Owens Corning OR GAF?

Owens Corning OR GAF? For many people, replacing their roof is a scary decision. What’s even scarier is picking the best roofing contractor to do the job. It’s scary because of how may interviews a homeowner needs to conduct in order to find the ONE. However, there are sites designed for you, the homeowner to do your homework on roofing contractors.

One thing that’s left completely up to the roofing contractor is the type and manufacturer of roofing shingles installed. As a result, I am here to tell you that choosing the right roofing shingles is just as important as the right roofing contractor. I mean, you are buying the shingles, right? In this post i will go over what my experience has been with a couple of different asphalt roofing shingles.

For most of my life, I have been in the roofing industry. My father started this company in 1993 and my mother started working with him in 1996. At the ripe age of 12 years old I’d be on almost every job site after school cleaning up debris and passing shingles to my parents. The shingles we’d install were GAF architectural shingles. My father loved them. They were affordable and reliable and that’s how things were for a very long time.

Our company introduced to Owens Corning through a supply store manager 8 years ago. As a result, we haven’t turned back since. Below I will list the reason we have chosen to exclusively install Owens Corning.

Reason #1

Firstly, as you can see from the pictures above. The first thing that stands out is the difference in color blend. Undoubtedly, Owens Corning throughout their entire line has the most unique color blend. I always say, if you’re going to spend money on your roofing replacement you should choose a shingle that will pop. As a result, the “pop” always equals curb appeal, and curb appeal equals higher property value.

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Reason #2

Secondly, although GAF specifications say this shingle has 130 mph wind resistance, I find it slightly hard to believe it will live up to that. The shingle seals over granules. Granules, after time can fall off like with every other shingle. Owens Corning shingle seals over the Surenail strip that is embedded into the shingle.

Reason #3

Thirdly, the nail line on GAF is much easier to miss than with Owens Corning. Which means, if you miss the pencil thin line your wind warranty means nothing. Even if the roofing contractor nails on the line every time, if the compressor is not calibrated correctly it can and will blow right through. This is not the case with Owens Corning.

In conclusion, the ultimate decision (if you’re a contractor) is up to the homeowner. Based off of my personal experience with both brands i would highly recommend the Owens Corning brand over the GAF.

Lastly, both shingle manufacturers have been around for a very long time, but Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles will give you more bang for your buck. To Learn more, i will post links to both shingle specifications will be listed below. If you have any questions, and need more insight on shingle brands and performance click here to contact us!

Link to GAF Timberline specifications: Click Here

Link to Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration specifications: Click Here