Skip to content 
You’ll have to make a number of decisions when having your roof replaced, but few are as important as the materials you choose. And while we do offer a few budget-friendly options, we strongly recommend materials made by two roofing industry titans: CertainTeed and Owens Corning.
We prefer these brands not for their fame but for their engineering, including CertainTeed’s heavy-duty durability and Owens Corning’s impressive wind resistance. Below, we’ll explain why these brands lead the pack and how to choose between them.
What Actually Makes a Roofing Brand “Good”?
Most homeowners already know that asphalt shingles aren’t all created equal. But the problem is that the differences between the different brands aren’t always obvious from the ground.
So, before you compare roofing materials, it helps to understand what separates a roof that looks good for a few years from one that actually protects your home for decades.
Here are the factors that matter most:
- Material Quality (Shingle Weight): Higher-quality shingles are typically heavier and built with more durable asphalt compositions. That added weight isn’t just a spec; it translates to better resistance against cracking, warping, and long-term wear.
- Wind Resistance & Storm Performance: Your roof’s ability to withstand high winds is critical, especially in areas that see frequent storms. Premium shingles are engineered with reinforced nailing zones and adhesive strips that help them stay in place when cheaper products might lift or tear off.
- Warranty Protection: Most manufacturers advertise long warranties, but the details of these warranties matter. A strong roofing brand backs its products with comprehensive coverage that protects against defects and premature failure.
- System Components: A roof isn’t a single product. It’s a system of interconnected materials consisting of underlayment, starter shingles, ridge caps, ventilation, and flashing. The best manufacturers design these components to function as a cohesive unit, reducing weak points and improving long-term reliability.
- Aesthetics & Design Options: Curb appeal matters, and the best shingle brands offer a wider range of colors, profiles, and architectural styles. Whether you want a clean, dimensional look or a high-end design that mimics slate or cedar, premium manufacturers give you more flexibility.
- Consistency & Reputation: Established brands with decades of manufacturing experience tend to deliver more consistent quality from batch to batch. They also invest more in testing, innovation, and long-term product support — things you won’t notice right away but that definitely matter over time.
When you evaluate roofing brands through this lens, the field narrows quickly. A handful of manufacturers — including CertainTeed and Owens Corning — consistently meet these standards, and that’s exactly why we recommend them so often.
Why We Recommend CertainTeed
CertainTeed consistently stands out for its build quality, durability, and overall system performance. It’s a brand we trust because we’ve seen how it holds up over time and how it protects the homes underneath it.
Heavier, More Durable Shingles
CertainTeed shingles are known for their weight. Heavier shingles typically contain more asphalt and offer better resistance to cracking, impact, and long-term wear. In real-world terms, that means a roof that holds up better over time, especially under repeated weather stress.
Premium Aesthetic Options
CertainTeed offers some of the most refined architectural and luxury shingles on the market. The brand offers lines designed to mimic high-end materials like slate and cedar, giving homeowners a more dimensional, upscale appearance without the cost of natural materials.
Strong Warranty Coverage
CertainTeed backs its products with robust warranties, particularly when installed as part of a complete roofing system and by certified contractors. This adds another layer of protection for the materials themselves, as well as the way they perform over time.
Ideal for Long-Term Homeowners
If you’re planning to stay in your home and want a roof that feels solid, looks premium, and is built to last, CertainTeed is often the best fit. It’s a brand we recommend when homeowners want to invest once and not think about their roof again for a long time.
Why We Recommend Owens Corning
For homeowners who want a balance of performance, reliability, and value, Owens Corning is one of the strongest options available. It’s a brand we install with confidence, knowing it provides solid protection without unnecessary complexity.
Exceptional Wind Resistance
Owens Corning shingles are engineered with a reinforced nailing zone, which helps ensure proper installation and improves wind performance. This added reinforcement makes a noticeable difference in how well the roof holds up during storms.
Consistent, Proven Performance
Owens Corning has built a reputation for producing reliable, high-performing shingles at a global scale. Their products are widely available, well-tested, and known for delivering consistent results across a wide range of conditions without suffering from the quality-control issues common to some other brands.
Balanced Cost-to-Performance Ratio
While still considered a premium brand, Owens Corning often comes in at a slightly lower price point than CertainTeed. That makes it an excellent option for homeowners who want strong protection and durability without pushing into the highest-end price tier.
