CertainTeed vs GAF Shingles: Complete Comparison (2026)

If you are replacing a roof in Pinellas County, FL, the odds are high that your contractor will quote you either CertainTeed or GAF shingles. These two manufacturers control roughly 60 percent of the North American asphalt shingle market, and for good reason. Both produce reliable, well-tested products that can handle Florida's punishing combination of heat, humidity, salt air, and hurricane-force winds.

But "both are good" does not help you make a decision. This guide breaks down every meaningful difference between CertainTeed and GAF shingles so you can choose the right product for your Pinellas County home. We compare specific product lines head to head, analyze warranty programs, examine Florida wind and impact ratings, and look at real installed costs in the Tampa Bay area.

Company Background and Market Position

GAF, headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company has been producing roofing materials since 1886 and is now owned by Standard Industries. GAF operates more than a dozen manufacturing plants across the United States and holds a market share of approximately 30 to 35 percent in the residential roofing sector.

CertainTeed, based in Malvern, Pennsylvania, is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest building materials companies. CertainTeed has been manufacturing roofing products since 1904 and holds roughly 15 to 20 percent of the U.S. residential roofing market. The company also produces siding, insulation, fence, decking, and other building products.

For Pinellas County homeowners, the most relevant difference in market position is contractor availability. Because GAF commands a larger market share, there are significantly more GAF-certified contractors operating in the Tampa Bay area. This does not mean CertainTeed is unavailable, but you may have fewer options when shopping for a CertainTeed-certified installer.

Product Line Matchup: CertainTeed vs GAF

Both companies offer a full spectrum of shingles from budget-friendly 3-tab options to premium designer products. Here is how their most popular product lines stack up against each other.

Landmark vs Timberline HDZ: The Core Matchup

This is the comparison that matters most because these are the best-selling products from each company. Roughly 70 percent of roof replacements in Pinellas County use one of these two shingles.

The CertainTeed Landmark is a dual-layer laminated architectural shingle with a lifetime limited warranty. It features CertainTeed's StreakFighter algae resistance technology and is available in 18 color options. The Landmark carries a 110 mph wind warranty that can be upgraded to 130 mph with the use of CertainTeed starter strips and specific nailing patterns.

The GAF Timberline HDZ is also a dual-layer laminated architectural shingle with a lifetime limited warranty. GAF's StainGuard Plus algae protection is baked into the HDZ line. The Timberline HDZ features GAF's LayerLock technology, which uses a mechanical bonding system rather than relying solely on adhesive strips. This gives the HDZ a 130 mph wind rating right out of the box when installed with GAF accessories. The HDZ is available in 20 color options.

For Pinellas County homeowners, the wind rating difference is significant. The HDZ achieves 130 mph without special installation requirements, while the Landmark needs specific accessories and installation patterns to reach the same rating. Both shingles perform well in Florida conditions, but the HDZ has a slight edge in ease of installation for maximum wind protection.

NorthGate vs Armor Shield II: Impact Resistance

If you want Class 4 impact resistance (the highest available rating), both companies have you covered. CertainTeed's NorthGate uses SBS polymer-modified asphalt, which makes the shingle more flexible and better able to absorb impacts from hail and debris. GAF's Armor Shield II also uses SBS-modified technology to achieve its Class 4 impact rating.

In Pinellas County, Class 4 impact-rated shingles can qualify you for insurance discounts of 10 to 28 percent on your wind/hail premium. Both the NorthGate and Armor Shield II meet the requirements for these discounts. The NorthGate is slightly more widely available in the Tampa Bay market, and many Pinellas County contractors report easier sourcing for CertainTeed's impact-resistant line.

Warranty Comparison: CertainTeed vs GAF

Warranty coverage is one of the biggest differentiators between these two brands, and it is also one of the most misunderstood aspects of roofing purchases. Both companies offer "lifetime" warranties on their architectural shingles, but the details vary significantly.

The key takeaway here is that GAF's algae resistance warranty is significantly longer at 25 years versus CertainTeed's 15 years. In Pinellas County, where the warm, humid climate is ideal for algae growth, this extra decade of coverage is meaningful. Algae streaking is one of the most common complaints among Florida homeowners, and having warranty protection against it for 25 years provides genuine peace of mind.

