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CertainTeed Shingles Overview: Which One Is Right For Me?

5 min read

By Jim Singleterry

TL;DR: Summary

 Choosing the right CertainTeed shingle depends on balancing your budget with the specific needs of the Seattle climate. Standard Architectural shingles like the Landmark AR offer a budget-friendly, dual-layer design with built-in algae resistance.

Premium Luxury shingles, such as the Grand Manor or Presidential Shake TL, provide a thicker, multi-layered profile that realistically mimics slate or cedar shake. For maximum durability, Rubberized Asphalt shingles like the NorthGate ClimateFlex use SBS-modified technology to offer superior impact resistance and flexibility in cold weather. 

Are you trying to figure out the difference between all the CertainTeed shingles on the market? Wondering which features you actually need to protect your home from the Seattle rain?

At RoofSmart, we help hundreds of customers every year sort through their options and find the right shingle type for their roof. We choose a handful of options based on your budget and preferences, and the needs we’ve identified in your roof. 

That way, you get expert-level recommendations, but the decision is still yours. 

In this article, we’ll divide the CertainTeed shingles available in the Seattle area into clear categories to explain their features and how they differ from one another. By the end, you’ll know exactly which shingle is the best fit for your budget, style, and long-term roofing needs.

Table of Contents: 


What types of shingles does CertainTeed offer?

CertainTeed has a wide variety of shingle options available for Seattle homeowners to purchase. It can be difficult to understand the difference between each shingle because they all have similar descriptions on the website. 

CertainTeed does have a feature that lets you select up to 4 shingles so that you can compare their features. However, there are not enough details to really make any distinctions. 

For example, we selected 3 shingles with different features, but according to the comparison chart, they are all the same: 

To help make it easier to compare the shingles and their features, this article will organize the shingles by splitting them into three categories: 

  • Standard Architectural Shingles
  • Premium Architectural Shingles
  • Rubberized Asphalt Shingles

Within each category, the shingles will be compared to one another so that you understand what the difference is between each one. 

Standard Architectural Shingles

These are architectural shingles made with standard fiberglass asphalt. Standard architectural shingles are most commonly chosen by Seattle homeowners because they are the best budget-friendly option. Note that nearly all of these have AR, or Algae Resistance, incorporated in the shingle.

1. Landmark® AR

1Landmark® AR


The Landmark shingle is CertainTeed’s baseline architectural shingle. It has a dual-layer design with the standard features that CertainTeed offers for architectural shingles (like algae resistance and Class A fire rating). It is the most affordable, baseline Landmark variation.

2. Landmark® Solaris®

Landmark® Solaris® 
2Landmark® Solaris® 
Landmark® Solaris® 

The Landmark Solaris is like a standard Landmark shingle, but it is also infused with cool roof granules. Unlike other Landmark shingles, it does a better job of reflecting solar energy for better energy efficiency in hot weather.

3. Landmark® PRO 


The Landmark PRO is about a 20% heavier, thicker version of Landmark with “Max Def” color options and upgraded stain protection. It stands out by offering a bolder aesthetic and longer lifespan. Basically, the colors have more contrast between them, so it gives it more definition.

4. Patriot XL 


The Patriot XL has oversized shingle tabs that give it a unique look. The “Patriot” was a different shingle that was discontinued in 2024, but CertainTeed wanted to reuse the trademark, so this entirely new asphalt shingle formulation is called Patriot XL.

This will be confusing, depending on whether you look at other sites and their information is out of date. It’s a brand-new shingle for CertainTeed in 2025. It’s an entry-level, builder-grade shingle with limited colors. It meets all the same ASTM ratings as needed for a shingle. Too new to take a stand on for us. 

Premium Asphalt Shingles

These luxury shingles are designed to have a classy, elevated appearance mimicking slate or cedar shake, and typically have higher weight, thicker profiles, and enhanced aesthetics.

5. Landmark® Premium 


The Landmark Premium shingle is about 10% thicker and more durable than Landmark PRO. It has more granule depth and superior weather resistance, making it ideal for harsher climates (like Seattle windstorms).

