If you are looking to replace your old roof, there are many asphalt shingles products and manufacturers to consider. In fact, there are so many shingle options, that its hard to know which roof shingle is the best?
Overall, Owens Corning and Tamko are two very comparable roofing shingle companies. Owens Corning has a slight edge in the main architectural shingles category. Each brand has its strengths and weaknesses.
Lets take a close look and compare two of the leading asphalt shingles brands: Owens Corning and TAMKO roofing shingles. We will compare these shingle brands based on pricing, style and color options, weather performance and overall durability.
If you are ready to install a new roof, get in touch with your local roofing pros for a FREE ESTIMATE.
Cost of Owens Corning vs Tamko Shingles
Its no secret that roof installation cost is one of the primary driving factors in a homeowner’s decision to go with a particular roofing product.
This is especially true, if you are looking for a budget-friendly roof that will not put a huge dent in your budget.
Here is a detailed look at the price differences between Tamko and Owen’s Corning Shingles.
| TAMKO 100 SQ. FT. OF COVERAGE | OWENS CORNING 100 SQ. FT. OF COVERAGE | |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Tab Shingles | Elite Glass-Seal $72 – $77 | Supreme $75 – $85 |
| Flagship Architectural Dimensional Shingles | “Heritage $84 – $100 | Duration $90 – $120 |
| Other Architectural Dimension Shingles | “Heritage Premium $90 – $120 | Duration Storm/Flex/Cool $90 – $120 |
| Premium Designer Architectural Dimensional Shingles | “Heritage Vintage and Woodgate $180 – $215 | Devonshire/Woodmoor/Woodcrest/Berkshire $175 – $280 |
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As you can see from the table, Tamko Shingles are cheaper than Owen’s Corning Shingles across all shingle product categories, budget, mid-range and premium.
You can use our Roofing Cost Calculator to estimate more accurate prices for your roof replacement project.
Roof Installation Costs and Considerations
Both brands get ratings in the “good” to “very good” range from roofing contractors who install them every day and from home inspectors who have seen their share of shingles that have failed before they should.
What it comes down to is the quality of the installation. Both brands make above-average shingles that can deliver superior durability for 20+ years, fail in just a few years or perform somewhere in the middle. The difference is determined by how well the installers do their job.
On average, licensed roofers charge $60-75 per hour. However, roof installation costs can very widely depending on where you live.
For example, coastal cities and towns with high real estate prices have much higher labor rates for construction, and roofing is no exception. In these areas, roofers are known to charge as much as $80-85 per hour for their labor. On the other hand, states in the South and Mid-West can have some of the cheapest labor rates in the country, as low as $45-55 per hour.
To get the best price without compromising the quality of installation, its very important to do due diligence and get 3-4 estimates from qualified, licensed roofing companies. Make sure to ask for references and actually call them, before you make your final selection and sign a contract with a roofer.
Shingle Quality & Reliability
Quality is a product of the materials used and the production process. This overview explains more about the construction of Owens Corning and TAMKO shingles.
Owens Corning (OC): OC makes three tiers of shingles: Supreme (basic, 3-tab shingle), Oakridge (entry-level architectural shingle), and Duration (better, OC’s best-selling architectural shingle with a standard 130 mph wind uplift rating and warranty), and best/premium category shingles in Devonshire, Woodmor, Woodcrest and Berkshire.
TAMKO: This brand makes a very similar lineup with Elite Glass-Seal (basic), Heritage, Heritage Woodgate (better) and Heritage Premium, Heritage Vintage (best).
All shingles from Owens Corning and TAMKO feature fiberglass mat bases saturated with asphalt and dressed in coated granules to resist the sun’s UV radiation. Each shingle is constructed with fused layers.
When installed, less than half of each shingle is exposed. The result is that 3-tab roofs like the OC Supreme and the TAMKO Elite Glass Seal 3-Tab have 2-3 layers of coverage at any given point on your roof. All other shingles from both brands are architectural shingles with 4-5 layers of coverage. The result are shingles with wind ratings of 60mph for 3-tab products and 110/130mph for all others.
The two brands have the same ratings in most ASTM materials and fire rating tests. Both are on par with CertainTeed and GAF shingles.
