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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
The Northgate is a bad fit for you if:
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.
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.