GAF vs CertainTeed vs IKO vs Malarkey — BC Brand Shootout

These are the four architectural shingle brands you will actually be choosing between in the Lower Mainland. All four make a good roof. The differences are in impact rating, the technology baked into the shingle, look, and local availability. Here is the honest shootout from a crew certified on more than one of them. From Paragon Roofing BC, family owned since 2010.

HS
Harman Singh — Senior Roofing Specialist
2026-06-21 | Updated 2026
4 brands
The shingles you will really choose between
Class 3 to 4
Impact ratings vary by line
Install
Matters more than the badge

When homeowners ask which shingle brand is best, the honest answer is that all four of these make a quality architectural shingle, and the install matters more than the badge on the bundle. That said, there are real differences in impact rating, the engineering in the shingle, the look, and what is readily stocked here. We are CertainTeed and IKO Master Roofer certified, so we have no reason to oversell any single brand. Here is how the four compare for a Lower Mainland home.

IKO: Canadian made, strong value

IKO is Canadian made, which means good local availability and pricing here. The IKO Dynasty is their standout architectural shingle, with a Class 3 impact rating, the ArmourZone reinforced nailing strip, a high wind rating up to 130 mph when nailed with four nails, Class A fire, and a Limited Lifetime warranty. The IKO Cambridge sits below it as a popular, more economical architectural option. For homeowners who want a strong, well priced Canadian shingle, IKO is an easy recommendation, and the Dynasty in particular punches above its price.

Malarkey: the impact leader

Malarkey, made in Oregon, is the impact and resilience story. The Malarkey Vista uses NEX polymer modified asphalt, a rubberized technology that makes the shingle tougher and more flexible, and it carries a Class 4 impact rating, the highest there is. Vista also uses 3M smog reducing granules and is built to the IBHS FORTIFIED standard. For homeowners in exposed, hail prone, or storm heavy spots, or who simply want the most durable shingle, Malarkey is the standout.

CertainTeed: the refined classic

CertainTeed Landmark is one of the most recognised architectural shingles on the continent, known for a refined, dimensional look and a deep colour range. The Landmark Pro line steps up the weight and warranty. CertainTeed has a strong reputation for consistency and curb appeal, and as a certified CertainTeed Master Roofer we install a lot of it. For homeowners focused on a classic, premium appearance with a trusted name, CertainTeed is a strong pick.

GAF: the widely specified standard

GAF is the most widely specified shingle brand in North America, and the Timberline HDZ is their flagship architectural shingle, known for its LayerLock technology and a generous nailing zone that makes correct installation easier and improves wind performance. It is a dependable, good looking shingle with broad availability. For homeowners who want the safe, proven, widely used standard, GAF Timberline is exactly that.

Four way comparison

Factor IKO Dynasty Malarkey Vista CertainTeed Landmark GAF Timberline HDZ
Made in Canada Oregon, USA USA USA
Impact rating Class 3 Class 4 (highest) Varies by line Varies by line
Signature tech ArmourZone nailing strip NEX polymer, 3M granules Dimensional look, colour depth LayerLock, wide nail zone
Wind Up to 130 mph, four nails High, FORTIFIED built High High, wide nail zone helps
Fire Class A Class A Class A Class A
Best for Value, Canadian made Maximum impact, storms Refined classic look Proven, widely available
We install Yes, IKO certified Yes Yes, CertainTeed certified Yes

So which should you choose

Best value, Canadian made
IKO Dynasty. A genuinely strong shingle at a sensible price, well stocked locally.
Maximum durability and impact
Malarkey Vista. Class 4 impact and rubberized NEX polymer for the toughest conditions.
Refined classic curb appeal
CertainTeed Landmark. A premium dimensional look with deep colour options.
Proven, safe, widely used
GAF Timberline HDZ. The most specified shingle on the continent for a reason.

The honest bottom line is that all four make a roof we are happy to put our 10 year workmanship warranty behind, and the install quality is what really determines how long any of them lasts. We match the brand and line to your home, budget, and exposure, and we install with our own in house crew using a four nail pattern as standard. See our IKO, CertainTeed, and Malarkey product pages, or our asphalt shingle service page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shingle brand is actually the best?

All four make a quality architectural shingle, and honestly the install matters more than the brand. If we had to separate them: IKO Dynasty is the best value and Canadian made, Malarkey Vista leads on impact with its Class 4 rating and rubberized NEX polymer, CertainTeed Landmark wins on refined looks, and GAF Timberline HDZ is the most proven and widely available. We match the brand to your home rather than pushing one.

What makes Malarkey different from the others?

Malarkey Vista uses NEX polymer modified asphalt, a rubberized technology that makes the shingle tougher and more flexible, and it carries a Class 4 impact rating, the highest available. It also uses 3M smog reducing granules and is built to the IBHS FORTIFIED standard. That combination makes it the standout for impact resistance and storm prone locations.

Is IKO a good shingle?

Yes. IKO is Canadian made with good local availability and pricing, and the IKO Dynasty in particular is a strong architectural shingle with a Class 3 impact rating, the ArmourZone reinforced nailing strip, a high wind rating up to 130 mph with four nails, Class A fire, and a Limited Lifetime warranty. It offers excellent value for our market.

Do you install all four brands?

We install IKO, Malarkey, CertainTeed, and GAF, and we are certified Master Roofers with both CertainTeed and IKO. Because we carry more than one brand, the recommendation you get is based on your home, budget, and exposure, not on what we are tied to selling.

Does the brand affect my warranty?

Each manufacturer has its own product warranty, and the better lines carry longer coverage. Separately, we provide our own 10 year workmanship warranty on the installation regardless of brand. In practice the workmanship is what protects you most, because the vast majority of shingle problems trace back to installation rather than the shingle itself.

Which brand handles BC wind and rain best?

All four offer high wind ratings on their architectural lines when installed correctly with the right nailing. Malarkey Vista has an edge in raw resilience thanks to its Class 4 impact rating and rubberized polymer. For our climate, correct four nail installation and good flashing detail matter more than small differences between these quality brands.

Choosing a Shingle? Get Honest, Certified Advice.

We are CertainTeed and IKO Master Roofer certified and install all the major brands. We match the right shingle to your home, budget, and exposure, then install it with our own crew. 10 year workmanship warranty.

Book Free Estimate Asphalt Shingles Call us any time: 604‑358‑3436
HS
Harman Singh
Senior Roofing Specialist & Project Manager — Paragon Roofing BC
CertainTeed Master Roofer IKO Master Roofer BC Licensed Contractor

15+ years of Lower Mainland roofing experience. Harman leads project teams across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley with a focus on institutional quality work for residential, strata, and commercial properties. Direct line: 604‑358‑3436.

Paragon Roofing BC — Trusted Lower Mainland roofing contractor
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