Bad shingles are often the result of production rather than the materials used. The production processes for these brands are similar. The processes are slightly tweaked, even from run to run of shingle batches.
When errors occur, a bad batch of shingles, such as layers that don’t properly fuse, are produced. What makes a brand worth considering is the consistency of the quality from run to run. Owens Corning and TAMKO deliver good consistency.
Wind Resistance
Both brands are as equal in terms of the overall quality and reliability. However, Owens Corning has a slight edge in the most important flagship architectural shingles category where OC Duration shingles outshine TAMKO Heritage in wind performance.
OC TruDefinition Duration shingles come with a standard 130 mph warranty thanks to the OC SureNail, triple-reinforced nailing fabric and widened nailing zone for faster and more precise installation.
TAMKO Heritage shingles come with a standard 110 mph wind uplift warranty for regular applications. A more costly enhanced installation method would be required for TAMKO Heritage shingles to attain the 130 mph wind uplift warranty.
Shingle Styles
Overall, Owens Corning has a much wider selection of styles to choose from especially in the mid-range and premium architectural shingles category. Tamko has 5 architectural shingle styles, as well as 3 metal shingles products, compared to OC’s 14 shingles styles.
OC shingles are more suitable for higher-end homes, whether its contemporary/modern architecture, historic buildings or upscale Victorian or Colonial houses.
If you are not impressed with either Tamko or Owens Corning shingles options, consider more expensive manufacturers, such as CertainTeed (top of the line), GAF, or Malarkey Shingles.
Also, check out our comparative guide between two of the top of the line architectural shingles: GAF vs CertainTeed.
Owens Corning Shingles Options
Owens Corning (OC) has three shingle tiers: basic, better and best. The Supreme (3-tab shingle) is a basic level shingle and the Oakridge is a basic level architectural shingle.
The Duration is in the better tier and is Owen Corning’s best-selling architectural shingle with a standard 130 MPH wind uplift rating and warranty, and the best or premium category shingles, Devonshire, Woodmoor, Woodcrest and Berkshire.
OC Supreme: This is OC’s 3-tab shingle with a 25-year warranty to the original owner and 60 MPH wind uplift rating and warranty. 10-year algae warranty. They are available in 14 colors.
OC Duration Series: The best-selling line from Owens Corning competes with the TAMKO Heritage and Heritage Premium shingles, plus CertainTeed Landmark and GAF Timberline shingles. Duration shingles are produced in 8 lines:
Duration: TruDefinition color platform for brightness and contrast, SureNail triple-layer fabric nailing strip for better application and more secure hold, 130mph wind-resistance warranty with the standard 4-nail installation method, 10-year algae warranty, and lifetime limited shingle warranty. 18 colors with regional availability including 1 Energy Star Color in Shasta White.
OC lineup pricing tier: Mid-Range
Duration Designer: All of the above, with Designer shingles available in 8 vibrant colors (rich palette of colors).
OC lineup pricing tier: Mid-Range
Duration STORM (Regional availability) All the standard Duration series features, with Duration Storm shingles available in 7 colors, plus WeatherGuard technology featuring polymeric backing for Class 4 Hail impact resistance rating (not warrantied).
OC lineup pricing tier: Premium
Duration Flex (Regional availability): All the above. Duration Flex is a step above from the OC Duration Storm shingle. This SBS polymer-modified asphalt shingle with Class 4 Hail impact resistance (not warrantied), offers superior flexibility and pliability to resist cracking and tearing in all weather conditions including cold weather.
OC lineup pricing tier: Premium
Duration COOL (Regional availability/California): All the features of TruDefinition, plus the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) rating for California Title 24 and Los Angeles Green Building Code compliance. Duration Cool solar-reflecting shingles are available in 10 colors including 1 Energy Star color in Shasta White.
OC lineup pricing tier: Mid-Range
Duration Premium COOL (recently discontinued – OwensCorning.com): All the standard features of Duration shingle series, except WeatherGuard and TruDefinition, since these energy-efficient shingles are made in light colors to merit the EPA’s Energy Star ratings. Duration Premium Cool shingles are also rated by the CRRC for CA Title 24 and Los Angeles Green Building code. 4 bundles per square.
