GAF Shingles Provide Proven Wind Protection

When helping customers identify the roofing materials they want installed on their properties, the functional and aesthetic qualities are both top considerations. While you're aiming to provide adequate protection from the elements and ensure energy efficiency, homeowners are also interested in how it will all look.Premium shingles can satisfy both priorities, effectively protecting the home (and its inhabitants) while providing an eye-catching appearance and boosting curb appeal.If a customer invests in premium shingles, you'll want to use equally high-quality ridge caps to finish the roof. Premium ridge cap shingles, such as GAF TimberTex® and GAF TimberCrest®, offer a strong protective layer and provide the same luxe look as GAF premium shingles.Here are the key details to know about these ridge cap shingles as well as insights and talking points you can share with customers.What Is GAF TimberTex®?GAF TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles measure 12 inches (305 millimeters) wide, with extra-large 8" (203 mm) exposure, which is larger than traditional ridge cap shingles. The large exposure results in less pieces to install and creates a dimensional, luxurious look. These ridge cap shingles were designed to complement the color of GAF shingles, avoiding matching issues and providing the perfect finishing touch.The TimberTex® double-layer design creates added protection on the hips and ridges and delivers an elevated, dimensional appearance. The ridge caps also use Dura Grip™ Self-Seal Adhesive to ensure they stay attached to the roof during sharp winds. They're available in various states across the United States.Shingle Pairing OptionsIf customers invest in Timberline UHDZ(R), Timberline HDZ(R) or Designer Lifetime Shingles, you'll want to use ridge caps that provide the same rich look. GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles can be combined with TimberTex® ridge caps to give a roof a dramatic, dimensional look. The ridge caps aesthetically complement Timberline UHDZ® shingles on the hips and ridges.What Is GAF TimberCrest®?GAF TimberCrest® Premium SBS‑Modified Ridge Cap Shingles measure 10 inches (254 millimeters) and allow it to meet UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, and feature a bullnose rounded edge. They're built with an SBS polymer-modified asphalt that increases its flexibility. These ridge cap singles are ready to install out of the box, helping make quick work for your projects.To make your job easier, GAF TimberCrest® cap shingles also come with an alignment guide in the headlap to ensure proper centering on the hip and ridge. It's specifically constructed to enhance the architectural aesthetics of houses in the West, Southwest, and BC Canada.Shingle Pairing OptionsIn addition to Timberline HDZ(R) and Timberline HDZ(R) RS, TimberCrest(R) Ridge Cap shingles pair well with GAF Timberline® AS II shingles with a high-profile UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. These enhanced profile ridge caps also have Class 4 impact resistance and give Timberline® AS II shingles a more dramatic appearance than traditional ridge caps like the GAF Seal-A-Ridge® AS. Customers get the best of both worlds in their roofing system with effectiveness and aesthetic appearance.TimberCrest® ridge caps also complement GAF Grand Sequoia® AS shingles, which have a wooden shakes-like appearance and Class 4 impact resistance. Both are built using SBS-modified material, which gives the shingles and ridge caps enhanced flexibility as the roof expands and contracts in different weather conditions.Warranty Protection Offered for Both Ridge Cap OptionsStainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty* protection is included with TimberTex® and TimberCrest®, both of which tie into the GAF Lifetime Roofing System**. This is just one of the many benefits of choosing the GAF ecosystem of products for your roofing projects.Apart from the premium and durable products GAF offers, a strong warranty that can back up your jobs ensures happy customers, a good reputation, and continuous work for your company. When you install premium GAF shingles with three qualifying GAF accessories for your customers, they automatically get a GAF Lifetime Warranty. When installed with four qualifying GAF accessories, they become eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty***.Choosing the Right Roofing Products for Your Next JobGAF TimberTex® and TimberCrest® premium ridge cap shingles, which function best when combined with GAF shingles, can effectively protect a roof while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. To see all the options available to your customers, explore GAF ridge cap shingle products.Ready to move forward with one of the premium ridge cap shingle options? Reach out to your area's GAF Territory Manager for availability and more information.*25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus™ logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.**See GAF Shingle & Accessory Ltd. Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. The word "Lifetime" refers to the length of coverage provided by the GAF Shingle & Accessory Ltd. Warranty, and means as long as the original individual owner(s) of a single-family detached residence [or the second owner(s) in certain circumstances] owns the property where the shingles and accessories are installed. For owners/structures not meeting the above criteria, Lifetime coverage is not applicable. Lifetime ltd. Warranty on accessories requires the use of at least three qualifying GAF accessories and the use of Lifetime Shingles.***15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty covers GAF Shingles with LayerLock® Technology only and requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products. For installations not eligible for the WindProven limited wind warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

