CertainTeed Landmark Shingles Review for US Homeowners

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CertainTeed Landmark shingles are a dependable mid-tier architectural shingle with a Class A fire rating, algae resistance, a lifetime limited warranty and a wide color range. Most US homes are a good fit, provided a credentialed contractor handles the install. Hail-belt homeowners need Landmark ClimateFlex. Anyone who wants deeper shadow lines on the roof should get a price on Landmark Pro too.

Key Takeaways

  • CertainTeed Landmark shingles are laminated architectural asphalt shingles made by CertainTeed, a subsidiary of the Saint-Gobain building-materials group.
  • Standard Landmark shingles carry a Class A fire rating under Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 790, but they’re not rated Class 4 for hail impact.
  • Landmark ClimateFlex is the Landmark option tested to UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance for hail-prone states.
  • No verified price figure is available for Landmark shingles, so homeowners should compare at least three itemized local quotes.
  • Landmark warranty strength depends on the installer, because CertainTeed credentialed contractors can register higher coverage tiers.
  • Weathered Wood, Pewter, Georgetown Gray, Driftwood and Moire Black are common Landmark colors that fit most US home styles.

What Are CertainTeed Landmark Shingles?

A CertainTeed Landmark shingle is a laminated architectural asphalt shingle that bonds two layers of fiberglass-mat shingle into one piece, which gives a sloped roof a dimensional, shake-like look with deeper shadow lines than a flat 3-tab shingle. Landmark is CertainTeed’s core residential line.

An architectural shingle (also sold as a dimensional or laminated shingle) is a multi-layer asphalt shingle built for texture and curb appeal, and on US residential roofs it’s the standard upgrade. Basic 3-tab is the step below.

CertainTeed is a North American building-products manufacturer owned by Saint-Gobain, a materials group based in France. That ownership matters to buyers. A lifetime limited warranty is only worth as much as the company that has to honor it long after the roof goes on.

Shingles are sold by the square. One roofing square covers 100 square feet (9.29 square meters) of roof surface, so roofers build both material orders and labor prices around that unit.

Four main products make up the Landmark family:

  • Landmark: the core laminated shingle.
  • Landmark Pro: a heavier version with richer color blends.
  • Landmark ClimateFlex: an impact-resistant version for hail regions.
  • Landmark Solaris: a reflective version for cool-roof needs.

This CertainTeed Landmark shingles review covers all four products. Most attention goes to standard Landmark, since that’s the shingle most US homeowners see first on a contractor’s quote. The other three get their own sections.

Are CertainTeed Landmark Shingles Good?

Yes, CertainTeed Landmark shingles are a good choice for most US homeowners, because they combine a Class A fire rating, algae resistance, a lifetime limited warranty and a broad color range at a mid-tier price. Still, real-world results hinge on the install. Attic ventilation matters as well, and so does the warranty tier the contractor actually registers.

This table sets Landmark’s main strengths against its main limitations.

FactorStrengthLimitation
Fire SafetyUL 790 Class A ratingN/A
HailClimateFlex option is Class 4Standard Landmark is not Class 4
AlgaeStreakFighter protection includedProtection period is time-limited
WarrantyLifetime limited, upgradeable tiersTop tiers need credentialed installers
AppearanceWide color rangeColor availability varies by region
PriceMid-tier architectural pricingNo verified price figure available

Where Landmark Performs Well

Landmark does its best work on standard-pitch homes in mixed-weather US regions like the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, plus the Northeast. That’s its sweet spot. Class A fire protection and algae resistance cover most homeowner needs there, and standard wind coverage fills in the rest.

Because of its laminated layers, Landmark hides minor deck irregularities better than flat 3-tab shingles do, which helps on older homes with slightly uneven roof decks. It’s a forgiving shingle.

CertainTeed distributes Landmark through national roofing suppliers such as ABC Supply and Beacon, so future repairs and color matching get easier. That wide reach pays off later.

Common Complaints and How to Avoid Them

Homeowner complaints about architectural shingles, Landmark included, cluster in four areas, and each one has a predictable cause and fix. No verified Landmark complaint rate exists.

The table below compares each common complaint with its usual cause and its prevention.