OC lineup pricing tier: Premium
Duration Premium (Regional availability): All the features of TruDefinition Duration, plus thicker and heavier shingle design for more longevity and extra dimensionality. This heavy weight shingle makes it ideal for Homeowner Association (HOA) specifications. Four bundles per square. 6 Colors.
OC lineup pricing tier: Mid-Range/Premium
Duration MAX (Regional availability): All the standard features of the OC Duration series, plus Duration Max shingles combine a bold, thick appearance reminiscent of wood but with the durability and color availability of an asphalt shingle. 10 colors (2 Cool Roof Colors)
OC lineup pricing tier: Premium
Oakridge: Owens Corning’s value-line dimensional shingles comes in 16 colors with regional availability, has a standard 110 mph wind resistance warranty that can be enhanced to 130 mph with the 6-nail installation method. The 130 mph wind resistance warranty also requires installing OC starter shingles along the eaves and rakes. There is a 10-year algae warranty and lifetime limited warranty to the original purchaser/homeowner.
OC lineup pricing tier: Affordable
Woodcrest: These are uniquely cut and textured shingles with a wood shake appearance. They offer Class A fire resistance, 110/130 wind-resistance, a 10-year algae warranty and lifetime shingle warranty to original owner. These shingles are available in 8 colors.
OC lineup pricing tier: Premium
Devonshire: These shingles are cut to look like classic slate shingles with clipped tabs. They have up to 130 mph wind-resistance, a 10-year algae warranty and a lifetime shingle warranty to original owner. Available in 4 colors.
OC lineup pricing tier: Premium
Berkshire: The Slate-look shingles have oversized tabs, ideal for large homes and a dramatic style. They have up to 110/130 mph wind-resistance, a 10-year algae warranty and lifetime shingle warranty to original owner. Available in 5 colors.
OC lineup pricing tier: Top of the Line
Woodmoor: These shingles have a rustic shake-look with thick layers. They come with a Class A fire rating, are wind resistant up to 110/130 mph, offer a 10-year algae warranty and a lifetime shingle warranty to original owner. Available in 9 colors.
OC lineup pricing tier: Top of the Line
TAMKO Shingle Styles
TAMKO has a significantly more limited product line up. Like OC, Tamko shingles are also divided into three categories, ranging from the Elite Glass-Seal basic shingle, the better Heritage and Heritage Woodgate shingles and the best tier of Heritage Premium and Heritage Vintage
Elite Glass-Seal: 3-tab, 25-year warranty, 60mph wind-resistance, Class A fire rating. 11 colors.
Heritage: Rustic-look dimensional shingles with 30-year warranty. Class A fire rating and 90mph wind rating. 15 colors.
Heritage Premium: A step up in thickness from standard Heritage. Class A fire, 110-130mph wind rating based on installation method. 50-year warranty. 13 colors.
Heritage Woodgate: Rugged wood shake appearance with bold contrasts and depths. Class A fire rating and 110-130mph wind rating based on installation technique. 6 colors.
Heritage Vintage: Wood shake appearance with angular lines. Class A fire rating, 110-130mph wind rating based on installation method. 50-year warranty. 5 colors
Tamko vs Owens Corning Warranty
Both companies offer a range of warranties that are comparable with one another and other leading brands. As you research any shingle brand, not just OC and TAMKO, you will find that issues with getting the manufacturer to back its warranty are easily the top criticism, and frustration, that homeowners have regarding shingles.
Installation is a large part of the overall quality of a roofing job. The point is emphasized by frequent warranty issues.
Take the time to find an experienced installer with a proven track record of quality installation and who follows specific manufacturer guidelines. The manufacturer warranties cover product defects, but not installation errors.
Owens Corning Warranty Options
OC offers five different warranty options
Standard: Suitable for first and second layers of shingles over any roofing underlayment. The non-prorated period is 5 or 10 years depending on the shingle.
Total Protection Roofing System: This warranty requires the installation of Owens Corning shingles, Owens Corning Hip & Ridge shingles and two of the following four: OC VentSure roof vent, OC underlayment, OC starter shingles and OC ice and weather barrier. The non-prorated period is 5 or 10 years depending on the shingle.
The System Protection, Preferred Protection and Platinum Protection are exclusive to the Owens Corning Contractor Network who represent roofing contractors certified to properly install OC shingles.
