Most of the roofs we put on in Northern Virginia are CertainTeed Landmark or Landmark Pro. Both are architectural shingles with a lifetime limited warranty and the same 110 mph wind rating out of the box. Landmark Pro adds longer algae protection, a bigger color range and broader early-years coverage. Here is how to choose.
Side by side
| Landmark | Landmark Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | Lifetime limited | Lifetime limited |
| Wind | 110 mph, 15 years | 110 mph, 15 years. Up to 130 mph with CertainTeed starter and hip and ridge shingles |
| Algae (StreakFighter) | 25 years | 30 years |
| SureStart, first 10 years | Materials and labor | Materials, labor, tear-off and disposal |
| Colors | Traditional palette | Max Def palette, including Georgetown Gray, Weathered Wood, Driftwood and Moiré Black |
Source: CertainTeed's Landmark Pro product brochure. Exact terms are in the warranty document for the shingle you buy.
Why algae protection matters here
The black streaks on roofs across Woodbridge, Lake Ridge and Fairfax are algae, and it grows best on shaded, damp slopes under big trees. Both shingles use CertainTeed's StreakFighter granules, which contain copper to slow it down. Landmark Pro's algae coverage runs five years longer. On a north-facing roof under oaks, that's the difference we'd pay for.
When we suggest Landmark
- A rental or a house you plan to sell in a few years.
- A sunny roof with little tree cover.
- A budget where the money is better spent on decking or ventilation.
When we suggest Landmark Pro
- A shaded roof where algae streaks are already showing.
- An HOA or a historic look that needs a specific color, like Georgetown Gray or Weathered Wood.
- A house you plan to stay in, where the broader early coverage and the 130 mph option are worth it.
Either way, the shingle is only part of it. The underlayment, flashing and ventilation are where most roofs fail, so those get the same attention on every job.
What our ShingleMaster credential means
ShingleMaster is CertainTeed's credential for contractors who complete its installation training. CertainTeed's Find a Pro directory lists RC All Exteriors as a ShingleMaster. CertainTeed's extended SureStart PLUS warranties that add workmanship coverage require its higher ShingleMaster PRO or PREMIER designations, so ask any roofer exactly which warranty they will register for you. We register SureStart PLUS 3-Star when you choose the extended warranty and we install the full CertainTeed system. On every roof, we add our own 10-year workmanship warranty.
From our jobs
We quote Landmark and Landmark Pro on the spot at most inspections, because we install them every week. A recent full replacement used Landmark Pro over all-new decking, after we found the old plywood didn't meet current code.
