Do you want a rubberized shingle but feel overwhelmed trying to compare warranties and specs? Do all rubberized shingles seem the same on paper, making you wonder which one actually performs better in real-world conditions?
I get it. You don’t want to spend thousands on a “premium” product only to deal with granule loss, curling, or warranty exclusions a few years down the line. And with more brands now offering rubberized shingles, it’s hard to know which one truly gives you more protection for your money.
At RoofSmart, we match thousands of customers every year with the best roof for them by making recommendations based on their budget, needs, and preferences. We believe that you should understand exactly how your shingle performs in Seattle weather (including the pros and cons) before buying it.
In this article, I’ll explain why CertainTeed Northgate is my top pick for rubberized shingles in the Seattle area, based on real performance factors like thickness, algae warranty coverage, and color variety, so you can confidently decide whether it’s the right fit for your home.
All of the shingles that I mention in this article are sold by us, including the CertainTeed Northgate. I think it’s a great choice for a lot of homeowners, but that doesn’t mean that you have to get it. This article is meant to be educational and explain why we like this shingle most compared to others in its category so that you can make an informed decision.
How do you know which rubberized asphalt shingle performs best in Seattle?
Rubberized shingles are a great option for Seattle homeowners who don’t want to pay too much more for their roof, but are looking for something that is more durable and lasts longer than a typical asphalt shingle.
Rubberized shingles are becoming more popular, and now several brands offer similar options. So, how do you know which one is right for you?
First: YES, an SBS modified shingle is more durable and even self-healing:
A lot of rubberized shingles have a Class 4 impact rating and algae resistance technology. So, to help you make your decision, we wanted to focus on the features of a rubberized shingle that take it to the next level:
- Great color variety: Sometimes specialized versions of shingles don’t have a lot of color choices, leaving you with limited options. Choosing a higher level of protection for your roof shouldn’t mean losing out on the opportunity to match the aesthetic of your home. Having more color variety means that the manufacturer is offering you the most flexibility possible and shows they’re able to cater to your needs.
- Strong warranty coverage: In case there is a manufacturing defect or some kind of workmanship issue, it’s ideal to have warranty coverage. This can protect you from having to pay for damage to the roof that will likely turn into a leak in the constant Seattle rain. This can potentially save you thousands of dollars. It also shows that the manufacturer believes in their product enough to back up their claims.
- Thicker, more durable shingles: Thicker shingles last longer because they have more asphalt. This means that it will take longer for all of the asphalt to wear down. On top of that, usually with thicker shingles, the top layer of granules is embedded deeper into the asphalt, meaning that it will take longer for the granules to shed.
I chose these categories because they highlight important features that are beneficial for Seattle homeowners. In other words, being the best in these categories means that the top rubberized asphalt shingle has great benefits and protection against Seattle weather.
Why does RoofSmart recommend the CertainTeed Northgate for Seattle roofs?
The CertainTeed Norgate has a lot of great benefits, like a Class 4 impact rating and built-in algae resistance technology. But, since other rubberized asphalt shingles have similar benefits, it’s hard to tell which one performs best in Seattle weather.
To help you understand why I think the CertainTeed Northgate is the best rubberized shingle and stands out from its competitors in this Class, I’ve listed out how it meets our criteria that make it stand out from other shingles:
- Great color variety: The CertainTeed Northgate has 12 color options, giving you more color variety than top-selling competitors (Owens Corning and Malarkey). Even if you’re not super picky about colors, it’s nice to know that you’ll have plenty of options to match the aesthetic of your home.
- Strong warranty coverage: Premium warranty coverage is nice to have because it protects you from manufacturer’s defects and workmanship issues. CertainTeed’s premium warranty offers 50 years of protection against manufacturer’s defects and 25 years of protection against workmanship defects. This is great, but it is similar to what other manufacturers offer. What makes CertainTeed’s warranty coverage really stand out from its competitors is that it offers coverage for black or brown staining from algae. This is not included in any other warranties (in fact, other warranties specifically exclude coverage for shading or staining from algae. In other words, other manufacturers care about the shingle leaking. They don’t cover it “looking like crap.” But CertainTeed does.
- Thicker, more durable shingle: The CertainTeed Northgate is about 20 to 25% thicker than its competitors, yet they are all at roughly the same price point. This means that the Northgate will last longer on your roof without costing more.
How do the rubberized asphalt shingles from Malarkey and Owens Corning perform in Seattle weather?
Malarkey has a variety of options that are rubberized, but some variations of their shingles (the budget shingle and standard architectural shingle) are made as thin as possible to clear the rating hurdle.
This leads to premature granule loss and means that the shingle won’t last as long as it should. We’ve noticed during various roof inspections that their mid-weight shingle tends to get wavy (aka it looks like a cooked piece of bacon) on the roof if it’s too hot.
The Malarkey Legacy is a good product (with a Class 4 impact rating and algae resistance technology), and it’s been around for a long time.
It's very similar in construction to the Northgate, but the Malarkey warranty has so many carve-outs that I don't think they're ever going to honor it (that’s why we chose the Northgate over it).
The Owens Corning Duration Flex is another good product that’s been around for several years. Just like the Northgate, it has a Class 4 impact rating and algae resistance technology, making it a strong contender for Seattle’s wet, windy climate.
However, the Northgate is thicker than the Duration Flex by nearly 25%, meaning that the Northgate gives you a longer-lasting shingle for about the same price.
How do I know when the Northgate is a good fit for my Seattle home?
We think rubberized asphalt shingles, specifically the CertainTeed Northgate, are a great option for Seattle homeowners. However, just because we like a product doesn’t mean that it’s the right choice for everyone.
The Northgate is a good fit for you if:
- You want an asphalt shingle with elevated protection
- You want a shingle that lasts longer, but don’t have a huge budget
- You want a shingle with better impact resistance
- You’re looking for a shingle with a great color selection that is in stock
The Northgate is a bad fit for you if:
- You want the cheapest roof possible
- You want a highly specific shingle pattern
- You’re unsure if a rubberized shingle will work on your roof
Keep in mind that finding a roofing material that you like is important, but hiring a roofing contractor that you can truly trust to do a quality job is even more important. It doesn’t matter how much you love your roofing material if your roofer installs it incorrectly.
How do you know if your roofing contractor is actually qualified?
Even the best roofing product (like the CertainTeed Northgate) won’t perform as promised if it’s installed incorrectly. In fact, most roofing problems we see in the Seattle area are caused not by the shingle itself, but by poor workmanship or overlooked details during installation.
That’s why choosing the right product is only half the battle. The other half? Hiring a contractor who’s truly qualified to install it.
Read our article “Is Your Seattle Roofer Actually Good? Here’s How to Tell Before It’s Too Late” to learn what to look for in a roofing contractor (from certifications and warranties to red flags and must-ask questions) so you can avoid costly mistakes and make sure your new roof lasts as long as it should.
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