Best Shingle Brands Compared: GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Atlas, IKO (2026)

Five brands dominate the asphalt shingle market in the United States: GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Atlas, and IKO. Together they account for over 90% of all shingles sold in North America. Every one of them manufactures products that meet or exceed Florida Building Code requirements, and every one of them has shingles currently installed on homes across Pinellas County.

But they are not all equal, and the differences matter when you are choosing a roof that needs to survive Florida hurricanes, withstand relentless UV bombardment, resist algae in near-tropical humidity, and hold up to daily summer thunderstorms for 25-30 years. This guide compares all five brands across every metric that matters for Florida homeowners, with specific pricing and availability data for the Pinellas County market.

The Master Comparison Table

Here is every major brand's flagship architectural shingle compared side by side. These are the products that represent each company's primary offering for residential installations.

Brand #1: GAF (Market Leader)

Company Background

GAF is North America's largest roofing manufacturer, producing roughly one in three shingles sold in the United States. They are owned by Standard Industries and headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey. GAF operates manufacturing plants across the country, including facilities in the southeastern U.S. that supply the Florida market.

GAF's dominance comes from a combination of competitive pricing, extensive product lines, and the most aggressive contractor certification program in the industry. Their Master Elite program has created a network of premium installers who are financially incentivized to recommend GAF products, which drives both market share and installation quality.

Key Product Lines

• Timberline HDZ: The flagship and best-selling shingle in America. 130 mph wind rating, LayerLock technology, StainGuard Plus algae protection. This is the sweet spot for most Pinellas County homes. ($4.50-6.50/sq ft installed)
• Timberline UHDZ: Ultra-high definition version with enhanced profile and aesthetics. Same wind performance as HDZ with a more dramatic visual appearance. ($5.50-8.00/sq ft)
• Timberline HDZ RS+: Reflective shingle version designed for energy efficiency. Meets ENERGY STAR requirements for cool roofing. Particularly relevant for Pinellas County homes seeking lower cooling costs. ($5.00-7.50/sq ft)
• Grand Sequoia: Designer line mimicking wood shake. Heavy, beautiful, and expensive. ($8.00-12.00/sq ft)
• Camelot: Another designer option with a historical slate look. ($8.50-13.00/sq ft)

GAF Strengths for Florida

• Built-in 130 mph wind warranty on HDZ without special installation requirements
• WindProven warranty option with no wind speed limit (industry exclusive)
• 25-year StainGuard Plus algae warranty (longest in industry)
• Most certified contractors in Pinellas County
• Broadest color selection (20+ options)
• Competitive pricing due to market scale

GAF Weaknesses

• Some installers report occasional manufacturing inconsistency between production batches
• Visual color depth is slightly less pronounced than OC TruDefinition
• Standard nailing zone (StrikeZone) does not provide the same enhanced grip as OC SureNail

GAF Overall Rating for Pinellas County: 9/10

GAF is the default recommendation for standard shingle roof replacements in Pinellas County. The combination of wind warranty, algae protection, contractor availability, and value is hard to beat. For a detailed comparison with the number-two brand, see our GAF vs Owens Corning comparison.

Brand #2: Owens Corning

Company Background

Owens Corning is a Fortune 500 company based in Toledo, Ohio, best known for their pink fiberglass insulation. Their roofing division is the second-largest shingle manufacturer in North America, holding approximately 20-25% market share. Owens Corning takes a technology-forward approach, investing heavily in product innovation and proprietary manufacturing processes.

Key Product Lines

• TruDefinition Duration: The flagship product and direct Timberline HDZ competitor. Features SureNail technology for enhanced wind resistance and TruDefinition color depth for visual impact. ($4.75-7.00/sq ft installed)
• Duration STORM: SBS-modified version with Class 4 impact resistance. Excellent for Pinellas County homeowners wanting maximum protection and insurance discounts. ($5.75-8.50/sq ft)
• Duration FLEX: Enhanced flexibility version designed for extreme weather conditions. Uses SBS polymer modification for superior thermal cycling resistance. ($5.50-8.00/sq ft)
• Berkshire Collection: Designer line mimicking the look of slate. Premium aesthetics for upscale homes in Belleair, Snell Isle, and similar Pinellas County neighborhoods. ($9.00-15.00/sq ft)
• Woodcrest/Woodmoor: Designer lines with wood shake appearance at premium price points. ($8.00-13.00/sq ft)

