Asking which of GAF vs Owens Corning makes the best shingles for Texas is a fair place to start. GAF and Owens Corning are the two biggest names in asphalt shingles, and both make good roofs. For an Austin homeowner the useful comparison isn't which brand is "best" but which line, installed by whom, with which warranty paperwork. RISE Roofing is an Owens Corning Certified Installer and doesn't hold a GAF certification, so we'll be clear about what we know firsthand and what you should ask about either brand.
GAF vs Owens Corning: What Makes the Best Shingles for a Texas Roof
- Hail resistance. Both brands make Class 4 shingles (the top rating under the UL 2218 impact test). In hail country, compare those lines first.
- Wind warranty terms. Wind coverage depends on the exact line and how it is installed, so ask for the written terms rather than a headline number.
- Who installs it. Enhanced manufacturer warranties usually require a certified contractor registering the job with that manufacturer.
- Your HOA's approved colors. The right color in the right line can matter more than the brand.
Owens Corning Lines We Install
| Line | What it is | Wind coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Oakridge® | Value architectural shingle | 110 mph limited wind warranty with 4 nails; 130 mph limited wind warranty with 6 nails and OC starter shingles on the eaves and rakes |
| TruDefinition® Duration® | Architectural shingle with SureNail® Technology | 130 mph limited wind warranty standard; up to a 160 mph limited wind warranty when bought after Aug 1, 2026 and installed as a complete Owens Corning system |
| Duration STORM® / FLEX® | Class 4 impact-resistant versions of Duration | Same as Duration |
| Woodcrest® / Woodmoor® | Designer shingles with a shake look | 130 mph limited wind warranty |
Comparing GAF Fairly
GAF's popular architectural line is Timberline®, and it also makes Class 4 shingles. Its warranty terms and certification levels have their own rules, which change over time, so ask a contractor certified by GAF for the current written terms for the exact shingle and installation you are being quoted. Then compare these points side by side:
- Impact rating of the exact shingle (Class 4 or not).
- Wind warranty, and what installation it requires (nail count, starter strips, ridge caps).
- Algae resistance coverage for shady Austin lots.
- Whether the installer can register an enhanced warranty, and what it covers.
- Colors your HOA allows.
Insurance and Class 4 Shingles
Many Texas insurers offer a premium discount for a Class 4 roof, whichever brand you choose, but each insurer sets its own amount. Ask your agent before you decide, and keep the product paperwork. We complete the Texas Department of Insurance Form PC068 for our customers.
Talk to an Owens Corning Certified Installer
We'll inspect your roof for free, show you Owens Corning colors on your own house with our shingle assistant, and send a written quote within 24 to 48 hours. Replacements carry our 10-year workmanship warranty. Owens Corning's product details are on owenscorning.com. Book your free inspection.