What Are Architectural Shingles?

All homes can benefit from a little tender loving care, no matter the age or location. Making occasional updates to beautify your property can help maintain its character while enhancing your pride and appreciation. In some cases, home improvement projects can even boost the resale value.If you want to upgrade the look of your home and green spaces without getting on the roof or breaking the bank, there's no shortage of options. Here are four DIY ideas for low-maintenance front yard curb appeal.1. A Fresh Coat of PaintPainting is one of the simplest and least costly DIY home projects, requiring only primer, paint, and a brush. In fact, the most complicated part of painting projects is often choosing what to paint and what colors to use. However, this can be one of the highest-impact, low-maintenance front yard curb appeal projects.Painting your shutters, trim, or even just your front door can give your home a quick facelift. A great way to make your home look as cohesive as possible is to stick to its existing colors and undertones. You can achieve this by keeping the trim or shutter colors within the same color family as your roof.For example, if you have a white home with Hunter Green GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles on the roof, consider a similar shade of green for the shutters and trim. Or, if you have a stucco house with a cooler-hued roof, you can paint your shutters a soft gray or light blue for a modest pop of color.If you're feeling adventurous, consider painting your front door a fun color that will catch the eye and welcome your guests. For cooler-toned homes, try a front door in navy, royal, or even sky blue. For warmer-toned homes, you can be extra playful and paint your front door a bright red.When painting, remember to properly prep and prime all surfaces and use exterior paint. If you plan to refresh your shutters, it's best to remove them from the hinges and lay them flat while working.2. Updated LandscapingLandscaping is another fun way to add front yard curb appeal, but it can feel a little more daunting than an afternoon of painting. To start, visit your local nursery and learn about suitable plants for your area. Figure out how much upkeep and irrigation certain shrubs require, when particular flowers bloom, and the amount of sunshine each plant needs. You may want to dot your landscape with bushes that bloom throughout the year, or you may want a simple and calming lawn filled with lush shades of green. Either way, an expert at your local nursery can help.However, if you only have one afternoon to dedicate to your landscape, you can still make an impact. One quick way to upgrade your property's look is to fill terracotta pots with seasonal flowers in your favorite colors. Place them flanking the front door or beside the mailbox. If your home has a lot of windows, plant beautiful, low-maintenance flowers in windowsill boxes. The best part about potted plants is they're transportable, and you can change the blooms with the season or your mood.As you update your landscaping, choose a color scheme and appearance that complements your home's style and design. If you have a more traditional home with brown Weathered Wood GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles on the roof, for instance, you could create a rustic, English-style garden that's filled with bursts of colorful flowers. If your home is more modern, on the other hand, stick with a simple landscape design that uses a subdued color palette. You want your front yard to feel connected with the rest of your home.Home featuring GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles in Weathered Wood.3. Improved Walkway DesignAnother DIY project that can give your home low-maintenance front yard curb appeal is improving your walkway. Enhancing your yard's hardscaping can make your home feel more cohesive.If your property has existing gravel walkways, consider matching the color to your home. Gray gravel stones complement a cooler-toned home, and ivory/beige stones work well for a warm-toned home. For instance, if your roof is a color similar to Oyster Grey GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles, consider using slate or bluestone; if it's on the warmer side, use brick.If you like the look of paver stones, pick up lightweight options at your local hardware store and use them to create intricate, eye-catching designs.Home featuring GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in Oyster Grey4. Elegant LightingAn impactful DIY tip for jazzing up your home's curb appeal is upgrading your exterior lighting. Soft, warm lighting can add elegance and offer dramatic flair. This complements homes with GAF Timberline® NS shingles that provide a natural shadow effect.Consider adding a sconce by the front door to make your home feel inviting and cozy. Place outdoor solar-powered lights along walkways. You can also add solar lights at the base of trees to uplight them, creating a sophisticated look at night. As added benefits, solar lights require no hard-wiring and don't affect your electricity bill, which makes them a great low-maintenance front yard curb appeal addition.There's No Place Like Your HomeGiving your home upgraded curb appeal through painting, landscaping, hardscaping, and lighting can make a big difference without requiring too much time or money. In addition to giving you a newfound sense of pride, your neighbors may also appreciate the property's updates. Best of all, these exterior DIY projects can potentially increase your home's sale price. It's often easier for buyers to envision themselves in a beautiful, well-maintained home.If you want to take your home's exterior to another level, think about upgrading your roof. A new roof requires less maintenance and can help refine your property's appearance. Explore the GAF Virtual Home Remodeler to envision different ways your home could look, and reach out to a local GAF-certified contractor* to discuss your roofing project.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