OC Strengths for Florida

• SureNail technology provides 30% better nail pull-through than standard nailing zones
• TruDefinition color system produces the best visual aesthetics in the industry
• Platinum Protection warranty offers 50 years of NDL coverage
• Strong quality control reputation among experienced installers
• Slightly heavier weight than GAF (~265 lbs/sq vs ~255 lbs/sq)

OC Weaknesses for Florida

• Only 10-year StreakGuard algae warranty (half of GAF's 25-year coverage)
• Fewer certified contractors in Pinellas County
• 130 mph wind warranty requires precise SureNail strip exposure during installation
• Fewer color options (14 vs GAF's 20+)
• Slightly higher pricing than GAF at comparable product levels

Owens Corning Overall Rating for Pinellas County: 8.5/10

Owens Corning Duration is a premium product that deserves its strong reputation. The SureNail technology is a genuine innovation, and the visual quality of their shingles is best-in-class. The shorter algae warranty and smaller contractor network in Pinellas County keep it just behind GAF in our overall ranking.

Brand #3: CertainTeed

Company Background

CertainTeed is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a French multinational with over 350 years of building materials history. CertainTeed holds approximately 18% of the U.S. shingle market and positions itself as the premium quality brand. They manufacture a wide range of building products beyond roofing, including siding, insulation, and gypsum, which creates strong contractor relationships across multiple trades.

Key Product Lines

• Landmark: The primary architectural shingle line and CertainTeed's volume leader. A well-made, reliable shingle with good color options and solid wind performance. ($4.50-6.75/sq ft installed)
• Landmark PRO: Enhanced version with Max Def color technology and improved wind performance. Better visual depth than standard Landmark with slightly upgraded specifications. ($5.00-7.50/sq ft)
• Landmark Premium: Heavy-duty architectural shingle with thicker profile and enhanced shadow lines. Targets the gap between standard architectural and designer shingles. ($6.00-9.00/sq ft)
• NorthGate: SBS-modified, Class 4 impact-resistant shingle. CertainTeed's answer to extreme weather. Excellent for Florida hurricane zones. ($6.50-10.00/sq ft)
• Grand Manor: CertainTeed's ultra-premium designer shingle with a genuine slate appearance. The heaviest and most expensive shingle in their lineup. ($12.00-20.00/sq ft)
• Carriage House: Designer line with a luxury wood shake appearance. Popular for high-end custom homes. ($10.00-16.00/sq ft)

CertainTeed Strengths for Florida

• Strongest standard warranty in the industry (SureStart covers materials and labor for first 10 years without requiring a specially certified contractor)
• 5-Star warranty through SELECT ShingleMaster contractors offers 50-year NDL coverage
• Excellent manufacturing quality and consistency
• NorthGate is one of the best impact-resistant shingles available
• Broadest designer/premium product range among all brands
• StreakFighter algae protection (15-year warranty) splits the difference between GAF and OC

CertainTeed Weaknesses for Florida

• Standard Landmark achieves only 110 mph wind rating (below GAF and OC's 130 mph)
• Need to upgrade to Landmark PRO or higher for 130 mph wind performance
• Smaller certified contractor network in Pinellas County than GAF or OC
• Slightly less market visibility means fewer homeowners request it by name
• Premium products carry significant price premiums over GAF/OC equivalents

CertainTeed Overall Rating for Pinellas County: 8.5/10

CertainTeed makes some of the best-built shingles in the industry. The Landmark line is a solid product, and their premium and designer lines are genuinely impressive. The 110 mph wind rating on standard Landmark is the main concern for Pinellas County, as it falls below what GAF and OC achieve on their base models. Homeowners who step up to Landmark PRO get the full 130 mph rating and an excellent shingle overall.

Brand #4: Atlas Roofing

Company Background

Atlas Roofing Corporation is a privately held manufacturer based in Atlanta, Georgia, holding approximately 8% of the U.S. shingle market. Atlas is the smallest of the "Big Five" shingle manufacturers but has carved out a reputation for impact resistance and innovation. Their partnership with 3M for Scotchgard protector technology differentiates them from the pack.

