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GAF Roofing Shingles: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Introduction
In the world of roof shingles, there are many options to choose from, but only one can be the ultimate champion. In today’s face-off, we’ll be discussing two of the most popular shingle brands on the market today: GAF and Owens Corning.
GAF vs. Owens Corning: Who They Are

GAF - Who they are

GAF started out as the Standard Paint Company in 1886. In the early 20th century, they shifted their focus to roof shingles, marking the birth of GAF (General Aniline & Film) as we know it today.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, GAF was a leading provider of film and cameras, as their name suggests. During this time, they were the official film supplier of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and also manufactured the famous View-Master.

GAF Warranties
owens corning

Owens Corning - Who They Are

Owens Corning has a rich history that spans over eight decades. The company was established in 1938 through a partnership between two major American glassworks, Owens-Illinois and Corning Glass Works. Its inception marked a significant innovation in the glass industry, with the development of glass fibers that would become the foundation for Owens Corning’s growth and success.

In 1947, the company introduced the Perma-Ply roofing system, which was the first system to combine roof shingles and asphalt, marking a turning point in the roofing industry. As a result, Owens Corning became widely recognized for their high-quality roof shingles and asphalt shingles. The innovative use of these materials not only revolutionized roofing systems but also paved the way for the company’s dominance in the building materials industry.

Today, with a presence in 33 countries and sales in over 75 countries, Owens Corning continues to uphold its reputation for quality and innovation. The company remains a leading provider of roof shingles and asphalt shingles, demonstrating its persistent commitment to excellence in the building materials industry.

GAF vs. Owens Corning: Color Options

GAF Color Options

The GAF shingle colors range from traditional hues such as weathered wood, slate, and charcoal to more contemporary options like hickory, mission brown, and barkwood. The roof shingle colors offered by GAF complement a wide variety of exterior house colors, providing flexibility for homeowners looking to match their roofing with the overall architectural design of their homes.
color options

Owens Corning - Color Options

The Owens Corning shingle colors palette includes traditional hues like blacks, browns, and grays, which are always in style and complement most exterior home designs. For homeowners looking to make a bold statement, Owens Corning offers more vibrant colors such as blues, greens, and reds. These lively shades can make a house stand out in a neighborhood and give it a unique character.

To assist homeowners in making the best color choice, Owens Corning provides online design tools and resources. The Design EyeQ Visualization Experience, for example, allows homeowners to upload photos of their homes and virtually try on different shingle colors. This interactive tool helps homeowners visualize how different roof shingle colors will look on their homes before making a decision.

GAF vs. Owens Corning - Cost

GAF Cost

GAF shingles come in different styles, each with their own price points. The three main types of GAF shingles are 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and designer shingles. 3-tab shingles are the most affordable option, with prices ranging from $25 to $30 per bundle. Architectural shingles are more expensive, with prices ranging from $30 to $35 per bundle. Designer shingles are the most expensive, with prices starting at $40 per bundle.
budget

Owens Corning Cost

Similarly to GAF, Owens Corning offers several shingle variations that come with their own price points. There’s the Supreme (3-tab shingle option), the TruDefinition, Oakridge and Berkshire (both architectural). The Supreme shingles are the most budget-friendly, coming in at around $26 to $30 per bundle. The Oakridge line is a little more expensive than the Supreme, coming in at $32 to  $36 per bundle. These shingles are more durable than the Supreme, and offer more visual interest. Coming in at $35 to $40 per bundle are the TruDefinition shingles, undoubtedly Owens Corning’s most popular line. These shingles offer bright, bold colors along with Owens Corning’s patented SureNail Technology, which builds longevity and durability into each shingle. The priciest shingles are the Berkshire, which will set you back $57 to $65 per bundle. But what these shingles take away from your pocket book, they make up for in beauty and aesthetics. They mimic the look of natural slate and feature large tabs and shadow lines, giving extra depth and dimension to your roof.
GAF vs. Owens Corning - Who Reigns Supreme?