If you notice missing shingles on your roof, there's no need to panic. Missing shingles aren't an emergency, but you should still act quickly, especially during wet seasons. Your roof is a multilayered system designed to protect your home's structure and finishes from water damage.If you ignore missing shingles, moisture can get into your home, leading to issues such as rot, mold, and costly water damage. Replacing missing shingles quickly can mean the difference between a minor roof repair and a total roof replacement.So, here's how to spot missing shingles and hire a roofer to replace them.How to Spot Missing ShinglesLocating missing shingles, before leaks set in, can save you time, money, and peace of mind. Here are several ways to spot them before they cause bigger issues.Inspect Your Roof from the GroundScope your roof with binoculars for signs of missing shingles. Inspecting your roof from the ground helps prevent shingle damage from walking on the roof and, most importantly, fall-related injuries. Scan your roof from every angle that it's safe to do so, including from streets, sidewalks, and neighbors' yards if you have permission to do so.Check for Shingle ChangesSystematically check each shingle following a horizontal or vertical line. A missing shingle often sticks out as a color change in your shingle pattern. While you're at it, look for shingles that are cracked, curled, or sagging or that aren't aligned with the others. These can all be signs of shingle or roof damage.Review Your Roof for Damage after StormsRoof damage often happens as a result of extreme weather. Once it's safe to be outdoors, visually inspect your roof for damage. You can also survey the ground around your property to spot any shingles that may have blown off.Look Inside Your Home for LeaksCheck inside your home for longer-term signs of missing shingles. Evidence of leaks in your attic or water stains on your interior ceilings or walls can indicate wider-spread water damage in your home. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, have a roofing professional inspect the area (both inside and outside) for damage.Schedule a Professional Roof InspectionThe National Roofing Contractors Association recommends professional-level roof inspections twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Like routine car maintenance keeps repair costs down, roof inspections can help spot small concerns before they potentially become expensive problems.How to Hire a RooferOnce you spot missing shingles on your roof, the next step is hiring a professional to replace them. Create a list of questions before you call around, so you can find a reliable roofing company that won't cut corners.If you have warranties, you may also want to check whether or not those have any requirements. For example, all GAF roofing shingles and qualifying accessories (the "GAF Products") come with the coverage provided by the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty,** and you don't need to do anything at all to get it.How to Prepare for Roofing RepairsThough every contractor is different, confirm certain details before signing any contracts. Here's how you can ensure you and your contractor are on the same page before work begins:Communicate clearly from the start; this will help prevent frustration and unexpected costs.Before making a deposit, be sure you both agree on the quote and job details.Agree on the job's start date, plus a contingency plan if bad weather forces a rain check. Ask your roofer if they'll install a temporary tarp to prevent water damage in the case of a delay.Read your quote carefully. Confirm approximate labor costs and the color, style, and brand of shingles that will be installed.Ask about anticipated material quantities and estimated roofing material costs (like flashing, roofing nails, etc.).Confirm whether the repair job includes cleanup costs and if the roofer will remove any debris.When to Consider a Roof ReplacementLook at the big picture before replacing missing shingles. Consider your roof's age, any warranties on your roof system, the extent of the roof damage (both internally and externally), and whether the missing shingles are an isolated issue. Multiple missing shingles or frequent repairs could be a sign that you need a new roof.Ready to schedule a professional roof inspection? Contact a GAF-certified roofing contractor* to get started.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.* *GAF Accessory Products covered under this limited warranty include: GAF Ridge Cap Shingles, GAF Starter Strip Shingles, GAF Leak Barrier Products, GAF Roof Deck Protection Products, and GAF Attic Ventilation Products. For a complete list of qualifying GAF products visit gaf.com/LRS. This limited warranty does not cover low-slope membranes. See gaf.com for a copy of the limited warranties covering those products.

Your roof is a long-term investment that helps protect your family, may improve your home's resale value, and crowns your home's aesthetic so finding a contractor that is qualified is very important. To help you choose a roofing contractor with confidence, here are three qualities to look for.1. Professional Experience and ReputationBefore you hire, do your research. Choose a company based on experience and reputation—not just price. If you decide on price alone, you may not be making the best choice.RecommendationsWord-of-mouth from trusted sources is a great starting place. Ask neighbors, friends, and online community forums for referrals.ResearchVisit the company's website to determine the products and services it offers—as well as the number of years it's been in business. Then, verify the company is licensed and insured.ReviewsNext, read reviews from multiple online platforms to learn about customer experiences. Resources could include Google Reviews, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and the company's social media pages. While searching, look for info such as ease of interactions, professionalism during installation, cleanup after project completion, and overall satisfaction with the outcome.2. CertificationsFinding a contractor certified by a manufacturer typically indicates that a contractor has met the certification requirements of the manufacturer. For example, contractors certified by GAF must be insured and licensed in states where they operate (if required). GAF also considers factors such as years of roofing experience, credit rating and overall standing with the Better Business Bureau.Higher tiers of certification may be allowed to offer better enhanced warranties on qualifying roofing systems. For example GAF Master Elite® Contractors are entrusted to offer the GAF Golden Pledge Limited Warranty* on qualifying roofing systems, which provides up to 30 years of misapplication coverage.VerificationVerify contractor certifications whenever possible. For example, the GAF website lets you verify whether a company is certified by GAF by simply entering their phone number or contractor ID.AwardsIn addition to certifications, select contractors may also qualify for manufacturer awards. For example, the highest distinction a GAF Master Elite® contractor can earn is the GAF's President's Club Award. This award indicates that a contractor has demonstrated commitment to installing GAF roofing systems backed by GAF's strongest warranties and dedication to learning about GAF's products and services.3. Operational ApproachAfter identifying several contractors, consider these talking points when interviewing the contractors:ExperienceAsk the contractor whether it has experience installing roofs on the type of roof architecture you have.AvailabilityWhen do you need the project to start, and when can the company actually do the installation? If your roofing needs are urgent (leaks, damage, etc.), make sure they can perform the work in the timeframe you are looking for.EstimateAsk the contractor to provide you with an estimate. As a preliminary step, try using GAF's estimate tool. However, keep in mind that the estimate provided by the tool is non-binding and contractors will provide their own estimates. Review actual estimates from contractors closely to understand what is included. The cheapest option is not always the best. Consider experience, and reputation, too.Payment OptionsAsk your contractor about payment options, including payment and financing options to make sure you choose the best option for you.Starting Your SearchPrioritizing these qualities when looking for a contractor may help you find the right company for the job.Are you ready for a new roof? Find a GAF certified roofing contractor** today.*See GAF Golden Pledge Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.