Both warranty programs require installation by a certified contractor to unlock maximum coverage. A standard contractor installation typically provides only a limited material warranty with no workmanship protection from the manufacturer.

Contractor Certification Programs

The quality of your roof installation matters far more than the brand of shingle on top of it. Both CertainTeed and GAF run contractor certification programs that vet installers and provide enhanced warranty coverage.

GAF Certification Tiers

• Certified Contractor: Entry level. Must be licensed, insured, and complete GAF training. Unlocks standard system warranty.
• Master Elite: Top 2% of roofers nationally. Must maintain good standing, commit to ongoing education, and meet customer satisfaction benchmarks. Unlocks Golden Pledge warranty with 25-year workmanship coverage.

CertainTeed Certification Tiers

• ShingleMaster: Entry-level certification. Requires licensing, insurance, and basic product training.
• 5-Star Contractor: Highest tier. Must have credentialed installers on staff, maintain quality benchmarks, and commit to CertainTeed system installations. Unlocks 4-star SureStart Plus warranty with workmanship coverage.

In Pinellas County specifically, GAF's contractor network is considerably larger. There are approximately 15 to 20 GAF Master Elite contractors serving the greater Tampa Bay area compared to 5 to 8 CertainTeed 5-Star contractors. This means more competitive bids, easier scheduling, and more options if you choose GAF products.

Florida Wind Rating and Hurricane Performance

Pinellas County sits in one of Florida's most wind-vulnerable zones. The Florida Building Code requires roofing products to meet specific wind resistance standards based on your location's wind speed zone. Most of Pinellas County falls within the 140 mph ultimate design wind speed zone, which means your shingles need to be rated for at least 130 mph sustained winds.

The practical takeaway for Pinellas County homeowners is that any of these products (except the base Landmark without accessories) can meet local wind code requirements. If you are concerned about hurricane performance above code minimums, the Class 4 impact-rated options from either brand provide the best protection against wind-borne debris.

Algae Resistance in the Florida Climate

Algae growth on roofing shingles is not just a cosmetic problem in Pinellas County. It is an inevitability unless your shingles have built-in algae resistance. The combination of warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rain creates ideal conditions for Gloeocapsa magma, the blue-green algae responsible for those dark streaks on roofs throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Both CertainTeed and GAF incorporate copper-infused granules into their shingles to inhibit algae growth. CertainTeed calls their technology StreakFighter, while GAF uses the StainGuard and StainGuard Plus branding.

CertainTeed's StreakFighter technology is standard on all Landmark and higher-tier shingles and carries a 15-year algae warranty. GAF's StainGuard Plus is standard on all Timberline HDZ and higher shingles with a 25-year algae warranty.

In real-world performance across Pinellas County roofs, both products do a good job of preventing algae for the first 10 to 12 years. The longer warranty from GAF provides better protection if algae issues develop in years 15 through 25. For a Florida home, this is a meaningful advantage in favor of GAF.

Cost Comparison for Pinellas County

Material and installation costs vary based on your specific roof size, complexity, and the contractor you choose. The following estimates reflect typical Pinellas County pricing as of early 2026 for a standard 2,000 square foot roof (approximately 20 to 25 squares).

GAF products are generally 5 to 15 percent less expensive at the material level, and this savings typically carries through to installed pricing. However, the price gap narrows when you factor in accessories, underlayment, and warranty registration fees. The total difference on a typical Pinellas County roof replacement usually works out to $400 to $800, which is a relatively small percentage of the total project cost.

Availability and Supply Chain in Pinellas County

Both CertainTeed and GAF distribute through major roofing supply houses in the Tampa Bay area, including ABC Supply, SRS Distribution, Beacon Building Products, and local distributors. However, GAF maintains deeper inventory levels at most distribution points, which translates to shorter lead times and better color availability.

During peak roofing season (typically after hurricane season from November through May), some CertainTeed specialty products like the NorthGate may require 1 to 2 weeks of lead time. GAF's Timberline HDZ and Armor Shield II are almost always in stock at multiple Tampa Bay distributors.

If you have a specific color preference, check availability before committing to either brand. Both companies offer 15 to 20 color options in their architectural lines, but not every color is stocked locally. Special-order colors can add 2 to 4 weeks to your project timeline.