Key Product Lines

• StormMaster Slate: The flagship product featuring Class 4 impact resistance as standard (not an upgrade). Core4 polymer technology creates an exceptionally durable shingle with superior flexibility and impact absorption. Scotchgard by 3M provides algae protection. ($5.00-7.50/sq ft installed)
• StormMaster Shake: Wood shake profile version with the same Core4 and Class 4 impact technology as StormMaster Slate. Richer visual texture for homes wanting a dimensional wood look. ($5.50-8.00/sq ft)
• Pinnacle Pristine: Standard architectural shingle with Scotchgard protector. A more budget-friendly option without the Class 4 impact rating. ($4.25-6.00/sq ft)
• Legend: Basic 3-tab option for budget projects. Not recommended for Florida. ($3.50-4.50/sq ft)

Atlas Strengths for Florida

• Class 4 impact resistance standard on StormMaster (no need to upgrade to a special "IR" version)
• Core4 technology creates superior flexibility and crack resistance in thermal cycling
• Scotchgard by 3M is a trusted name brand for stain and algae protection
• 130 mph wind rating on StormMaster lines
• SBS-modified asphalt provides excellent performance in extreme heat
• Pricing is competitive for the level of performance offered

Atlas Weaknesses for Florida

• Smallest certified contractor network in Pinellas County among the Big Five
• Limited color selection (10 options vs 20+ for GAF)
• Lower brand recognition means fewer homeowners are familiar with the product
• Warranty program is less robust than GAF or OC's top-tier offerings
• Supply chain can be less reliable during high-demand periods (post-hurricane)

Atlas Overall Rating for Pinellas County: 8/10

Atlas StormMaster Slate is a genuinely outstanding shingle that deserves more attention than it gets. The built-in Class 4 impact resistance, Core4 technology, and Scotchgard protection create a product that performs extremely well in Florida conditions. The limited contractor network and lower brand visibility are the main drawbacks. If your contractor recommends and is experienced with Atlas, it is an excellent choice.

Brand #5: IKO

Company Background

IKO Industries is a Canadian-based manufacturer that has been producing roofing products since 1951. They hold approximately 7% of the U.S. market and position themselves as the value-oriented alternative to the Big Four. IKO operates manufacturing plants in both Canada and the United States, with their southeastern production serving the Florida market.

Key Product Lines

• Dynasty: The flagship architectural shingle featuring ArmourZone nailing area and 130 mph wind resistance. Designed to compete with GAF HDZ and OC Duration at a lower price point. ($4.00-5.75/sq ft installed)
• Nordic: Premium architectural shingle with heavier weight and more dimensional profile. Better shadow lines and visual depth than Dynasty. ($4.50-6.50/sq ft)
• Cambridge: Standard architectural shingle and IKO's volume leader. Reliable basic performance at budget-friendly pricing. ($3.75-5.25/sq ft)
• Crowne Slate: Designer line mimicking slate appearance. Premium aesthetics at a more accessible price than GAF Grand Sequoia or OC Berkshire. ($7.00-11.00/sq ft)

IKO Strengths

• Most competitive pricing among the Big Five
• Dynasty achieves 130 mph wind rating at $4.00-5.75/sq ft (lowest cost for 130 mph rating)
• ArmourZone provides a wide nailing area that is forgiving during installation
• Full product range from economy to designer
• Good value for budget-conscious projects

IKO Weaknesses for Florida

• Smallest certified contractor network in Pinellas County (3-5 ROOFPro preferred contractors)
• Shorter algae protection warranty (10 years) with less proven performance in Florida humidity
• Quality perception is lower among experienced contractors (some report more consistency issues)
• Warranty program is the least comprehensive of the Big Five
• Limited local supply chain in Tampa Bay compared to GAF, OC, and CertainTeed
• Fewer post-installation support resources in Florida

IKO Overall Rating for Pinellas County: 7/10

IKO fills the value niche in the shingle market. Their Dynasty product delivers 130 mph wind resistance at the lowest price point in the industry, which is noteworthy. However, the limited contractor network, shorter warranties, and quality perception issues in the Florida market make IKO a harder recommendation than the other four brands. If budget is the primary constraint, IKO Dynasty is worth considering, but the small premium to step up to GAF HDZ buys you a lot more warranty coverage and algae protection.

