CertainTeed Landmark Review

CertainTeed Landmark is the shingle most homeowners never hear about. Their contractor quotes GAF Timberline or Owens Corning Duration, and the conversation stops there.

That is a mistake. Landmark is a competitive architectural shingle that often costs less than both. Here is why it deserves a spot on your shortlist.

Quick Verdict

CertainTeed Landmark is the underdog. It is made by a massive company (Saint-Gobain, a $50 billion French conglomerate) but does not have the consumer marketing muscle of GAF or Owens Corning. That works in your favor.

Because fewer homeowners ask for it by name, contractors sometimes price Landmark jobs lower. Same quality shingle. Lower quote. That is the kind of math I like.[1]

What It Costs

CertainTeed Landmark costs $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot installed. That is often $0.50-$1.00 per square foot less than Timberline HDZ, and $1.00-$1.50 less than Duration.[2]

That $1,000-$2,000 savings over Duration adds up. It will not change your life, but it is real money that stays in your pocket for a product that performs at the same level.[4]

Key Specs

Important: The base Landmark has a 110 mph wind rating. That is lower than Timberline HDZ (130 mph) and Duration (130 mph). If you are in a high-wind area -- anywhere on the NC coast, for example -- upgrade to Landmark PRO for the 130 mph rating.[3]

What I Like

Competitive pricing

This is the biggest advantage. CertainTeed does not spend as much on consumer marketing as GAF or Owens Corning. That means less brand recognition with homeowners, but it also means contractors sometimes get Landmark at a better price from the distributor. And in a competitive bid, they may pass that savings on to you.

Landmark jobs commonly come in $1,500-$2,000 below the same job quoted with Timberline -- same crew, same labor rate, just cheaper materials.[2]

Good color depth

CertainTeed's Max Def color technology is solid. The color blends are rich and natural-looking. In a side-by-side comparison, Landmark's colors hold up well against Duration's TruDefinition and beat Timberline HDZ's standard palette.

Strong warranty program

CertainTeed's SureStart Plus warranty is competitive with GAF and OC's programs. It covers both materials and labor when installed by a certified contractor. More on this below.

Less aggressive marketing means better deals

Here is the thing about GAF and OC. Their contractor programs push roofers to sell specific brands. That creates loyalty, but it also creates markup. CertainTeed's lower profile means your contractor is less likely to have a brand allegiance tax built into the price.

When your roofer says "I recommend Timberline," sometimes that means "GAF gives me a better rebate." When they recommend Landmark, it is usually because it is the right fit for the job.

What I Do Not Like

110 mph wind rating on the base model

This is the main knock on Landmark. At 110 mph, the base model trails both Timberline HDZ and Duration by 20 mph. For most of the Piedmont and mountain regions of NC, 110 mph is fine. But if you are in Wilmington, the Outer Banks, or coastal SC, you want 130 mph.

The fix is simple: upgrade to Landmark PRO. It adds about $0.50-$1.00 per square foot and gives you the 130 mph rating. But at that price, you are in the same range as Timberline HDZ, which erases some of the cost advantage.[3]

Smaller certified contractor network

CertainTeed has fewer certified installers than GAF or OC in most markets. In Charlotte or Raleigh, you will find them. In smaller metros like Fayetteville or Asheville, your options may be more limited.

This matters because the best warranty coverage requires a certified installer. If there are only two CertainTeed-certified roofers in your area versus eight GAF-certified ones, your bidding pool is smaller.

Warranty Breakdown

CertainTeed's warranty program is called SureStart Plus. Here is how it works.[1]

The SureStart period is the key number. For the first 10 years, CertainTeed covers replacement cost with no proration. After 10 years, the warranty becomes prorated, meaning CertainTeed pays less as the shingle ages. This is standard across all three major manufacturers. Compare all three manufacturer warranty programs in our roofing warranty guide.

CertainTeed Certification Tiers

SELECT ShingleMaster

The entry-level certification. Contractor completes CertainTeed training, carries proper insurance, and meets installation standards. This is comparable to GAF Certified and OC Preferred. It unlocks enhanced warranty coverage including workmanship protection.

