When you replace your roof, you’re not just picking a color — you’re choosing the material that protects your home from Seattle rain, wind, and impact wear for decades.
At A Better Roofing Company, CertainTeed is one of the manufacturers we consistently trust because their shingles perform well in the Pacific Northwest and have maintained a good track record.
In this post, we’ll walk through the three CertainTeed shingle lines we install most often:
- CertainTeed Landmark
- CertainTeed NorthGate® ClimateFlex®
- CertainTeed Presidential (including Presidential Shake TL)
And we’ll explain what makes each one a great choice — depending on your home, budget, and performance needs.
Why We Like CertainTeed Roofing Products
CertainTeed’s asphalt shingles are designed to balance three things homeowners care about most:
- Real-world durability
- High-end curb appeal
- Warranty protection and long-term value
Many CertainTeed shingles also include built-in features like algae resistance (helpful for Seattle-area roof discoloration) and high wind ratings — with upgrade options depending on the product and install method.
1) CertainTeed Landmark Shingles
Best for: Most Seattle-area homeowners who want a strong, dependable architectural shingle at a great value.
CertainTeed Landmark is one of the most popular shingles in the U.S. because it hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance.
Why homeowners choose Landmark
Landmark is a laminated architectural shingle, which means it’s thicker and more dimensional than older 3-tab shingles — giving your roof a cleaner, higher-end look.
Key highlights:
- UL Class A fire resistance
- UL 2218 Class 3 impact resistance
- Dual-layered for extra dimensionality and protection from the elements
- Offers the widest array of colors in the industry
- Independently certified as meeting the highest quality standards for roofing
When Landmark is the right fit
Choose Landmark if you want:
- A proven shingle line
- Great curb appeal
- Reliable protection in wet/cool climates
- Strong ROI without going ultra-premium
2) CertainTeed NorthGate® ClimateFlex®
Best for: Homeowners who want premium weather resistance, especially against hail/impact and thermal stress.
NorthGate ClimateFlex is one of CertainTeed’s highest-performance asphalt shingles, made with a modified asphalt technology designed to stay flexible and durable through extreme conditions.
CertainTeed describes NorthGate ClimateFlex as a two-piece laminated fiberglass construction designed for strength and durability, and it is rated for UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance (the highest class).
Why homeowners choose NorthGate ClimateFlex
This one is a favorite when the priority is performance first.
Key highlights:
- UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistant
- Algae resistance
- Highest industry-rated impact protection
- Greater pliability and granule adhesion
- Endures weathering and cold-weather extremes
When NorthGate is the right fit
NorthGate is a great choice if:
- You want maximum impact resistance
- You’re investing in a longer-term roof
- You want added insurance-friendly durability (depending on the carrier/policy)
3) CertainTeed Presidential (Presidential Shake + Shake TL)
Best for: Higher-end homes where curb appeal matters, and homeowners want a roof that looks closer to real cedar shake.
CertainTeed Presidential shingles are designed to create a high-end “shake-style” roof look — with deeper dimensions and shadowing that makes the roof look more dramatic (and more expensive).
Presidential Shake vs. Presidential Shake TL
There are two main versions:
- Presidential Shake – premium look
- Presidential Shake TL – a thicker multi-layer (“TL”) version for more depth and enhanced luxury look
CertainTeed lists both Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake TL as luxury shingles with a Lifetime limited transferable warranty for residential installations, plus 10-year SureStart™ protection.
Key highlights
- Luxury shake-style appearance
- Strong warranty system:
- Lifetime limited transferable warranty (residential)
- 10-year SureStart™ protection
- Look of hand-split cedar, produced at a fraction of the cost of wood shake.
- Patented 3-layer laminate
- Random tab design and unique natural shadows
When Presidential is the right fit
Presidential is ideal if:
- You want a premium roof aesthetic
- Your home style benefits from deeper roof dimensions (Craftsman, Tudor, traditional, etc.)
- You’re okay paying more upfront for a more luxurious appearance
- Your neighborhood or HOA requires a higher-end “shake” appearance or specifies Presidential-style shingles in approved roofing materials
How to Choose the Right CertainTeed Shingle for Your Home
Here’s a simple way to decide:
Choose Landmark if you want…
A strong, proven architectural shingle that balances price + performance.
Choose NorthGate ClimateFlex if you want…
Maximum toughness and impact resistance for the long-term.
Choose Presidential if you want…
A luxury look with high-end curb appeal (shake-style aesthetic).
Want Help Choosing Between Landmark, NorthGate, or Presidential?
If you’re replacing your roof in Seattle or the surrounding area, we can walk you through:
- Which shingle line fits your budget + home style
- The best CertainTeed colors for curb appeal
- What upgrades are worth it (ridge venting, underlayment, ventilation, etc.)
Contact A Better Roofing Company to schedule a roof replacement estimate and shingle consult.
CertainTeed Shingles FAQ (Landmark, NorthGate & Presidential)
Are CertainTeed Landmark shingles good for Seattle weather?
Yes. CertainTeed Landmark shingles are a strong fit for the Seattle area because they’re built to handle heavy rain, wind, and seasonal temperature swings. They’re also a dimensional (architectural) shingle, which tends to outperform older 3-tab styles in durability and curb appeal.
What’s the difference between Landmark and NorthGate shingles?
The biggest difference is impact resistance and performance tier.
- Landmark is a high-quality architectural shingle with excellent value and everyday durability.
- NorthGate ClimateFlex is a premium performance shingle designed for enhanced toughness, and it carries a higher impact-resistance rating.
If you want “great roof at a great value,” Landmark is often perfect. If you want “top-tier durability,” NorthGate is the upgrade.
Is NorthGate ClimateFlex worth the extra cost?
For many homeowners, yes — especially if you plan to stay in the home long-term or want added protection against impact and wear.
NorthGate ClimateFlex is a premium CertainTeed product built for higher performance and resilience than standard architectural shingles. It’s often a smart investment for homeowners who want the strongest possible asphalt shingle system (without switching to metal).
What is the difference between Presidential Shake and Presidential Shake TL?
Both are luxury CertainTeed shingles designed to mimic real cedar shake, but Presidential Shake TL is the thicker, more dimensional version.
In general:
- Presidential Shake = premium shake-style look
- Presidential Shake TL = more thickness, shadowing, and dramatic depth (higher-end appearance)
If curb appeal is the priority, Shake TL is usually the top pick.
Which CertainTeed shingle is best for resale value?
If resale value is your main goal:
- Landmark is usually the best ROI because it looks great and is widely recognized.
- Presidential can add “wow factor” and curb appeal on higher-end homes.
- NorthGate can be attractive to buyers who value durability and performance.
For most Seattle homes, Landmark tends to deliver the best balance of visual upgrade + budget-friendly resale lift.