In this article we will discuss what the differences and similarities are between GAF vs Owens Corning. We will also discuss what the best roofing shingle manufacturer is for you and your home.
When it comes to the top players in the roofing industry these two manufacturers are the most common and a favorite for homeowners across the United States. While GAF as well as Owens Corning both offer great high-quality products, we will break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
GAF Shingles vs. Owens Corning Roofing Shingles: Industry Leaders
GAF is by far the largest roofing manufacturer in the country and has been around for more than 100 years. GAF stands for General Anilline Film where they originally made asphalt compounds and other chemicals. With several different names and acquiring numerous acquisitions over the years, in 1892 GAF sold their RU-BER-OID ready to use asphalt rolls to put on roofs. In 1933 they introduced the tile-on shingles, an inexpensive and incredibly attractive alternative that many Americans switched to. While GAF invested in other products including partnering with Disney and creating their View Master that many are familiar with in the 1970’s and 80’s, they eventually put all of their efforts into creating high quality and energy efficient roofing solutions.
Owens Corning has also been around for more than 100 years. When they first established themselves, they were highlighting fiberglass insulation products. They also eventually branched out and established partnerships with NASA, GM motors and several others and brought their fiberglass products to the consumers in a variety of ways. After many years of research and development they became one of the largest building material providers in the United States.
GAF Shingles Pros & Cons
Pros:
- GAF offers a wide variety of styles and colors for you to choose from.
- Extremely durable and long lasting.
- It holds up against wind and hail extremely well.
- Best-in-class warranties that will keep you protected for a lifetime.
- GAF offers their shingles in a very wood-like appearance that will give your new roof a natural look.
- Algae protection that will keep your roof looking great for years and stops the growth of moss and other algae on the roof.
Cons:
- The GAF roofing system is difficult for the average DIYer. You will need to hire a professional to install the shingles. Make sure to contact DaBella the #1 performing roofing company (according to Qualified Remodeler in the years 2021, 2022, 2023) in the United States for your next roof replacement.
Owens Corning Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Owens Corning also offers an exceptionally durable shingle
- There roofing is all about cost saving as they do not require a lot of the same materials needed in most other types of roofing.
Cons:
- You will be extremely limited in what color palette options they have available as they only offer a few different shades of roofing shingles.
- Inferior quality products: there have been reports of their products not being of top quality and inconsistencies over all their products.
Comparing Warranties Between these Manufactures
This is where GAF really steals the show in comparison to other manufacturer warranties. This is exactly why DaBella had partnered with GAF since the very beginning. They offer the best warranty available to homeowners who use their product including the silver and golden-pledge warranties. These warranties are only available to contractors that are in Presidential and Master Elite status with GAF. DaBella has been a GAF Master Elite Contractor for several years and is one of the few contractors that is proud to offer their golden pledge warranty.
This is especially apparent in the wind speed category for GAF’s warranty. GAF offers a non-prorated wind warranty that covers all wind damage up to 130 Miles per hour. Owens corning only covers wind speeds up to 110 miles per hour. So, if you live in an area where high winds are a common occurrence, then GAF products and warranties may be the best choice for you.
Energy Efficiency & Solar Options
As more and more homeowners are looking to save money and look for environmentally friendly options to reduce their carbon footprint. Building product manufacturers are doing the same to keep up with demand. Both of these manufacturers have taken massive steps over the last 20 years to improve their shingles to be reflective of UV rays.
GAF for example has their Timberline Cool Series that improves the reflection of UV rays without having to have a light shade of shingle. The granules they use help reflect the light at the same time reducing the amount of heat to get below and into the home. Having the UV protecting qualities of GAF’s Cool Series Shingles is an impressive benefit without having to go with a shingle that has a lighter shade.
Owens corning has their Cool Roof Collection that has shingles that also reduce the heat in your home. This collection of shingles also have reflective granules that reduce the amount of heat that gets into your home. These shingles only come in a lighter shade but work just as well as GAF’s.
Where GAF also stands out is their drive for innovation and their commitment to the environment. GAF has recently come out with solar options that have been designed to look seamless into your new roof. There solar panels may pay themselves off over a period because of the reduced amount of electricity needed to heat and turn on the lights in your home. GAF’s constant commitment to innovation is something that DaBella is immensely proud to be a part of.
Certification & Training
GAF provides their Master Elite certification. This certification is testament to a contractor’s ability to provide excellent customer service and to provide homeowners with high quality installation. For a company to achieve this certification they need to be licensed and insured. Have excellent customer reviews for completed work. Also, a commitment to growing with GAF and keeping up with GAF training and new products. GAF Master Elite contractors are experienced enough and have the credibility to provide homeowners with best-in-class warranties. DaBella is just one of the 3% of roofers in the United States that holds the Master Elite contractor badge. When you have a combination of high-quality installations and warranties that will keep you safe for a lifetime, DaBella is the obvious choice for your next roof replacement.
Owens corning also provides their contractors with a certification for access to their best manufacturer warranties. While they are much better warranties than their standard protection, these warranties usually come at an added cost on top of the materials and labor.