These warranties offer longer periods without the warranty being prorated. For the System Protection warranty, you must install 2 of the 4 products listed in the Total Protection Roofing System warranty.
For the Preferred Protection and Platinum Protection warranties, you must install 3 of the products with other qualifying factors, too.
All Owens Corning warranties can be transferred once during the lifetime of the warranty. If you sell your home during the warranty period, the second Owner must contact 1-800-ROOFING within sixty (60) days after the date of the real estate transfer to obtain the benefits of this warranty.
TAMKO Warranty Options
TAMKO’s warranties are quite straightforward:
25-year warranty: 300 months. The full-start period is 5 years during which the warranty provides 100% coverage. After 5 years, the warranty is prorated, so reduced by 5% per year over the next 20 years. The wind warranty is 60mph for 5 years and the algae cleaning warranty is 10 years. This warranty applies to Elite Glass-Seal shingles.
30-year warranty: 360 months. The full-start period is 15 years during which the warranty is 100%. After 15 years, the warranty is prorated, so reduced by 6.67% per year over the next 15 years. The wind warranty is 130mph for 15 years and the algae cleaning warranty is 10 years. This warranty applies to Heritage and Heritage Woodgate shingles.
50-year warranty: 600 months. The full-start period is 20 years during which the warranty is 100%. After 5 years, the warranty is prorated, so reduced by 3.33% per year over the next 20. This warranty applies to Heritage Premium and Heritage Vintage shingles. The wind warranty is 130mph for 15 years and the algae cleaning warranty is 10 years.
TAMKO warranties can be transferred once within two years (Elite Glass-Seal) or within five years (all other shingles). The warranty claims, “To transfer this Limited Warranty, the Original Owner must provide TAMKO with written notice within thirty (30) days after the transfer. The written notice must include the names of the Original Owner and the Purchaser, the address of the building upon which the Shingles are installed, the date of retail purchase of the Shingles, and the date of the transfer.”
TAMKO has fewer warranties that are less complex, however, the OC warranties are more flexible when it comes to transferability. Also, when you use a roofer in the OC Contractor Network, the pro-ration of warranty is eliminated or reduced.
For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.
Can you give me your insight regarding installing metal over an existing shingle roof? Cabin roof in a woods setting.
If metal shingles and only one layer of old asphalt shingle, that it’s ok, and is done often. Though I do recommend tear off.
For any type of vertical panel (standing seam, R-panel, etc), it’s a big NO.
The panels will expand and contract, rubbing on the granules below, which will scrape off the paint and will cause rust.
If you go for aluminum, rust is not an issue, but the cost is.
Also, if / when you get snow, the horizontal shingle lines will “telegraph” onto metal panels, and it will look awful.
Any thoughts or insight on installing a metal roof over existing shingles? Log cabin in the woods setting. 12x 12 pitch. Or would you recommend shingles?
John,
Metal shingles or shakes – yes. Just use quality underlayment like GAF DeckArmor.
Vertical panels (standing seam, corrugated, r-panel, etc) – a big NO! The expansion/contraction will cause the panels to rub on the stones – this will lead to rust. Snow sitting on the roof will cause shingles to “telegraph” through metal, and you will have ugly horizontal lines.
Cabin in the wood – definitely recommend metal. R-Panel is cheap and lasts a long time. Just remove the asphalt shingles from the roof.
Good luck
I’ve been getting estimates to replace my roof, the quotes are quite different, specially when it comes to materials that will be used by companies, we want of curse to possibly get the best products, materials warranties, prices on labor, financing with the best interest rates, terms and fees, and we came across with a company that uses Tamko shingles, and this the question how reliable is this brand, as far as quality, endurance, resistance of weather conditions? like every other shingles they are different types, under Tamko which one is the best, I was a little bit concern after reading some reviews, and having better reviews on Gaf, Atlas, Owens corning , so please I will like to hear your opinion , I’m pretty sure the installation plays a very important role so what should I ask my roofer to get done in order not to have my roof flying after the first hurricane???
Doesn’t matter. Hurricanes don’t blow new roofs off no matter as long as wind factor rating is130+. Installation, now thats another matter!