7. Landmark® TL 


The “TL” in Landmark TL stands for “Triple Laminate”, meaning that this version of Landmark adds a third layer of laminated strip shingles. This gives it a richer, more dimensional shake look and added durability over the Landmark and Landmark PRO shingles.

It allows for the thickest architectural shingle on the market without oversaturating the sandwich, so to speak.

8. Highland Slate®


Highland Slate is an architectural shingle designed to resemble slate. Compared to Landmark variants, it features a refined, chiseled-edge appearance and deeper shadow lines. This is a good option if you like the look of slate but don’t have room in the budget for the real thing. 

This shingle is on special order in the Seattle market.

9. Grand Manor® 


The Grand Manor features randomly placed tabs and deep shadow lines to give it a true slate look. It stands out among other CertainTeed shingles for its ultra-thick, layered construction and dramatic curb appeal. This is the heaviest shingle on the market at over 500lbs per 100 sq ft, which is more than twice as heavy as a standard 30-year shingle. 

It is on special order in the Seattle market.

10. Carriage House® 


The Carriage House has a scalloped slate design and heavy shadowing. This gives it an elegant, Victorian-style slate appearance, making it the complete opposite of the square-cut Grand Manor. This is a popular option on the East Coast, but it is available for Seattle-area residents to purchase.

It is on special order in the Seattle market.

11. Presidential Shake® 


The Presidential Shake shingle imitates the look of cedar shake. It is designed with random-cut tabs and deep shadow lines to achieve this aesthetic. It is lighter and less layered than the TL version, but with strong visual texture.

12. Presidential Shake® TL 
The Presidential Shake TL is the triple-laminate version of Presidential Shake, offering enhanced thickness and dimensionality. It delivers the most authentic shake look in CertainTeed’s lineup.

It’s the gold standard for this style of shingle: it’s often imitated by other brands, but can’t be copied due to the patent on the triple laminate construction. It’s the thickest without oversaturating the layers. It’s a great shingle for Seattle weather.

Rubberized Asphalt Shingles

Rubberized shingles are like regular asphalt shingles but with added rubber to make them more durable. The shingles listed in this article use CertainTeed’s ClimateFlex® rubberized asphalt technology, making them more flexible, impact-resistant, and better suited to extreme weather.

12. Landmark® ClimateFlex® 
The Landmark ClimateFlex shingle has the same look and price point as the standard Landmark, but it is enhanced with rubber-modified asphalt. This makes it more flexible and hail-resistant than standard Landmark, without the luxury price.

This is a new formulation for 2025. This shingle is becoming very popular for its balance of cost and value.

13. NorthGate® ClimateFlex® 


The Northgate ClimateFlex is CertainTeed’s premium rubberized architectural shingle. Heavier than Landmark ClimateFlex with deeper shadow lines and improved cold-weather performance, it’s basically Landmark Pro with rubber added.

How do I know which CertainTeed shingle is right for me? 

In order to choose the best shingle for your home, you need to know what your budget, preferences, and needs are. This will help you narrow down your priorities. 

For example, are you looking for the lowest cost option? Or do you want the longest-lasting asphalt shingle available? Make sure that you’re looking for shingles that have all or most of the features and benefits that you’re looking for. 

To make this comparison more efficient, here’s a table that lists out all of the available shingle options from CertainTeed and their key features. 

Category

Shingle Name

Cost

Weather Resistance

Slate Appearance

Cedar Shake Appearance

Impact Resistance

Standard Architectural Shingles

Landmark® AR

$$

X

X

X

 

Landmark® Solaris®

$$

X

X

X

 

Landmark® PRO

$$

X

X

X

 

Patriot XL

$$

X

X

X

Premium Luxury Shingles

Landmark® Premium

$$$

X

X

X

 

Landmark® TL

$$$

X

X

 

Highland Slate®

$$$

X

X

 

Grand Manor®

$$$$

X

X

 

Carriage House®

$$$$

X

X

 

Presidential Shake®

$$$$

X

X

 

Presidential Shake® TL

$$$$

X

X

Rubberized Asphalt Shingles

Landmark® ClimateFlex®

$$$

X

X

Class 4

 

NorthGate® ClimateFlex®

$$$

X

X

Class 4

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for a New Roof in the Seattle Area?