GAF recently launched a premium version of their bestselling Timberline HDZ® Shingles—Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles. A reengineered version of GAF Timberline® UHD—Ultra High Definition—Shingles, these have all the features that have made Timberline HDZ® Shingles a popular choice for homeowners, but with a few extras—ranging from enhanced aesthetics to 10% Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology. Here's an at-a-glance comparison of the benefits of both shingles to help you choose the best fit for the project and budget you're working with.Curb AppealBoth Timberline® UHDZ™ and Timberline HDZ® Shingles provide a stylish wood-shake look, for beautiful curb appeal that can help boost the value of a home. The difference with the new Ultra High Definition™ Shingles is, as their name suggests, their patent-pending Dual Shadow Line feature—which provides an ultra-dimensional, deeply defined look via a "sunset shadow effect" that's perceptible all day long. Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles are also thicker, which adds to their enhanced dimensionality.CostTimberline HDZ® Shingles remain more affordable than their premium counterpart, making them a high-quality choice that's cost-effective. However, the extra features that come with Timberline® UHDZ™ could be well worth the slightly higher price that customers may be happy to pay if they understand the difference between the two products.WarrantyWarranties are a good way to offer customers peace of mind, assuring them they'll be covered in certain circumstances. The advanced technologies incorporated into both Timberline® HDZ® and Timberline UHDZ™ Shingles allow GAF to offer a 15-Year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty* on these shingles if they're installed along with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories. Unusually, this warranty has no maximum wind speed limitation.GAF Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles also come with a 30-year StainGuard Plus Pro Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration** as they feature 10% more GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology (capsules infused with copper microsites that release copper steadily over time) than Timberline HDZ® Shingles. That said, Timberline HDZ® Shingles come with a 25-year StainGuard Plus Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration***—still extremely competitive. More information on both algae-protection limited warranty options can be found here.DesignBoth shingle types are available in an attractive range of colors, with the Timberline HDZ® line offering color blends and finishes like Charcoal, Birchwood, Hunter Green, and White. A full list of colors is included on the Timberline HDZ® product page.Meanwhile, the Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles come in Pewter Gray, Charcoal, Barkwood, Slate, Weathered Wood, and Shakewood. While the color schemes are similar, Timberline HDZ® shingles currently have the edge on choice with a few more available options.InstallationBoth the Timberline® HDZ® and UHDZ™ Shingles come with LayerLock® Technology, which makes for easier and faster installation. Both products feature the StrikeZone® Nailing Area, helping your crews place the nails in the correct spot each time. So, no matter whether you use Timberline HDZ® or Timberline® UHDZ™ shingles, installation will likely be smooth-running.Finding the Right Choice for Your NeedsUltimately, the property owner will decide the shingle style and color—but armed with this information, contractors can provide clients with more options and allow them to make the optimal choice for their roof. Your expertise will be needed to explain the differences between Timberline HDZ® and Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles, so it's important to understand the finer points of each.Interested in learning more about these products? Explore the Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingle and Timberline HDZ® Shingle product pages, plus you can reach out to your local Territory Manager for additional information.*15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on GAF Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products. For installations not eligible for the WindProven limited wind warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.**25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus™ logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions and qualifying products.*** 30-year StainGuard Plus PRO™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus PRO™ logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

If you're a homeowner researching new roofing options, you may be seeing a lot of information on architectural shingles as a popular choice for roof replacements. So, what are architectural shingles? Let's dive in to learn all about architectural shingles and why they are growing in popularity.Types of Asphalt ShinglesThere are many different types of roof shingles to choose from when it comes to replacing your roof. From three-tab shingles, which are one of the most economical choices, to architectural shingles to luxury designer styles, plenty of options exist for you to choose from.Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional or laminated shingles. They are made up of multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass that are laminated together, giving them their dimensional appearance.What Is the Purpose of Architectural Shingles?The purpose of any roof shingle is to help protect your home from the elements. It's an added bonus if the shingle also delivers an aesthetic appeal that adds to the style of the home. This is one of the reasons behind the development of architectural shingles.They were introduced to the market in the 1970s and '80s to give homeowners a roof that created an architectural interest for the home and could also provide the higher-end look of genuine slate or natural cedar shakes without the added weight, costs, and maintenance.How Do Architectural Shingles Differ from Standard Shingles?The three-tab shingle is made of a single layer of asphalt-coated fiberglass and cut into three equal tabs. It's lightweight, easy to install, and provides a flat, even appearance on the roof.Architectural shingles differ from the three-tab ones in that they are made with multiple layers of fiberglass mat. It's what gives them their dimension and aesthetic appeal. The multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass are laminated together, making it more dimensional than three-tab shingles. Some architectural shingles may be covered by better warranties than three-tab shingles.GAF Timberline® HDZ™ is an architectural shingle that, when installed with the required combination of GAF accessories is eligible for the WindProvenTM Limited Wind Warranty* with no maximum wind speed limitation.Should You Consider Architectural Shingles?Now that we've answered the question "What are architectural shingles?" it's time to consider whether they are the right choice for your home. Many factors go into what type of shingle to choose for your home, starting with your own personal style. Your budget and warranty expectations may also play a role as well as how long you plan to stay in your home.Architectural shingles are a popular type of asphalt shingles that offer homeowners an affordable option to help protect their home from the elements while also delivering style. They are available in a variety of color options that will complement just about every home.It may help to check out what types of roofing styles and colors other homes in your neighborhood have. This might spark inspiration for what you want for your own home. You can also "try on" new architectural shingles virtually through the GAF visualizer tool. Choose a house style that is similar to yours or upload a photo or your home to envision the various colors and style your own look.Once you find a look that appeals to you, connect with a GAF-certified contractor** who can install your new architectural shingle roof.*15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline HDZ® Shingles requires the use of GAF starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and leak barrier or attic ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.**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.