Cost Comparison: Full Roof Replacement in Pinellas County

Here is what you will actually pay for a complete shingle roof replacement across Pinellas County in 2026. These prices include tear-off, disposal, new underlayment, the shingles themselves, ridge cap, starter strips, all flashing, pipe boots, drip edge, and cleanup. Prices assume a standard 2,000 square foot roof with moderate complexity (1-2 stories, standard gable or hip configuration).

Note: At the designer price level ($8-15/sq ft), you are in the range of metal roofing costs. For homeowners considering designer shingles, I always recommend getting a standing seam metal roof quote for comparison. Metal offers dramatically better longevity, wind resistance, and insurance savings at a similar price point.

Wind Resistance Rankings

Wind performance is the single most important factor for Pinellas County roofing. Here is how the brands stack up:

For Pinellas County, I strongly recommend a shingle with a minimum 130 mph wind rating. While the Florida Building Code design speed for most of the county is 150 mph (which accounts for a safety factor above the shingle's tested wind resistance), the 130 mph rated shingles are engineered to perform at or above this design level when installed per code with the six-nail pattern.

Algae Resistance Rankings

Algae streaking is not just cosmetic in Pinellas County. It reduces curb appeal, can lower home value, and the dark stains actually increase roof surface temperature, reducing shingle lifespan. Every brand addresses algae, but the coverage varies significantly.

Impact Resistance Rankings

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles withstand 2-inch steel ball impacts without cracking, simulating the effect of large hail. While Pinellas County is not a major hail zone, impact-resistant shingles offer two key benefits: they survive storm debris better (falling branches, windborne objects), and they qualify for additional insurance discounts (typically 5-15% in Florida).

Atlas wins this category decisively by including Class 4 impact resistance as standard in their StormMaster line. Every other brand requires an upgrade to a premium (and more expensive) product line to achieve the same rating. For homeowners who want Class 4 impact resistance at the best price, Atlas StormMaster is the standout choice.

Insurance Impact by Brand

Your shingle brand can influence your homeowners insurance premium in Pinellas County. Here is how each brand's features translate to insurance savings:

The biggest insurance savings come from the wind mitigation inspection, which is independent of shingle brand. Any properly installed shingle roof with the six-nail pattern, sealed roof deck (if applicable), and compliant roof-to-wall connections will earn strong credits on the OIR-B1-1802 form. Adding Class 4 impact resistance provides the additional bump.

For homeowners looking to maximize insurance savings beyond what shingles can offer, consider standing seam metal roofing, which typically earns even higher wind mitigation credits.

Choosing the Right Brand for Your Situation

Best Overall Value: GAF Timberline HDZ

For the average Pinellas County homeowner doing a standard roof replacement, GAF HDZ delivers the best combination of performance, warranty, algae protection, and value. The extensive contractor network means competitive pricing and scheduling flexibility. This is our default recommendation for most residential projects across St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Palm Harbor, and the beach communities.

Best Visual Aesthetics: Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration

If how the roof looks is your top priority, Owens Corning's TruDefinition color technology produces the most visually impressive shingles on the market. The color depth and dimensional appearance are noticeably better than other brands, particularly in medium-toned blends. Worth the modest premium for homeowners who care about curb appeal in neighborhoods like Old Northeast, Snell Isle, Harbor Bluffs, and Belleair Bluffs.

Best Impact Resistance: Atlas StormMaster Slate

For homeowners who want Class 4 impact resistance without paying a premium upgrade price, Atlas StormMaster is the clear winner. The Core4 technology and Scotchgard protection create a genuinely tough shingle at a price competitive with non-impact-rated options from other brands. Particularly good for homes surrounded by large trees in areas like Seminole, Dunedin, and Safety Harbor.