Understanding your roofing options is only half the equation; knowing what they actually cost is just as important when planning your project. 

Prices can vary dramatically depending on materials, labor, and the unique conditions of your home, especially in the Seattle area where higher labor costs play a role. 

In our article “How Much Does a Roof Cost in 2025? Prices for Seattle Homeowners”, we break down the real numbers so you know what to expect before you commit. From budget-friendly choices to premium upgrades, you’ll see how each option impacts your final price and what’s worth investing in for long-term performance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do CertainTeed shingles actually last?

Most CertainTeed architectural shingles last about 25–30 years. Premium lines like the Presidential Shake TL or Northgate can last longer, provided they are installed with proper attic ventilation.

2. Are CertainTeed shingles impact-resistant?

Yes, specific lines like Landmark ClimateFlex and NorthGate are rated Class 4, the highest rating for hail and impact resistance. This is ideal for homes with overhanging trees.

3. What is the difference between Landmark and Landmark PRO?

Landmark PRO is roughly 20% heavier and thicker than the standard Landmark. It also features "Max Def" color technology, which provides higher contrast and a more defined look on the roof.

4. What does "AR" stand for in CertainTeed shingles?

It stands for Algae Resistance. In Seattle’s damp climate, this feature helps prevent the black streaks caused by blue-green algae, though it does not permanently stop moss growth.

5. Is the Landmark Solaris worth the extra cost?

Landmark Solaris is infused with cool-roof granules designed to reflect solar energy. It is an excellent choice for improving energy efficiency in homes that get significant direct sun exposure.

6. How much does it cost to install 50-year shingles vs. 30-year shingles?

While the material cost is higher, the total project cost often only increases by 10-15%. You can find a full breakdown in our guide on the cost to install 30-year vs. 50-year shingles in Seattle.

7. How do I know if my roofer is certified to offer the best CertainTeed warranty?

Only CertainTeed PREMIER ShingleMasters can offer the highest levels of warranty protection. Learn how to verify your contractor in our guide on who will be working on your roof and how they are qualified.

8. Can I get a shingle that looks exactly like wood shake?

Yes, the Presidential Shake TL is the gold standard for this. You can compare it to other brands in our CertainTeed vs. GAF vs. Owens Corning shake imitation guide.

9. What happens if I choose a budget shingle instead of a premium one?

Budget shingles are a great short-term fix, but they may lack the durability needed for Seattle's windstorms. Read about whether budget shingles are worth it in Seattle.

10. How do I choose between CertainTeed and other major brands?

Each manufacturer has different strengths. Check out our Owens Corning vs. GAF vs. CertainTeed standard shingle comparison to see which fits your home best.

Jim Singleterry

Jim Singleterry is the founder of RoofSmart™ and a leading authority in the American roofing and gutter industry. A second-generation builder, Jim was raised on his father’s job sites in California, developing a foundational "boots-on-the-ground" expertise before earning a Computer Science degree from Washington State University. Jim is what happens when you combine technical, data-driven precision with the grit of a master tradesman. While he spent years in leadership at industry giants like LeafFilter® and founded the Seattle market's premier gutter company, Leafless in Seattle®, his true differentiator is his relentless commitment to the field. Over the last 15 years, Jim has personally consulted on over 3,000 individual projects—maintaining a staggering pace of 200 personal site visits per year. This deep, hands-on data set allows Jim to provide homeowners with "expert-biased" advice that most contractors simply cannot match. He doesn't just manage projects; he diagnoses them with a level of technical accuracy rarely seen in the trades. An Amazon Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Jim co-authored Empathy and Understanding in Business with legendary FBI negotiator Chris Voss, bringing the art of tactical empathy to the home improvement experience. As a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Roofing Contractors of Washington (RCAW), Jim continues to lead RoofSmart™ with a simple, uncompromising mission: providing the Competence, Integrity, and Value that every homeowner deserves.

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