While GAF and Owens Corning are both well-respected in the industry, there can only be one winner. We’re going to break down all the factors and then give our final verdict. Ready to see who will be crowned the winner? Read on to find out. 

roof shingle colors

Factor 1: Color Choice

When considering roofing options for a residential or commercial property, the color and style of shingles can play a significant role in the overall aesthetic appeal.

GAF shingle colors range from traditional to contemporary. GAF’s Timberline series, for instance, features shades like Patriot Red and Hunter Green that can give a rustic charm to a property, while their Designer series includes more subtle and sophisticated shades like Weathered Wood and Slate.

On the other hand, Owens Corning shingle colors are known for their vibrant and unique hues. Their Duration Designer series offers bold colors like Sand Dune and Summer Harvest that can make a property stand out. The TruDefinition Duration series highlights more traditional shades, including Estate Gray and Onyx Black. Moreover, Owens Corning shingles integrate SureNail Technology for enhanced grip and Wind Resistance technology for durability.

When it comes to shingle colors, we would have to give the edge to Owens Corning. While they offer the same traditional shades as GAF, they’re not afraid to step outside the box and experiment with more vibrant and unique shades. 

Factor 2: Cost

While GAF shingles may be a little cheaper than Owens Corning, we can’t forget this caveat: you get what you pay for. Owens Corning are known for their innovative roofing solutions that combine aesthetics and performance. While Owens Corning might seem slightly priced higher than GAF at first glance, it’s important to note that their products are often lauded for their SureNail Technology and comprehensive warranties which add significant value. While you may pay a little more for Owens Corning shingles, quality and durability are priceless. 
Climate

Factor 3: Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of roof shingles is a critical consideration when choosing the right ones for your home. It is a factor that directly affects your home’s overall energy consumption, impacting heating and cooling costs.

GAF offers a fair amount of energy-efficient shingles. These shingles, particularly the Timberline® Cool Series®, are designed to reflect sunlight and reduce attic heat buildup, consequently lowering the energy required for air conditioning. GAF’s cool shingles are Energy Star certified, ensuring that they meet or exceed the program’s energy efficiency guidelines.

On the other hand, Owens Corning, offers the Duration® Premium COOL Shingles which are also Energy Star rated. These shingles are designed with solar-reflecting granules that help keep roofs cooler and decrease the amount of heat transferred to a building’s interior—thus reducing air conditioning needs. Owens Corning also prides itself on its patented SureNail® Technology which not only enhances the durability of their shingles but also contributes to energy efficiency.

Based on the fact that Owens Corning delivers not only energy efficiency but also increased durability, we would have to give the edge to them over GAF in this category.

Factor 4: Reputation

When choosing a shingle manufacturer, you want to choose one that is respected in the industry, with a reputation for excellence.

GAF has been well-known in the roofing industry for a while, renowned for their high-quality roof shingles. Their roof shingles are also well-regarded for their durability and weather resistance. 

On the other hand, Owens Corning is a global leader in insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composite materials. Their roof shingles are known for their aesthetic appeal and impressive resistance to extreme weather conditions. Owens Corning’s patented SureNail Technology has gained them a reputation for superior holding power, allowing their shingles to withstand winds up to 130 mph. Their commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency also sets them apart in the industry.

When it comes to reputation, we have to give the edge to Owens Corning. Not only are they well-loved by the homeowners, but they are the shingle of choice for roofing companies across the country, due to their quality and commitment to excellence.

reputation

Hire an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor

While GAF shingles are a great choice for your roofing needs, at Mr. Roof we will always choose Owens Corning. Owens Corning shingles are the highest quality, affordable and undergo rigorous testing to make sure they’ll hold up under a variety of weather conditions. 

If Owens Corning sounds like the perfect roofing solution for you, contact a local Mr. Roof near you. We’re proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor, and we stand by our work. We install most roofs in just one day and offer our signature Lifetime Warranty on our premium Owens Corning roofs.