GAF vs. Owens Corning: Which Roofing Brand Is Better for NJ Homes?

“Two heavyweight roofing brands. One New Jersey climate. Which performs better here — and which is the right pick for your home?”

Choosing between GAF and Owens Corning for your roof isn’t just about marketing or looks — it’s about performance, warranties, and what works in South Jersey’s weather. As a certified installer of both, T.A. Hughes Roofing has side-by-side experience. In this article, you’ll get:

• A head-to-head feature comparison

• How each brand handles NJ-specific challenges

• Warranty breakdowns and installation caveats

• Situations where one may be better than the other

• What to ask your contractor

• Our recommendation framework

Let’s dive in.

1. Feature Comparison: GAF vs. Owens Corning

Below is a side-by-side feature table to help you compare the two at a glance:

2. In-Depth Brand Analysis in Context of NJ

GAF Strengths for NJ Homes

• Because GAF is headquartered in NJ (Parsippany) and has strong East Coast logistics, replacement parts and matching colors are often easier to source.

• Timberline HDZ incorporates LayerLock™ technology, DuraGrip adhesive, enabling high nailing accuracy and better wind resistance. GAF

• The WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty offers no maximum wind limit if installed with the proper accessory combination (starter strip, deck protection, ridge cap, and ventilation) GAF

• Strong warranty ecosystem: when paired with qualifying products, you can qualify for lifetime limited warranties and enhanced coverage (Golden Pledge, Silver Pledge) GAF

• Better algae protection in humid climates via StainGuard™ / StainGuard Plus warranties (25-year etc.) GAF

Potential trade-offs / cautions:

• To unlock full warranties, installation must meet GAF’s strict accessory and configuration requirements

• Some warranties are prorated over time depending on product and accessory usage GAF Documents

Owens Corning Strengths for NJ Homes

• The Duration® line integrates SureNail® technology (reinforced nailing strip) for better grip and installation accuracy

• Offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on many residential shingle lines, often with a 130 mph wind warranty built in

• Warranty specifics: after a certain period (e.g. 41 years onward), Owens Corning begins prorating material coverage (~20%)

• Warranty often requires the use of Owens Corning components and certified installers for full coverage.

• In higher-level warranty options (Platinum), labor and more comprehensive coverage may be included

Potential trade-offs / cautions:

• Like many manufacturers, full coverage may require meeting specific accessory and component criteria

• Proration kicks in over time, which reduces payout on older roofs

3. Which Brand Is Better For Your Home in NJ?

It often comes down to trade-offs and your priorities. Below are scenarios and recommendations:

No one brand is universally better; the real differentiator is how well the shingles are installed, whether the full system and accessories are used, and whether you meet warranty-qualifying criteria.

4. What To Ask Your Roofer & Tips for NJ Homeowners

• Are you certified by both GAF and Owens Corning?

• Will the installation use full accessory packages (starter, ridge cap, deck protection, ventilation)?

• Do you follow the manufacturer’s installation requirements (nailing patterns, 6-nail zone, overlapping rules)?

• Will you register the warranty on behalf of the homeowner?

• How do you handle warranty claims post-installation?

• What is your experience with installations exposed to NJ storms and humidity?

5. Call to Action: Side-by-Side Estimate & Warranty Guidance

Because performance depends more on install quality and system integrity than just brand, T.A. Hughes Roofing offers:

• Free side-by-side shingle comparisons on your actual roof

• Warranty activation assistance

• Local test installations to validate wind or shade performance

• 35+ years serving Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties

📞 Call us at (856) 467‑1645 or Request a Roof Quote & Comparison »