Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used roofing materials in residential construction throughout the United States. Composed of a fiberglass or organic mat base, coated with waterproof asphalt, and topped with ceramic granules that provide UV protection and various color options, homeowners like you often choose asphalt shingles for:
Affordability: Asphalt shingles have a 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: Typical lifespan of 20-30 years (depending on the grade, maintenance, and climate)
Ease of Installation & Repair: Quick to install and cost-effective to replace (especially small damaged sections)
Weather Resistance: Newer high-performance shingles can resist wind, rain, snow, and hail: An important factor 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.
For Budget Conscious Home Owners
Seeking enhanced durability and style at an accessible price point? The Patriot shingle is a single-layered asphalt shingle that mimics the depth of multi-layered architectural shingles for a perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics. It also offers a 30-year warranty against manufacturing defects and a 10-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty, resulting in 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 resembling wood shakes. With a lifetime limited transferable warranty, a 25-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty, and a 15-year wind-resistance warranty up to 110 mph (upgradable to 130 mph), they're a reliable choice if you’re seeking a balance between affordability and performance in Upstate New York’s intense year-round weather conditions.
Premium Aesthetic
If you want the perfect look to match your home’s exterior, look no further than the Landmark Pro shingles. Offering 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 the ideal choice if you’re looking for long-term investment and optimal curb appeal.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LANDMARK SERVICES HERE
Owens Corning provides a wide range of asphalt shingles to suit your various needs. The TruDefinition® Duration® shingles are best 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. And if you desire a premium, slate-like appearance, you might opt for the Berkshire® shingles. These shingles provide a unique, distinctive look with wind resistance up to 110 MPH along with a 15-year algae resistance warranty.
Asphalt shingles are engineered to withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations common in the Albany, Colonie, Latham, and Guilderland areas. Their flexibility prevents cracking and splitting during freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring long-term protection against harsh winters.
With excellent water-shedding properties, asphalt shingles help prevent ice dams, a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of a roof that prevents melting snow from draining properly – 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.
When paired with adequate attic insulation, modern asphalt shingles enhance a home's energy efficiency by retaining heat during winter months leading 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, and in turn, saving you more of your hard-earned money.
Available in a wide range of colors, styles, and textures, asphalt shingles can complement your home no matter its architectural design! This versatility allows you to achieve your desired look, all while benefiting from the material's durability.
Since 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, however, they have a few key differences. CertainTeed is often regarded as a premium, heavy-duty shingle brand boasting thicker and heavier shingles like the Landmark® series, contributing to their durability and high-end look.
Owens Corning, 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.
Furthermore, 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 results in shingles that generally cost a bit more upfront, representative of their premium brand. Owens Corning shingles, however, tend to be more budget-friendly for similar performance.
In terms of product lines, both offer a range from basic 3-tab shingles to luxury designer shingles.
Both Owens Corning and CertainTeed make very durable asphalt shingles that can withstand harsh weather, but there are a few differences in their performance features. In terms of 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 one of your concerns, then CertainTeed may have the advantage. Many CertainTeed architectural shingles, like the Landmark IR or Landmark ClimateFlex® lines, carry a Class 4 impact resistance rating – the highest rating for hail impact durability.
Both Owens Corning and CertainTeed offer strong warranties, and at a base level, they’re quite similar.
Let’s look a little deeper:
Standard Warranty: For architectural and luxury shingles, each brand includes a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. “Limited lifetime” generally means coverage for as long as you own the home (usually reducing to prorated coverage after an initial period).
The main differences between the two brands come in their extended or enhanced warranty programs. CertainTeed offers the SureStart™ PLUS warranty option, which can be purchased (generally through a certified CertainTeed installer) to extend coverage up to 50 years.
For example, A SureStart PLUS 5-Star warranty provides non-prorated protection for up to 50 years, covering 100% of material and labor. It even covers tear-off and disposal costs if the shingles fail due to a manufacturer defect!
One reason asphalt shingles are a popular choice among homeowners is that they require relatively low maintenance. Whether you choose Owens Corning or CertainTeed shingles, you can expect to deal with only minimal upkeep. Both brands use quality materials, like durable fiberglass mats and weather-resistant asphalt, that hold up well over time. This means you shouldn’t need frequent repairs, especially if the roof was installed properly.
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