CertainTeed Landmark vs. GAF Timberline: The Best Roof for Mid-Michigan Homes
Michigan Winters Are Hard on Roofs — Choose Wisely
If you're a homeowner in Lansing, Mount Pleasant, Alma, Saginaw, Midland, or anywhere across Mid-Michigan, your roof takes a beating every single year. Ice dams, heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, and high winds are facts of life here — and the shingles protecting your home need to be up to the task.
Two of the most trusted names in asphalt roofing are CertainTeed and GAF. In this post, we'll compare their flagship products — the CertainTeed Landmark series and the GAF Timberline HDZ — so you can make a confident, informed decision.
CertainTeed Landmark: A Michigan Favorite
The CertainTeed Landmark is one of the most popular architectural shingles in North America, and it's a go-to choice for homeowners from Clare and Farwell to Flint and Bay City. Its dual-layer construction, Class A fire rating, and wide color selection make it a versatile option for almost any Michigan home.
Within the Landmark family, there are several standout products:
- Landmark PRO — Heavier and thicker than the standard Landmark, with the Max Def color palette for richer, more dimensional color. A great choice for homeowners in Owosso, Ionia, and Greenville who want a premium look at a mid-range price.
- Landmark Premium — A Class 4 Impact Resistant shingle that may qualify for insurance discounts in hail-prone areas like Lansing, Flint, and Saginaw.
- Landmark TL — A triple-laminate shingle that replicates the look of wood shake roofing. Popular in upscale neighborhoods in Okemos, Haslett, and DeWitt.
CertainTeed backs the Landmark series with their SureStart PLUS warranty — non-prorated for the first 10 years, which means full replacement value rather than depreciated cost.
GAF Timberline HDZ: America's Best-Selling Shingle
The GAF Timberline HDZ has earned its place as the top-selling roofing shingle in the country. The LayerLock Technology mechanically bonds shingles at the nailing zone, providing wind resistance up to 130 mph. For homeowners in storm-prone areas like Big Rapids, Howard City, Lake Isabella, and Coleman, that kind of wind rating matters.
GAF's lineup also includes:
- Timberline CS (Cool Series) — Reflects solar heat to reduce attic temperatures. Smart for homeowners in Lansing, East Lansing, and Mason focused on energy efficiency.
- Camelot II — A premium designer shingle that mimics slate roofing. Popular in Okemos, Haslett, and Grand Ledge.
- Royal Sovereign — A reliable three-tab option for budget-conscious homeowners in communities like St. Johns, Stanton, or Edmore.
GAF's Golden Pledge warranty (available through certified contractors) offers 50-year non-prorated coverage — one of the strongest warranties in the roofing industry.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | CertainTeed Landmark | GAF Timberline HDZ |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Resistance | 110 mph standard | Up to 130 mph (LayerLock) |
| Impact Resistance | Landmark Premium (Class 4) | Timberline HDZ IR |
| Premium Option | Landmark TL | Camelot II |
| Top Warranty | SureStart PLUS (10-yr non-prorated) | Golden Pledge (50-yr non-prorated) |
| Energy Option | Landmark light colors | Timberline CS Cool Series |
Which Is Right for Your Home?
Both are excellent products. The right choice depends on your home, your budget, and your priorities. At Energy Plus Home Improvements, we're experienced with both product lines and can walk you through the pros and cons for your specific home — with no pressure and no upselling.
Free Roof Inspections Across Mid-Michigan
We serve homeowners throughout the region including Alma, St. Louis, Ithaca, Shepherd, Mount Pleasant, Clare, Midland, Saginaw, Bay City, Lansing, East Lansing, Flint, Owosso, Ionia, Greenville, Big Rapids, Beaverton, Gladwin, and all surrounding communities. Contact us today for a free roof inspection and estimate.
