Replacing or building a new roof is a big investment, but how do you choose the right materials? You’ve heard good things about GAF and Owens Corning shingles, but don’t know which is right for your house.
The purpose of this article is to help you decide which roofing material is the right one for your home by comparing GAF shingles vs Owens Corning shingles. Both are popular roofing materials, but they have different characteristics and benefits. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Here’s a Comparison of GAF Shingles Vs Owens Corning
Roof construction can be a complex task. It is important to consider all of the factors involved before starting your project. Without the proper knowledge, you could make a costly mistake.
When comparing GAF shingles vs Owens Corning shingles, it is important to look at the specific characteristics and benefits of each type of shingle.
Material Construction
GAF timberline HDZ is made of fiberglass, while Owens Corning shingles are made of asphalt. Fiberglass shingles are more durable and resist heat better than asphalt shingles. They are also less likely to tear or blow off in high winds.
But, asphalt shingles are less expensive than fiberglass shingles. Thus, they may be a better choice if you are on a tight budget. On the other hand, if you want the best possible protection for your home, fiberglass shingles are the way to go.
Appearance of Shingle
Whenever you are considering a roof replacement, it is important to remember that the appearance of your home is just as important as the function of your roof.
GAF shingles are available in a variety of colors, while Owens Corning shingles are only available in a few colors. While GAF timberline is sleek and modern, Owens Corning shingles are more traditional. If you want to have a lot of flexibility in terms of the color of your roof, GAF shingles are the better choice.
Shingle Quality
When it comes to shingle quality, both GAF and Owens Corning are highly rated brands in North America. GAF roofing shingles are made with higher quality material and are more resistant to weathering and fading.
However, GAF shingles tend to be a little bit more expensive than Owens Corning shingles. They also have a longer life span than asphalt shingles. But, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product with either brand.
Weight of Shingle
One important factor to consider when choosing a roofing material is the weight of the shingles. If your roof has a low pitch, you will need lighter weight shingles so that they don’t cause too much stress on the roof structure.
GAF shingles weigh less than Owens Corning shingles, making them a better choice for low-pitched roofs. Owens Corning shingles are 200lbs/square, while GAF shingles are only 150 to 240lbs/square.
Durability of Shingle
Both GAF and Owens Corning duration are highly durable and will last for many years. However, GAF timberline is more resistant to weathering and fading, making them a better choice in areas that experience harsh weather conditions.
On the other hand, if you live in a mild climate, Owens Corning shingles surenail technology may be a better choice because they are less expensive. But, no matter where you live, GAF shingles are a high-quality option that will last for many years.
Wind Resistance of Shingle
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a roofing material is the wind resistance of the shingles. If you live in an area that is prone to high winds, you will need shingles that can withstand the wind.
Both brands offer shingles that are rated for 60 MPH winds or higher, but GAF offers a non-prorated wind warranty for their architectural and premium shingles up to 130 MPH, while Owens Corning’s coverage maxes out at 110 MPH.
Fire Resistance of Shingle
Another important factor to consider when choosing a roofing material is the fire resistance of the shingles. If you live in an area that is prone to fires, you will need shingles that can withstand the heat.
Both brands offer shingles that are rated for Class A fire protection, but GAF offers a non-prorated fire warranty for their architectural and premium shingles.
Environmental Impact of Shingle
When it comes to the environmental impact of roofing material, both GAF and Owens Corning are highly rated brands. GAF shingles are made with recycled content, while Owens Corning shingles use non-toxic materials.
Both brands are also Energy Star rated, meaning that they meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Uses of Shingles
GAF and Owens Corning offer a wide variety of shingles to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect shingle for your home. But GAF offers commercial roofing shingle, while Owens Corning does not.
Because of this, GAF is a better choice for businesses that need a roof that can withstand the elements.
Price of Shingle
Both brands offer a wide range of prices, depending on the type of shingle you choose. GAF shingles are generally more expensive than Owens Corning shingles, but there are a few exceptions. However, both are a little more expensive than the average roofing material.
These are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a roofing material. No matter which brand you choose, you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product that will last for many years.
