Choosing new roofing shingles is at the top of the most important decisions you will make for your home. Each manufacturer designs their shingles differently, and those differences affect how well your roof handles Maryland’s mix of humidity, tree cover, rainfall, and seasonal temperature swings.
This guide breaks down the five brands you will see most often on Maryland homes: GAF, Owens Corning, Tamko, CertainTeed, and Atlas. Instead of guessing, you will get a clear look at how each option performs in the categories that actually matter to homeowners.
Common Shingle Types for a Maryland Home
Before comparing the major manufacturers, it helps to understand the three main types of roofing shingles they all produce. Each brand has its own version of these categories, and the performance, weight, and features can vary. We’ll talk about those differences later, but here’s a quick look at the three types you’ll see on Maryland homes.
Three Tab Shingles
A single layer with a flat, uniform look. They are inexpensive and simple but have limited durability and shorter warranties.
Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles
The current standard for most homes. These shingles use laminated layers for better strength, depth, and weather endurance. Each manufacturer has its own architectural line with different colors and features.
Designer Shingles
Thicker, heavier shingles designed to mimic cedar or slate. These are the premium option for homeowners who want a standout roof with long life and strong wind impact resistance.
How This Comparison Works
To make the brand breakdown useful, each manufacturer is evaluated on eight real performance categories for roofing:
- Wind protection – Durability
- Longevity and construction quality
- Algae resistance
- Warranty strength
- Color selection and appearance
- Cost and value
- Tar strip design and sealing reliability
- Nailing zone size and fastening strength
These are the same categories homeowners ask about during inspections and consultations, and they determine how long a roof will truly last in Maryland.
1. Wind Protection- Durability
Owens Corning
Owens dimensional shingles use the SureNail technology, which adds a reinforced nail zone that improves fastening strength. OC publishes wind ratings of 110 to 130 mph, depending on the specific shingle line and installation method. When installed following Owens Corning high-wind application instructions, many Duration Series shingles qualify for 130 mph wind resistance.
Published wind rating: 110 to 130 mph
Key feature: SureNail technology improves holding power and nail placement accuracy
GAF
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles include the StrikeZone nailing area and LayerLock technology. When installed with the full set of required GAF accessories, HDZ shingles qualify for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, which is the first one that has no maximum wind speed limit. Without the accessory system, HDZ carries a 130 mph wind rating.
Published wind rating: up to 130 mph
Enhanced warranty: WindProven Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed when installed as a qualifying system
CertainTeed
CertainTeed’s Landmark and Landmark Pro shingles are among the heaviest in the architectural category. The additional weight and strong sealant bonds help the shingles resist movement in high winds. Landmark shingles carry a 110 mph wind coverage that can be upgraded to 130 mph when installed with CertainTeed’s enhanced roofing material system and high-wind fastening pattern.
Published wind rating: 110 mph (standard), 130 mph (enhanced install)
Key advantage: Heavy weight improves roofing stability during wind gusts
Tamko
Tamko Titan XT is one of the strongest performers in the wind category. Titan XT uses a reinforced nail zone and AnchorLock technology to keep the shingles firmly attached under extreme wind pressure. When installed according to Tamko’s high-wind application instructions, Titan XT carries a 160 mph wind warranty, one of the highest on the market.
Published wind rating: up to 160 mph
Key feature: AnchorLock reinforced fastening zone designed for high pull-through strength
Atlas
Atlas Pinnacle Pristine dimensional shingles include a standard 130 mph wind coverage when installed with the required number of nails and proper fastening pattern. While wind endurance is solid and meets industry standards, wind withstanding is not the primary differentiator for Atlas. Their standout feature is algae aversion rather than wind strength.
Published wind rating: up to 130 mph
Key feature: Standard wind performance supported by proper fastener placement and sealing
2. Longevity and Construction Quality
CertainTeed
CertainTeed dimensional shingles are the heaviest in this comparison. The thick mats, strong granule adhesion, and dense construction help them resist curling and cracking as they age.
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Typical lifespan: 25 to 50 years depending on roofing installation quality and ventilation
Landmark Pro tends to maintain its appearance longer because of higher granule density and stronger color retention.
Owens Corning
Owens asphalt shingles are known for consistent long-term endurance. The fiberglass mat and durable asphalt blend help the shingles hold shape and retain granules even after many years.
