TL;DR: Summary
The CertainTeed Landmark ClimateFlex is a polymer-modified (rubberized) asphalt shingle designed specifically for durability in climates like Seattle’s.
By mixing rubber with asphalt, CertainTeed created a shingle that is more flexible, impact-resistant, and longer-lasting than standard shingles, typically adding 5 years of life for only a 5% price increase. While it handles cold-weather installations and minor debris better than standard Landmark shingles, it still requires regular maintenance to prevent moss and moisture from deteriorating the asphalt components.
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.
Here are the color options:
What are the pros and cons of the Landmark Climateflex?
The Landmark ClimateFlex 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 heat: Since the Landmark ClimateFlex is an asphalt shingle with rubber mixed in, it still behaves like an asphalt shingle does in high heat. It will get "runny" faster. In practice this only matters if you're walking on the roof at those times, because it will be easier to scuff.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes ClimateFlex different from a standard Landmark shingle?
Standard shingles are made of rigid asphalt, while Landmark ClimateFlex shingles are polymer-modified. This means they have rubber mixed into the asphalt, making them "bouncier," more flexible, and harder to crack during Seattle's cold winter months.
2. How much longer does a ClimateFlex roof last?
While typical asphalt shingles last about 25 years, the added rubber in ClimateFlex shingles extends their lifespan to approximately 30 to 35 years, provided the roof is kept clear of debris and moss.
3. Is the ClimateFlex shingle hail-rated?
Yes. The rubberized composition gives it high impact resistance (Class 4), allowing it to handle hits from hail or small falling branches better than standard shingles. While hail isn't common in Seattle, this durability helps prevent the scuffs and cracks that lead to early leaks.
4. Can ClimateFlex be installed in the winter?
Yes. One of the biggest benefits for Seattle homeowners is cold-weather flexibility. Unlike standard shingles that become brittle and can crack if nailed during a freeze, ClimateFlex stays pliable, allowing for safe year-round installation.
5. Why do rubberized shingles have less granule loss?
Granules provide UV protection for the asphalt. In rubberized shingles, the granules are embedded deeper into the pliable surface. This prevents them from shedding into your gutters, which is the primary way asphalt roofs thin out and fail over time.
6. Is ClimateFlex a "luxury" shingle?
No, it is considered a performance upgrade to an architectural shingle. It offers better durability than the base Landmark line without the massive price tag of luxury designer shingles or Euroshield rubber roofing.
7. How do I know if my ClimateFlex roof is leaking or just has condensation?
Because these shingles are so durable, water appearing in your attic is often an airflow issue rather than a shingle failure. It is important to tell the difference between a roof leak and condensation before assuming your shingles have failed.
8. Does ClimateFlex perform better on a roof with a low slope?
No. Like all asphalt shingles, ClimateFlex should only be used on slopes of 4:12 or higher. If your roof is flatter than that, you should look into flat and low-sloped roofing options like TPO or PVC to avoid leaks.
9. Will a manufacturer’s warranty cover damage from tree debris?
No. Even high-quality shingles like ClimateFlex will fail if wet pine needles and leaves are allowed to sit on them. You must understand if a manufacturer’s warranty actually protects your roof or if it excludes damage caused by lack of maintenance.
10. Do I need to remove my gutter guards to install ClimateFlex shingles?
If you are doing a full tear-off and replacement, your gutter system may be impacted. If you have premium protection, you should check if MasterShield guards need to be removed during a roof replacement to ensure your new shingles and your gutter warranty stay intact.
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