Owens Corning vs GAF: Which Roofing System Is BetteR

Written By Marcus Becker

Choosing a new roof is one of the most important investments you can make as a homeowner. With Long Island’s unpredictable weather—from heavy snow and wind to coastal storms and intense summer heat—you need a roofing system built for performance and longevity. Two of the most popular options on the market are Owens Corning and GAF. But which brand delivers the best value, protection, and style for your Long Island home?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Owens Corning and GAF roofing systems to help you make an informed decision. If you’re looking for expert advice or installation, the team at Cascella & Sons has you covered.

Brand Overview

GAF Roofing

GAF is North America's largest roofing manufacturer and a leader in advanced roofing technology. Known for its Timberline® shingles, GAF offers a wide selection of architectural styles, excellent wind resistance, and strong warranties.

Owens Corning Roofing

Owens Corning is another trusted name in roofing, offering high-performance shingles with excellent aesthetic appeal. Their TruDefinition® Duration® shingles are widely praised for durability, color options, and SureNail® Technology.

1. Durability and Performance

Both brands deliver solid durability, but they approach it differently:

  • GAF: Offers Advanced Protection® Shingle Technology and shingles rated for up to 130 mph wind speeds.
  • Owens Corning: Uses patented SureNail® strip for enhanced grip and wind resistance, also rated up to 130 mph.

Long Island Verdict: It’s a tie — both are engineered for the elements, including the Nor’easters and coastal storms common in our area.

2. Shingle Design & Aesthetic Appeal

Style matters, especially when you're boosting curb appeal:

  • Owens Corning: Features bold, vibrant color blends with deeper shadow lines for a dimensional look.
  • GAF: Offers a broad palette with natural color variations for traditional and modern homes.

If you’re looking to complement your Long Island home’s unique architecture, Owens Corning’s color science may give it a slight edge.

3. Roofing Warranties

Both companies provide strong warranty options:

  • GAF: Offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty on shingles with enhanced options through certified contractors.
  • Owens Corning: Offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty with extended coverage through the Preferred Contractor Network.

Long Island Verdict: Both offer excellent warranty protection, but your choice should depend on certified installer availability like those at Cascella & Sons.

4. Energy Efficiency

In warmer months, energy-efficient roofing can help keep your attic cooler and reduce A/C bills.

  • Owens Corning: Their COOL Roof Collection helps reflect solar energy and reduce heat buildup.
  • GAF: Offers Timberline® Cool Series shingles with similar energy-saving features.

Both brands meet ENERGY STAR® criteria, but Owens Corning often leads in residential energy-efficiency marketing.

5. Cost and Value

Price is a major factor for any homeowner:

  • GAF: Slightly more affordable on entry-level products.
  • Owens Corning: More premium-priced, especially for higher-end lines.

While GAF may win on price, Owens Corning often justifies the cost with added technology and color appeal. The best value comes from proper installation by a reliable local contractor.

6. Installation Network & Certification

The quality of your roof installation matters just as much as the shingles themselves.

  • GAF: Offers Master Elite® contractor certification, which only 2% of roofers qualify for nationwide.
  • Owens Corning: Trains contractors under their Preferred Contractor Network to ensure quality work and extended warranties.

Working with a licensed Long Island roofing company like Cascella & Sons ensures proper installation and access to full warranty benefits.

7. Which Roofing System Is Best for Long Island Homes?

Here’s how each brand stacks up for key considerations:

Feature Owens Corning GAF
Durability ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shingle Appearance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Warranty ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Energy Efficiency ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affordability ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Conclusion: Our Recommendation

If your priority is bold aesthetics, advanced technology, and energy efficiency, Owens Corning is a fantastic choice. If you're seeking reliability and value at a slightly lower price point, GAF delivers impressive performance.

No matter which brand you choose, the most critical factor is expert installation. Poor workmanship voids warranties and can lead to long-term issues.

Trust Cascella & Sons for Your Roof Replacement on Long Island

At Cascella & Sons, we’re certified to install both GAF and Owens Corning roofing systems. Our team works with homeowners throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties to provide exceptional service, detailed inspections, and worry-free installations.

Contact us today for a free roof evaluation or to get started with your project. Let us help you choose the best roofing system for your Long Island home.