Let’s face it. You probably haven’t spent too much time thinking about which shingles are best for your roof. In fact, it’s probably safe to assume you haven’t spent too much time thinking about your roof at all (until it needs to be replaced, that is).
But, alas, here you are, digging through the dregs of the internet, hoping to find the right shingles to purchase for your home. The trouble is, after enough time comparing products, they all start to sound the same. Which begs the question…
How on earth are you supposed to know which shingles to buy?
Well, with this guide, we’re cutting through the noise. Here you’ll find our team’s top recommended brands, their best-selling product lines, and considerations based on your unique home, goals, and budget.
By the end, we think you’ll feel much more confident making the right decision for your home—and all the more ready to reach out for a free quote and onsite consultation with a roofing specialist near you.
Two Top-Selling Shingle Brands in the United States
Here in southeastern PA (and the larger United States), there are two main players in the asphalt shingle game: GAF and CertainTeed.
Both brands feature robust materials, durable designs, strong coverage, and aesthetics to match a wide variety of homes and budgets. So before you get started, know this.
It’s difficult to make a “wrong” choice.
That being said, different product lines may outperform others depending on your goals, home environment, budget, and values.
Understanding Shingle Warranties and Coverage
Before diving into the great wide world of shingles, let’s first discuss the meaning of “Lifetime” coverage.
“Lifetime” shingles are not immortal—they will eventually experience the normal wear and tear of all building materials. In the shingle world, “lifetime” coverage typically means you receive non-prorated material coverage for a limited period, usually around 10 years (although this can be extended to 30, 40, or even 50 years with certified installation).
After the non-prorated period, coverage decreases over time. It’s also worth noting that Lifetime coverage generally protects you from manufacturing defects with the shingles themselves—not normal wear, severe weather damage, or poor installation. (The exception to this is with certified installation—keep reading.)
Workmanship warranties are often offered by the roofers themselves, though certain brand certifications extend workmanship coverage to your basic material coverage through the shingle manufacturer.
With all that out of the way, let’s dive into GAF’s and CertainTeed’s top-performing shingles.
Recommended GAF Shingles
GAF Timberline (Durable & Cost-Effective)
GAF is a brand known for reliability, strong coverage, and affordability—with the Timberline HDZ being GAF’s most popular asphalt shingle.
These Architectural shingles (also called laminated or dimensional shingles) are composed of multiple bonded layers. Unlike flat 3-tab shingles, they have a contoured, thick appearance that mimics high-end roofing materials like slate or cedar shakes—but at a fraction of the cost.
Timberline asphalt shingles offer:
- Easy installation
- 14 striking color options
- Good balance of cost and performance (generally $1.30–$1.80 per sq ft)
Warranty information:
- Lifetime limited warranty
- Standard 10-year non-prorated period (can be extended under certified installation)
- 25-year StainGuard™ Plus algae protection
- Optional WindProven™ warranty (no wind speed limit with full system)
The Timberline HDZ line is an affordable architectural option that performs well, comes with strong warranty protection, and is easy to install for contractors—making it a no-brainer for the majority of homeowners.
GAF Camelot II (European Style)
GAF's Camelot II is a designer shingle manufactured to emulate the look of slate—without the price tag of a stone roof.
Camelot shingles offer:
- High-end curb appeal
- Thicker, more dimensional look than flat or architectural shingles
Warranty information:
- Eligible for a 50-year non-prorated warranty under GAF Silver or Golden Pledge
- Up to 30-year workmanship coverage with system installation
- 25-year StainGuard™ Plus algae protection
- Optional WindProven™ warranty
If your goal is a higher-end look, Camelot II asphalt shingles may be right for you. However, it’s worth noting that choosing these shingles is a mostly aesthetic upgrade.
With costs nearly double those of Timberline shingles—around $2.50–$3.00 per sq ft of material—and without a significant performance boost, the Camelot II shingles are all about enhanced curb appeal.
GAF Slateline (Affordable Slate Look)
GAF’s Slateline shingles are a designer asphalt shingle that provides a modern, slate-like look with tapered cut-outs.
