GAF and Owens Corning, two renowned brands in the roofing industry, have captured the attention of homeowners in Northern California. With their durability, exceptional warranties, and commitment to innovation, they’re transforming roofs into energy-efficient shields against the sun’s scorching rays. But which one should you choose?
In this guide, we’ll discuss the key differences between GAF and Owens Corning roofing shingles to help you decide the best fit for your home.
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Overview of GAF and Owens Corning
GAF boasts a century-long history as a premier roofing manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, durability, and performance. With a wide range of roofing materials, including the renowned Timberline series, GAF offers products designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and enhance sustainability through features like LayerLock Technology.
On the other hand, Owens Corning, established in 1938, has excelled in developing roofing materials that combine aesthetics and superior performance. Their asphalt shingles, exemplified by the Duration series, prioritize durability and protection against various weather elements, backed by innovations like SureNail Technology. Owens Corning also emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainability in roofing solutions.
Both GAF and Owens Corning are industry leaders offering high-quality products tailored to meet the diverse needs of homeowners and contractors alike. They offer a range of shingles in 3-tab, architectural, and designer or luxury styles, although GAF offers more design styles and color choices.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Roof Shingles
Despite claims that one type of roofing is better than the other, the truth is that everything boils down to these factors:
- The style of your home
- The existing roof frame
- The material’s durability
- The climate in your region and its propensity to natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes and wildfires)
- The amount of slope of your roof
- Your budget
GAF vs. Owens Corning
To ensure your choice of roof shingle aligns with your unique needs and preferences, consider the following:
Cost Considerations
Comparing the cost of GAF and Owens Corning shingles can be tricky, as both brands offer a wide range of products. Nevertheless, if we focus on their standard shingles, GAF generally emerges as the more budget-friendly option.
The cost-effectiveness of GAF vs Owens Corning shingles will depend on your specific needs, budget, and location. Gather quotes, compare product specifications, and consider long-term factors like warranties and energy efficiency to make an informed decision. Additionally, consulting with roofing professionals or contractors in your area can provide valuable insights into the best choice for your project.
Durability
GAF roof shingles have earned their reputation not only for exceptional durability but also for their natural appearance. Thanks to their fiberglass reinforcement technology, GAF shingles can withstand wear and tear, offering longevity that homeowners appreciate. What’s more, these shingles come in an array of colors, including eye-catching options like Weathered Wood, Charcoal, Patriot Red, Hunter Green, and Byscane Blue, allowing you to give your home a distinctive look.
Owens Corning roofing shingles are synonymous with enduring quality, boasting a potential lifespan of up to 30 years. Additionally, Owens Corning offers a range of shingles, from 3-tab to Class 4, with varying lifespans and durability levels.
Quality
Owens Corning is known for its Total Protection Roofing System, with products designed to effectively seal out moisture from the roof deck, ensure rapid water shedding, and optimize attic airflow for temperature and moisture control. Owens Corning shingles are recognized for their strong adhesion, which helps resist blow-offs and efficiently sheds water from the roof deck. They utilize patented nailing line technology called the SureNail Technology, ensuring consistent, high-quality installations with exceptional gripping power.
GAF, on the other hand, features LayerLock Technology in its Timberline shingles, enhancing their durability and potentially qualifying them for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, notable for having no maximum speed limit when used with required GAF accessories. GAF also offers Class 4 shingles like the Grand Sequoia and Armorshield II, designed to withstand hail impact with increased flexibility.
For regions with intense sun exposure, GAF provides the Cool series of reflective shingles, reducing attic temperatures and energy costs. They emphasize their StrikeZone nailing area, claiming improved nail fastening speed and high nail placement accuracy. GAF laminated shingles are manufactured with multiple fused layers, providing additional protection.
Warranty
An asphalt shingle warranty comprises several crucial elements, often categorized into labor and material aspects.
- Labor pertains to the quality of installation work performed by a roofer, ensuring compliance with manufacturer guidelines and local building codes.
- Material warranty addresses issues related to material defects, such as excessive granule loss or shingles failing to meet rated wind resistance.
Both brands offer exceptional warranties, including 25-year limited and lifetime warranties on all shingle types, along with algae and prorated warranties.
It is also worth mentioning that although GAF Class 4 shingles have a UL 2218 Class 4 rating indicating high durability against hail, their warranty does not usually cover hail damage. While most insurance providers offer premium discounts for Class 4 shingles, manufacturers generally do not include hail damage within their material warranty coverage.
