But which ones are “best”? The “best” shingle depends on your climate, your budget, your aesthetic goals, and what protection you want (hail, wind, sun, etc.). In this post, we’ll break down the top CertainTeed shingles, compare what makes each one strong, and help you choose what’s best for your home.
Overview: What Makes a Shingle “Best”
To pick the best, families usually consider:
- Impact / Weather Resistance — How well it handles hail, wind, storms.
- Durability & Lifespan — Thickness, material quality, warranty.
- Appearance & Color Options — Texture, color variety, visual curb appeal.
- Warranty & Other Protections — Algae resistance, wind & fire ratings, manufacturer warranty, labor protection, etc.
- Cost vs Value Over Time — Upfront cost + installation vs ongoing maintenance, repairs & lifespan.
- Local Conditions — Roof exposure, climate extremes (heat, cold, hail), local building codes, and insurance incentives.
We’ll run through CertainTeed’s top lines, compare them on these criteria, and include local considerations for Missouri & Illinois.
Top CertainTeed Shingle Lines to Know
Here are several of the best CertainTeed shingles often recommended. We’ll cover what makes them strong and when they shine.
How the Top Lines Compare: Features Side by Side
Below is a comparison of key features of the lines above, with notes on what you’ll gain (and what trade‑offs there are).
👉 Want to understand what Class 3 or Class 4 really means for your roof? Decode the shingle class ratings here.
Local Relevance: What CertainTeed Lines Do Best in Missouri & Illinois
In your region (West County, Ballwin, Chesterfield, St. Charles, Belleville, Swansea, etc.), you’ll want to consider local climate & environmental factors. These affect how “best” plays out in reality.
Things that stress shingles locally:
- Hailstorms are fairly common. That means impact rating (e.g., ClimateFlex / high Class) can save real repair bills.
- Seasonal temperature extremes: cold winters, hot summers. Freeze‑thaw, thermal stress, and UV exposure degrade shingles. Thicker, better material performs better.
- Humidity & moisture, tree cover: can cause algae, moss, and moisture damage. Algae / streak‑resistance matters; color retention & granule adhesion matter.
- Wind and storm damage, especially in open neighborhoods or exposed ridgelines.
So, depending on where you are, the “best” shingle may trend toward the higher‑performance lines, but cost is always part of the equation.
👉 Planning to claim insurance on your new roof? Make sure it meets all coverage requirements first.
Best CertainTeed Shingles by Priority / Use Case
Here are recommendations, depending on what homeowners in your area often care most about.
Trade‑Offs: What “Best” Costs
Even the best shingles have trade‑offs. Here are what you’ll give up / pay for when choosing the higher lines.
- Higher upfront cost — not just for shingles but for accessories, installation, and possibly stricter requirements to maintain warranty.
- Heavier weight — more labor, possibly more conditions on the roof deck strength or pitch.
- Color selection availability — premium colors may have higher lead times or higher cost per unit.
- Potential diminishing returns in low‑risk areas — a very premium shingle in a mild climate may not “earn back” its premium through fewer repairs or insurance savings.
Cost Estimations in Your Area
To show what “best” might cost, here are hypothetical cost ranges for replacing a roof (≈ 20 squares / ~2,000 sq ft) in our service areas using different CertainTeed lines. (These are estimates + subject to individual roof complexity.)
*Assumes average roof pitch, moderate complexity (few penetrations), good access, standard removal/disposal. Costs may vary upward for steep roofs, lots of chimneys/skylights/valleys, or difficult access.
How to Choose Your Best Shingle
To help decide, walk through this checklist (you can use this with Gorilla Roofing during an estimate):
What are your weather risks? Frequent hail? high winds? moisture / algae-prone areas?
How long do you plan to stay in your home? If it’s decades, premiums may pay off more.
What visual style matters? Do you want basic functionality, or do you want the roof to make a design statement?
Budget flexibility — how much premium are you willing to pay now vs expected lifetime & maintenance cost savings?
Warranty & insurance incentives — does a premium product get you lower insurance costs? Are there local building codes favoring impact rating?
Roof slope, exposure, ventilation — even the best materials underperform with poor installation, shade/moisture, or substandard roof deck venting.
👉 New roof installed? Use our inspection checklist to make sure it meets standards before signing off.
Why Gorilla Roofing Likes CertainTeed
Because we install roofs in Ballwin, Chesterfield, Belleville, Swansea, etc., we’ve worked with all these lines. What we’ve observed:
- CertainTeed shingles tend to perform well under Midwest / Midwest‑border climate stresses (hot summers, cold winters, hail).
- Warranties often hold up, provided installation is done to spec — correct starter strip, hip/ridge, nailing, ventilation.
- Homeowners appreciate the color and texture of the Pro, Premium, and TL lines in neighborhoods where appearance matters.
- Premium lines cost more up front, but often save on repair and maintenance costs over time.
Potential Pitfalls & What “Best” Doesn’t Cover
When choosing “best,” beware:
- Buying a premium shingle doesn’t compensate for poor installation. A badly flashed or poorly vented roof will fail regardless.
- Lead times for specialty colors may be longer, or stock may be more limited.
- Heavier / more complex shingles may require more labor, potentially more scaffolding, handling — cost is often hidden here.
- Some parts of warranty (like algae/streak protection) depend on environmental conditions; in shady, moist areas you may still get faster staining.
- Some insurance or code incentives may require specific documentation or proof of impact rating; switching to premium after damage may be trickier unless paperwork is maintained.
👉 Great shingles are just the start—use these smart maintenance tips to protect your roof investment.
“Best” Might Be a Tiered Decision
Rather than pick the single “best” line universally, many homeowners find it helpful to think in tiers:
- Tier 1 (“Good / Best Value”): CertainTeed Landmark (standard).
- Tier 2 (“Better / Mid‑Premium”): Landmark Pro.
- Tier 3 (“Best / High‑Premium”): ClimateFlex, Premium / TL, Designer lines.
This way, you match your spending to your needs. If your home is in Ballwin, maybe Tier 2 gives the best cost/benefit. If you’re in a more exposed area or want standout style (e.g., Ladue, Town & Country), investing in Tier 3 may make more sense.
👉 Still choosing between Landmark and Landmark Pro? See a detailed side-by-side comparison here.
Finding Your Best CertainTeed Shingle
Choosing the best CertainTeed shingle for your roof isn’t about finding the “top of the line” — it’s about finding the right balance of durability, style, and cost for your home, climate, and priorities. For many homeowners in Missouri & Illinois:
- ClimateFlex is the top choice when impact/storm protection or hail resistance is a priority.
- Landmark Pro delivers excellent upgrades in look and lifespan without jumping all the way to a premium price.
- Standard Landmark still provides solid performance for many homes in more sheltered or moderate conditions.
Ready to See What Best Looks Like for Your Home?
Let’s find the CertainTeed shingle that matches your priorities.
At Gorilla Roofing, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch roofing services with integrity and professionalism. Our team is licensed, insured, and committed to exceeding your expectations.
📞 Call us today at (636) 295-1212
🌐 Request a FREE roofing estimate
For expert assistance and personalized plans, contact Gorilla Roofing today. We’ll come by, show you samples of Landmark, Pro, ClimateFlex, compare cost/appearance in person, and help you pick the shingle that gives you the best value and protection.
Your roof is one of the most visible investments you’ll make — let’s make sure it’s the best one for you.