These shingles have deep shadow lines and are seen as a more affordable “luxury” shingle as compared to Camelot II.
Slateline shingles offer:
- Four distinct color options
- Noticeable shadow lines from ground level
- Easier handling and installation than the Camelot II shingle (lighter shingle)
Warranty information:
- Same enhanced system eligibility as Camelot and Timberline HDZ (up to 50-year non-prorated)
- 25-year StainGuard™ Plus algae protection
- Optional WindProven™ warranty
Again, if performance is your main concern, Slateline shingles are not a significant upgrade beyond the more affordable Timberline products. However, if you’re seeking a designer look—without the full price tag—these shingles offer a nice middle ground at around $2.25–$2.40 per sq ft.
GAF Woodland (Cedar Shake Style)
GAF’s Woodland shingles are designer-style asphalt shingles crafted to mimic the rustic, thick appearance of hand-cut wood shakes. Complete with multi-faceted tabs for an asymmetrical look, they offer an affordable, durable alternative to traditional wood roofing.
Woodland shingles offer:
- A unique, rustic aesthetic
- Strong, premium curb appeal
Warranty information:
- Same enhanced 50-year non-prorated eligibility as Camelot II, Timberline HDZ, and Slateline
- 25-year StainGuard™ Plus algae protection
- Optional WindProven™ warranty
While these shingles are striking, they’re also one of the more expensive GAF offers—coming in around $2.40 per sq ft—for, again, a purely aesthetic upgrade.
Recommended CertainTeed Shingles
CertainTeed Landmark (Standard Architectural)
CertainTeed is a brand known for heavier shingles, more striking aesthetics, and a more “premium” feel. Beginning at the lower end of the cost spectrum, their Landmark shingle is a standard architectural shingle in direct competition with GAF’s Timberline.
Where the Landmark line shines is in its thicker build. These shingles are generally heavier and thicker than comparable models, indicating more asphalt and better granule protection. They are a popular choice amongst homeowners planning to stay in their homes for many decades.
Landmark shingles offer:
- Heavier feel and look than many competitors
- Wide variety of color choices (20 unique patterns/hues)
- A more premium aesthetic without significant price increases ($1.10–$1.60 per sq ft)
Warranty information:
- ~10-year SureStart™ full coverage (covers materials, labor, and disposal of defective shingles, without pro-rating)
- SureStart™ coverage can be extended to 50 years with certified installation
- Warranty transferable to subsequent property owner at no cost
- 25-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty
CertainTeed’s Landmark shingles are a great choice for many homeowners. Especially those desiring a more upscale look and greater standard warranty coverage out the gate.
CertainTeed Landmark Pro (Upgraded Architectural)
An upgraded architectural asphalt shingle, CertainTeed’s Landmark Pro is a step up from their standard Landmark line.
Landmark Pro shingles offer:
- An upgraded 25-year algae warranty
- A heavier build and enhanced granule adhesion
- 24 color options with “Max Def” technology—resulting in deeper, more vibrant blends
Warranty information:
- ~10-year SureStart™ full coverage (covers materials, labor, and disposal of defective shingles, without pro-rating)
- SureStart™ coverage can be extended to 50 years with certified installation
- Warranty transferable to subsequent property owner at no cost
- Upgraded 30-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty
The Landmark Pro line is another great shingle loved by homeowners and contractors alike. However, these shingles do come with a price hike: roughly 5–7% over standard Landmark shingles.
The price increase does get you slightly better warranty protection, but for many, the benefits are mainly aesthetic.
CertainTeed Grand Manor (Premium, Heavy Duty)
The Grand Manor line is perhaps the premier asphalt shingle on the market for curb appeal. With an authentic slate appearance—plus the added durability and convenience of asphalt—they're not to be overlooked if you desire a high-end appearance.
Grand Manor shingles offer:
- Nine unique colors
- Brown, random tab design
- Thick, heavy, and durable construction
Warranty information:
- ~10-year SureStart™ full coverage (covers materials, labor, and disposal of defective shingles, without pro-rating)
- SureStart™ coverage can be extended to 50 years with certified installation
- Warranty transferable to subsequent property owner at no cost
- Upgraded 30-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty
Grand Manor shingles give your home an incredible look. However, if you’re more budget-conscious, these products, while amazing, are probably overkill—especially with such attractive options at lower price points.