Master Shingle Applicator

The top tier. Requires advanced credentialing through CertainTeed's training program. Unlocks the best warranty options. Comparable to GAF Master Elite and OC Platinum Preferred.[1]

Fewer contractors hold CertainTeed's top-tier certification compared to GAF or OC. This is not because the program is harder -- it is because fewer contractors participate. Less demand from homeowners means less incentive for contractors to invest in the certification.

The "Third Option" Advantage

Here is something most roofing sites will not tell you. When you get three bids, most contractors will quote GAF or OC because that is what homeowners recognize. But if you specifically ask for a CertainTeed Landmark bid, two things happen.

First, the contractor may get Landmark at a lower cost from the distributor. Less demand means more room to negotiate on the supply side.

Second, the contractor knows you are comparison shopping across brands, not just across companies. That makes them sharper on price. A homeowner who asks "What would this cost with Landmark instead of Timberline?" signals that they have done their homework.

This commonly shaves $500-$1,500 off a quote. Not every time, but often enough that it is worth asking.[2]

The shingle itself is not inferior. CertainTeed is owned by Saint-Gobain, one of the largest building materials companies in the world. They make a quality product. The lower price is a market dynamics thing, not a quality thing.

CertainTeed Landmark vs GAF Timberline HDZ vs Owens Corning Duration

You are not choosing CertainTeed in a vacuum. You are choosing it instead of GAF or Owens Corning. Here is the side-by-side that most roofers will not show you.

The honest pick for each situation

Pick CertainTeed Landmark if: price matters and you want a heavier-feeling shingle than GAF for less money. Landmark is 240 lbs per square — physically thicker in your hand than Timberline HDZ at 220 lbs. The 10-year algae warranty is shorter than GAF's, but in most parts of the country algae is a slow problem, not a 10-year problem.

Pick GAF Timberline HDZ if: you live in a humid climate where algae streaks are a known problem (Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Gulf Coast). The 25-year StainGuard Plus warranty is the best in the industry. You will also have an easier time finding a Master Elite or Certified installer for GAF than for CertainTeed.

Pick Owens Corning Duration if: wind is your primary concern. The SureNail strip on Duration grips the shingle more firmly than CertainTeed's Quadra-Bond or GAF's nail zone. In coastal areas, hurricane zones, or anywhere with consistent high winds, Duration tends to outperform the other two in real-world events. Costs more, but the upgrade is worth it for the right home.

One thing to remember: if your roofer is certified for one brand and not the others, that brand will likely give you the best result. A SELECT ShingleMaster crew will install Landmark better than a non-certified crew installs Timberline. Installation quality matters more than the marketing differences between brands.[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CertainTeed Landmark as good as GAF Timberline or Owens Corning Duration?

Yes. It is a quality architectural shingle that competes directly. The base Landmark has a lower wind rating (110 mph vs 130 mph), but the Landmark PRO matches them. The quality is comparable. The lower price is because CertainTeed has less brand recognition, not because the product is worse.[1]

How much does a CertainTeed Landmark roof cost?

CertainTeed Landmark costs $4.50-$6.50 per square foot installed. For a typical 2,000 sq ft home, that is $9,000 to $13,000 total. This is often $500-$2,000 less than GAF Timberline HDZ or Owens Corning Duration for the same home. Use our roof cost calculator to get a personalized number.[2]

Should I upgrade from Landmark to Landmark PRO?

If you are in a high-wind area or want to match the 130 mph rating of GAF and Owens Corning, yes. The upgrade adds roughly $0.50-$1.00 per square foot. In coastal North Carolina or any hurricane-prone region, Landmark PRO is the better choice.[3]

Compare Other Shingles

• GAF Timberline HDZ Review -- the best-selling shingle in America
• Owens Corning Duration Review -- the main competitor, slightly more premium feel
• Shingle Roof Cost Guide -- full breakdown of all shingle types and prices
• 3-Tab vs. Architectural Shingles -- understand the difference before you buy
• Roof Replacement Cost -- what the total project costs, not just materials
• How to Read a Roofing Estimate -- know what you are paying for
• Roof Cost Calculator -- get a personalized estimate in 60 seconds