FAQ’s: GAF vs Owens Corning
Our most frequently asked questions about the differences between GAF and Owens Corning:
Is GAF cheaper than Owens Corning?
In most cases the two brands are priced very similarly, and the difference between them is rarely significant enough to be the deciding factor in a purchase. Both companies offer entry level, mid range, and premium product lines, so the price you pay depends more on which tier of shingle you choose than which brand it carries. At the entry level, both GAF and Owens Corning three tab shingles come in at roughly the same price per square. Moving up to architectural or designer shingles, pricing remains competitive between the two, with regional availability and contractor relationships often influencing the final number more than the manufacturer itself. If one brand happens to be cheaper in your area, it is likely because a local distributor carries more of that product and passes volume savings along. Getting quotes that specify the exact product line rather than just the brand name is the best way to make a true comparison.
Which brand of roofing shingles is best?
GAF and Owens Corning consistently rank as the two most respected shingle manufacturers in the country and between them account for the majority of residential roofing in the United States. CertainTeed is another strong competitor that earns high marks for quality and warranty coverage, particularly in the premium segment. IKO and Atlas round out the top tier for homeowners looking for reliable performance at a competitive price. What separates the best shingles from average ones is not just the material but the warranty structure, the availability of certified installers in your area, and how well the product holds up in your specific climate. A shingle that performs exceptionally in the dry Southwest may not be the best choice for a home in a region that sees heavy snow, ice dams, or hurricane force winds. Matching the product to your climate and having it installed by a manufacturer certified contractor matters as much as the brand itself.
What is the number one shingle in the USA?
GAF is widely considered the best selling roofing shingle brand in the United States, holding the largest share of the residential roofing market. Their Timberline series, particularly the Timberline HDZ, is consistently cited as the most installed shingle in the country. The brand’s dominance comes down to a combination of broad distribution, competitive pricing, strong warranty options, and a large network of certified Master Elite contractors who are trained and incentivized to install GAF products. Popularity does not automatically mean it is the right choice for every homeowner, but the scale of GAF’s market presence does mean that finding a qualified installer and sourcing replacement shingles years down the road is rarely a problem.
Are GAF shingles the best?
GAF makes excellent shingles and their products are well regarded across the industry, but whether they are the best depends on what you are optimizing for. Their Timberline series offers a strong combination of durability, aesthetics, and value that suits most residential applications very well. Where GAF stands out is in their warranty program, particularly for homeowners who use a certified Master Elite contractor, which can unlock a lifetime warranty with wind and workmanship coverage that competitors have difficulty matching at the same price point. That said, Owens Corning and CertainTeed produce shingles that are equally durable and in some product lines offer better algae resistance, color variety, or impact ratings. GAF is a safe and well supported choice, but a homeowner in a hail prone region might prioritize an impact resistant rated shingle from another brand over brand loyalty alone.
Which roof shingles last the longest?
Metal roofing and slate tile last the longest of any commonly available roofing material, with properly installed metal roofs lasting 40 to 70 years and natural slate potentially exceeding 100 years. Within the asphalt shingle category, which covers the majority of American homes, architectural and dimensional shingles outlast standard three tab shingles by a meaningful margin. Premium architectural shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed are typically rated for 30 years and often last longer with proper ventilation and maintenance. Impact resistant shingles with a Class 4 rating also tend to have longer lifespans because the enhanced construction that protects against hail damage also holds up better against everyday weathering. If longevity is your primary concern and budget allows, a metal roof or high end architectural shingle will outperform a standard asphalt product by a decade or more.
What is the best roof for your money?
For most homeowners, architectural asphalt shingles represent the best balance of cost, durability, and curb appeal. They typically cost between $4 and $7 per square foot installed, carry warranties of 30 years or more, and are widely available through virtually every roofing contractor in the country. If your budget stretches further and you plan to stay in the home long term, a metal roof offers a compelling return on investment. The higher upfront cost, often two to three times that of asphalt, is offset by a lifespan that can double or triple what you would get from shingles, along with lower maintenance requirements and better energy efficiency in most climates. For homeowners in areas prone to wildfires, metal and tile roofs also carry fire resistance advantages that asphalt cannot match. The best roof for your money is ultimately the one that aligns with how long you plan to own the home, what weather conditions it needs to withstand, and how much you are prepared to spend upfront versus over time.
Get The Professionally Installed GAF Roof From DaBella
While Both GAF and Owens Corning have exceptional warranties and great roofing systems, at DaBella GAF is stand out roofing manufacturer and is exactly why we have partnered with them. This is not just because of their product it is because they gave our company the ability to perform great installations and give our homeowners only the best warranties to keep their peace of mind.
If GAF and DaBella sound like the best choice for you and your home, contact us today at 844-DaBella. We are regarded as the number one roofing company in the United States according to Qualified Remodeler. We have also been ranked number 11 in Qualified Remodelers annual 2022 top 500 list. Last year on the annual 500 list we were ranked number 15. DaBella has a vision of transforming the home improvement experience for homeowners and we have a constant dedication to care for families and to care for homes. Contact DaBella for your next roofing, siding, windows, or bath and shower remodel today for a free estimate.
