Are you looking for a shingle that will actually hold up in Seattle’s wet, debris-heavy environment (but without jumping to a premium-priced roof)? Are you wondering if the Landmark ClimateFlex is worth the upgrade over standard Landmark shingles?
At RoofSmart, we help hundreds of customers each year find the roofing material that’s best for them based on their budget, needs, and preferences. We often recommend the Landmark ClimateFlex because it is durable and lasts longer than a standard shingle.
We believe it’s important to know what you’re getting into before choosing a shingle. This article is our honest, in-depth review of the Landmark ClimateFlex based on what we’ve seen to help you make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
In this article, you’ll learn how CertainTeed’s Landmark ClimateFlex compares to standard asphalt shingles, what makes it unique (and where it falls short), and whether it’s the right fit for your specific needs and budget in Seattle’s rainy, tree-covered neighborhoods.
What is the CertainTeed Landmark Climateflex made of?
CertainTeed’s Landmark ClimateFlex is one of many shingles in their “Landmark” category. Other options include the regular Landmark, the Landmark Pro, the Landmark Premium, and the Landmark Presidential TL.
All of these options are different versions of asphalt shingles. What makes the Landmark ClimateFlex stand out from CertainTeed’s other Landmark shingles is that it has rubber mixed in with the asphalt (it’s polymer-modified). In other words, it is the rubberized version of the Landmark, which is CertainTeed’s standard shingle.
It can be used on roofs with a slope of 4:12 or higher. Anything less than that is at risk of leaking in the rainy Seattle weather.
What are the pros and cons of the Landmark Climateflex?
Since the Presidential Landmark TL is a rubberized shingle, we think it has a lot of great benefits, such as:
- Longevity: Typical asphalt shingles only last around 25 years, but the Landmark ClimateFlex will usually last around 30 to 35 years. Keep in mind that the amount of time that your shingles last depends on the environment that they’re in. Although rubberized shingles are more resistant to the damp Seattle climate, it can take a toll if you live around a lot of trees.
- Impact resistance: The rubber added to the shingles makes them bouncier. This comes in handy when objects hit the roof. A regular shingle might scuff, crack, or dent when hit, but the Landmark ClimateFlex holds up better than a regular shingle (it’s better than a regular shingle, but it doesn’t take hits as well as a fully rubber shingle like Euroshield). This can make a difference in areas that get a lot of hail, but we really don’t have that issue here in the Seattle area.
- Less granule loss: The granules on a rubberized shingle, like the Landmark ClimateFlex, are embedded into the shingle deeper than on a regular shingle. This prevents granule loss (which leads to micro tears and leaks).
- Flexibility: The rubber in the shingles makes them more flexible, meaning that they are resistant to cracking in cold weather. This means that you can install them in the winter months without worrying about it damaging the shingles if it’s too cold.
However, every shingle has its drawbacks. Here are some of the problems we’ve noticed with the Landmark ClimateFlex shingles:
- Higher cost: A lot of Seattle homeowners are looking for the most affordable option. This is not it. That being said, it’s not too much more than your average shingle. Typically, the Landmark ClimateFlex costs about 4% or 5% more than an average asphalt shingle. With today’s average cost of asphalt shingle installation in Seattle sitting at $35,000, it’s only a few thousand more for a rubberized version.
- Will deteriorate faster with excessive moisture: Since the Landmark ClimateFlex is an asphalt shingle with rubber mixed in, it still behaves like an asphalt shingle does in moisture. For example, a lot of homes in the Seattle area are surrounded by trees that drop leaves, pine needles, and other debris onto the roof. When this debris gets wet and sits on the roof for a while, it traps in moisture and deteriorates the roof faster. You have to clear off the roof regularly to keep it in good condition.
Aside from the regular downsides, we have not seen any issues or had any customer complaints about the Landmark ClimateFlex. We think that it works great for the fairly low price point.
When is the CertainTeed Landmark Climateflex a good fit for homes in the Seattle area?
If a customer is considering getting a Landmark shingle, we recommend that they upgrade to the Landmark ClimateFlex, making it our top-selling CertainTeed shingle.
Here are some scenarios when it’s a good fit for you:
- Longer lasting for a small price increase: It’s a good fit for you if you want a shingle that lasts longer than a standard shingle, but don’t have room in your budget for a luxury shingle or other more expensive premium roofing materials. In this economy, getting an extra 5 years out of your shingles for a 5% price increase is a good tradeoff.
- You’ll be in your house for 10+ more years: After 10 or more years, the slow aging characteristics of the Landmark ClimateFlex will kick in, and you’ll notice the benefits of having a roof material that lasts longer than standard shingles.
When is the Landmark Climateflex not a good fit?
As much as we like the Landmark ClimateFlex, we understand that it’s not the right choice for everyone.
If you’re looking for the cheapest roof material out there, then the Landmark ClimateFlex is not a good fit for you. It’s not crazy expensive, but there are other asphalt shingle options out there that cost less.
Are rubberized asphalt shingles really worth the extra cost?
After learning what sets CertainTeed’s Landmark ClimateFlex apart, you may be wondering if this type of shingle truly delivers long-term value for your Seattle home. While it offers several key advantages, it’s still just one option in the growing category of rubberized asphalt shingles.
So how does it compare overall?
Your next step is to read “Rubberized Asphalt Shingles: Are They Worth It for Your Roof?” for a full breakdown of what makes rubberized shingles different, how they perform in real-world conditions, and whether the benefits outweigh the price, especially in a wet, debris-heavy environment like the Pacific Northwest.
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