CertainTeed Landmark vs. Landmark ClimateFlex: What’s the Difference?

Are you trying to decide between CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark ClimateFlex shingles, but worried you’ll spend thousands more on an upgrade that won’t make a meaningful difference for your roof? Or are you concerned that choosing the less expensive Landmark shingle could mean giving up durability, impact resistance, or years of roof life that would have made the added cost worthwhile?

At RoofSmart, we install hundreds of asphalt shingle roofs every year throughout the Seattle area, and we know that the more expensive shingle isn’t automatically the right choice for every homeowner. The best option depends on your budget, when your roof is being installed, and how much you value the additional durability and longevity that come with a rubberized asphalt shingle.

In this article, I’ll compare CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark ClimateFlex shingles, including their materials, durability, impact resistance, lifespan, color options, and cost. I’ll also explain when you’re likely to benefit from upgrading to ClimateFlex and when the standard Landmark is a good fit.

CertainTeed Landmark vs. Landmark ClimateFlex

What are the benefits of choosing a CertainTeed Landmark series shingle?

Whether you choose the Landmark or the Landmark ClimateFlex, you will still get a lot of the same benefits. This includes:

• Algae resistance technology: All the Landmark series shingles are equipped with copper-infused granules that are used to prevent algae growth. This is a common tactic used by asphalt shingle manufacturers to keep their product from growing algae. It does help to prevent algae growth, but in the damp, rainy climate that we have in the Seattle area, it’s still possible for these shingles to grow algae eventually. However, it doesn’t hurt to choose a shingle that has copper granules.
• Access to a premium warranty: Depending on if you hire a certified contractor, you may be eligible for CertainTeed's strongest warranty level. Even if you don’t qualify for the highest warranty option, you still have a variety of options to choose from, all offering good protection.
• Class A fire resistance: Both the Landmark and Landmark ClimateFlex are advertised as Class A fire-rated shingles. This rating means that they have the best resistance to catching fire and spreading flames.

The Landmark Series shingles are all built similarly, so for the most part they have the same general benefits and function. Despite that, there are still a few key differences between the Landmark and Landmark ClimateFlex shingles.

How is the CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex shingle different than the Landmark shingle?

The biggest distinction between the Landmark and the Landmark ClimateFlex is that the Landmark is made with the standard asphalt mixture, while the Landmark ClimateFlex is made of polymer-modified asphalt (aka rubberized asphalt).

This gives the Landmark ClimateFlex these additional benefits:

• Extra Flexibility: Adding rubber into the asphalt mix makes the shingles more flexible than the standard Landmark. This makes a huge difference in colder temperatures. For example, the Landmark shingle is more brittle and prone to cracking if it is installed in colder temperatures (below 40 degrees). This puts the roof at risk of leaks or other issues. But the polymer-modified asphalt shingles are more flexible, even in colder temperatures. So you can install the ClimateFlex shingles in colder climates without the same worry about cracking.

• Added Durability: Adding rubber to asphalt shingles makes them bouncier, which gives them better durability and impact resistance. So, if a tree branch hits your roof, then the rubberized shingles are more likely to handle it better. It gives you some extra protection without straying too far from the lower price of asphalt shingles. The Landmark has a Class 3 impact rating, whereas the Landmark ClimateFlex has a Class 4 impact rating.

• Extended Lifespan: With rubberized shingles, you get the potential for an extra 5 to 10 years of life on your shingles. Standard shingles (like the Landmark) only last 15 to 25 years in Seattle’s rainy climate, so choosing the ClimateFlex shingle can help you push back the replacement date.

There is one drawback to the Landmark ClimateFlex:

• Prone to scuffing in hot weather: The softer material of the Landmark ClimateFlex is more prone to scuffing on hot days. This is also a concern on the Landmark shingle, but the Landmark ClimateFlex is more prone to scuffing.

The Landmark has 21 color options, but the Landmark ClimateFlex only has 10. A lot of the options are the same color, but all of the colors look slightly different on each shingle. It’s not a drastic difference, but it is something to keep in mind if you’re particularly interested in the aesthetics.

Here’s what each shingle looks like in the shade Burnt Sienna:

What is the cost difference between the CertainTeed Landmark and the CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex?

One other major difference between the Landmark and Landmark ClimateFlex is that the ClimateFlex costs more. On average, I’ve noticed that choosing the ClimateFlex option over the standard Landmark options adds about 5% to the total project cost.

Typically, the Landmark ClimateFlex costs a few thousand dollars more than the standard Landmark shingles. It does add to the total cost, but you also get some additional benefits that you cannot get from regular asphalt shingles.

When is the CertainTeed Landmark the right fit for your home?

The CertainTeed Landmark shingle is a good option for you if:

• You’re looking for a low-cost roofing material
• You like the look and features of basic shingles
• You are happy with the protection that basic shingles offer

In most cases, Seattle homeowners are looking for a basic shingle, so the Landmark is a good fit for their budget and needs.

When is the CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex the right fit for your home?

The CertainTeed Landmark shingle is a good option for you if:

• You want a shingle with more longevity
• You need to install your shingles in the winter
• You want better protection for your roof without too much extra cost
• You like the look of it better than the standard Landmark

In some cases, Seattle homeowners want a shingle with extra durability and longevity, but don’t want to upgrade to more expensive alternatives. This makes the Landmark ClimateFlex a good option for them.

Is CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex worth the extra cost for your Seattle roof?

Choosing between CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark ClimateFlex ultimately comes down to how much additional durability and longevity you want from your asphalt shingle roof.

The standard Landmark is a solid choice for Seattle homeowners who want a more affordable, traditional asphalt shingle, while ClimateFlex offers greater flexibility, a Class 4 impact rating, and the potential for a longer lifespan.

The tradeoff is cost. Upgrading to ClimateFlex can add around 5% to the total roofing project. This can mean spending a few thousand dollars more, so it’s reasonable to wonder whether those added benefits will actually be worth it for your home.

Read our article “Comprehensive Review Of CertainTeed’s Landmark ClimateFlex Shingle” for a closer look at how this shingle performs, its advantages and drawbacks, and whether we think it’s worth installing on a Seattle-area home.