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Typical lifespan: 25 to 50 years under proper ventilation
Duration Series shingles use the SureNail reinforced fastening zone, which is designed to improve nail-pull opposition and help the shingles stay secure during high winds. This added fastening strength supports long-term performance when paired with proper installation and ventilation.
GAF
GAF shingles offer solid long-term endurance with well engineered laminations and dependable sealing. They do not reach CertainTeed’s weight, but they perform well when fully sealed and installed with the required accessories.
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Typical lifespan: 25 to 50 years depending on installation and climate conditions
Upgraded lines like Timberline UHDZ provide stronger granule adhesion for better aging.
Tamko
Tamko’s newer shingles show significant improvements compared to earlier generations. Titan XT in particular has stronger adhesion, thicker construction, and improved granule retention.
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Typical lifespan: 25 to 50 years for Heritage and Titan XT lines
Titan XT often lasts longer due to its reinforced fastening zone and improved construction.
Atlas
Atlas shingles offer good mid range longevity, especially when using their Pinnacle Pristine line. They are not as heavy as CertainTeed but hold up well for most Maryland homes.
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Typical lifespan: 20 to 50 years with proper ventilation
Granule retention is helped by the Scotchgard system, which also keeps the roof looking cleaner over time.
3. Algae Resistance
Maryland’s humidity, shade, and tree cover create ideal conditions for blue-green algae, the organism that leaves dark streaks on shingles. Algae does not typically damage the roofing shingle itself, but it makes a roof look older and darker long before the shingles wear out. Because of this, algae protection is an important factor for Maryland homeowners, especially in wooded or low-sun areas.
Atlas
Atlas Pinnacle Pristine shingles are among the strongest performers for algae control. They use the 3M Scotchgard Protector system, which relies on copper-infused granules dispersed across the entire surface. Because copper is evenly distributed, endurance lasts longer than systems that only place copper in limited zones.
Coverage: Lifetime – against black streaks when installed with required hip and ridge components.
CertainTeed
CertainTeed Landmark shingles include StreakFighter algae-resistant granules, which blend copper-containing material into the granule mix. The coverage is consistent across their Landmark and Landmark Pro lines.
Coverage: 10 to 15 years of algae aversion depending on the specific product line.
Owens Corning
Owens dimensional shingles use StreakGuard algae-resistant technology, which incorporates copper-lined granules into the surface. OC shingles hold up well in humid and shaded Maryland areas.
Coverage: 15 years of algae protection on most Duration lines.
GAF
GAF shingles use Time-Release Algae-Fight Technology on their upgraded lines. The system slowly releases copper over time for extended performance. Standard Timberline HDZ includes algae-resistant granules, while Timberline UHDZ and StainGuard Plus lines offer stronger durability.
Coverage:
• StainGuard: 10 years
• StainGuard Plus (UHDZ and select lines): 25 years
Tamko
Tamko Titan XT includes algae-resistant granules that use a blend of copper-containing minerals to slow staining. Their updated formula provides better results than their older dimensional shingles.
Coverage: 10 years of algae protection on Titan XT.
When reviewing shingle options for your Maryland home, it helps to be familiar with some of the leading national brands and manufacturers. The following companies produce quality asphalt and cedar shingles suitable for local climate conditions and architectural styles! Feel free to reach out to our team at RoofPRO for more information.
4. Warranty Strength
Manufacturer warranties matter because they protect homeowners from roofing defects, early failures, or installation-related issues. Every option offers a standard limited lifetime warranty (LLW), but the real differences show up in wind coverage, algae protection, workmanship coverage, and the enhanced roofing warranties that only apply when the shingles are installed by certified roofing contractors.
Owens Corning
Well known for having clear, easy-to-read warranty language, which homeowners often find less confusing than other manufacturers. Their wind and algae warranties are strong, and they offer enhanced security through the Preferred Protection and Platinum Protection roofing warranties when installed by certified OC contractors.
Highlights:
- Standard LLW
- 110–130 mph wind warranty with proper installation
- 15-year algae defense
- Enhanced warranties available only through Owens Corning Preferred or Platinum Contractors
- Enhanced roofing warranties extend workmanship coverage and expand wind and material protections
GAF
GAF offers some of the most recognizable enhanced roofing warranty options in the industry. Their System Plus, Silver Pledge, and Golden Pledge warranties add coverage beyond the standard limited lifetime. A roof installed by GAF Master Elite or GAF Certified contractors are eligible for extended workmanship and upgraded material protections.