Best Premium Quality: CertainTeed Landmark PRO

CertainTeed's reputation for manufacturing quality is well-deserved. For homeowners willing to pay a slight premium for the assurance of consistent build quality and a strong standard warranty (SureStart), CertainTeed Landmark PRO at the 130 mph wind level is an excellent choice. The 5-Star warranty through SELECT ShingleMaster contractors provides 50-year NDL coverage.

Best Budget Option: IKO Dynasty

When the budget is tight and you need a 130 mph wind-rated shingle at the lowest possible cost, IKO Dynasty fills the role. It meets Florida Building Code requirements, carries reasonable warranty coverage, and achieves the wind rating you need for Pinellas County. Just understand that you are trading warranty depth, algae protection length, and contractor network size for the lower price.

Beyond Shingles: When to Consider Other Materials

If you have gotten this far in comparing shingle brands and are spending more than $7/sq ft, it is worth broadening your search to include other roofing materials. At the premium shingle price level, you start overlapping with:

• Standing seam metal roofing ($10-18/sq ft) for superior hurricane protection, 40-70 year lifespan, and 15-35% insurance discounts
• Metal shingle systems ($8-14/sq ft) that mimic the look of architectural shingles with the performance of metal
• Complete material comparison covering every option available for Florida homes

Designer shingles costing $10-15/sq ft look beautiful but still carry a 25-30 year lifespan. A standing seam metal roof at similar pricing will last 40-70 years, earn larger insurance discounts, and provide superior hurricane protection. The math increasingly favors metal at premium price points.

Related Guides

• Complete Pinellas County Roofing Guide
• Guide to Roof Shingle Types
• GAF vs Owens Corning: Detailed Comparison
• Best Roofing Materials for Florida
• Standing Seam Metal Roofing Guide
• TPO Roofing Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best shingle brand for Florida homes?

For most Florida homeowners, GAF Timberline HDZ offers the best combination of wind resistance (130 mph built-in warranty), algae protection (25-year StainGuard Plus), contractor availability, and value. Owens Corning Duration is a close second with superior SureNail technology. CertainTeed Landmark is the quality-focused alternative, while Atlas StormMaster Slate offers the best impact resistance at a competitive price point.

Which shingle brand has the best warranty?

CertainTeed offers the most comprehensive standard warranty with their SureStart coverage providing full materials and labor replacement for the first 10 years without requiring a special contractor certification. Owens Corning Platinum Protection offers 50-year NDL coverage but requires a Platinum Preferred contractor. GAF WindProven is the only warranty with no wind speed limit but requires Master Elite certification.

How much do different shingle brands cost in Pinellas County?

For standard architectural shingles in Pinellas County (2026), prices range from $4.00-6.50 per square foot installed. GAF Timberline HDZ: $4.50-6.50, Owens Corning Duration: $4.75-7.00, CertainTeed Landmark: $4.50-6.75, Atlas StormMaster Slate: $5.00-7.50, IKO Dynasty: $4.00-5.75. For a 2,000 sq ft roof, total costs range from $8,000 to $15,000 depending on brand and complexity.

Are IKO shingles good for Florida?

IKO shingles are a budget-friendly option that meets Florida Building Code requirements. Their Dynasty and Cambridge lines achieve 130 mph wind ratings and carry algae resistance. However, IKO has fewer certified contractors in the Pinellas County area, less brand recognition, and their warranty programs are not as robust as GAF or Owens Corning. IKO is acceptable for budget-conscious projects but is not our first recommendation for Florida homes.

What is the best impact-resistant shingle for Florida?

Atlas StormMaster Slate is arguably the best impact-resistant shingle available, achieving Class 4 impact rating (the highest) with their Scotchgard protector and Core4 polymer technology. GAF Timberline HDZ IR and Owens Corning Duration STORM also offer excellent Class 4 impact resistance with SBS modified asphalt. Impact-resistant shingles can earn additional insurance discounts of 5-15% in Florida.

Which shingle brand resists algae best in Florida humidity?

GAF offers the longest algae warranty at 25 years (StainGuard Plus), followed by Atlas with Scotchgard protector by 3M. CertainTeed and Owens Corning offer 10-15 year algae resistance on most lines. In Pinellas County's humid climate, algae streaking is nearly inevitable without protection, making GAF's algae warranty a significant advantage.