When it’s time to replace your roof, choosing the right shingle matters. Two of the most popular options on the market are Owens Corning Oakridge® and Duration® shingles—both known for their durability, style, and trusted performance. But what’s the difference, and which one is the best fit for your home? In this guide, we break down Oakridge vs Duration in simple terms so you can confidently choose the best roofing system for your needs and budget.
Key Differences Between Oakridge and Duration Shingles
To help you quickly understand the main differences between Owens Corning Oakridge and Duration shingles, we’ve created a side-by-side comparison chart. This breakdown highlights key factors like price, warranty, wind resistance, color options, and impact ratings—so you can make a confident decision based on what matters most for your home. Whether you’re focused on budget, performance, or curb appeal, this table makes it easy to compare both products at a glance.
| Feature | Owens Corning Oakridge | Owens Corning Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Price | More budget-friendly; lower cost per square. | Premium pricing (about 10–20% higher). Offers advanced features like SureNail® and higher wind rating. |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty (for as long as you own your home). 10-year Tru PROtection℠ non-prorated coverage. | Also Limited Lifetime Warranty, with the same 10-year Tru PROtection℠ period. Transferable if you sell the home. |
| Wind Resistance | 110 MPH standard, 130 MPH with 6 nails and starter strips. | 130 MPH wind warranty out of the box (4 nails), thanks to SureNail® strip. |
| Impact Rating | No special hail impact rating (standard architectural). | Class 3 (UL 2218), may qualify for insurance discounts in hail-prone areas. |
| Colors & Appearance | Wide range of popular colors; a subtle dimensional look. | Larger color selection with more choices overall. Thanks to the TruDefinition® color platform, Duration shingles often look brighter and more vibrant, giving a bolder, high-contrast appearance. |
| Nailing Zone | Standard laminated nailing zone (double-layer). | Patented SureNail® Technology (triple-layer reinforced strip for nails). |
| Ideal Use Case | Value-focused homeowners, rentals, or properties on a tighter budget. | Long-term homeowners, storm-prone areas, or those seeking premium curb appeal. |
Price & Budget
Owens Corning Oakridge shingles are a great option for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly roof without sacrificing quality. They come in at a lower price point per square, making them ideal for short-term properties, rentals, or anyone looking to save upfront. On the other hand, Duration shingles are considered a premium option, typically priced about 10–20% higher. The added cost reflects advanced features like SureNail® Technology and higher wind ratings, which can offer greater long-term value and protection.
Check out our How Much Does A New Roof Cost Blog to read more on pricing
Warranty Coverage
Both Oakridge and Duration shingles are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty and a 10-year Tru PROtection® period, which covers labor and materials without proration. However, Duration shingles have the added advantage of being transferable if you sell your home, which can add resale appeal. This makes Duration a better long-term investment for homeowners planning to stay in their home for many years or looking to enhance property value.
Wind Resistance
If you live in an area prone to storms or high winds—like Houston or coastal Texas—wind resistance matters. Oakridge shingles offer wind protection up to 110 MPH, but can be rated up to 130 MPH with the use of 6 nails and starter shingles. Duration shingles come with a 130 MPH wind warranty right out of the box using only 4 nails, thanks to Owens Corning’s patented SureNail® strip, which reinforces the nailing zone for stronger holding power.
Impact Resistance & Insurance Discounts
If you live in a hail-prone area, your shingle’s impact rating can directly affect insurance premiums. Oakridge shingles do not have a special impact rating. Duration shingles, however, carry a Class 3 UL 2218 Impact Rating, which may qualify homeowners for insurance discounts and offers better protection from hail and debris.
Why Insurance Companies Offer Discounts for Class 3 & Class 4 Roofs in Houston
High Risk of Hail Storms in Texas
Houston and surrounding regions frequently experience severe hailstorms, especially in spring and early summer. Hail causes billions in roof damage each year, making Texas one of the most hail-prone states.
UL 2218 Impact Rating System
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) developed the UL 2218 standard to test and classify roofing materials based on their resistance to hail damage. The test involves dropping steel balls from set heights and checking if the material cracks or breaks.
- Class 3: Withstands a 1.75″ steel ball dropped from 17 feet
- Class 4: Withstands a 2″ steel ball dropped from 20 feet (highest rating)
Lower Risk = Lower Premiums
Insurance companies reward homeowners who install higher-rated roofing (Class 3 or 4) because it reduces the chance they’ll have to pay out hail damage claims. These shingles often resist cracking, splitting, and granule loss better than standard shingles.
Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Incentives
The Texas Department of Insurance allows carriers to offer discounts for homes using qualified impact-resistant roofing materials — especially Class 4. These discounts vary by provider but can range from 5% to 35% on the wind/hail portion of your premium.
This is a sample form from State Farm that we were required to complete to apply for a reduction in residential insurance premiums after installing impact-resistant shingles.
Disclaimer: This form is provided for informational purposes only. Do not use this exact form for your own submission. Insurance providers like State Farm may update their forms and requirements at any time.
Always contact your insurance company directly to get the most current and approved form before submitting.
Color Options & Appearance
Both shingle lines are designed to enhance your home’s curb appeal with an architectural, dimensional look. Oakridge shingles have a softer, more traditional style with a range of popular colors. Duration shingles offer a larger selection of vibrant, bold colors through Owens Corning’s TruDefinition® color platform. Thanks to their deeper contrast and brighter appearance, Duration shingles stand out more dramatically and provide a high-end finish.
Side-by-side of Oakridge vs Duration in Driftwood Color
Oakridge Shingle in Color Driftwood
Duration Shingle in Color Driftwood
Nailing Zone & Installation
Oakridge shingles feature a standard double-layer nailing zone that requires 4 to 6 nails depending on your desired wind rating. Duration shingles include the patented SureNail® Technology—a reinforced fabric strip embedded into the nailing area that provides a triple-layer strength. This makes them easier and faster to install while ensuring a more secure hold, especially during storms.
Oakridge Shingles
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Uses a standard double-layer nailing zone
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Requires 4–6 nails depending on wind resistance needed
Duration Shingles
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Features SureNail® Technology, a reinforced triple-layer nailing strip
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Easier and faster for roofers to install with consistent fastening
Which Shingle is Best for You?
Both Owens Corning Oakridge and Duration shingles are excellent roofing choices—but the best one depends on your goals. Oakridge offers dependable quality at a great value. Duration delivers top-tier performance and visual impact for long-term peace of mind. Either way, make sure your roof is installed by a trusted local contractor.
Choose Oakridge If:
- You’re on a tighter budget
- It’s a rental property or short-term home
- You want solid protection with traditional colors
Choose Duration If:
- You’re in your forever home
- You live in a high-wind or hail-prone area
- You want the boldest colors and highest performance