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struggling to decide between Tamko and CertainTeed shingles—anyone have thoughts?

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puzzle_cloud
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I'm glad someone brought up installation quality because honestly, that's been my biggest worry. I'm a first-time homeowner and just had to replace my roof last summer—talk about stressful. I spent weeks researching shingles, warranties, and all that stuff, but in the end, it really did come down to the installer.

I ended up going with CertainTeed Landmark shingles mainly because my neighbor had them installed a few years back and they still look great. But here's the thing...the installer I chose was recommended by a friend who swore by their work. They weren't the cheapest quote I got (ouch), but they took their time, explained everything clearly, and didn't rush through the job. So far, no leaks or issues, even after some pretty nasty storms.

That said, my cousin went with Tamko Heritage shingles around the same time. He found a cheaper installer online and, well...let's just say he's already had to call them back twice for minor repairs. Not sure if that's the shingles' fault or the installer's, but it definitely made me feel better about spending a bit more on installation.

Warranty-wise, I agree CertainTeed seems to have a slight edge, but from what I've read and heard from others, both brands are pretty solid if they're installed properly. Honestly, I'd say spend more time vetting your installer than worrying too much about brand differences. Ask around locally, check reviews, maybe even drive by some houses they've done recently. It feels like a hassle at first, but trust me—it's worth it to avoid headaches down the road.

Good luck with your decision...I know it's not easy!

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luckye96
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You make a good point about installation quality being crucial, but I'd argue that brand differences can matter more than people realize. I've worked with both CertainTeed and Tamko shingles, and while both are decent, I've noticed some consistent differences in performance over time.

For instance, Tamko shingles tend to be a bit lighter and easier to handle during installation, which installers appreciate. But from what I've seen, CertainTeed's heavier weight and thicker construction often translate into better durability against wind uplift and hail damage. I've been on roofs after storms where Tamko shingles showed noticeable granule loss or minor damage, while CertainTeed roofs nearby held up better.

Of course, installation quality is key—no argument there—but don't completely dismiss brand differences. If you're in an area prone to severe weather, the extra durability of CertainTeed might justify the slightly higher cost. Just something else to consider before making your final decision...

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aarons86
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Yeah, I've had both brands on different houses over the years, and I'd mostly agree with your take. Tamko shingles definitely felt easier to handle—my installer even joked he'd charge me extra next time if I went back to CertainTeed, haha. But honestly, after a couple nasty hailstorms, the CertainTeed roof held up noticeably better. So, while installation matters big-time, brand does play a role, especially if your area's prone to rough weather...just my two cents.

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georgem65
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Totally get what you're saying about CertainTeed holding up better in rough weather, but did you notice a big price difference between the two? I'm all for durability, but my wallet might disagree, lol... Curious how much extra peace of mind costs.

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charlien85
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"Curious how much extra peace of mind costs."

Yeah, that's always the tricky part. When I replaced my roof a couple years back, CertainTeed was definitely pricier—maybe around 15-20% more than Tamko, depending on your area and installer. But considering the warranty differences and potential lifespan, it might balance out long-term. Have you checked if your insurance offers any discounts for higher-rated shingles? Sometimes that can offset the upfront cost a bit...

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