Owens Corning vs. GAF Shingles: Which Should You Choose?

If you’re planning a roof replacement in Northwest Indiana, one of the most common questions we hear at Reliance Roof Troop is:

“Which shingle brand is better—Owens Corning or GAF?”

They’re two of the biggest names in roofing, both offering reliable asphalt shingles built to withstand the Midwest’s extreme weather conditions. But what many homeowners don’t realize is there may be a third option that performs even better—especially if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term.

In this article, we’ll compare Owens Corning and GAF head-to-head and also introduce a rising favorite among our team and customers: Malarkey’s polymer-modified shingles.

Owens Corning vs. GAF: Key Differences

Both brands offer great value, strong weather performance, and a range of attractive styles. At Reliance Roof Troop, we install both Owens Corning and GAF products, and we’ve seen how they perform year after year in real Midwest weather.

Midwest Weather Demands More From Your Roof

In Northwest Indiana, your roof isn’t just for looks—it has to stand up to:

• High winds and wind-driven rain
  
• Heavy snowfall and ice dams
  
• Freeze-thaw cycles
  
• Intense summer heat and humidity
  

Both Owens Corning and GAF shingles are designed for these conditions. Owens Corning’s SureNail® strip helps prevent blow-offs, while GAF’s StrikeZone™ improves fastening accuracy across the roof deck. Each brand offers solid durability when installed properly.

The Superior Option: Malarkey Polymer-Modified Shingles

While Owens Corning and GAF dominate the market, we’re seeing more homeowners ask us about Malarkey—especially those who want a roof that goes beyond traditional asphalt.

Malarkey shingles are made with polymer-modified asphalt, which adds rubberized material to improve flexibility, durability, and weather resistance. Compared to standard shingles, Malarkey products offer:

• Better impact resistance against hail and debris
  
• Greater granule adhesion (reducing premature aging)
  
• Stronger performance in cold-weather conditions
  
• Longer-lasting color and structure retention
  
• Sustainable materials, including upcycled rubber and smog-reducing granules
  

For homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term and want fewer issues down the road, Malarkey is becoming a popular choice.

So, Which One Is Best for Your Home?

At Reliance Roof Troop, we always start with your goals. Here’s how we typically guide homeowners:

Choose Owens Corning if:

• You want bold color options and clear shadow lines
  
• You live in a high-wind area
  
• You want dependable performance at a strong value
  

Choose GAF if:

• You prefer natural-looking shingles with added texture
  
• You want enhanced fastening and installation flexibility
  
• You’re upgrading your home for improved resale appeal
  

Consider Malarkey if:

• You want maximum durability and impact resistance
  
• You’re planning to live in your home for 15+ years
  
• You want a higher-performance roofing system with sustainability benefits
  

We’ll walk you through all three in your consultation and help you compare product samples side-by-side.

Why Homeowners Trust Reliance Roof Troop

• Locally owned and operated in Northwest Indiana
  
• Decades of combined roofing experience
  
• No pushy sales, no confusion—just honest advice
  
• We install Owens Corning, GAF, and Malarkey products
  
• Focused on clean, high-quality installations built to last
  

Our team is here to help you make the right call for your home, your style, and your long-term plans.

Talk to the Roofing Experts

Whether you’re comparing Owens Corning, GAF, or looking for a next-level solution like Malarkey, the team at Reliance Roof Troop is here to guide you every step of the way.

Call today to schedule a free consultation and get the information you need—without the sales pressure.

Proudly serving Lake, Porter, and surrounding counties in Northwest Indiana.

Request Your Free Estimate Now