CertainTeed Landmark PRO Shingles Review: Worth the Upgrade? (2026 Illinois Guide)

CertainTeed Landmark PRO is the step-up from CertainTeed's standard Landmark shingle — one of the most popular architectural shingles in the Midwest. But is the PRO upgrade worth the extra investment for Illinois homeowners? After installing both extensively across Chicagoland, here's our take.

Landmark PRO vs Standard Landmark

The key differences between Landmark and Landmark PRO come down to three things: thickness, warranty, and algae resistance.

• Max Def colors — Landmark PRO uses CertainTeed's Max Def color technology, which blends multiple granule colors for a more natural, dimensional appearance. Standard Landmark has a flatter color profile.
• Warranty — Landmark PRO carries CertainTeed's SureStart PLUS warranty: 50-year total coverage with the first 15 years at full replacement cost (no proration). Standard Landmark has 30-year coverage with 10-year non-proration.
• StreakFighter algae resistance — Landmark PRO includes CertainTeed's StreakFighter technology for algae resistance. In Illinois, where summer humidity promotes dark algae streaks on north-facing roof slopes, this is a meaningful benefit.
• Wind rating — Both carry 110 MPH wind resistance standard, upgradeable to 130 MPH with CertainTeed's Integrity Roof System.

CertainTeed Landmark PRO Colors for Chicagoland

Landmark PRO offers 16 Max Def colors. The most popular in the Chicago suburbs: Moire Black (the classic dark roof), Weathered Wood (warm brown blend), Driftwood (gray-brown blend), Georgetown Gray (cool gray), and Burnt Sienna (warm rustic). CertainTeed's online ColorView tool lets you upload a photo of your home and see each color applied.

CertainTeed Integrity Roof System

CertainTeed takes an integrated approach to roofing — when you use Landmark PRO shingles with CertainTeed underlayment, starter strips, ridge caps, and ventilation products, you qualify for their Integrity Roof System warranty. This covers the entire roof system, not just individual components. It's the most comprehensive warranty approach in the industry and something we strongly recommend for Illinois homes.

How Landmark PRO Performs in Illinois Weather

We've installed Landmark PRO on homes from Naperville to Joliet to Schaumburg, and the performance has been consistently strong through Illinois extremes. The dual-layer fiberglass construction handles freeze-thaw cycles without cracking. Wind performance at 110 MPH (130 with Integrity System) handles our summer storms. And the StreakFighter algae resistance keeps roofs looking clean for years in our humid climate.

CertainTeed vs GAF vs Owens Corning

All three manufacturers make excellent architectural shingles. CertainTeed Landmark PRO competes directly with GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration. Each has slightly different strengths — GAF's LayerLock for wind resistance, Owens Corning's SureNail for nailing accuracy, and CertainTeed's Integrity System for whole-roof warranty coverage. We install all three and can help you choose based on your specific priorities.

Our Recommendation

For Illinois homeowners choosing between Landmark and Landmark PRO, the PRO upgrade is worth it. The stronger warranty, better algae resistance, and more dimensional colors justify the modest cost difference — especially when you're already investing in a full roof replacement that needs to last 25-30+ years in our demanding climate.

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