Highlights:
- Standard LLW
- Wind coverage up to 130 mph (or “infinite wind speed” coverage when using Timberline HDZ with required components under the WindProven warranty)
- Algae warranties vary by line (10–25 years)
- Enhanced warranties available only through GAF Certified or Master Elite contractors
CertainTeed
CertainTeed offers some of the strongest warranties, but their documents are more technical. Their SureStart and SureStart PLUS warranties provide extended coverage, especially when installed by CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractors. CertainTeed also tends to honor roofing warranties well when proper installation documentation exists.
Highlights:
- Standard LLW
- 110–130 mph wind warranty depending on product and installation
- 10–15 years algae guarantee
- SureStart PLUS enhanced warranties only available through CertainTeed SELECT or Master Shingle Applicator contractors
- Very strong endurance, including extended workmanship coverage
Atlas
Atlas provides solid mid-tier warranties that improve significantly when homeowners use an Atlas-certified contractor and install the full Atlas Signature Select roofing system. They shine in algae warranties thanks to 3M Scotchgard.
Highlights:
- Standard LLW
- 110–130 mph wind warranty depending on product
- Lifetime algae guarantee (Scotchgard lines only)
- Enhanced warranties available through Atlas Signature Select contractors
Tamko
Tamko offers straightforward warranties that are easy to follow. Their enhanced warranties require installation by a Tamko Pro Certified Contractor, which extends certain protections and adds roofing workmanship coverage.
Highlights:
- Standard LLW
- Wind warranties generally 110 mph, or 160 mph on Titan XT
- 10-year algae guarantee
- Enhanced warranties available through Tamko Pro Certified installers
5. Color Options and Appearance
All major shingle manufacturers offer a wide range of colors, and most of them overlap in shades like Weathered Wood, Driftwood, Estate Gray, and classic Onyx Black. The differences usually come down to subtle variations in tone, granule blending, and how much contrast you prefer. Because of that, choosing a color is mostly personal preference. The best way to decide is to have your roofing contractor bring physical samples to your home so you can see how they look in your lighting, or use our online shingle color tool to preview different options on your roof.
6. Cost and Value
Pricing varies widely based on the specific line, not just the manufacturer. For example, a Tamko 25-year shingle is less than an Owens Corning 50-year architectural shingle, but the difference reflects durability, weight, wind rating, and overall performance.
When you compare equivalent product tiers across the major roofing brands, the prices fall within a similar range. Because of that, most homeowners will see bigger price differences from the contractor’s installation charge, not the brand itself.
In general, Tamko offers some of the strongest value at the lower price points, while CertainTeed tends to sit at the top of the range thanks to its heavier construction and premium roof materials.
7. Tar Strip Design and Seal Reliability
The tar strip (also called the sealant strip) is one of the most important and least understood parts of an asphalt shingle. When the sun warms the roof, this strip softens and bonds each shingle to the one below it. A strong tar strip reduces shingle lift during storms, improves wind defense, and helps the entire roof age more evenly. Each manufacturer approaches this design a little differently:CertainTeed is a trusted brand that produces quality asphalt and composite shingles. Their most popular architectural shingles include their Landmark and Independence lines. CertainTeed also makes classic 3-tab shingles, starter shingles, and other roofing accessories.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning uses a wide, consistently placed sealant strip designed to work together with the SureNail® reinforcement. Because the sealant is aligned precisely under the reinforced nail zone, the shingle bonds and fastens in the ideal location. This helps reduce early lift and improves wind defense once the shingles have time to heat-seal.
What makes it unique:
- Sealant strip pairs with the SureNail® fabric for combined mechanical + adhesive hold
- Reliable activation even in mild sunlight
- Helps maintain long-term bond and reduce edge curl
GAF
GAF’s roofing shingles use the DuraGrip™ adhesive, which is engineered for strong bonding and long-term flexibility. Its placement is optimized for the Timberline HDZ® system, where the sealing strip works alongside the StrikeZone® nailing area to create a large, consistent bonding surface.
What makes it unique:
- High-tack adhesive reduces early wind lift
- Works with the WindProven™ System for enhanced wind warranty when all components are used
- Helps maintain seal even through temperature swings
CertainTeed
CertainTeed relies on both heavy shingle weight and a dependable adhesive line located along the lower edges. Because their shingles are denser, they sit flatter, allowing the tar strip to make more consistent contact once warmed.
