Owens Corning Teak vs Driftwood Shingles: Choosing the Right Roofing Solution
Installing a new roof is one of the most important investments you can make for your home. Not only does it protect your house from the elements, it also enhances your home’s appearance and can even increase its value. When it comes to roofing shingles, Owens Corning is one of the most trusted and reputable brands on the market. Two of their most popular options are the Teak and Driftwood shingle lines. But what exactly sets these two shingles apart?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the key differences between Owens Corning Teak vs Driftwood roofing shingles. We’ll compare the appearance, durability, cost, and other factors to help you determine which option is better suited for your roofing needs and budget. With the right information, you can make an informed decision on which shingles are the ideal choice for your home.
Owens Corning Teak Shingles Overview
Owens Corning Teak shingles are designed to mimic the look of natural wood shake roofing. Their warm, rich color and unique shadow lines give them the realistic appearance of wood grain. Teak shingles come with a Limited Lifetime warranty and are available in popular hues like Brownwood, Chestnut, and Desert Tan.
Appearance
The Teak shingle line features a distinct, multi-layered design that provides both texture and depth to your roof. The shingles have pronounced shadow lines between each layer, emphasizing the wood-like appearance. As the shingles age, the color gradually lightens and takes on a rustic, weathered look over time. This natural weathering process enhances the authentic wood visual.
Teak shingles work well for Craftsman, Victorian, Tudor, and other architectural styles that complement the natural wood aesthetic. Their rich colors and bold shadow lines can make a dramatic statement on your home’s exterior. If you want a roof with classic curb appeal, Teak shingles are an excellent choice.
Durability
Constructed from a fiberglass mat base coated with high-quality asphalt, Teak shingles are engineered to be durable and weather-resistant. The ceramic granules used in the shingles provide protection from UV radiation, while the reinforced material makes them more impact-resistant. Teak shingles come with a 130 mph wind warranty, so they can stand up to extreme weather events.
The multi-layered design also improves longevity and performance. By installing the shingles in offset rows, the layers overlap to provide triple coverage across the roof. This added thickness prevents leaks and allows for proper drainage. Teak shingles have a Class A fire rating for fire safety as well.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to aesthetic appeal, Teak shingles can also help reduce your energy bills. Their laminated layers and Granular Surface help reflect sunlight and decrease heat absorption in your attic. Less heat penetration means your cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard in the summer months, potentially lowering energy usage.
Teak shingles also provide excellent insulation in colder weather. By reducing heat transfer into and out of your home, the shingles help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. This improved insulation can lead to savings on your energy bill.
Owens Corning Driftwood Shingles Overview
Owens Corning Driftwood shingles aim to replicate the look of natural cedar shakes and shingles. Their textured design and variegated earth tone colors mimic weathered wood. Driftwood shingles are available in popular hues like Summer Harvest, Autumn Brown, and Stonegate Gray. They come with a Limited Lifetime warranty from Owens Corning.
Appearance
Featuring a unique color blending process, Driftwood shingles showcase an array of natural-looking hues that capture the essence of genuine cedar shake roofing. Subtle color variations give each shingle distinction and character for a timeworn, rustic appearance. Yet unlike real wood shakes, the color won’t fade or discolor over time.
The textured design of Driftwood shingles also enhances the rugged, distressed visual. Using multiple color granule layers, Owens Corning achieves an irregular, streaked pattern that mimics the look of warped, twisted cedar. But the color remains consistent and uniform across the roof plane for a cohesive look.
Both rugged and refined, Driftwood shingles complement a wide range of home styles. Their versatile, natural colors blend in well with numerous exterior paint and siding options. For Craftsman, Farmhouse, Cottage, and Rural architectural designs, Driftwood shingles can deliver the classic cedar shake look without the high maintenance.
Durability
Built on durable fiberglass mats, Driftwood shingles can withstand all types of weather conditions. The ceramic-coated mineral granules protect against UV radiation, while the reinforced material provides excellent impact resistance. Driftwood shingles also come with a 130 mph wind warranty for peace of mind.
The textured design improves durability as well. By embedding ceramic granules deep into the shingle mat, Owens Corning creates a rugged double-layer design with enhanced dimensionality. This adds thickness and protection across the roof. The irregular design also creates distinctive shadow lines for a layered, dimensional look.
Driftwood shingles have a Class A fire rating for fire safety. And their performance won’t suffer in algae-prone regions, as the shingles contain algae-resistant copper. This helps prevent ugly black streaks caused by algae and moss growth.
Energy Efficiency
With their ability to reflect solar heat and reduce temperature absorption, Driftwood shingles can assist with energy savings as well. The textured design scatters sunlight rather than directly absorbing it, helping decrease heat transmittance into your attic and living spaces. This keeps your home cooler and reduces air conditioner usage in warm weather.
The shingles also provide excellent insulation against winter weather. By limiting heat transfer out of your home, Driftwood shingles create a thermal barrier that helps maintain steady indoor temperatures. Energy savings from both heating and cooling can add up over time, reducing utility costs.