Energy Efficiency
Both GAF and Owens Corning excel in energy efficiency. GAF’s Timberline CS Shingles incorporate cutting-edge reflective technology that plays a vital role in lowering attic temperatures. The magic lies in their ability to mitigate solar heat gain by reflecting incoming sunlight and re-emitting the absorbed energy, making your home more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious.
Owens Corning also utilizes solar-reflecting granules, mirroring GAF’s commitment to energy-efficient roofing solutions.
California Title 24 Compliance
GAF and Owens Corning Solutions California are at the forefront of energy-efficient and net-zero building initiatives. Title 24 aims to reduce energy waste in both new and existing constructions, and in the realm of roofing, Part 6 holds significance.
Both Owens Corning and GAF offer shingles that are CRRC (Cool Roof Rating Council) certified for compliance with California Title 24 guidelines.
Maintenance
Maintaining an asphalt shingle roof is crucial for preserving the integrity of your home or building. Neglecting regular roof inspections can lead to issues like missing shingles, rusted nail heads, or exposed flashings that can allow water to infiltrate your property. Dealing with moss, algae, and mold through asphalt shingle cleaning becomes essential.
Both GAF and Owens Corning offer roofing products tailored to different regions with specific weather challenges, such as high winds, hail, intense sun, and issues like algae, mold, and mildew. These products aim to provide optimal protection for your roof and property.
Whether you opt for Owens Corning or GAF shingles, proper maintenance is vital to uphold your roof’s condition and property’s value. Neglecting even minor problems can escalate to costly roof repairs or a complete roof replacement.
GAF vs Owens Corning Pros and Cons
To summarize, here’s a quick list of the pros and cons of GAF and Owens Corning shingles to help you make a wise choice for your roofing needs:
GAF Shingles
Pros
- Wide Range of Options: GAF offers a diverse selection of shingle styles, colors, and textures, allowing homeowners to find a design that matches their aesthetic preferences.
- Durability: GAF shingles feature fiberglass reinforcement technology, allowing them to withstand wear and tear.
- Quality: GAF produces high-quality shingles with a strong brand reputation and minimal product defects.
- Warranty: GAF impresses with its material warranties across various shingle types, including 3-tab and luxury product lines. These warranties safeguard against material defects like granule loss or wind-related issues. GAF also offers Class 4 shingles for added durability and potential insurance premium discounts, although hail damage remains generally excluded from warranty coverage.
- Energy Efficiency: GAF’s Timberline CS Shingles utilize advanced reflective technology to lower attic temperatures.
- StrikeZone Nailing Area: GAF emphasizes their StrikeZone nailing area, claiming improved nail fastening speed and high nail placement accuracy.
- Low Maintenance: GAF shingle roofs are also known for their low maintenance requirements.
Cons
- Potentially Higher Cost: While GAF’s standard shingles are often budget-friendly, the overall cost may vary based on installation requirements and labor costs.
Owens Corning Shingles
Pros
- Quality: Owens Corning is recognized for its high-quality shingles, with a focus on durability and performance.
- Warranty: Owens Corning shingles come with an outstanding warranty, claiming their products can last up to 30 years. This can provide homeowners with peace of mind regarding their investment.
- Energy Efficiency: Owens Corning uses solar-reflecting granules in some products to enhance energy efficiency. Their CRRC-rated shingles comply with California Title 24 standards.
- Total Protection Roofing System: Owens Corning offers a comprehensive roofing system designed to seal out moisture, shed water efficiently, and optimize attic airflow.
- Strong Adhesion: Their shingles are known for their strong adhesion, which helps resist blow-offs and water penetration.
- SureNail Strip: Owens Corning utilizes patented nailing line technology for consistent, quality installations.
- Low Maintenance: Owens Corning shingle roofs are known for low maintenance requirements.
Cons
- Fewer Shingle Lines: Owens Corning has fewer shingle lines certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council compared to GAF, which may limit options for some homeowners.
- Style Variety: Some homeowners may find Owens Corning’s styles and textures less diverse than GAF’s range.
Is GAF or Owens Corning Shingles Better?
The choice between GAF and Owens Corning roof shingles primarily comes down to your personal preferences, style, and budget. While both brands offer outstanding warranties, energy-efficient solutions, and durable products, your preferred color palette, climate in your region, and cost considerations should guide your decision-making process.
For further insights or to request a free quote for roof installation in the Bay Area, contact Yorkshire Roofing at 800-794-7444. Make the right choice for your Northern California home today!