ComplaintCommon CausePrevention
Heavy Granule LossProduct variance or heavy foot trafficPhotograph gutters after install; report early
Black StreaksAlgae growth on humid, shaded roofsConfirm StreakFighter coverage period
Blow-OffsNails placed outside the nailing areaHire a credentialed installer
Denied ClaimsPoor ventilation or missing registrationRegister warranty and verify attic ventilation

Expect some loose granules in the gutters right after installation. That’s normal. Heavy granule loss that keeps going in later years isn’t, and it deserves a documented warranty claim with dated photos.

CertainTeed marks a nailing area on Landmark shingles, called NailTrak, so crews can see exactly where each nail belongs. That matters. Correct nail placement is the single biggest factor in wind performance.

Read CertainTeed Landmark shingles reviews with the installation date in mind. Plenty of CertainTeed Landmark roofing shingles reviews on forums describe older production runs or crew errors rather than the shingle sold today. Those aren’t product verdicts.

CertainTeed Landmark shingle texture close up

CertainTeed Landmark Shingles Review: Specs and Ratings

This CertainTeed Landmark shingles review finds that the line meets the main US performance standards for asphalt roofing: UL 790 Class A for fire, ASTM International (ASTM) D3161 and D7158 for wind, and StreakFighter protection for algae. Hail is the exception. Reaching UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance requires the ClimateFlex version.

This table compares each test standard with what it measures and how Landmark performs.

StandardWhat It TestsLandmark Result
UL 790Resistance to external fireClass A
ASTM D3161Fan-induced wind resistanceListed; check data sheet for class
ASTM D7158Wind uplift resistanceListed; check data sheet for class
UL 2218Steel-ball impact for hailClass 4 on ClimateFlex only
StreakFighterAlgae resistanceIncluded; length set by warranty

What Is the Wind Rating on Landmark Shingles?

Landmark shingles carry two wind tiers in CertainTeed’s warranty materials. The standard tier covers winds up to 110 mph (177 km/h), while the higher tier covers winds up to 130 mph (209 km/h). Which one applies depends on the install.

Those installation conditions are written into the warranty itself, and the higher wind tier applies only when the finished roof satisfies every one of them. Get them in writing. Ask the contractor to list each condition in the quote and name the wind tier in the contract.

Before signing, confirm both wind figures in the current CertainTeed warranty document. Terms change. Whatever version of the document is in force on the installation date is the one that controls your coverage from then on.

Coastal buyers have one more check. If you’re in Florida or another coastal hurricane zone, confirm that the exact product holds the state or local approval your building department requires.

Fire Rating and Wildfire Zones

Landmark shingles carry a UL 790 Class A fire rating, the highest class under that standard. That matters out West. In wildfire-prone states such as California, Colorado and Oregon, local codes can require Class A roof coverings in high-risk zones.

Do Landmark Shingles Resist Algae?

Yes, Landmark shingles include StreakFighter algae resistance, which slows the black streaks that airborne algae leave on roofs. The streaks aren’t dirt. They come from Gloeocapsa magma, a cyanobacterium common on humid, shaded roofs in the Southeast and along the Gulf Coast.

StreakFighter doesn’t last forever. Its protection runs for a set period printed in the warranty, not for the life of the roof, so check that period before buying in a humid climate. Trimming overhanging branches helps too, since it reduces shade and moisture.

Landmark vs Landmark Pro shingles comparison

What Is the Difference Between Landmark and Landmark Pro?

Landmark Pro is a heavier version of the standard Landmark shingle with richer Max Def color blends and bolder dimensional shadow lines, while standard Landmark is the lower-cost core product with the same laminated design and Class A fire rating. Neither product is hail-rated Class 4.

This table lines up the four Landmark products by main feature, hail rating and best-fit climate.

ProductKey FeatureHail RatingBest-Fit Climate
LandmarkCore laminated designNot Class 4Most US climates
Landmark ProHeavier build, Max Def colorsNot Class 4Buyers focused on curb appeal
Landmark ClimateFlexImpact-resistant formulationUL 2218 Class 4Hail-prone Plains and Front Range
Landmark SolarisReflective granulesNot Class 4Hot, sunny Southwest and South

Is Landmark Pro Worth the Extra Cost?

Yes, Landmark Pro is worth the extra cost for homeowners who care most about curb appeal and color depth and who want a heavier shingle. Budget buyers are different. For them, and for rental owners, Landmark Pro isn’t worth the premium, because standard Landmark shares the same fire rating and core design.

Get both products priced by the same contractor on the same scope of work, which strips out differences in labor and accessories and leaves the true upgrade cost. That’s the real number.