What makes it unique:
- Heavier mass helps the seal engage faster
- Strong lower-edge adhesive line designed to limit edge lift
- Works especially well on a roof with proper sun exposure
Tamko
Tamko’s Titan XT® architectural shingles integrate a stronger sealant formula paired with their AnchorLock™ reinforced nail zone. This design ensures that once the tar strip bonds, the fastened portion of the shingle stays anchored under high wind pressure.
What makes it unique:
- Upgraded sealant for stronger bond compared to older Heritage lines
- Designed specifically to support Titan XT’s 160 mph wind rating
- Adds extra protection in open or windy neighborhoods
Atlas
Atlas shingles feature a traditional asphalt sealant strip, but the bond strength improves significantly in their upper-tier lines such as Pinnacle® Pristine. Their focus on 3M™ Scotchgard™ granules doesn’t affect sealing, but the sealant is engineered to activate reliably and maintain adhesion over time.
What makes it unique:
- Consistent sealant placement along the lower edge
- Stronger adhesive formulas used in upgraded product tiers
- Designed to maintain hold even on shaded roofing that warm more slowly
8. Nailing Zone Design
The nailing zone (also called the “nail line”) matters far more than most homeowners realize. A larger, reinforced, and clearly defined nailing zone helps installers place nails accurately, avoid high-nailing or low-nailing, and achieve the holding power required for the wind rating listed on the packaging. Each manufacturer approaches nail-zone engineering differently.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning uses the SureNail® nailing strip, which is one of the strongest and most visible nail zones in the industry. It’s a woven, reinforced fabric strip embedded across the nailing area that provides a firm base for nail penetration and greatly reduces nail pull-through.
GAF
GAF’s StrikeZone® nailing area on Timberline HDZ shingles is one of the widest nailing zones available. The oversized target makes it easier for installers to hit the correct placement even at production speed, reducing roofing installation errors that can affect wind warranties.
CertainTeed
CertainTeed roofing shingles use a more traditional, narrower nail line. While the nailing area is smaller, CertainTeed compensates with heavier shingle weight and thicker mats that provide strong pull-through avoidance once properly installed.
Tamko
Tamko’s Titan XT® roofing shingles feature the AnchorLock™ reinforced nailing zone – an enlarged, fabric-reinforced strip designed specifically to increase pull-through strength and help it achieve its high wind rating.
Atlas
Atlas roofing shingles generally use a traditional nailing area that performs reliably when installed correctly. Their nailing zone is not reinforced like OC or Tamko, but proper installation and fastening still result in strong overall performance.
Which Brand Do We Recommend for Maryland Homes
Owens Corning
Best overall combination of fastening strength, durability, color selection, and wind defense. Excellent track record during storm events.
CertainTeed
Best choice for homeowners who want maximum longevity and a heavier, more substantial shingle.
GAF
Best for homeowners who want modern color variety and strong mid range performance.
Tamko Titan XT
Best wind rating in this group and strong overall value for the price.
Atlas Scotchgard Lines
Best choice for shaded lots or any home prone to algae streaking.
Why Work with RoofPRO for Roofing in Maryland?
Choosing the right option is only half the equation. A roof performs only as well as the contractor who installs it. RoofPRO has years of hands-on experience with every major shingle manufacturer, and we understand which products hold up best in Maryland’s humidity, seasonal storms, and winter temperature swings. We are certified with leading brands like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, and we stay current with Maryland building codes, manufacturer guidelines, and modern installation standards.
Your Trusted Choice for a Maryland Roofing Company
Our team has installed thousands of roofs across Maryland. With local roots in Maryland, RoofPRO has proudly provided exceptional roofing services for over a decade. Our expertise, professionalism, and customer satisfaction have earned us a reputation as one of the top local roofing contractors in the state! That experience gives us a clear understanding of which shingles perform best in local neighborhoods and which installation details matter most in this region. Homeowners rely on our knowledge because we have seen how different materials age over time in real Maryland conditions.You can browse our gallery of completed projects to see the quality of our installations. These real examples show the craftsmanship, care, and consistency we bring to every job.
Contact Us for a Free Estimate
If you are planning a roof replacement or new installation, contact us for a free inspection and estimate. We will evaluate your home roof, walk you through the best shingle brands, and provide a clear, detailed quote. RoofPRO offers reliable installation, fair pricing, and long-lasting results for Maryland homeowners.