Which Should You Choose for Pinellas County?

After comparing every major category, here is our straightforward recommendation for Pinellas County homeowners.

Choose GAF If:

• You want the widest selection of certified contractors in the Tampa Bay area
• Long-term algae resistance warranty (25 years) is important to you
• You prefer the built-in 130 mph wind rating without needing extra accessories
• Budget is a primary concern and you want the lower material cost
• You want the strongest workmanship warranty through the Golden Pledge program

Choose CertainTeed If:

• You already have a trusted CertainTeed 5-Star contractor in mind
• You prefer the NorthGate impact-resistant shingle for its SBS flexibility
• You want access to premium designer options like the Grand Manor
• Your contractor has better pricing on CertainTeed products through their distributor
• Color options in the CertainTeed lineup better match your home's exterior

For most Pinellas County homeowners, GAF offers the better overall value proposition. The combination of a larger contractor network, longer algae warranty, built-in 130 mph wind rating, and slightly lower pricing makes the Timberline HDZ the default recommendation. However, CertainTeed remains an excellent choice, and the differences between the two brands are smaller than the difference between a good installation and a bad one.

Installation Quality Matters More Than Brand

We cannot stress this enough: the contractor you choose matters far more than the shingle brand. A perfectly manufactured CertainTeed Landmark installed by an inexperienced crew will fail faster than a GAF Timberline HDZ installed by a seasoned professional, and vice versa.

In Pinellas County, proper installation means correct nailing patterns (four to six nails per shingle depending on wind zone), proper starter strip installation, adequate attic ventilation, quality synthetic underlayment, and compliance with the Florida Building Code's high-velocity hurricane zone requirements.

When evaluating contractors, look for these factors regardless of which shingle brand they recommend:

• Active Florida roofing contractor license (CCC or CRC)
• Manufacturer certification (GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed 5-Star)
• Workers' compensation and general liability insurance
• Pinellas County local business tax receipt
• Strong reviews on Google, BBB, and Angi with Florida-specific projects
• Willingness to pull permits and schedule inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

Are CertainTeed shingles better than GAF for Florida hurricanes?

Both manufacturers offer shingles rated for 130 mph winds when properly installed. CertainTeed NorthGate and GAF Armor Shield II both carry Class 4 impact ratings. The best choice depends on your specific Pinellas County home, budget, and contractor availability.

Which is cheaper, CertainTeed or GAF shingles?

GAF shingles typically cost 5 to 15 percent less than comparable CertainTeed products at the retail level. GAF Timberline HDZ runs $95 to $110 per square while CertainTeed Landmark costs $100 to $120 per square. Installed costs in Pinellas County range from $350 to $500 per square for either brand.

Do CertainTeed or GAF shingles last longer in Florida?

Both brands offer architectural shingles with 25 to 30 year realistic lifespans in Florida conditions. CertainTeed Landmark Premium and GAF Timberline HDZ perform similarly in UV and humidity testing. Proper attic ventilation and installation quality matter more than brand for Florida longevity.

Which brand has better warranty coverage in Florida?

GAF offers a stronger warranty ecosystem through its Golden Pledge program, which includes 25 years of workmanship coverage when installed by a Master Elite contractor. CertainTeed SureStart Plus offers 4-star coverage with no-dollar-limit protection for the first 10 years. Both require certified contractor installation for maximum coverage.

Are there enough CertainTeed and GAF certified contractors in Pinellas County?

GAF has a larger network of certified contractors in the Tampa Bay area, with roughly three times as many Master Elite contractors as CertainTeed has 5-Star contractors in Pinellas County. Both brands have adequate coverage, but GAF contractors are generally easier to find and schedule.

Final Verdict

For Pinellas County homeowners in 2026, GAF edges out CertainTeed in most categories that matter for Florida roofing: wind performance out of the box, algae resistance warranty length, contractor availability, and pricing. CertainTeed remains a premium option with excellent products, particularly the NorthGate impact-resistant shingle and the Grand Manor designer line.

Whichever brand you choose, invest in a certified contractor, proper ventilation, and quality underlayment. These factors will determine how your roof performs during the next Pinellas County hurricane season far more than the name printed on the shingle wrapper.