Owens Corning vs CertainTeed: Comparing Duration and Landmark Shingle Warranties
Owens Corning's SureNail strip and CertainTeed's dual-layer laminate construction both publish similar wind ratings. Warranty depth again depends heavily on the installer's certification tier.
Updated August 2026
Who wins what
Homeowners comparing base material coverage.
Basis: Both brands publish a lifetime limited material warranty on their standard architectural line, prorated after an initial period.
Owners who want the longest installation-error coverage available in writing.
Basis: Owens Corning's Platinum Preferred Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty publishes up to 25 years of coverage on select system components through its top contractor tier, a longer published figure than CertainTeed's comparable SureStart Plus workmanship term.
Homeowners in wind-exposed regions comparing flagship architectural lines.
Basis: Owens Corning Duration and CertainTeed Landmark both publish wind-resistance ratings up to 130 mph with the manufacturer's specified fastening pattern.
Key differences at a glance
Nailing zone / strip technology
Owens Corning- Owens Corning
- SureNail strip, a woven fabric reinforcement at the nailing line
- CertainTeed
- Dual-layer laminate construction without a branded nailing-zone strip
Algae resistance program
Even- Owens Corning
- StreakGuard, published term varies by product line
- CertainTeed
- StreakFighter, published term varies by product line
Initial full-coverage material period before proration
CertainTeed- Owens Corning
- Standard published initial period on the Duration line
- CertainTeed
- SureStart Plus publishes a longer initial full-coverage window when the installation is registered
Impact-rated (Class 4) product availability
Even- Owens Corning
- Duration Storm rated UL 2218 Class 4
- CertainTeed
- Presidential Shake TL and Symphony rated UL 2218 Class 4 in select markets
Certified contractor program structure
Even- Owens Corning
- Preferred, Platinum, and Platinum Preferred tiers tied to warranty depth
- CertainTeed
- ShingleMaster and SELECT ShingleMaster tiers tied to SureStart Plus depth
Full scorecard
| Metric | Owens Corning | CertainTeed | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material warrantyPublished limited warranty documents for each brand's standard architectural line | Lifetime limited (prorated after an initial period) on architectural shingles | Lifetime limited (prorated after an initial period), with a longer initial full-coverage period when registered under SureStart Plus | Even |
| Workmanship warranty availabilityComparison of each brand's top-tier certified contractor warranty documentation | Up to 25 years on select system components through Platinum Preferred contractors | Non-prorated workmanship coverage through SELECT ShingleMaster contractors at a shorter published term on comparable lines | Owens Corning |
| Wind ratingManufacturer product data sheets for the flagship architectural line of each brand | Up to 130 mph on Duration with SureNail and correct fastening | Up to 130 mph on Landmark with the specified enhanced nailing pattern | Even |
| Impact ratingUL 2218 classification listings for the named product lines | UL 2218 Class 4 available on Duration Storm | UL 2218 Class 4 available on select Presidential and Symphony lines | Even |
| Algae resistance termNeither brand publishes a single uniform algae-resistance term across its architectural lineup, so no defensible edge exists | StreakGuard, published term varies by line | StreakFighter, published term varies by line | Even |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Owens Corning if…
- Your bidding contractor holds Owens Corning's Platinum Preferred status and can quote the Platinum Preferred Protection System's 25-year component coverage in writing.
- You want the SureNail woven-strip nailing reinforcement rather than CertainTeed's unreinforced dual-layer laminate at the nailing line.
- Duration Storm's Class 4 impact pricing beats CertainTeed's Presidential or Symphony bid in your local market.
Choose CertainTeed if…
- You want SureStart Plus's longer initial full-coverage material period rather than the Duration line's standard published window.
- Your top-reviewed local roofer carries CertainTeed's SELECT ShingleMaster credential instead of Owens Corning's Platinum Preferred status.
- Landmark's color and texture blend selection suits your elevation better than Duration's granule pattern options.
- Assuming Platinum Preferred Protection applies without confirming your contractor actually holds that specific certification tier in writing.
- Missing the manufacturer's stated registration deadline, which can shrink either brand's extended coverage window.
- Ignoring the attic ventilation clauses both Owens Corning and CertainTeed cite when denying shingle warranty claims.
- Comparing StreakGuard and StreakFighter algae-resistance terms across different product lines instead of the specific shingle actually being quoted.
Tools and next steps
Frequently compared next
Frequently asked questions
Which brand has the longer workmanship warranty, Owens Corning or CertainTeed?
Owens Corning's Platinum Preferred Protection publishes up to 25 years of coverage on select system components through its top contractor tier, a longer published figure than CertainTeed's comparable SureStart Plus workmanship term on similar architectural lines.
Does CertainTeed's material warranty last longer than Owens Corning's?
Both publish a lifetime limited material warranty on comparable architectural shingles. CertainTeed's SureStart Plus publishes a longer initial full-coverage window before proration begins when the installation is registered.
Are the wind ratings the same?
Owens Corning Duration and CertainTeed Landmark both publish wind ratings up to 130 mph when installed with the manufacturer's specified fastening pattern.
Which brand resists algae streaking better?
Neither brand publishes a single uniform algae-resistance term across its lineup. StreakGuard on Owens Corning and StreakFighter on CertainTeed both vary by product line, so check the specific shingle's documentation.
Do both offer Class 4 impact-rated shingles?
Yes. Owens Corning's Duration Storm and CertainTeed's Presidential and Symphony lines in select markets both carry a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating.
Is one brand cheaper than the other?
Neither publishes installed pricing. Cost is set by the local contractor, so compare itemized bids rather than brand names alone.
Verify these details yourself
- Installed price for either brand in your local market.
- Which specific contractor certification tier the roofer bidding your job actually holds.
- Whether local code requires wind or impact ratings above the flagship lines' published figures.
- Comparative real-world claim approval outcomes between the two brands' warranty programs.
Methodology and sources
Specifications, pricing, warranties, and availability may change. We verify key details against official or reputable public sources and note where information is estimated or not publicly disclosed. HomeownerAnswers does not perform product testing.
- Owens Corning residential roofing warranty documentation - Official manufacturer, checked 2026-08-03, confidence: high
- CertainTeed SureStart Plus warranty documentation - Official manufacturer, checked 2026-08-03, confidence: high
- UL 2218 impact resistance classification standard - Independent testing, checked 2026-08-03, confidence: high
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