Everything You Need to Know About Owens Corning Asphalt Shingles
Owens Corning is one of the most recognizable names in the roofing industry, known for its wide range of asphalt shingles and proprietary technologies that aim to balance performance and style. However, is that reputation truly justified?
In this article, we’ll shed light on what types of asphalt shingles Owens Corning has to offer, their most popular color options, and the benefits and drawbacks that define them, all so that you can decide whether Owens Corning is right for your asphalt shingle roof.
Quick Answer
Owens Corning shingles are a well-known choice for asphalt roofing in the exteriors industry, offering a lifespan of 25–50 years and wind resistance up to 130 mph. Homeowners can choose from premium Duration, midrange Oakridge, or budget-friendly Supreme lines, all featuring algae protection and a variety of bold color options.
However, Duration can be pricey compared to similar products from other brands, and enhanced warranties require installation by a Preferred Contractor like Baker Home Exteriors, which limits flexibility for some homeowners.
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Shingle Series from Owens Corning
When considering asphalt shingles, your home’s unique needs should be your top priority. Because of that, a diverse set of options is a sign that a roofing supply company can meet you where you are and fit your vision accordingly.
Owens Corning does just that, offering a wide range of shingle series all tailored toward a specific type of homeowner. These include the following lines, organized from most to least expensive:
- The Duration series: Owens Corning Duration shingles incorporate patented SureNail® technology to increase resistance to wind and weather while offering a balance between performance and cost.
- The Oakridge series: Oakridge shingles are a step below the Duration line in cost but nonetheless maintain strong visual appeal and reliable weather performance when properly cared for.
- The Supreme Series: Supreme three-tab shingles are Owens Corning’s budget-friendly option, offering basic weather protection and algae resistance for homeowners prioritizing cost efficiency.
This brand’s lineup ensures there’s an option suited to nearly every budget and design preference. But does that diversity extend to color options?
Popular Color Options
Beyond functionality, of course, aesthetics are also a crucial component of a top-notch roof. With a wide array of colors available, Owens Corning products can complement a variety of architectural styles and personal tastes. Popular color options include:
Estate Gray
A versatile option that pairs well with both traditional and modern buildings. This adaptability and subdued style make it a staple in the Owens Corning color palette.
Onyx Black
A deep and rich color perfect for those seeking a bold statement or a sense of sophistication, especially when used on a more contemporary property.
Brownwood
A warm and cozy choice suited for homes surrounded by nature or featuring earthy tones in their design.
Benefits of Owens Corning
While the visual appeal is crucial, a roof’s true worth lies in its performance and longevity. For that reason, Owens Corning shingles include several performance features not always found in standard asphalt shingles. These include:
- Durability: Engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, Owens Corning shingles can last between 25 and 50 years if maintained properly.
- Protection Against Algae: Owens Corning’s StreakGuard® Protection technology prevents algae growth on your shingles, protecting your roof from discoloration and keeping it looking pristine.
- Wind Resistance: Most Owens Corning shingles can withstand up to 130-mile-per-hour winds, ensuring that your home will be safe and secure even during inclement weather.
- Curb Appeal: With bold shadow lines and diverse color selections, Owens Corning designs their shingles to complement a variety of home styles while maintaining performance.
Drawbacks of Owens Corning
While Owens Corning shingles offer strong performance and visual appeal, there are a few potential downsides homeowners should be aware of before making a decision:
- High Pricing for Top Lines: The Duration Series, while offering solid value, often costs slightly more per square than comparable mid-tier options from brands like Atlas.
- Weight Considerations: Duration shingles weigh somewhat more than standard asphalt shingles, which can make transport or handling slightly more challenging for smaller crews. This further drives up costs as a consequence.
- Warranty Requirements: Owens Corning’s enhanced warranty coverage is only available when installed by a Preferred Contractor like Baker Home Exteriors, which can limit flexibility if you already have a trusted local roofer besides Baker.
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Gallery of Baker Home Exteriors Owens Corning Shingle Projects
If you’d like to see Owens Corning shingles in action, these completed Duration projects showcase how Owens Corning shingles can look on a family home.
Below are the three Owens Corning Duration shingle colors we discussed earlier in the article, included again for your convenience.
You can also view CertainTeed and Atlas colors below to compare with Owens Corning and decide which is best for your home.
CertainTeed Landmark Shingles
Known for their resilience and versatility, CertainTeed shingles combine curb appeal and long-lasting functionality. Check out CertainTeed’s products below.
Atlas Pinnacle Pristine Shingles
Atlas manufactures several lines of asphalt shingles designed for durability, weather resistance, and visual variety. Check out Atlas’ products below.
Common Misconceptions About Owens Corning Shingles
For any popular product, myths and misconceptions abound, and Owens Corning shingles are no exception. At Baker Home Exteriors, we want you to have an accurate view of the shingles going on your roof, so let’s delve into the truth around some of these myths:
| Misconception | Reality |
| Owens Corning harms the environment with irresponsible production practices. | Many of Owens Corning’s series incorporate recycled materials, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and preventing environmental damage. |
| Owens Corning Duration shingle bundles can weigh up to 260 lbs., making installation more difficult than it has to be. | Duration bundles weigh at most around 188 lbs. While that’s somewhat above average for an asphalt shingle, professional roofing crews should have no trouble installing them. |
| Asphalt shingles lack proper fire resistance and can endanger your property if a fire breaks out. | All Owens Corning shingles include a Fiberglas® mat which provides enhanced fire resistance, putting them on par with or even above non-asphalt shingles in terms of fire resistance. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Owens Corning shingles are sold through licensed roofing contractors and major home-improvement retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot. However, purchasing through contractors is often easiest, since we can both source and install Owens Corning products, keeping the process simple and streamlined. If you’re located in North or South Carolina, Baker Home Exteriors can supply and professionally install Owens Corning shingles for your home.
Depending on the product line and maintenance, Owens Corning shingles typically last 25 to 50 years. Premium lines such as Duration tend to last longer due to premium roofing technology like SureNail®.
There are usually 21-27 shingles in a standard Owens Corning bundle, or 64-80 in a roofing square. Note that a square covers about 100 square feet (hence the name), meaning you’ll need around 60 bundles to cover a 2,000 square foot roof.
Owens Corning products meet basic industry standards for resistance to hail and debris impact. Their Duration series, for example, has a Class 3 impact resistance rating. Learn more about impact-resistant shingles here.
Owens Corning manufactures its shingles in several U.S. plants, including locations in Texas, Illinois, and other states. They also have one production location in Gujarat, India. For a complete map of their roofing facilities, check out this page.
Final Thoughts
For homeowners considering asphalt roofing options, Owens Corning offers a versatile lineup with different series suited to a range of budgets and styles. Still, we recommend that you compare their products alongside other major brands like Atlas and CertainTeed to help ensure you choose the right fit for your project. Happy shingle hunting!
Your Trusted Partner for Carolina Roofing
If you’re considering Owens Corning shingles for your home in the Carolinas, Baker Home Exteriors has the expertise to bring your vision to life. As a Preferred Contractor, our certified crews install Owens Corning products with precision and care. Plus, with over 110 years of experience, you can rest assured that you’ll have peace of mind with a Baker roof.
Ready to upgrade your roof? Request a free estimate for your roofing project today and take the first step toward a beautiful, durable exterior built to last. Or, if you still need time to consider, check out our Google reviews. We look forward to working with you!
