimate depends on the selected shingle, roof size and shape, local labor rates, tear-off needs, disposal fees, decking repairs, flashing, underlayment, ventilation, and access. Premium designer shingles typically cost more than basic options, but the difference in a particular quote depends on the full scope of work.
Roof area is usually measured in squares, with one square covering 100 square feet of roof surface. The roof surface is often larger than the home’s footprint because of slopes, overhangs, and roof geometry. Contractors may also account for waste from cuts, valleys, and the shingle layout.
For an apples-to-apples comparison, each written estimate should identify the shingle’s complete product name and color, tear-off layers, underlayment, starter strips, drip edge, flashing work, ridge products, ventilation, decking allowance, cleanup, and warranty documentation. It should state whether the price can change if concealed damage is found. A lower bid may omit essential components or repairs.
Homeowners can compare quotes by separating materials from labor and checking the same scope across each proposal. Ask whether the contractor will install the shingles according to CertainTeed’s instructions, who will supervise the work, how weather delays are handled, and what workmanship warranty the contractor provides. Manufacturer product warranties and contractor workmanship warranties are not the same.
Choosing a Reliable Roofing Contractor
Shingle performance depends heavily on installation. A contractor should inspect the roof rather than rely only on measurements from the ground or online imagery. The inspection should consider existing shingle layers, roof deck condition, flashing, ventilation, valleys, penetrations, and signs of water intrusion.
Before signing, homeowners can take these steps:
- Verify the contractor’s state or local licensing requirements, insurance, and business references.
- Request a detailed written scope and the exact CertainTeed product names.
- Ask who will perform the work and whether subcontractors will be used.
- Confirm that underlayment, starter, ridge, and ventilation details are included where required.
- Review payment terms, change-order procedures, cleanup, and both workmanship and manufacturer coverage.
- Keep copies of product labels, invoices, permits, inspection records, and warranty paperwork.
Homeowners can also consult CertainTeed’s contractor resources to understand its credential programs. A credential may indicate participation in a manufacturer program, but it should not replace independent checks of insurance, references, contract terms, and local compliance.
Installation and Maintenance Considerations
A new shingle roof should be installed on a sound deck with appropriate underlayment and flashing. Roofers must follow the product’s required nailing pattern, fastening location, and installation temperature guidance. Incorrect nailing or inadequate fastening can undermine wind performance even when the selected shingle has a strong published rating.
Attic ventilation is another important part of the roof assembly. Poor airflow can contribute to heat and moisture problems, while adding vents without considering the existing system can create imbalances. A contractor should assess intake and exhaust ventilation as a system, taking account of the attic layout and applicable code.
After installation, periodic visual checks can help identify damaged shingles, clogged gutters, lifted flashing, or debris. Roof access can be hazardous, and walking on shingles may cause damage. A professional inspection is safer when a concern arises, particularly after a severe storm. Homeowners should not pressure-wash asphalt shingles or apply unapproved coatings.
Where to Find Reliable Product Information
Product specifications and warranty language can change. For current details, homeowners should use the manufacturer’s official documentation and compare it with the contractor’s proposal.
- CertainTeed residential roofing products lists product families and manufacturer information.
- CertainTeed roofing warranty resources provides access to warranty information; confirm the document applies to the exact product and purchase date.
- National Roofing Contractors Association consumer resources offers general guidance on roofing projects and contractor selection.
These resources can support a comparison, but the local product data sheet, current warranty document, building code, and signed roofing contract determine the details of a specific project.