Owens Corning Vs GAF Shingles Similarities
In terms of similarities, GAF shingles and Owens Corning shingles have a few things in common:
Design of Shingle
Both brands offer 3-tab and architectural shingles in a variety of colors and styles. They also offer shingles that imitate the look of slate and wood.
Furthermore, both brands have a shingle calculator on their website that allows you to see how your home would look with different types of shingles.
Installation of Shingle
Both brands offer installation guides to help you install your shingles properly. They are easy to follow and take the guesswork out of installation. Actually, they both are easy to install and come with very detailed instructions.
Maintenance of Shingle
Both brands recommend annual maintenance to keep your shingles in good condition. This includes cleaning your roof and gutters and checking for damage.
They also recommend checking the sealants around your roof vents and chimney. Each brand has a different way of maintaining your shingles, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
Now that we have covered the similarities, let’s take a look at which roofing shingles are better: GAF or Owens Corning.
Which is Better Between GAF Shingle and Owens Corning Shingle?
After looking at the similarities and differences of both brands, it is hard to say which is better. Furthermore, it really depends on what you are looking for in roofing material.
i) If you are looking for a brand that offers a prorated warranty, Owens Corning is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a brand that has a non-prorated warranty, GAF is the better choice.
In terms of environmental impact, both brands are highly rated. GAF uses recycled content in their shingles, while Owens Corning uses non-toxic materials.
ii) GAF is the only brand that offers commercial roofing shingles. If you are looking for a business-grade roof, GAF is your best option.
iii) GAF shingles are generally more expensive than Owens Corning shingles, but there are a few exceptions. The average roof material is generally more expensive than the GAF shingle or Owens Corning shingle.
iv) Both brands offer a variety of colors and styles, but GAF offers more options. In addition to shingles that look like slate and wood, Owens Corning has some limitations as well.
Overall, It really depends on your specific needs and what you are looking for in roofing material. However, both GAF and Owens Corning are high-quality brands that offer a variety of shingles to choose from.
If you are looking for a durable, environmentally-friendly shingle, GAF or Owens Corning will both work well for you. They also have installation guides to help you install your shingles properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few questions that come up more frequently when it comes to GAF and Owens Corning duration shingles. Let’s take a look at some of them:
1. How Do I Know If Gaf or Owens Corning Is Better for Me?
This really depends on your specific needs and what you are looking for in roofing material. GAF is a brand that offers commercial roofing shingles, while Owens Corning is the only brand that offers a prorated warranty.
2. How Often My Roof Should Be Repaired?
Roof repair really depends on the climate where you live and your roof’s exposure to the elements. A standard 3-tab asphalt shingle roof should last around 25 years with proper ventilation and installation. It’s important to replace your roof before it starts leaking or fails completely, in order to keep your home protected.
You may be interested in: What’s the right size for an attic fan?
3. Is It More Expensive To Install a GAF Roof than an Owens Corning Roof?
Generally, GAF roofs are more expensive to install than Owens Corning roofs. However, there are a few exceptions. The average roof material is generally more expensive than GAF shingles or Owens Corning shingles.
4. Can I install GAF or Owens Corning Shingles On My Own?
Both brands have detailed installation instructions that are easy to follow. However, it is always recommended to hire a professional roofer to install your shingles. This will ensure that they are installed properly and will last longer.
5. What Is the Difference Between a 3-Tab and an Architectural Shingle?
Every shingle has a 3-tab design that makes installation easy. The single, flat layer is designed for a simple, seamless look. Like puzzle pieces, the tabs fit together to create a seamless roofing system.
Architectural shingles are thicker and have more layers, which makes them more durable. They also look more like slate or wood than 3-tab shingles. If you are looking for a more decorative look, architectural shingles are the better choice.
Conclusion
Roof repair really depends on the climate where you live and your roof’s exposure to the elements. GAF and Owens Corning are both high-quality brands with a variety of shingles to choose from.
After reading the entire article on GAF shingles vs Owens Corning shingles, it is clear that personal preferences and needs will greatly influence which brand to choose.
Remember that GAF offers commercial-grade shingles, while Owens Corning is the only brand that offers a prorated warranty. Also, GAF roofs are generally more expensive to install than Owens Corning roofs. Hope this article was of some help!