These are the three biggest shingle brands in the country, and homeowners ask me to compare them constantly. I lead with CertainTeed, and I've installed and serviced all three over the years — so I'll give you the real differences, not a brochure that crowns whoever's paying for the ad.
Here's the honest version.
The Quick Answer
For most Twin Cities homes, all three make a quality architectural shingle, and the gap between them is smaller than the marketing suggests. GAF Timberline HDZ is the best-selling shingle in the country and a strong value. Owens Corning Duration is solid and known for its nailing strip. CertainTeed Landmark is what I install most, and CertainTeed's cold-climate line (NorthGate ClimateFlex) is the standout for Minnesota specifically. The bigger variable than brand is who installs it — a great shingle nailed wrong fails early, and a good shingle installed right lasts.
GAF — The Market Leader
GAF's Timberline HDZ is the most-installed architectural shingle in North America, and for good reason: it's a competent shingle at a competitive price, with a wide, fast-nailing zone (their LayerLock/StripeZone design) that speeds up installation.
My take: if budget is the priority and you want a proven, widely-available shingle, GAF delivers. The thing to understand is GAF's warranty structure — the strongest coverage (their top system warranties) is tied to GAF's highest contractor tier, Master Elite. I install GAF on request, but I'm not a GAF Master Elite contractor — I'm certified with CertainTeed, Malarkey, and Atlas. So if you specifically want GAF with the top-tier system warranty, you'd want a Master Elite installer. I'll tell you that straight rather than pretend otherwise. (More in our honest GAF Timberline take.)
What I don't love: nothing dramatic — it's a fine shingle. The main caveat is the warranty-tier point above, and that "most popular" doesn't automatically mean "best for your specific roof."
Owens Corning — The Nailing-Strip One
Owens Corning's Duration line is best known for SureNail technology — a woven fabric strip in the nailing zone that gives the fastener more to grab. It's a genuinely useful feature for nail-holding and wind resistance. OC also has a strong color program (their TruDefinition colors) and good availability.
My take: Duration is a solid mid-market shingle. The SureNail strip is a real engineering plus, and OC stands behind the line. Like GAF, the best warranty coverage comes through OC's preferred-contractor tier (Platinum Preferred).
What I don't love: it's a good shingle without being a standout in the one area that matters most here — extreme cold flexibility. For a milder climate I'd have no hesitation; in Minnesota I'd point a cold-weather-focused buyer toward an SBS-modified option.
CertainTeed — What I Install Most
CertainTeed's Landmark is the most popular shingle I install, and the lineup scales cleanly: Landmark (the workhorse), Landmark Pro (heavier, longer warranty), NorthGate ClimateFlex (the cold-climate, SBS-modified, Class 4 line built for exactly our weather), and Presidential (the luxury designer shingle). I'm a CertainTeed ShingleMaster, which is their credential tier, so the full system warranties are on the table.
My take: Landmark gives you a dependable, dimensional shingle at a fair price, and the line gives you room to step up to impact resistance or premium looks without changing brands. For a Minnesota home where cold-weather durability matters, NorthGate ClimateFlex is the one I point to — the SBS polymer keeps it flexible at sub-zero temps where standard shingles get brittle.
What I don't love: CertainTeed's premium lines (Presidential, Grand Manor) get expensive fast — beautiful, but a real jump in cost. And like every brand, the warranty is only as good as the install behind it.
Head-to-Head
| GAF | Owens Corning | CertainTeed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flagship architectural | Timberline HDZ | Duration | Landmark |
| Signature feature | Wide nailing zone (LayerLock) | SureNail fabric strip | Broad line + SBS cold-climate option |
| Cold-climate (SBS) option | Available | Available | NorthGate ClimateFlex (standout) |
| Top warranty tier | Master Elite installer | Platinum Preferred installer | ShingleMaster installer |
| Modex installs | On request (not Master Elite) | On request | Yes — ShingleMaster certified |
So Which Is Best for Minnesota?
If I'm being straight: for the average home, you'd be well-served by any of the three installed correctly. The brand differences are modest. Where it tips:
- Cold-weather durability is the priority? CertainTeed NorthGate ClimateFlex (SBS, Class 4) is my pick — purpose-built for our climate.
- Lowest cost on a proven shingle? GAF Timberline HDZ, ideally through a Master Elite contractor for the best warranty.
- You like the SureNail nailing system? Owens Corning Duration.
I lead with CertainTeed because I'm certified on it, the line scales well, and the cold-climate option is genuinely the best fit for the roofs I work on. But I'll quote you honestly on what makes sense for your home, not just what I stock. Once you've settled on a brand, picking the right shingle color is the next call — and you can see real pricing on our Minnesota roof replacement page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed?
All three make quality architectural shingles, and the differences are smaller than the marketing implies. CertainTeed Landmark is the most popular line I install, and CertainTeed's NorthGate ClimateFlex is the best fit for cold climates like Minnesota. GAF Timberline HDZ is the best-selling and a strong value; Owens Corning Duration is solid with its SureNail strip. Installation quality matters more than the brand you pick.
What is the most popular shingle brand?
GAF is the most-installed shingle brand in North America, led by its Timberline HDZ architectural shingle. CertainTeed and Owens Corning are the other two majors. "Most popular" reflects market share and availability — it doesn't automatically mean it's the best choice for your specific roof or climate.
Which shingle brand is best for cold climates?
CertainTeed NorthGate ClimateFlex is purpose-built for cold climates — it's SBS polymer-modified, so it stays flexible at sub-zero temperatures where standard shingles get brittle and crack on impact. GAF and Owens Corning both offer SBS-modified options too, but the cold-weather, Class 4 combination is where CertainTeed's cold-climate line stands out for Minnesota.
Does the shingle brand or the installer matter more?
The installer matters more. A premium shingle nailed in the wrong zone, with skipped ice-and-water shield or poor ventilation, will fail early regardless of brand. A mid-tier shingle installed correctly outlasts it. Choose a manufacturer-certified contractor who details the edges, valleys, and ventilation correctly — that drives lifespan more than the brand name.
Is CertainTeed better than GAF?
For my work, I lead with CertainTeed because I'm a ShingleMaster, the Landmark line scales well, and the NorthGate ClimateFlex cold-climate option fits Minnesota roofs. GAF Timberline HDZ is a strong, lower-cost alternative, but its top warranty coverage comes through GAF Master Elite contractors. Both are quality — the right answer depends on your budget, climate priorities, and installer.
Do all three brands offer good warranties?
Yes, but the strongest system warranties for each are tied to that brand's top contractor certification — GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, and CertainTeed ShingleMaster. The shingle's material warranty is similar across brands; the difference is in the enhanced system coverage you only get from a certified installer. Always get the specific warranty terms in writing before you sign.
Joe's Note
Don't lose sleep over the brand badge. I've pulled off all three after Twin Cities storms, and the ones that failed early almost always failed because of the install, not the label. Pick a certified contractor who'll show you how they detail the roof — then choose the brand and line that fits your budget and our climate. If cold-weather toughness is your worry, an SBS shingle is the real answer, whatever the name on it.
Trying to choose a shingle brand? I'll bring samples of the lines I install, give you the honest tradeoffs, and quote it line by line — no pressure. Call 952-206-6339 or request your free estimate online.
Modern Exterior Systems is a women-owned, family-operated roofing and exterior contractor based in Eden Prairie, MN, serving the Twin Cities metro since 2007. Owner Joe Dvorak brings 20+ years of hands-on construction experience, CertainTeed ShingleMaster and Malarkey Emerald certifications, and a LIFETIME workmanship warranty to every project. BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.