When reading CertainTeed Landmark Pro shingles reviews, sort appearance comments from installation comments. They tell different stories. Remarks on color and look reflect the product itself, while reports of leaks and blow-offs usually point back to the crew that did the work.

Landmark ClimateFlex for Hail States

Landmark ClimateFlex is the impact-resistant Landmark shingle tested to UL 2218 Class 4. That’s the top rating. During that test, steel balls up to 2 inches (51 mm) in diameter are dropped onto the shingle to simulate falling hail.

ClimateFlex is built for hail-prone states such as Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado, where a single storm can force a full roof replacement. That risk is real.

Many insurers in hail-prone states offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofs. Amounts vary by insurer and state. No verified figure is available for those discounts, so ask your insurance agent for a written premium quote before you choose a shingle.

Landmark Solaris for Hot Climates

Landmark Solaris uses reflective granules that bounce back more sunlight than standard dark shingles do. The roof runs cooler. Lower roof surface temperatures can, in turn, cut attic heat and reduce the cooling load on the house in hot climates.

Solaris fits homes in the Southwest, Southern California and the Gulf South. California adds a wrinkle. Homeowners there should check whether their roofing project falls under the cool-roof requirements in Title 24, the state’s energy code.

Before choosing, confirm the specific Solaris color’s reflectance rating in the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) product directory rather than assuming every shade performs alike. Ratings differ by color.

How Much Do CertainTeed Landmark Shingles Cost?

No verified figure is available for the cost of CertainTeed Landmark shingles, because installed prices change with roof size, pitch, tear-off needs, region and contractor credentials. Standard Landmark undercuts Landmark Pro and ClimateFlex. Itemized local quotes are the only reliable source for a real number.

This table compares the main cost drivers and how each one moves the price.

Cost DriverEffect on Price
Roof Size (Squares)More squares raise material and labor costs
Roof PitchSteep roofs need extra safety labor
Tear-Off LayersEach old layer adds labor and disposal
Deck RepairsRotted plywood is replaced and billed per sheet
RegionLabor rates differ between metro areas
AccessoriesStarter, ridge cap and underlayment add cost
Contractor TierCredentialed crews may price higher

Insurance-paid replacements work differently. After hail or wind damage, the adjuster’s estimate sets the covered scope, and the homeowner usually pays the deductible out of pocket.

In hail states, an upgrade such as ClimateFlex can change the claim math. Check before approving the scope. The insurer can tell you whether a Class 4 upgrade affects future premiums, and that answer belongs in writing next to the adjuster’s estimate.

Installing CertainTeed Landmark shingles

How to Get an Accurate Landmark Quote

Use these steps to compare Landmark quotes on equal terms.

  1. Request a roof measurement in squares from each contractor.
  2. Name the exact product in writing: Landmark, Landmark Pro, ClimateFlex or Solaris.
  3. Ask for itemized lines for tear-off, decking, underlayment, starter, ridge cap, ventilation and disposal.
  4. Verify the contractor’s CertainTeed credential on the CertainTeed website.
  5. Confirm which warranty tier the contractor will register, and get that tier in writing.
  6. Compare at least three quotes that share the same scope.
  7. Check permit requirements with your city or county building department.

What Does the Landmark Warranty Cover?

The CertainTeed Landmark warranty is a lifetime limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects, opens with a non-prorated SureStart period, and adds separate wind and algae protections, with stronger tiers available when a credentialed CertainTeed contractor installs and registers the roof. Standard coverage excludes installer workmanship errors.

Read closely how the warranty defines “lifetime” and who qualifies for it. The fine print varies. Coverage for original owners isn’t the same as coverage for later owners, and non-residential buildings fall under separate terms altogether.

Attic ventilation can sink a claim. Shingle warranties commonly exclude damage caused by inadequate ventilation, so have the contractor inspect intake and exhaust vents while preparing the quote.

SureStart Protection Explained

SureStart Protection is the opening period of the Landmark warranty, when CertainTeed covers replacement materials and labor for covered manufacturing defects without proration. It’s the strongest stretch of coverage.

Proration starts once SureStart ends. From that point, coverage pays a shrinking share of replacement cost as the roof ages, which leaves the homeowner paying more of each repair.

Confirm the length of the SureStart period in the current CertainTeed warranty document before you sign anything with a contractor. This review found no verified figure.

