Two of CertainTeed's most popular architectural shingles sit next to each other in the product catalog, and Northern Virginia homeowners ask us the same question all the time: what's the actual difference between Landmark and Landmark PRO, and is the upgrade worth the money?
At [Nest Exteriors](/), we install both products throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Arlington counties. We've seen how each performs through summer storms, winter freeze-thaw cycles, and a decade of Mid-Atlantic weather. This head-to-head comparison covers every meaningful difference so you can make an informed decision.
The Bottom Line Upfront
Landmark PRO is a thicker, heavier shingle with deeper shadow lines, exclusive Max Def color blends, and a better warranty package with a longer SureStart protection period. Standard Landmark is a proven, high-performing architectural shingle that delivers the best value in CertainTeed's lineup. Neither is a wrong choice. The real question is whether the visual and warranty upgrades justify the added cost for your specific situation.
Thickness, Weight, and Visual Impact
This is the most tangible physical difference between the two products and usually the deciding factor for homeowners who care about curb appeal.
Landmark PRO shingles are thicker and heavier than standard Landmark. That extra material creates deeper shadow lines between the tabs, giving the roof a more dimensional, substantial look. The difference is subtle at arm's length but clearly visible from the curb, driveway, or across the street.
Standard Landmark shingles are a genuine architectural product with real dimension. They aren't thin or flat. But side by side with Landmark PRO, the thickness gap is apparent, and on a full roof installation the cumulative visual effect is meaningful.
In neighborhoods across NoVA where homes sit close together and rooflines are visible from multiple angles -- communities in Ashburn, Centreville, Burke, and South Riding -- the thicker profile of Landmark PRO creates a noticeable upgrade that neighbors and prospective buyers will pick up on.
Wind Resistance: Identical Rating
Both products carry a 130 mph wind warranty when installed with the manufacturer-specified number of nails per shingle. This rating provides genuine protection during Northern Virginia's severe thunderstorms, derechos, and tropical weather remnants.
There's no difference in rated wind performance between the two. Both meet the same standard and both perform reliably in our climate.
StreakFighter Algae Resistance
Both Landmark and Landmark PRO include CertainTeed's StreakFighter technology, which uses copper-containing granules to slow the growth of Gloeocapsa magma algae. This is the blue-green algae that causes the dark streaks you see on older roofs throughout NoVA, especially on north-facing slopes.
The difference is in the warranty duration:
- Standard Landmark: 10-year StreakFighter warranty
- Landmark PRO: 15-year StreakFighter warranty
Warranty Comparison: Where PRO Pulls Ahead
Both products carry CertainTeed's lifetime limited warranty (defined as 50 years), but the internal terms differ in important ways.
SureStart Protection
Both shingles include a SureStart protection period during which CertainTeed covers both replacement materials and reasonable labor costs if a manufacturing defect shows up. After SureStart expires, warranty coverage shifts to prorated material-only, meaning you'd pay for labor out of pocket.
Landmark PRO's SureStart period is longer than standard Landmark's. This means the window during which you're fully protected against defect-related failures without any labor cost exposure is extended.For homeowners who plan to stay in their home long-term, this extended SureStart coverage is a meaningful benefit. Most manufacturing defects show up in the first 10 to 15 years, so a longer SureStart period covers the exact window when coverage matters most.
Contractor Certification Enhancement
CertainTeed's warranty terms are tied to the certification level of the installing contractor. Higher-certified contractors can offer SureStart PLUS, which further extends the coverage period and scope for both products. At Nest Exteriors, our CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certification lets us offer the maximum warranty coverage on both Landmark and Landmark PRO installations.
This is worth calling out: a Landmark PRO installed by a non-certified contractor may carry less warranty protection than a standard Landmark installed by a SELECT ShingleMaster contractor. The shingle matters, but the installer's certification level matters just as much. Learn more on our CertainTeed partner page.
Color Options: Max Def Exclusivity
Both products offer strong color selections, but the palettes aren't identical.
Standard Landmark Colors
Landmark is available in a broad range of color blends. The most popular choices we install in NoVA include Weathered Wood, Moire Black, Georgetown Gray, Cobblestone Gray, and Heather Blend. These colors complement the Colonial, Craftsman, and transitional architectural styles found throughout the region.
Landmark PRO Max Def Colors
Landmark PRO includes all standard color options plus an exclusive set of Max Def color blends. Max Def technology uses a wider range of granule tones to create richer, more nuanced visual depth across the roof surface. The effect is a more varied, natural-looking color with greater contrast.
Max Def versions of Moire Black, Pewter, and Weathered Wood offer the same base tone as their standard counterparts but with more granule variation. The result is a roof with more visual complexity, similar to the natural variation you see in stone or wood materials.
