Tamko vs Owens Corning Roof Shingles Review – Pros and Cons

Before You Begin: Check out our in-depth reviews on Tamko shingles and Owens Corning shingles for a more comprehensive view of each brand. 

A great debate exists among roofers regarding Tamko vs. Owens Corning asphalt shingles. This review will compare these two second-best roofing manufacturers. We'll look at each company's products, reputations, and downsides.

Tamko vs. Owens Corning - Who's the Best?

As we'll demonstrate throughout this article, Tamko and Owens Corning are nearly neck-to-neck in the race for the second-best asphalt shingles. 

Both companies fall short of first place due to CertainTeed, which is the number one consensus. GAF is another number one brand that beats the competition as the largest shingles producer. 

However, with all factors considered in the quest for the best, Tamko vs. Owens Corning comes down to Owens Corning (OC) pulling slightly ahead at the finish line to take the win. The deciding factor is OC's architectural shingles options.

When comparing products, OC's Duration line beats out Tamko's comparable line Heritage. The win is due to the Duration's higher wind resistance (130 mph OC standard) and the warranty, which qualifies using a 4-nail application. The Heritage has a 110 mph wind-resistance warranty, also with a 4-nail application. But when installed using a 6-nail application, Heritage can handle winds up to 130 mph, the same as the Duration. 

Tamko vs. Owens Corning Price

Price is a leading factor in the decision between different companies and products. Here's a look at how Owens Corning and Tamko compare side-by-side cost-wise.

As the chart demonstrates, Tamko shingles' price is lower in all categories - budget, mid-range, premium - and styles. 

However, it also shows that Owens Corning is the OG if you care more about having more of a selection to pick from, offering 3 architectural shingle lines compared to Tamko's one. And 4 designer lines compared to Tamko's 2.

Point For: Tamko +1.

Tamko takes the prize for the category of pricing. But the cheaper cost does mean slightly less performance. (But we give an honorable mention to Owens Corning for their larger selection).

Tamko vs Owens Coring Product Quality

A shingle's quality depends mainly on the production process and the types of materials used. Refer to our reviews on Tamko and Owens Corning for further details, but a quick summary of each company's construction is:

• Tamko

Tamko's asphalt shingles fall into a 3-tier lineup consisting of basic or budget, better (mid-line), and best (premium).

The basic line is the 3-tab Elite Glass-Seal. Heritage (architectural) and Heritage Woodgate (designer) are better, and best is the Heritage Premium (architectural) and Vintage (designer). 

• Owens Corning

Owens Corning also offers shingles on a 3-tier level, with the Supreme three-tab falling in the basic category, as does Oakridge, an entry-level dimensional shingle. In the better tier is the Duration line, the best-selling architectural shingle. And in the best tier, you have Berkshire, Woodcrest, Devonshire, and Woodmoor 4 product lines.  

• In Common

Both brands use asphalt-coated fiberglass mat bases topped with granules that provide color and block UV rays. And both shingles have fused layers so that no more than half of each shingle is exposed. 

There will be 2 to 3 coverage layers with 3-tab shingles from both brands (Elite Glass-Seal or Supreme). Architectural shingles will have 4 to 5 layers. More layers equal higher wind resistance (3-tab - 60 mph; other styles - 110 to 130 mph).

Compared with other leading brands like GAF and CertainTeed, both Tamko and Owens Corning rate the same for fire rating and ASTM materials. 

Rare occurrences of failed products can occur during manufacturing, more from poor production. Both companies use similar manufacturing processes, and they both have reliable consistency in the long run when considering all the product performances.

Point For: Owens Corning +1.

While both brands are evenly comparable, the Owens Corning flagship architectural shingles outperform the Tamko Heritage line.

Shingle Selection

In terms of options, Owens Corning offers a broader selection of shingles to choose from, in more styles, particularly in the architectural category than Tamko. 

Owens Corning

Owens Corning has all 3 types of asphalt roofing shingles - 3-tab (basic), architectural (better), and designer (best). There are more choices for dimensional shingles than 3-tabs. 

Except for the Supreme line, other lines have 110mph(4-nail application) wind resistance or 130 mph(6-nail application). They all have a lifetime limited warranty.

• Supreme

The OC Supreme is an economical 3-tab shingle with wind resistance against 60 mph winds with a 25-year limited lifetime warranty (original owner only). Available in thirteen colors.

Best For: Homeowners on a budget who enjoy a traditional-style roofing shingle with a wide selection of color choices to match any home color palette.

• OC Duration

The Duration series is an entry-level best-seller and a stiff competitor to Tamko's Heritage and Heritage Plus shingles. This line is the equivalent of the Timberline shingles by GAF or the CertainTeed Landmark. There are 8 lines under the Duration category.

Except for Duration Premium, all other 7 series feature TruDefinition Color that gives contrast and vivid color to your shingles.

•  Class 4 Impact Rating - IR - (hail rated but not warrantied)*:  This unique blend gives the shingle flexibility, so there's no cracking or tearing, no matter the weather.
• Duration Cool*: The Duration COOL passes the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) California Title 24 and the LA Green Building Code compliance. These solar-reflective asphalt shingles come in ten colors but only one - Shasta White - is Energy Star rated.

Best For: The Duration line is one of the most popular lines due to the many different options that allow you to choose unique features like impact resistance, cool color roofs (energy efficient), or dimensional imitation shingles.

• Designer

• Oakridge is regionally available, so it might not be in your area. Check the OC website for a provider near you. To qualify for the 130 mph warranty, you'll have to use OC starter shingles on the rake and eaves.