How Installer Credentials Change Coverage

CertainTeed credentials roofing contractors through two programs, ShingleMaster and SELECT ShingleMaster. That status matters. Only credentialed contractors can register the upgraded SureStart PLUS system warranties, which a standard installer has no way to offer its customers.

This table compares installer types by the warranty access each one provides.

Installer TypeWarranty Access
Non-Credentialed RooferStandard Landmark warranty
ShingleMasterUpgraded system warranty options
SELECT ShingleMasterHighest tiers, including workmanship options

Upgraded system warranties usually require CertainTeed accessories too, including starter strips and underlayment along with matching CertainTeed hip and ridge shingles. Check the current program terms.

Is the Landmark Warranty Transferable?

Yes, CertainTeed warranties can transfer to a new owner when the transfer follows the conditions written into the warranty document. There’s fine print. Those conditions can include a notice deadline and reduced coverage afterward.

If you’re selling, keep the registration certificate and the invoice together with the contractor’s credential number so the next owner can use the warranty. Buyers should request those papers during the home inspection period.

Is CertainTeed Better Than GAF or Owens Corning?

No single brand is better for every roof, because CertainTeed Landmark, GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration are close peers in fire rating, design and warranty structure. The installer usually decides it. What matters most is which credentialed installer works in your area and which warranty tier that installer can register.

This table compares Landmark with its two main competitors on key features.

FeatureCertainTeed LandmarkGAF Timberline HDZOwens Corning Duration
Shingle TypeLaminated architecturalLaminated architecturalLaminated architectural
Nailing AidNailTrak marked areaLayerLock, StrikeZone areaSureNail strip
Fire RatingClass AClass AClass A
Algae ProtectionStreakFighterStainGuardStreakGuard
Contractor ProgramShingleMasterGAF Certified, Master ElitePreferred, Platinum
Impact-Rated SiblingLandmark ClimateFlexTimberline AS IIDuration STORM, FLEX

All three brands offer lifetime limited warranties, with upgraded system warranties available through credentialed contractors. The details differ. Compare the current warranty documents line by line on five points: non-prorated period, wind tier, algae term, workmanship coverage and transfer rules.

Pick Landmark when a well-reviewed ShingleMaster contractor works locally or when a Landmark color best matches the house. Otherwise, follow the installer. If the strongest local roofer works with GAF or Owens Corning, Timberline HDZ or Duration is the smarter buy for that roof.

CertainTeed Landmark shingle colors

Which CertainTeed Landmark Color Should You Choose?

The best CertainTeed Landmark color is the one that harmonizes or contrasts with your siding, trim and brick, and Weathered Wood, Pewter, Georgetown Gray, Driftwood and Moire Black cover most traditional and modern US home styles. Pick for the house, not the trend. No verified sales data identifies the single most popular Landmark color.

Landmark Pro colors use CertainTeed’s Max Def color technology, which blends more granule shades into each shingle for sharper contrast. Availability varies by region. Check the CertainTeed color list for your area.

This table compares five popular Landmark colors by tone, siding pairing and house style.

ColorTonePairs WithHouse Style
Weathered WoodBrown-gray blendBeige, cream, red brickColonial, ranch
PewterMedium gray blendWhite, light gray, blueCape Cod, coastal
Georgetown GraySoft gray blendWhite, greige, stoneTransitional, craftsman
DriftwoodLight brown-tan blendTan, sage, natural woodRanch, cottage
Moire BlackDeep black blendWhite, navy, black trimModern farmhouse, Tudor

Test a color with these steps before committing.

  1. Review CertainTeed Landmark shingles samples outdoors at morning, noon and late afternoon.
  2. Hold each sample against your siding, trim and brick.
  3. Drive past local homes that already use the color.
  4. Ask the contractor for addresses of finished Landmark roofs in your area.

Weathered Wood

Weathered Wood is a brown-gray blend that reads warm in sunlight and shifts toward gray once the sky clouds over on a dull day. Contractors often suggest it to undecided homeowners. A Weathered Wood CertainTeed Landmark roof pairs well with beige siding and cream trim, and it sits comfortably next to red brick.

Pewter

Pewter is a medium gray blend. It suits cool color schemes. CertainTeed shingles in Pewter pair well with white, light gray or blue siding, which makes the color a natural fit on coastal and Cape Cod homes.

