Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used roofing materials in residential construction throughout the United States. They are composed of a fiberglass or organic mat base, coated with waterproof asphalt, and topped with ceramic granules that provide UV protection and color. Homeowners often choose asphalt shingles for:
Affordability: Lower material and installation cost compared to metal, slate, or tile.
Variety: Available in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures to match many home designs.
Durability: Typically lasting 20-30 years depending on the grade, maintenance, and climate.
Ease of Installation & Repair: Quick to install and cost-effective to replace small damaged sections.
Weather Resistance: Newer high-performance shingles can resist wind, rain, snow, and hail — which is important in Upstate New York’s harsh seasons.
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Herman Exterior Homes specializes in CertainTeed Asphalt Shingle Roofs in the Capital Region, we also offer Owens Corning Shingles which are another popular option.
Budget Conscious Home Owners
Seeking enhanced durability and style, the Patriot shingle is a single-layered asphalt shingle that mimics the depth of multi-layered architectural shingles. It offers a 30-year warranty against manufacturing defects and a 10-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty, providing longer life and greater resistance to weathering compared to standard strip shingles
Mid-Tier Option
Landmark shingles feature a dual-layered design for added protection and a dimensional appearance reminiscent of wood shakes. They come with a lifetime limited transferable warranty, 25-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty, and a 15-year wind-resistance warranty up to 110 mph (upgradable to 130 mph), making them a reliable choice for homeowners seeking a balance between affordability and performance.
Premium Aesthetic
Landmark Pro shingles offer a thicker, heavier design with Max Def color technology for vibrant, high-contrast hues. They include a lifetime limited transferable warranty, 30-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty, and enhanced wind resistance, making them suitable for homeowners looking for long-term investment and enhanced curb appeal.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LANDMARK SERVICES HERE
Owens Corning provides a range of asphalt shingles to suit various homeowner needs. The TruDefinition® Duration® shingles are known for their vibrant colors and durability, featuring SureNail® Technology for enhanced wind resistance up to 130 MPH and a 10-year algae resistance warranty.
For those seeking a balance between performance and affordability, the Oakridge® shingles offer a warm, inviting look with wind resistance up to 130 MPH and a 25-year algae resistance warranty. Homeowners desiring a premium, slate-like appearance might opt for the Berkshire® shingles, which provide a distinctive look with wind resistance up to 110 MPH and a 15-year algae resistance warranty.
Asphalt shingles are engineered to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations common in Upstate New York. Their flexibility prevents cracking or splitting during freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring long-term protection against harsh winters.
With excellent water-shedding properties, asphalt shingles help prevent ice dams—a frequent issue in cold climates. Proper installation, combined with quality underlayment and attic ventilation, minimizes ice buildup along roof edges, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage.
Modern asphalt shingles, when paired with adequate attic insulation, enhance a home's energy efficiency by retaining heat during winter months. This can lead to reduced heating costs and improved indoor comfort.
Compared to other roofing materials like metal or slate, asphalt shingles offer a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. Their straightforward installation process means quicker project completion and lower labor costs.
Available in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures, asphalt shingles can complement various architectural designs. This versatility allows homeowners to achieve their desired look while benefiting from the material's durability.
Asphalt shingle roofs require minimal upkeep. Regular inspections and basic maintenance can keep the roof in optimal condition, providing homeowners with peace of mind and long-term savings.
Owens Corning and CertainTeed are two leading brands known for quality asphalt shingles, but they have some distinct differences. CertainTeed is often regarded as a premium, heavy-duty shingle brand – their shingles (e.g. the Landmark® series) are thicker and heavier, which contributes to excellent durability and a high-end look
ens Corning, on the other hand, is praised for innovation and cost-effectiveness. Their TruDefinition® Duration® series features the patented SureNail® Technology (a reinforced nailing strip) that improves installation ease and wind resistance. In terms of product lines, both offer a range from basic 3-tab shingles up to luxury designer shingles.
CertainTeed’s flagship Landmark shingles have dual-layer construction and come with impressive warranty terms, while Owens Corning’s Duration shingles are known for vibrant color options and advanced algae resistance.
Another key difference is cost and weight. CertainTeed’s high-end approach means their shingles generally cost a bit more upfront (they’re considered a “premium” brand), whereas Owens Corning shingles tend to be more budget-friendly for similar performance
Both Owens Corning and CertainTeed manufacture very durable asphalt shingles that can withstand harsh weather, but there are a few differences in their performance features. Wind Resistance: Both brands’ architectural shingles are rated for high winds (typically up to 130 mph when installed with the proper nailing pattern)
If hail storms are a concern, CertainTeed may have an advantage. Many CertainTeed architectural shingles (for example, the Landmark IR or Landmark ClimateFlex® lines) carry a Class 4 impact resistance rating – the highest level for hail impact durability
Both Owens Corning and CertainTeed offer strong warranties, and at a base level they’re quite similar. Standard Warranty: For architectural and luxury shingles, each brand includes a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for the original. This “limited lifetime” generally means coverage for as long as you own the home (typically reducing to prorated coverage after an initial period).
The differences come in the extended or enhanced warranty programs. CertainTeed offers the SureStart™ PLUS warranty option, which can be purchased (usually through a certified CertainTeed installer) to extend coverage up to 50 years. A SureStart PLUS 5-Star warranty, for instance, provides non-prorated protection for up to 50 years — covering 100% of material and labor, and even covering tear-off and disposal costs if the shingles fail due to a manufacturer defect
One reason asphalt shingles are so popular is that they require relatively low maintenance. Whether you choose Owens Corning or CertainTeed shingles, you can expect minimal upkeep. Both brands use quality materials (like durable fiberglass mats and weather-resistant asphalt) that stand up well over time, meaning you shouldn’t need frequent repairs if the roof was installed correctly
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