All roof shingle mfrs try this every time. They are all prorated, and if not installed 100% to the instructions you are out of luck. He may get better pricing on the Certainteed or have better terms (or terms in general) with that supply house.

My husband & I just signed a contract for a remodel project with a builder that prefers CertainTeed over GAF for 2 reasons. (1) He feels they are a better shingle that lasts longer and (2) CertainTeed stands behind their warranty vs. he has problems with GAF warranties. We have looked at both GAF and CertainTeed but GAF has the color we would prefer over CertainTeed. We have used both of the two brands in the past and never had problems with either one. I think if you have a very good crew of roofers doing a professional job, go for what you like best.

Thanks Karen and millworkman for your comments. That's helpful.

All 3 are good reputable brands. I would say GAF has 1 better colour driftwood. Owens Corning has a Kevlar tar strip so very unlikely to get any blow off. But When it comes to warrantee certainteed shingles hands down has the best in the market. Depending on area there shingles have a 10 year iron clad (non depreciation) warranty including labour. What really sets them apart though is that warranty covers for aesthetics as well which is unheard of in the industry

Anecdotes are NOT data!

Personal stories here are just that--personal stories.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Charles, I think you may be right, that my roofer may have a great relationship with Certainteed so they are willing to stand by their warranty, even if in the “grey” areas. He rarely uses GAF and in his experience GAF looks for ways to get out of their warranty. (so it becomes a perpetuating loop). Still, I like the colors of GAF better. :(

tatts, Does someone track data on how well companies stand by their warranties vs. trying to weasle of out it? If so, can you share that info? I don’t think Consumer Reports comments on specific roofing brands at all, for example.

I don't think there is an industry watchdog for roof warranties.

Consider that the average American home changes hands roughly every 13 years and that a shingle warranty is in effect for 20 years or more. Typically, a shingle manufacturer's warranty is only valid for the original owner. If a new owner purchases a home and wants the shingle warranty to transfer, some manufacturers have a process for transferring it. Typically the new owner needs to do so within 30 days of purchase and submit a hefty fee (last time I checked one manufacturer charged $750) to transfer it. Most new owners aren't aware of the option, so effectively, the shingle warranty becomes void.