Georgetown Gray

Georgetown Gray is a soft gray blend that looks clean against white and greige siding. It’s lighter than black. On transitional and craftsman homes that need a neutral roof without the visual weight of black, Georgetown Gray shingles are an easy choice.

Driftwood

Driftwood is a lighter brown-tan blend. The look is natural and sun-washed. On ranch and cottage homes, Landmark roof shingles in Driftwood pair well with tan or sage siding as well as natural wood.

Moire Black

Moire Black is a deep black blend built for strong contrast. It suits modern farmhouse homes with white siding and black window trim. Heat is the tradeoff. Dark roofs absorb more of it, so homeowners in hot climates should compare Moire Black against Landmark Solaris colors before deciding.

How long do CertainTeed Landmark shingles last

How Long Do Landmark Shingles Last?

No verified service-life figure is available for CertainTeed Landmark shingles, because a “lifetime limited” warranty describes coverage terms, not a guaranteed number of years on the roof. Each roof is different. Real lifespan depends on climate, attic ventilation, installation quality and maintenance.

This table compares the main lifespan factors and their effect on the roof.

FactorEffect on Lifespan
Attic VentilationPoor airflow traps heat and ages shingles faster
Sun ExposureStrong UV ages south- and west-facing slopes faster
Hail and WindStorms crack, bruise or lift shingles
Nail PlacementMisplaced nails raise blow-off risk
MaintenanceClean gutters and trimmed trees reduce damage

These steps extend the life of a Landmark roof.

  1. Inspect the roof from the ground after every major storm.
  2. Clean gutters twice a year to prevent water backup.
  3. Trim branches at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the roof.
  4. Check attic vents for blockage once a year.
  5. Hire a roofer to repair lifted or missing shingles promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Can I Buy CertainTeed Landmark Shingles?

Roofing contractors buy Landmark shingles through supply distributors such as ABC Supply and Beacon. Skip buying materials separately. Purchasing through a credentialed CertainTeed contractor, rather than sourcing shingles yourself, opens up the best warranty options a homeowner can get.

Do Landmark Shingles Have Matching Ridge Caps?

Yes. CertainTeed sells matching hip and ridge shingles, such as Shadow Ridge, in Landmark colors. Using CertainTeed accessories like these can also qualify the roof for upgraded system warranty coverage through a credentialed installer.

Does a Lifetime Limited Warranty Mean a Lifetime Roof?

No. A “lifetime limited” warranty describes coverage terms and proration, not actual service life. The number of years a roof performs comes down to climate and ventilation, along with how well the crew installed it.

How Do I File a CertainTeed Warranty Claim?

Start the claim through the CertainTeed website or its customer service line. You’ll need paperwork. Have proof of purchase, the installation date, the registration certificate and clear photos of the affected shingles ready before you call or submit online.

Can Landmark Shingles Go over an Existing Roof?

Yes, if local code allows a second layer. A full tear-off is smarter, though. Stripping the old roof exposes hidden deck damage and keeps upgraded warranty options on the table for whoever owns the house.

Conclusion

CertainTeed Landmark shingles remain a strong, mid-tier choice for US homeowners who want proven fire protection, algae resistance and flexible warranty tiers from a well-backed manufacturer. The brand question is settled. Your next decision is the product tier and the installer, and those two choices shape how well the roof performs across its service life.

Hail claims are pushing more homeowners toward Class 4 shingles such as Landmark ClimateFlex. Insurers have noticed. In storm-heavy states, carriers are paying closer attention to roof ratings than they once did.

Programs such as the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) FORTIFIED Roof standard are steering roofers toward stronger installation practices on new and replacement roofs. Codes are shifting too. Cool-roof rules in energy codes are expanding interest in reflective lines such as Landmark Solaris.

Use this CertainTeed Landmark shingles review as a checklist. Start local. Shortlist a credentialed ShingleMaster contractor and request three itemized quotes, then confirm the warranty tier in writing and test colors outdoors before signing anything.

Priya Chandrasekaran

Priya Chandrasekaran leads roofing content at RainyRoofers, covering sustainable, commercial, and residential roofing. She holds an M.S. in Sustainable Building Systems from UC Berkeley, is a LEED AP BD+C, and has 10 years of experience consulting on commercial roofing for institutional clients across California and the Pacific Northwest. She authors RainyRoofers’ recycled metal roofing, roofing materials, and LEED credits content and consults for the US Green Building Council (USGBC).