When it comes to replacing your roof, you have many options to choose from as far as roofing materials. The most popular roofing materials are asphalt shingles, with GAF and Owens Corning holding the largest share of the market. Since you want nothing but the best shingles for your home, knowing the pros and cons of both GAF and Owens Corning shingles is important.
Let’s compare GAF vs Owens Corning shingles to see which one is right for you.
Shingle Quality
When you are replacing your roof or putting a roof on a new home, one of the most important things to consider is the quality of the shingles you will use. Both GAF and Owens Corning offer shingles that are good quality. GAF sets the industry standard for long-lasting shingles as they are made with fiberglass-mesh reinforced asphalt. Some of the shingles manufactured by GAF are Class 4 rated and their Timberline shingles have a limited lifetime warranty.
However, Owens Corning offers tiered products based on protection level. Their Duration 4 Storm series is also Class 4 rated and many of their shingles have ice and water barriers. Some roofers believe that GAF is better than Owens Corning in areas where there is significant wind and hail, but that is only a slight advantage over Owens Corning. Keep in mind that a premium product also does not mean the material is high quality, especially if it is a new line of shingles. Often, a tried and true product is of better quality than a new design.
Importance of Installation
It is important to note that with both GAF and Owens Corning shingles, the installation is the most important part of your roofing system. A proper installation will ensure, that your roof lasts as long as the manufacturer states it will. Therefore, you can choose either type of shingle, but you want to be sure that you choose a roofing company to install the materials that are highly trained and certified. You also want to be sure that the contractor installs a breathable underlayment and at least three components of a roofing system, including starter shingles as well as hip and ridge caps from the same manufacturer.
Contractor Certification
GAF offers Master Elite Certification and only 30 percent of all roofing companies can claim this designation, including RGB Construction. Any contractor with that certification is licensed and insured, ranked highly by customers for their workmanship and their technicians have undergone significant training. Owens Corning also offers certifications in order for contractors to offer better warranties. However, the higher-level warranties are often added to the cost of the project and require that the customer install Owens Corning products. Keep in mind that the average roofing project will require 5 to 10 percent more shingles than the actual roof area. If your roof has multiple dormers and valleys, even more shingles will be required.
Shingle Cost
Both Owens Corning and GAF are comparable in cost, although the higher-end shingles with GAF are slightly lower cost than Owens Corning. It is possible to find Owens Corning shingles at a lower price than GAF, but some types of their shingles have additional costs for installation and may require more maintenance than GAF which offsets the lower cost somewhat.
Warranties
One important factor to pay attention to when choosing shingles is the warranty. If something goes wrong with your roof, you want to have a warranty to fall back on, if possible. GAF offers some of the best warranties in the business. Often, when something goes wrong with a roof too soon, it is due to an installation issue. For this reason, manufacturers prefer to work with roofing companies that use better materials and are highly trained. GAF Master Elite contractors can offer what is known as the Golden Pledge warranty. This warranty covers materials as well as labor and installation.
Once the roof is completed, a GAF representative actually comes out to inspect your roof to be sure it was installed properly. When you sell your home, you can also transfer the warranty to the new owners. Owens Corning does offer warranties but on a tiered system. A Standard Roofing System warranty covers work done by any contractor and only covers any problems with the shingles themselves. They also offer a Preferred Protection System as well as a Platinum Protection System that is only available if the work is done by a certified Owens Corning contractor. These warranties come at an extra cost, however, and require you to install a total protection system.
Types of Shingles
Both GAF and Owens Corning offer several types of shingles. These include three-tab or strip shingles which are fiberglass mats immersed in asphalt. These types of shingles are the lowest cost and are, therefore, the most popular. However, they are also thinner and offer less protection than other types of shingles. GAF offers two types of three-tab shingles compared to just one from Owens Corning. Architectural shingles are more expensive but offer better roof protection. With this line of shingles, the two are very similar, offering about the same number of options at comparable prices.
Ready For A New Roof?
Whether you choose GAF or Owens Corning shingles, you are making an excellent choice. If you are ready to put a roof on a new home, contact RGB Construction today for a no-obligation consultation. Our friendly team can walk you through the entire process and help you choose the right roofing materials for your needs. As GAF Master Elite Certified contractors, you can be sure that we will only use the highest quality materials and that our technicians are highly trained. Arrange your consultation today by calling 856-264-9093 or filling out the easy online form.
Brochures
Owens Corning Shingles Brochure
GAF Residential Reference Guide