• Woodcrest's unique cuts and textures give them maximum depth and dimension to resemble wood shake shingles. This Artisan wood shake shingle is ideal for homes with angular or dramatic rooflines. However, it might not look good on roofs with low to no slope.
• Devonshire is the perfect accompaniment for modern, contemporary, English, European, and Victorian homes. 
• Berkshire is another slate design with larger tabs, making it suitable for bigger homes to achieve a dramatic aesthetic. It will look great on stately manors, mansions, colonials, and other large houses. This top-of-the-line shingle is one of the most expensive OC shingles.
• Woodmoor is another top-of-the-line shingle that costs a premium price. It looks fantastic on rustic homes like ranch, log cabins, mountain houses, traditional or contemporary homes with wood accents.

Pro Tip: The Heritage line is the competitor to OC's Duration architectural line, but only one better-tier product. If you need additional benefits like impact resistance, algae protection, or maximum wind speeds, the Duration is better.

Best For: 

Point For: Owens Corning +1.

As you can see from the product lineup, you have more styles, colors, and features available through Owens Corning than Tamko. However, Tamko does offer an excellent selection of basic, better, and best shingles.

Tamko vs. Owens Corning Warranty

Knowing a company's warranty policy can be a swaying factor when deciding on a roofing manufacturer. Not only knowing how long the coverage lasts but also what the warranty covers and excluding. 

When comparing Owens Corning vs. Tamko shingles warranty side by side, you'll see that both offer multiple types of warranties with identical terms. These warranties match those of other leading brands.

The largest source of frustration and customer complaints about both companies (and others) occurred due to difficulty getting a warranty claim approved. Knowing what each warranty covers and won't cover helps you get the best protection. 

Tamko Warranties

Tamko products can have one of three warranty types, all defined in terms of years. Products can have a 25 (300 months), 30 (360 months), or 50-year (600 months) warranty.

• 25-year (Elite Glass-Seal Shingles): 5 year start period with 100% coverage. Prorated after 5 years (reduced by 5% each year for the remaining twenty years). Five years 60 mph wind warranty, 10-year algae cleaning.
• 30-year (Heritage and Woodgate): 100% coverage for a 15-year full-start period. Prorated from years 15 to 30 (costs by 6.67% each year)
• 50-year (Heritage Premium and Vintage): 20 year full start period with 100% coverage. After five years, proration begins at 3.3% for 20 years. 130 mph wind warranty for 15 years and 10 years for algae cleaning

Pro Tip: s allow for transfer within five. For the transfer to be official, the new owner must provide written notice within 30 days of purchase, stating the original owner, purchaser, address, retail date, and transfer date.

Owen's Corning Warranties

In comparison, Owen's Corning offers five different types of warranties, illustrated in the chart below. Each warranty may require specific guidelines to qualify.

The options are:

• Standard: no requirements
• Total protection roofing system: must use OC shingles, Hip & Ridge shingles, and two other qualifying products (OC underlayment, OC starter shingles, OC Ventsure roof vent, or OC ice and weather barrier) 
• System protection: requires installation by a certified roofer from the OC Contractor network and the use of at least two of the items we listed above. 
• Preferred protection: requires OC-certified roofer and the use of three OC products
• Platinum protection: same as Preferred

Pro Tip: Most contractors also offer warranties. These contracts help when there's a problem the company warranty won't cover, such as installation error or repairs for improper sealing due to replacement during poor conditions.

Point For: Owens Coring +1.

In terms of warranties, the trophy goes to Owens Corning. Tamko's warranties are easier to understand, but OC offers better protection and is easier to transfer. And when you get a contract that requires an OC-certified roofer, the warranty proration will be reduced or eliminated. 

ROI During Resale: Tamko vs OC

The cost-to-value return of having a roof replaced is around 66%. The newer the roof, the more return investment you will get if you decide to sell your home. Roofs under ten years old can earn you up to 66% of the cost you paid for installation. 

The exact cost of ROI will depend on how much you spend on your roof compared to the average value of the roof. Installation prices vary by location and company. 

Pro Tip: If you're having your shingles professionally installed, take the time to get quotes from several different companies. Shopping around allows you to get the best deal from the right company.

Shop Smart

If you plan to sell your home, a new roof can help improve curb appeal and speed up the process. Most people prefer houses that they won't have to do significant renovations or repairs to for at least five to ten years. 

But don't let a contractor convince you that the more you spend on your roof, the more money you'll see returned once you sell your house. You'll get a better ROI from mid-range architectural roofing. Designer shingles are better for your forever home. Because these cost more for you to buy and install, you'll lose money when your house goes on the market.

Point For: This round is a tie.

The Tamko Heritage or the OC Duration lines is easy, effective ways to get a higher return when installed up to five years before you move. 

Tamko vs. OC - Which is Suitable for You?

Tamko is a great product when you're on a tight budget. All three tiers of shingles are cheaper than OC's corresponding lines. Tamko is the right choice when:

• Money is a determining factor
• You don't mind limited warranties (you're moving within ten years)
• Your roofing contractor makes the recommendation and offers a quality workmanship warranty to protect installation

Owens Corning shingles are slightly pricier (designer OC shingles cost a pretty penny), but you also get a bit better quality. OC shingles are the right pick for:

• You plan to stay in the same house 
• You want to have protection from advanced warranties 
• When a roofing contractor you trusts recommends it and has experience with the product

Conclusion

In the contest between Tamko and Owens Corning for the best roofing shingles, the final tally shows Owens Corning as the official winner by slight margins.

We had to consider that Corning offers a wider variety of colors, products, and warranties than Tamko's slimmer offerings. However, if cost is your main concern, Tamko would be a better choice. Both companies offer 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles. 

Before You Go: While Tamko and Owens Corning are two of the best roofing manufacturers, check out these reviews on the two most prominent names in asphalt shingles - GAF and CertainTeed.