Best Asphalt Shingle Brands Compared: GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Malarkey & TAMKO

Choosing a shingle brand can feel overwhelming — every manufacturer markets itself as the toughest and longest-lasting. The truth is that all five of the major brands we'll cover here make good architectural shingles, and installation quality matters more than brand for whether your roof leaks. That said, there are real differences in warranty, hail performance, color selection, and value. Here's how the leading brands stack up for St. Louis homes, from an installer who works with them.

A Quick Word on What Actually Matters

Before comparing logos, understand this: the single biggest factor in how long your roof lasts is not the brand — it's whether the roof is installed correctly, with proper nailing, flashing, underlayment, and ventilation. A premium shingle installed poorly will fail; a mid-tier shingle installed right will outlast its warranty. Brand matters most for warranty terms, impact rating, and appearance. Keep that in perspective as you read on.

CertainTeed

CertainTeed is the brand we install most often, and the one we recommend for most St. Louis homeowners. Its Landmark architectural line is among the best-tested shingles on the market, with strong wind ratings and a deep color palette. For hail-prone areas, the Northgate line offers Class 4 impact resistance, and the Presidential Shake and Grand Manor lines deliver a premium, dimensional look. CertainTeed's SureStart and extended warranty coverage is excellent when installed by a certified contractor — which we are.

• Strengths: excellent quality, strong warranties, great color range, Class 4 options
• Best for: homeowners who want proven quality and long warranty protection

GAF

GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, and its Timberline HDZ is one of the best-selling shingles in the country. It's a reliable, widely available product with a nailing zone that helps crews install it accurately, and GAF's system warranties (through certified installers) are competitive. Timberline is a safe, popular choice you'll see on countless Missouri roofs.

• Strengths: huge availability, strong value, good warranty program, easy to source colors
• Best for: homeowners wanting a proven, widely stocked national brand

Owens Corning

Owens Corning's Duration series is known for its patented SureNail strip, a fabric reinforcement in the nailing area that improves wind resistance and installation consistency. Owens Corning also has some of the most attractive, contrast-rich color blends in the business, which matters if curb appeal is a priority. It's a strong all-around choice comparable to GAF and CertainTeed.

• Strengths: SureNail wind performance, standout color blends, solid warranties
• Best for: homeowners prioritizing wind resistance and curb appeal

Malarkey

Malarkey has earned a loyal following for building rubberized, polymer-modified asphalt into its shingles, which improves flexibility, granule adhesion, and impact resistance — genuinely useful traits in a hail market like ours. Many Malarkey products carry Class 4 impact ratings as standard, and the brand emphasizes sustainability. It's a premium-leaning choice worth considering specifically for hail durability.

• Strengths: excellent impact/hail resistance, durable polymer-modified asphalt
• Best for: homeowners focused on hail performance and long-term durability

TAMKO

TAMKO is a Missouri-born manufacturer (headquartered in Joplin), and its Heritage line is a familiar, budget-friendly architectural shingle across the region. It typically comes in at a lower price point than the premium brands, making it a reasonable value option for homeowners watching the budget who still want a dimensional shingle. As with any brand, correct installation is what makes it perform.

• Strengths: competitive pricing, regional availability, decent value
• Best for: budget-conscious projects that still want an architectural look

So Which Brand Should You Choose?

For most St. Louis homeowners, we recommend CertainTeed for its balance of quality, warranty, and Class 4 hail options — but GAF and Owens Corning are excellent, comparable choices, and you won't go wrong with either. If hail resistance is your top priority, look hard at Malarkey or CertainTeed Northgate with their Class 4 ratings, which can also earn insurance discounts. If budget is the deciding factor, TAMKO delivers a solid architectural roof for less. The most important decision isn't the brand on the wrapper — it's hiring an installer who will put it on correctly. We're happy to walk you through samples and warranty options in person. Call STLBRC at (636) 999-7663.

Does the installer matter more than the brand?

In most cases, yes. Major brands make capable architectural shingles. Many roof failures come from nailing, flashing and ventilation mistakes instead. A well-installed mid-tier shingle often outperforms a premium shingle installed carelessly. Ask each contractor which brand they install most and why.

Should you mix brands on one roof?

Usually not. Enhanced manufacturer warranties often require that brand's accessories, such as starter strip, ridge cap and underlayment. Mixing parts can reduce the coverage you are paying for. Ask the installer to list every system component by brand on the estimate, then compare it with the warranty terms on the manufacturer's site.