Owens Corning vs CertainTeed Shingles for Central PA

What’s the real difference between Owens Corning and CertainTeed shingles? How do you know which one is actually better for your home in Central PA—not just on paper, but in real weather?

That’s exactly what we’re going to break down in this article. In the spirit of transparency, Equity Roofing is proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. That said, we make every effort to be as objective and unbiased as possible. 

Our goal is never to sell you on any specific product. We’re just here to educate you on how to compare them for yourself. 

In this article, we'll compare durability, installation, cold-weather performance, and warranty support. We're not here to flatter any brands; we only provide facts that help you make the right call for your home and budget.

What’s the Difference Between Owens Corning and CertainTeed Shingles?

Owens Corning shingles are lighter and designed for flexibility, while CertainTeed shingles are heavier and built for more extreme climates.

At a glance, both offer premium materials and solid warranties, but they serve different needs. This table shows how they compare in terms of weight, impact resistance, and installation. 

Key Takeaway: CertainTeed LandMark's weight makes it a durable option, while Owens Corning Duration has triple-layer protection to enhance durability. Both manufacturers make an effort to provide wide and clear nail zones to decrease installation errors. 

Which Brand is Easier to Install: Owens Corning or CertainTeed?

Ultimately, installation comes down to the skill of the roofer. That said, we've found Owens Corning's SureNail® Technology to be helpful for both new and experienced roofers.

Nail zones are often overlooked by homeowners, but they play a big role in the lifespan of your roof. Here’s how installation differs between the two brands.

Key Takeaway: Both shingles share the same wind rating of 130 mph. They use different certification tests. Owens Corning scored higher during Roofing Insight’s pull test. 

Which Shingles Hold up Better in High winds: Owens Corning or CertainTeed?

Both Owens Corning Duration shingles and CertainTeed LandMark shingles have a wind resistance of up to 130 mph. We take a deeper dive into their wind performance in the table below.

Key Takeaway: While both shingles share the same wind rating, Owens Corning Duration shingles use a higher certification test and scored higher during Roofing Insight’s pull test. 

Which Shingles Perform Better in Cold Weather?

Owens Corning may offer an edge in cold-weather installs due to its Duration FLEX® line, which includes enhanced flexibility out of the box—an option CertainTeed doesn’t currently offer in the same product class. This is a big factor in cold-weather installs, as we see in Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport. 

Key Takeaway: Both lines can be used for winter roof installs, but Certainteed may need extra steps to ensure full adhesion. Your schedule and installer preferences might tip the balance between the two.

Which Shingles Are Better at Resisting Algae and Black Streaks?

Both Owens Corning and CertainTeed offer algae-resistant (AR) shingles to prevent algae stains. Their technology relies on copper-infused granules that release over time to prevent algae from taking hold. Here’s how their systems compare:

Key Takeaway: Both brands offer strong algae protection backed by a 25-year limited warranty. It’s essential to ensure AR-labeled shingles and compatible accessories are used. Always confirm what’s included in your roof package.

Who Has the Better Roofing Warranty: Owens Corning or CertainTeed?

When comparing roof warranties, coverage varies depending on the installer and products used.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of what’s offered:

*Refer to the official Owens Corning and CertainTeed Warranty Overview for details and exclusions

Key Takeaway:

Both Owens Corning and CertainTeed offer robust warranties.

• Owens Corning’s tiers are clearly defined and include extended labor warranties through certified contractors.
• CertainTeed’s SureStart™ program provides excellent base protection and can be extended to include tear-off, disposal, and longer labor coverage when installed by Select ShingleMasters.

Always confirm what tier your roofing project qualifies for before signing your contract.

Which Shingle Brand Should You Choose?

Now that you’ve seen a side-by-side comparison of Owens Corning and CertainTeed shingles, you can evaluate them based on what matters most to you.

Choosing between two well-known roofing brands can be anxiety-inducing, especially when your home and budget are on the line. That’s why it’s so important to cut through the hype and focus on performance where it counts.

If you want to understand real roofing costs in Central PA—and what to expect based on home size, season, and install complexity—check out our guide to roof replacement costs in Central PA. It’s the best next step toward planning and budgeting for your new roof.

At Equity Roofing, our goal is never to sell you on a brand, but to deliver a quality roof installation. Whether you're in Carlisle or Camp Hill, we’re here to help you get a roof that holds up and makes sense for your home.