When you pick up a cheap “3-tab” shingle, it feels floppy. It bends in the wind like a sheet of paper.
When you pick up a CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingle, it feels like a shield.
In the roofing industry, weight is often a proxy for quality. A heavier shingle has more asphalt, more weathering-grade granules, and a thicker fiberglass mat. In Mahtomedi, where open winds off the lake can lift lighter shingles, that extra weight isn’t just for show—it is a structural necessity.
At Roofing MPLS, we frequently recommend the CertainTeed Landmark series for homeowners who want a roof that lays flat and stays put.
Here is why “going heavy” is the smart move for your Minnesota home.
The Gravity of the Situation: Wind Uplift
The physics of a roof are simple: Wind creates lift (suction) as it blows over the ridge. Lighter shingles rely entirely on their sealant strip to stay down. If that seal breaks, the shingle flaps and tears.
CertainTeed Landmark PRO shingles weigh approximately 270 pounds per square.1
Compare that to standard builder-grade shingles which often weigh closer to 200-220 pounds.
- The Benefit: That extra 50+ pounds of asphalt per square acts as a natural anchor. The shingles lay flatter by default, making them significantly harder for wind to lift even before the sealant activates.
NailTrak®: The Hidden Feature That Saves Your Roof
The best shingle in the world will fail if the roofer misses the “nailing zone.”
If a nail is driven too high, it misses the double-thick layer of the shingle, offering zero holding power. If it is driven too low, the nail head is exposed to the rain.
CertainTeed solved this with NailTrak® Technology.
Instead of a thin painted line, they provide a wide, high-visibility nailing area (three times wider than some competitors).2
- Why this matters to you: It removes human error. When our crews are working on a steep roof in 90-degree heat, NailTrak ensures they hit the “bullseye” every single time.3 This guarantees that the wind warranty is valid and the mechanical bond is secure.
The Aesthetic: Shadow Lines and “Max Def”
Have you ever driven past a house where the roof looked “flat” and one-dimensional, almost like a sticker? That is usually a standard weight shingle.
Heavyweight shingles are thicker.4 This thickness creates a physical step-down between the layers. When the sun hits your roof, that step-down casts a shadow line.5+1
- Landmark PRO “Max Def”: CertainTeed uses a “Maximum Definition” color blend with richer, more vibrant granules.6 Combined with the shadow lines, this gives your roof a textured, wood-shake look that adds immediate curb appeal.7+1
Is the “Heavyweight” Upgrade Expensive?
Upgrading from standard architectural shingles to the heavyweight Landmark PRO typically adds a small percentage to the total project cost—often less than the cost of a new front door.
However, because labor costs remain the same (it takes the same time to nail a good shingle as a bad one), the return on investment for the material upgrade is massive. To see how premium materials fit into your overall renovation numbers, check our St. Paul vs. Suburbs roofing cost guide.
Conclusion: Feel the Difference
We believe in the “Touch Test.”
When we come out for an estimate, we will hand you a standard shingle and a CertainTeed Landmark PRO. You will feel the difference in density and stiffness instantly.
If you want a roof that feels as tough as it looks, call Roofing MPLS at +1 612-246-7079. We are certified CertainTeed installers ready to protect your home.
Roofing MPLS – 281 Huron Ave, Mahtomedi, MN 55115. Your Local CertainTeed Credentialed Contractor.