CertainTeed Belmont (Affordable Luxury)
CertainTeed’s Belmont line is another slate lookalike, but at a slightly thinner build and lower price point than their Grand Manor shingles.
Belmont shingles feature:
- Five unique color patterns
- A lower price point than the heavier Grand Manor line
- Lighter weight than other premium shingles (easier on the roof and installation)
Warranty information:
- ~10-year SureStart™ full coverage (covers materials, labor, and disposal of defective shingles, without pro-rating)
- SureStart™ coverage can be extended to 50 years with certified installation
- Warranty transferable to subsequent property owner at no cost
- Upgraded 30-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty
If you’re looking for a premium, slate look and feel—at a more affordable price bracket—be sure to check out CertainTeed’s Belmont.
Key Takeaways: How Do You Choose the Right Shingle for Your Home?
So far, we’ve narrowed down residential shingle options to two brands, each with four of their top asphalt shingle lines.
But even with all that work done, there’s still plenty to think about.
Or is there?
Here’s how you can narrow down the list even further—by choosing between GAF or CertainTeed as your preferred brand based on your personal goals and values.
Start with GAF for:
- Affordability & Value: Compared to CertainTeed, GAF products are on the lower end of the price spectrum, while still offering high-quality, durable products.
- Strong Warranties: GAF has some of the best warranties in the industry—offering 50-year non-prorated coverage with certified installation. (Certified roofers are easy to find.)
- Solid Contracting Available: Due to their popularity, it’s easy to find GAF-certified contractors offering reliable, extended-warranty installations.
Start with CertainTeed for:
- Durability & Weight: Generally 10–25% heavier than GAF counterparts, CertainTeed shingles provide better resistance to PA’s winter snow and storms over multiple decades.
- Aesthetics & Curb Appeal: CertainTeed’s shingles are known for their rich color variations and high-end appeal—albeit at higher price points.
- Early Coverage: CertainTeed’s SureStart™ coverage is more comprehensive in the first ten years as compared to standard (non-certified installation) GAF warranties.
One More Consideration for Pennsylvania Homeowners
While PA’s freeze-thaw cycles get a lot of attention, there’s something else to be keenly aware of in our region:
Algae.
The climate in Southeastern PA (Lancaster, Chester, Berks, etc.) is a veritable perfect storm for the stuff: high humidity, lots of tree cover and shade—meaning the possibility of a black-streaked roof without proper product coverage.
So if your home has lots of tree coverage, north-facing roof slopes, or low sun exposure, be sure you’re comfortable with your shingles’ algae coverage. While both GAF and CertainTeed offer strong coverage out of the box—and material designs made to resist/kill algae—the additional five years on CertainTeed’s 30-year StreakFighter® algae-resistance warranty may be worth the added cost to you.
What’s More Important Than Shingle Choice?
Even if you pick the best shingle in the world (spoiler alert: there is no “best”), there’s still something that will come back to haunt you if you aren’t careful.
A poor installation.
That’s why it’s so important to choose a well-known, trusted, and certified roofer in your area. And while good roofers are around, if you’re in Chester, Berks, or Lancaster counties, we’d love for you to start your search with Smucker Exteriors.
Because we know how important your home is. And we want to make sure you’ve got a solid roof over your head. If you’d like some additional help sifting through products and options—or a free, detailed quote on your favorites—reach out today.
Our roofers are ready to install your new roof safely, efficiently, and properly—with premium product coverage and our own Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. Meaning if anything ever happens to your home as a result of poor workmanship, we’ll come out and make it right—absolutely free.
So don’t wait until you’ve sprung a leak. Reach out today for your on-site visit and free quote.
Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is. Our crews have been keeping Pennsylvania homeowners comfortable, safe, and dry for over 25 years. With all roofing and siding installations backed by a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and the assurance that comes from working with crews trained beyond best practices, there’s no reason to wait on getting your free quote in Lancaster, Chester, or Berks counties… Today!
