You're definitely on the right track here. I've managed properties with both CertainTeed and Tamko shingles, and honestly, your points are spot-on. Installation quality is absolutely critical—I've seen premium shingles fail prematurely because someone decided to cut corners on ventilation or flashing. It's like buying a fancy sports car and then putting cheap tires on it... doesn't matter how good the engine is if you're sliding all over the road.
I do have a soft spot for CertainTeed's Landmark line, though. Had a property hit by some nasty hail a few years back, and those shingles held up surprisingly well compared to neighboring roofs. The insurance adjuster even joked that we must've bribed Mother Nature. On the flip side, I've had Tamko roofs that performed just fine too—maybe a bit more granule loss as you mentioned, but nothing catastrophic.
The environmental angle is interesting too. I wasn't aware of CertainTeed's recycling initiatives until recently, but it's nice to see companies taking steps in that direction. Not everyone cares about sustainability, but if you're leaning green, that's definitely a point in their favor.
At the end of the day, you're already doing exactly what you should be—researching thoroughly and weighing your priorities carefully. Roofing decisions can feel overwhelming (trust me, been there), but you're clearly thinking this through logically. Just remember: once you've got a solid installer lined up, either brand will serve you well.
And hey, worst-case scenario... at least you'll have something interesting to talk about at neighborhood BBQs when everyone else is stuck discussing lawn fertilizer brands again.
You're spot-on about installation quality being the real game changer. I've seen roofs with mid-range shingles last decades because the installer knew their stuff, while premium shingles failed early due to sloppy workmanship. Personally, I've had good experiences with Tamko's Heritage line—solid performance overall, though I agree about the granule loss. CertainTeed's recycling initiatives are impressive, though... definitely something to consider if sustainability matters to you. Either way, sounds like you're already making a thoughtful choice.
You're definitely on the right track emphasizing installation quality. When I bought my first home, I stressed about shingle brands too, but honestly, a knowledgeable roofer made all the difference. Seems like you're already weighing the right factors—trust your instincts on this one.
Have you thought about warranty specifics at all? Both brands have solid options, but CertainTeed tends to edge out Tamko slightly on warranty coverage. Either way, you're smart to prioritize installation—seen plenty of fancy shingles fail from sloppy installs...
Warranty matters, but honestly, installation's your real make-or-break factor. I've managed properties with both brands—CertainTeed may have a slight edge warranty-wise, but Tamko performs solidly if installed right. Go with a trusted installer...that's your best insurance policy.
