What's the difference between CertainTeed and GAF shingles?

Both are top North American asphalt shingle manufacturers. CertainTeed's premium lines (Landmark Pro, Presidential Shake TL) emphasize the SureStart Plus extended warranty when installed by a ShingleMaster contractor. GAF emphasizes their Master Elite program. Modex is CertainTeed ShingleMaster — we install CertainTeed but not GAF.

Does Modex install GAF shingles?

No. Modex installs CertainTeed, Malarkey, and Atlas — three manufacturer certifications we hold. We chose those three deliberately based on warranty depth, contractor accountability, and product range. GAF is a fine product; we just don't install it. Most Minneapolis contractors install one or two brands, not all of them.

Which shingle has the longer warranty?

Both CertainTeed and GAF offer lifetime limited warranties on their premium lines. The differentiator is the EXTENDED warranty available through contractor certification: CertainTeed SureStart Plus runs 5 years non-prorated when installed by a ShingleMaster. GAF Golden Pledge runs longer but is only available through Master Elite contractors.

How much does CertainTeed Landmark Pro cost in Minneapolis?

CertainTeed Landmark Pro installed on a typical Minneapolis home runs $14,000 to $24,000 in 2026. Premium NorthGate Class 4 impact-rated shingles run $18,000 to $30,000. Presidential Shake TL (designer line) runs $28,000 to $48,000. Class 4 installs qualify for 10-30% MN insurance discounts.

Why does Modex install CertainTeed?

Three reasons: (1) the ShingleMaster certification is rigorous and unlocks the SureStart Plus warranty, (2) Landmark Pro is one of the most consistent premium asphalt products in the market, (3) the Presidential Shake TL designer line works for premium homes in Edina, Wayzata, and Lake Minnetonka. Multi-cert installer means we match shingle to home, not just push one brand.

CertainTeed vs GAF shingles: which performs better in Minneapolis?

CertainTeed and GAF are the two largest shingle manufacturers in North America. Modern Exterior Systems (Modex) installs CertainTeed (ShingleMaster certified). Both make Class 4 impact-resistant shingles that qualify for Minneapolis hail-discount programs. CertainTeed Landmark Pro and GAF Timberline HDZ compete head-to-head at $10,000–$22,000 typical install. Choose by warranty terms, color preference, and contractor certification.

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Why I wrote this

Most CertainTeed vs GAF comparisons are biased

Most comparison content is written by contractors who sell one brand or the other. I'm a CertainTeed ShingleMaster who deliberately chose not to pursue GAF Master Elite. That means I can tell you honestly: both brands make good shingles. The differences are real but smaller than marketing suggests. Here's what actually matters when you're choosing.

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Products

CertainTeed shingle lines

Entry through luxury architectural options

CertainTeed

Landmark and Landmark Pro

Architectural shingles with SureStart Plus warranty. Landmark Pro adds enhanced durability. Both carry lifetime limited material coverage and qualify for ShingleMaster 5-Star registration. Entry-level choice for most Twin Cities homes.

CertainTeed

Presidential Shake TL and NorthGate

Premium architectural and impact-resistant options. Presidential Shake TL mimics cedar shake appearance. NorthGate is Class 4 hail-rated. Both qualify for full ShingleMaster certification and lifetime limited warranties. Premium choice for high-end homes.

Warranties

Coverage that backs your investment

Both brands offer strong protection, but the structure differs based on installer certification

CertainTeed

SureStart Plus and 5-Star integrity

SureStart Plus covers 5 years of material and labor on Landmark Pro and higher. ShingleMaster installers like Modex unlock the 5-Star integrity warranty, extending coverage beyond standard limits. Lifetime limited material warranty backs all CertainTeed shingles. Registration with CertainTeed is required to activate full benefits.

GAF

Golden Pledge and Silver Pledge tiers

Golden Pledge is a 50-year non-prorated warranty available only through Master Elite installers. Silver Pledge is the mid-tier option. Both include lifetime limited material coverage. GAF ties their best warranty protection to Master Elite certification, similar to how CertainTeed uses ShingleMaster.

Certification

How installer certification affects your warranty

Both manufacturers tie their strongest warranties to installer credentials. CertainTeed requires ShingleMaster certification for 5-Star integrity coverage. GAF requires Master Elite for Golden Pledge. Neither is easier or harder—they're parallel paths.

CertainTeed

ShingleMaster installation requirements

CertainTeed ShingleMaster certification demands ongoing training, crew inspection, and documented installation standards. Modex meets these requirements. Full warranty registration with CertainTeed unlocks the 5-Star integrity warranty, which extends beyond standard coverage. Installation must follow CertainTeed specifications exactly.

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GAF

Master Elite installation requirements

GAF Master Elite certification follows a similar structure—training, inspection, and adherence to installation protocols. Master Elite status is required to offer Golden Pledge warranty. The process is comparable to ShingleMaster but operates under GAF's framework. Both programs exist to ensure quality installation.

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Cost

CertainTeed vs GAF

Both brands price similarly across most tiers

Basic plan

$14K–$18K

Includes

3-tab architectural shingle

SureStart Plus 5-year warranty

Lifetime limited material coverage

Full Twin Cities installation

ShingleMaster certification included

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My choice

Why I went CertainTeed ShingleMaster

Both brands make quality shingles. I chose CertainTeed ShingleMaster because the product line variety felt deeper for Twin Cities homes, the certification structure aligned with how I run my crews, and I preferred the local contractor ecosystem I'd built around CertainTeed.

Stronger product line for Minnesota climate
Better fit for crew structure and training
Preferred local contractor network and support

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What this means for you

Modex doesn't install GAF. We're not Master Elite certified. If you specifically want GAF shingles, I'll refer you to a contractor who is certified and can stand behind that work. That's the honest answer.

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FAQs

Questions about CertainTeed and GAF shingles answered directly

Need more guidance?

Call Modex directly to discuss which shingle is right for your home

Ready to choose the right shingle?

We install CertainTeed. We're ShingleMaster certified. We'll give you an honest estimate and answer any questions about your roof.

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Author

About the person behind this comparison

I've been installing roofs in the Twin Cities for years. This comparison reflects what I've learned from real installations, not marketing material from either manufacturer.

CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified installer
Women-owned business in Eden Prairie
BBB A+ rated with NRCA membership

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CertainTeed vs GAF shingles: which performs better in Minneapolis?

Most CertainTeed vs GAF comparisons are biased

CertainTeed shingle lines

Landmark and Landmark Pro

Presidential Shake TL and NorthGate