If you want a color that isn't available in the standard Landmark palette, the PRO line may be the only way to get it.
Cost Difference in NoVA
The upgrade from Landmark to Landmark PRO typically adds a moderate amount to the total project cost for an average Northern Virginia home (roughly 1,800 to 2,500 square feet of roof area). The exact difference depends on your roof's size, pitch, and complexity.
The price gap is real enough to think about carefully but not so large that it puts the two products in different budget categories. For many homeowners, the improved aesthetics and better warranty make the upgrade a sensible investment, especially on a home they plan to live in for more than 10 years.
Use our Instant Estimator to get a preliminary cost range for both options based on your specific roof dimensions.
Real-World Performance in Northern Virginia
We've installed both products on hundreds of homes across the DC Metro area and can speak to their field performance with confidence.
Both shingles handle Northern Virginia's climate well. Our summers bring sustained heat, UV exposure, and humidity. Our winters bring freeze-thaw cycles and occasional ice. Spring and fall bring heavy rain and high winds. Both Landmark and Landmark PRO have shown excellent durability across these conditions.
The StreakFighter algae resistance is performing as expected on both products. We haven't seen a meaningful performance gap between the two in terms of weathering, wind resistance, or durability. The differences are primarily aesthetic and warranty-related rather than functional.
Installation: Same Quality Standards for Both
Both Landmark and Landmark PRO require the same installation techniques and standards. Proper installation includes:
Correct nailing pattern. Both products require a specific number of nails per shingle, placed in the manufacturer-designated nailing zone, to achieve the 130 mph wind warranty. Nails placed too high or too low, or an incorrect count, can void the wind warranty entirely. Proper starter strip. CertainTeed recommends their SwiftStart starter strip at eaves and rakes. The starter provides the initial adhesive bond and wind seal that protects the most vulnerable edge of the roof. Ice and water shield. Virginia Residential Code requires ice and water shield membrane along eaves and in valleys. We install this underlayment at all code-required locations plus additional coverage at penetrations, sidewalls, and other weak points. Ridge vent installation. Proper ridge ventilation with CertainTeed's ridge vent products ensures balanced attic airflow that extends the life of either shingle. We check your ventilation during every project and recommend improvements when needed. Hip and ridge cap. CertainTeed's Shadow Ridge and Cedar Crest hip and ridge shingles provide a finished look at the ridgeline and hip lines. These accessory products are designed to match the color and profile of both Landmark and Landmark PRO.The installation quality is identical regardless of which product you choose. At Nest Exteriors, we hold the same workmanship standards on every roof, from XT 25 to Grand Manor.
Resale Value Consideration
Northern Virginia homeowners often ask whether the Landmark PRO upgrade affects resale value. While no single component of a home sells the house on its own, a roof that's visibly premium adds to the overall impression of quality and care that buyers pick up on during their first approach.
Real estate agents in the DC Metro market consistently say that homes with newer, visibly high-quality roofs sell faster and with fewer inspection-related negotiations. The thicker profile and richer color depth of Landmark PRO creates a slightly more premium first impression than standard Landmark, though both are recognized as quality products by appraisers and inspectors.
If you're planning to sell within the next 5 years, the return on the Landmark-to-PRO upgrade may be modest. If you plan to enjoy the home for 10 or more years and then sell, you get the full benefit of the improved look and warranty during your ownership, and the roof will still present well when listing.
Decision Framework: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Standard Landmark If:
- You want a proven, high-performing architectural shingle at the best value price point
- The visual difference between the two products isn't a priority
- You're replacing the roof on a property you may sell in the next 5 to 10 years
- You'd rather put budget toward other improvements like gutters, ventilation, or windows
- Your main concern is getting a quality roof that performs without overspending
Choose Landmark PRO If:
- You want a visibly thicker shingle with deeper shadow lines and better curb appeal
- You plan to stay in the home long-term and want extended SureStart warranty coverage
- You want access to the exclusive Max Def color palette
- Your home is in a neighborhood where roof aesthetics affect property values
- The added cost fits comfortably within your project budget
See Both Products Before You Decide
The best way to evaluate the difference is to see actual shingle samples side by side. Our team at Nest Exteriors keeps samples of both products and can show you the visual distinction in person. We can also give you specific pricing for both options as part of your roof replacement estimate.
For a broader look at all CertainTeed shingle lines from XT 25 through Grand Manor, see our complete CertainTeed shingles guide. And if you're weighing asphalt against other materials, our roofing materials guide for Virginia's climate ranks every major option.
Book a free consultation to discuss your project, or try our Instant Estimator for a quick ballpark price. We serve homeowners throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and Arlington counties.Written By
