Why We Install CertainTeed (And What It Means for You)

Part of the Roofing Materials series by Bob Harvey

Quick Takeaways

Completed standing seam metal roof with dormer window, Eden

Tags: Roofing Materials, Warranties

Homeowners sometimes ask why we use CertainTeed instead of GAF, Owens Corning, or one of the other major manufacturers. It is a fair question, and I want to give you a real answer instead of a sales pitch.

How we got here

I have installed just about every brand of shingle on the market at some point over the last four decades. I have seen how they perform over time in Utah's conditions. I have seen which ones hold up and which ones do not. CertainTeed has consistently been the product I trust most on the roofs I put my name behind.

That is not to say other manufacturers make bad products. There are several reputable brands out there. But I chose CertainTeed for specific reasons, and I think you should know what they are.

Product quality

CertainTeed's architectural shingle lines have some of the best granule adhesion in the industry. In a high-UV environment like Northern Utah, that matters. Their SBS-modified products like the Northgate line handle our cold weather and temperature swings exceptionally well. The ClimateFlex technology in that line is specifically engineered for thermal cycling resistance.

The manufacturing consistency is also important. When I order CertainTeed Landmark Pro in Moire Black, I know exactly what I am getting every time. Consistent thickness, consistent color, consistent quality from bundle to bundle and pallet to pallet. That consistency matters when you are trying to install a uniform, professional-looking roof.

The warranty programs

This is where CertainTeed really separates from the pack for homeowners. Their warranty structure is tiered based on the contractor's credential level and the combination of CertainTeed products used in the installation.

At the base level, a standard CertainTeed installation comes with a solid material warranty. But when a credentialed contractor installs a full CertainTeed system (shingles, underlayment, starter, ridge, and hip caps), the warranty upgrades significantly. The SureStart warranty covers both materials and labor for the first years, which means if something fails, CertainTeed pays for the fix, not you and not us.

Most manufacturers only warranty the materials. If the shingles fail and need to be replaced, they will send you new shingles, but you are paying a roofer to install them. CertainTeed's enhanced programs cover the labor cost too. That is a meaningful difference when you are staring at a warranty claim.

What our credential level means for you

CertainTeed has multiple tiers of contractor credentials. Each level requires documented training, quality standards, and ongoing commitment to their installation methods. The higher the credential, the better the warranty your roof qualifies for.

When we install a CertainTeed roof on your home, our credential level automatically upgrades your warranty coverage beyond what you would get from a non-credentialed installer using the exact same products. Same shingles, better warranty, because of who installed them. That is a tangible benefit of choosing a credentialed contractor.

Why not just pick whatever is cheapest

You can save a few hundred dollars by going with a cheaper shingle. And as I said in our article about choosing a brand versus a roofer, the installer matters more than the product. But when you combine a quality installer with a quality product, you get the best possible outcome: a well-installed roof with a strong warranty that is actually backed by something real.

That is the combination we offer. It is not the cheapest option. But it is the best value when you factor in performance, longevity, and warranty protection. And after nearly 40 years, I am comfortable saying that.

Have questions about your roof? We offer free roof assessments. We will take a look, tell you what we see, and give you honest recommendations. No pressure, no obligation. Give us a call or schedule online.

★★★★★
"They are always professional & responsive, and the service they provide is quality. They go above and beyond to ensure that the job is done right."
Nancy Askerlund , Google Review

Related Reading

← Previous Article How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last in Utah?
Next Article → Best Roofing Materials for Utah's Climate

Got a Roofing Question?

We are happy to talk. No sales pitch, just honest answers from a team that has been doing this for nearly 40 years.

Contact Us