Comparing Owens Corning Teak vs Driftwood Shingles
Now that we’ve covered the key features and benefits of the Teak and Driftwood shingle lines, let’s directly compare them in a few key categories:
Appearance
While both options mimic the look of real wood shakes, there are a few visual differences:
- Teak has pronounced shadow lines that emphasize its layered, wood-like design. Driftwood has a more subtle textured pattern.
- Teak shingles weather to a rustic, silver-gray over time. Driftwood maintains its earth tone color blend long-term.
- Teak has bold, rich color choices. Driftwood offers more subdued, natural hues.
Ultimately, Teak offers bolder shadow lines and color contrast, while Driftwood provides more subtle, weathered coloring.
Durability
Both shingle lines are backed by 130 mph wind warranties and have Class A fire safety ratings. They feature similar construction with fiberglass mats and ceramic-coated mineral granules. Overall, their durability and performance are comparable.
However, Teak shingles have triple-layer coverage across the roof for enhanced wind and weather protection. Driftwood shingles are also rugged but do not have the third layer.
Cost
Due to the triple-layer design and premium wood-like aesthetics, Teak shingles are more expensive than the Driftwood line. You can expect to pay $300-$500 more per square for installation of Teak shingles, depending on your location and roofer rates.
However, keep in mind you may be able to recoup some of the extra cost over time, as luxury designer shingles like Teak can increase your home’s resale value.
Warranty
Both Teak and Driftwood shingles come with excellent Limited Lifetime warranties from Owens Corning for your peace of mind. This guarantees the shingles against manufacturing defects that cause leaks for as long as you own your home. The warranties are non-prorated and transferable to the next homeowner as well.
Energy Efficiency
With their multi-layer design and advanced Granular Surface, Teak shingles may provide slightly better solar heat reflection and attic ventilation compared to Driftwood shingles. However, both lines offer Energy Star certification and excellent insulation against weather. Overall, energy efficiency is comparable between the two styles.
Ultimately, the subtle differences come down to your budget, home style preferences, and desired aesthetic. While Teak shingles cost more upfront, they provide bolder shadow lines and wood detailing. Driftwood shingles offer a more affordable price point while still providing an attractive, natural wood-inspired appearance.
Key Benefits of Owens Corning Roofing Shingles
Whichever Owens Corning shingle you choose, you can feel confident knowing you’re getting a high-quality roofing product backed by their reputation and warranties. Here are some of the benefits that come with Owens Corning asphalt roof shingles:
- Exceptional durability from reinforced materials and multiple granule layers
- Enhanced weather protection and wind resistance
- Attractive designs that boost your home’s curb appeal
- Energy efficiency features to help reduce heating and cooling costs
- Class A fire safety ratings for peace of mind
- Algae resistance to prevent ugly black streaks on your roof
- Limited Lifetime warranties for manufacturer defects
- Wide range of color and style options to suit your home
- Potential to increase your home’s resale value
By choosing Owens Corning shingles backed with rigorous testing, you can maximize the return from your roofing investment and add beauty to your home for years to come.
Choosing the Perfect Shingles for Your Roof
Owens Corning Teak and Driftwood roofing shingles offer exceptional quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Both options can enhance your home with the natural beauty of real wood shakes but without maintenance. Teak shingles provide bold, dramatic shadow lines and rich color. Driftwood offers weathered, earthy hues at a more budget-friendly price point.
When selecting shingles, take time to carefully evaluate the appearance options and weigh installation costs. Be sure to have your roof assessed to determine whether replacement or overlay is the right approach. An experienced roofing contractor can provide valuable guidance through the process. They can ensure proper installation and provide any manufacturer warranties.
Investing in a quality roof is one of the wisest home improvements you can make. With Owens Corning Teak or Driftwood shingles adorning your roof, you can increase curb appeal and boost resale value while protecting your most valuable asset – your home and family. Our in-depth shingle comparison and expertise help simplify the decision-making process so you can decorate your roof with style. Contact us to learn more about our roofing services and products!
FAQs About Owens Corning Teak and Driftwood Shingles
To help make your buying decision easier, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Owens Corning Teak and Driftwood shingles:
Which is more expensive, Teak or Driftwood shingles?
Teak shingles are more expensive than Driftwood, typically costing $300-$500 more per square to purchase and install.
Are Teak and Driftwood shingles energy efficient?
Yes, both styles carry Energy Star certification and provide good insulation. Teak shingles may have slightly better solar reflectance.
How long do the shingles last?
With proper installation and maintenance, Teak and Driftwood shingles can last 30 years or longer. The Limited Lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects for as long as you own your home.
What colors are available?
Teak shingles come in wood-inspired hues like Brownwood, Chestnut, and Desert Tan. Driftwood shingles are available in Summer Harvest, Autumn Brown, Stonegate Gray, and other earth tones.
How much do the shingles weigh?
Teak shingles weigh around 350-400 lbs per square, while Driftwood weighs approx. 450 lbs per square.
Can the shingles be installed over existing shingles?
In some cases, yes – assuming the existing roof is in good condition and building codes allow. Consult a roofer to assess the viability.
What warranties come with the shingles?
Both styles come with an Owens Corning Limited Lifetime warranty that covers manufacturer defects. This warranty is non-prorated and transferable.
