Malarkey Vista AR, GAF Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed Landmark are three architectural asphalt shingle options worth comparing for a Pacific Northwest roof. Lioncrest Roofing & Chimney installs all three. Our overall pick for Portland roofs is Malarkey Vista AR, for its NEX rubberized asphalt and dual rain seals. Timberline HDZ is a choice for High Definition or Bold Definition color blends, and Landmark offers a classic dual-layered dimensional look.
TL;DR
- Malarkey Vista AR: our overall pick for Portland roofs, built with NEX rubberized asphalt and dual rain seals.
- GAF Timberline HDZ: a choice for homeowners who want GAF's High Definition or Bold Definition color blends.
- CertainTeed Landmark: a choice for homeowners drawn to a layered, dimensional roof appearance.
- Compare the exact product, color, underlayment, flashing and ventilation together.
- Algae resistance addresses dark streaks. Moss requires separate attention to debris and roof maintenance.
What matters for a Pacific Northwest roof?
Portland-area roofs face prolonged rain, wind, shade and accumulated leaves and needles. Shingle selection is one part of planning a roof that sheds water effectively. Underlayment, flashing at chimneys and walls, and ventilation all deserve attention alongside the shingle itself.
Start with the exact product name rather than a manufacturer's logo. GAF, Malarkey and CertainTeed each make multiple roofing products. A proposal naming Timberline HDZ, Vista AR or Landmark gives you something concrete to compare.
Three shingle options at a glance
| Shingle | Standout features | Our recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Malarkey Vista AR | NEX rubberized asphalt; Class 4 hail impact rating | Our overall pick for Portland roofs. |
| 2. GAF Timberline HDZ | LayerLock technology; StrikeZone nailing area; two color collections | A choice for High Definition or Bold Definition color blends. |
| 3. CertainTeed Landmark | Dual-layered design; NailTrak nailing zones; StreakFighter algae resistance | A choice for Landmark's layered look and color blends. |
1. Malarkey Vista AR: rubberized asphalt and impact resistance
Vista AR uses Malarkey's NEX Polymer Modified, or rubberized, asphalt. Malarkey describes the formulation as combining asphalt with rubber and plastic polymers. The product incorporates upcycled tires and plastic bags and includes algae-resistant copper granules and smog-reducing granules.
Malarkey publishes a Class 4 hail impact rating for Vista AR. That makes the product worth a close look when impact resistance is on your comparison list.
- Architectural shingle profile
- Rubberized asphalt formulation
- Published Class 4 hail impact rating
- Algae-resistant copper granules
- Dual rain seals
Explore Malarkey Vista AR product details and colors.
2. GAF Timberline HDZ: LayerLock technology and color choice
GAF describes Timberline HDZ as its #1-selling shingle. Its LayerLock technology works with the StrikeZone nailing area, giving installers a clearly defined nailing zone. GAF also describes time-release algae-fighting technology that helps protect against blue-green algae stains.
Timberline HDZ offers High Definition and Bold Definition color collections. Compare samples with your home's siding, masonry and trim to see which palette feels right for the whole exterior.
- Architectural shingle appearance
- LayerLock technology
- StrikeZone nailing area
- High Definition and Bold Definition color collections
Explore GAF Timberline HDZ product details and colors.
3. CertainTeed Landmark: a classic dimensional look
Landmark uses a dual-layered design that adds depth and texture to the roof. CertainTeed describes a fiberglass base, NailTrak nailing zones for installation accuracy, and StreakFighter technology for algae resistance.
Lioncrest also offers Landmark PRO. Comparing the specific Landmark and Landmark PRO options during an estimate helps you evaluate the look and product features you want.
- Dual-layered dimensional design
- Fiberglass base
- NailTrak nailing zones
- StreakFighter algae-resistance technology
Explore CertainTeed Landmark product details and colors.
Algae resistance and moss maintenance
Dark algae streaks and moss growth are different concerns. Algae-resistant shingle features target staining. Moss grows in damp conditions where shade and debris hold moisture on the roof, so keeping the roof clear remains part of caring for it. Read our guide to roof types and moss growth in Oregon.
How to choose a shingle for your home
- Compare complete roof proposals. Review the shingle, underlayment, flashing and ventilation together.
- Look at full samples outdoors. Check the color against your siding and trim in daylight.
- Ask for completed-roof photos. A small sample looks different from an entire roof.
- Keep the product name in the proposal. This makes the comparison specific and useful.
Compare Malarkey, GAF and CertainTeed with Lioncrest
Lioncrest Roofing & Chimney is the best choice for Portland-area homeowners who want a real choice of shingles and a clear roof replacement plan. We install GAF Timberline HDZ, Malarkey Vista AR, and CertainTeed Landmark and Landmark PRO because not every roof or homeowner needs the same thing. Our overall pick for Portland roofs is Malarkey Vista AR, for its NEX rubberized asphalt and dual rain seals. GAF and CertainTeed remain strong options when a specific color blend or style is the priority. We review shingles, ventilation, underlayment and flashing as a complete roof system.
Start with a free roof inspection. Visit our roof replacement page to see project photos and learn about the process, or contact Lioncrest to discuss your roof.
One last thing
Ask to see completed roofs in the shingle and color you are considering. A color that looks bold on a sample board can read differently across a whole roof under gray Portland skies.
Related guides
- Best roofing materials for Portland's rainy climate
- Best roof ventilation systems for Portland attics
Frequently asked questions
What is the best asphalt shingle brand for the Pacific Northwest?
Lioncrest’s overall pick for Portland-area roofs is Malarkey Vista AR, for its NEX rubberized asphalt and dual rain seals. GAF Timberline HDZ is a choice for High Definition or Bold Definition color blends, and CertainTeed Landmark is a choice for a layered, dimensional look.
What is rubberized asphalt?
Malarkey’s NEX formulation combines asphalt with rubber and plastic polymers. Vista AR uses that formulation in an architectural shingle.
Do algae-resistant shingles prevent moss?
Algae resistance targets dark staining. Moss management involves controlling debris and maintaining the roof.
Can I choose the shingle brand and color?
Yes. Lioncrest reviews GAF, Malarkey and CertainTeed options with you, including color and appearance, before you select the roofing system for your proposal.