Clean, Versatile Design Options
Owens Corning offers a wide range of colors and styles that suit different homeowner tastes and work well across a variety of home types, including both traditional and modern designs. They deliver a look that is clean, consistent, and broadly appealing.
Ideal for Performance-Focused Value
If you want a roof that performs exceptionally well in wind and weather, installs cleanly, and delivers long-term reliability at a more approachable price point, Owens Corning is often the right choice. These shingles are especially well-suited for homeowners who want dependable protection without stepping into the highest price tier.
CertainTeed vs. Owens Corning: Which Is Better for You?
Both CertainTeed and Owens Corning produce high-quality roofing systems. Choosing the best one for your situation is about selecting the one that aligns better with your priorities, your home, and your budget.
Be sure to consider the following when making your choice:
- Durability & Longevity: If your top concern is long-term durability and a more substantial, heavy-duty feel, CertainTeed typically is the better option. Their shingles tend to be thicker and heavier, which can translate to better long-term wear.
- Wind & Storm Performance: If you’re primarily concerned about wind resistance and storm reliability, Owens Corning stands out. Their reinforced nailing zones help shingles stay put during high winds, which can make a real difference in severe weather.
- Cost & Value: Owens Corning often comes in at a slightly lower price point than CertainTeed, making it a strong value option for homeowners who want excellent performance without stretching into the highest price points. CertainTeed, on the other hand, is a more premium option.
- Aesthetics & Design: If appearance is a major factor, CertainTeed offers more depth and variation in its higher-end lines, especially for homeowners looking for a more dimensional or “luxury” look. Owens Corning still delivers clean, attractive options, but they have a slightly more streamlined aesthetic.
But in reality, both options are fine choices. Just remember that choosing a brand isn’t the only important decision you’ll make: You also have to choose a high-quality roofing team that can install it properly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Brands
It’s natural for homeowners to have questions about roofing materials. Here are a few of the most common ones we hear from our customers.
What is the best roofing shingle brand overall?
There isn’t a single “best” brand for every home, but a small group consistently performs at a high level. We trust manufacturers like CertainTeed and Owens Corning because they deliver reliable durability, strong warranties, and consistent performance across a wide range of conditions.
Are CertainTeed shingles worth the higher cost?
For many homeowners, yes. CertainTeed shingles tend to be heavier and more durable, with more premium design options. If you’re planning to stay in your home long-term and want a higher-end look and feel, the added investment can make sense.
How long do Owens Corning shingles last?
A properly installed Owens Corning roof can last 20 to 30 years or more, depending on the product line, ventilation, and local weather conditions. Like any roof, longevity depends just as much on installation quality as it does on the materials themselves.
What’s the difference between architectural and luxury shingles?
Architectural shingles are thicker and more dimensional than basic 3-tab shingles, offering better durability and appearance. Luxury shingles take it a step further, with heavier construction and designs that mimic slate or cedar shake for a more high-end look.
Does your choice of roof installer really matter that much?
Absolutely. Even the best shingles can fail if they’re installed incorrectly. Proper nailing, flashing, ventilation, and system integration all play a critical role in how your roof performs. In many cases, manufacturer warranties are only fully valid when installed by certified contractors.
Will a better shingle brand actually make my roof last longer?
Higher-quality brands give you a better foundation, but they’re only part of the equation. A premium shingle installed poorly won’t outperform a good shingle installed correctly. The goal is to pair a trusted brand with a proven installation process.
How do I know which brand is right for my home?
The right choice depends on your priorities, including your budget, the length of time you plan to stay in your home, your aesthetic preferences, and your local weather. A good contractor will walk you through the options and help you choose a system that fits your specific situation, not just recommend a one-size-fits-all solution.
Trust Frogtown Roofing for Your Next Roofing Project
Choosing the right roof materials shouldn’t be a gamble. While dozens of manufacturers exist, CertainTeed and Owens Corning consistently deliver the durability, aesthetics, and warranty protection our customers deserve. And that’s why they’re two of the brands we recommend most at Frogtown Roofing.
Whether you’re drawn to the heavy-duty luxury of CertainTeed or the high-wind performance of Owens Corning, our certified team is here to ensure your investment is protected for decades to come.
Whether you’re in Bowling Green, Grand Rapids, or Toledo, our roof repair experts are ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and start enjoying the peace of mind a high-quality roof provides.
