GAF Timberline Shingles is probably the best-selling line of asphalt shingle models in the world. With attractive prices and a convincing warranty policy, roofing products from GAF are sold in both wholesale stores and popular home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes and Costco. Can it be said that GAF Timberline Shingles are the best model of asphalt shingles available on the market? Or is their popularity undeserved and better to choose competing brands like Certainteed or Owens Corning?
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GAF’s Product Range
GAF’s range consists of three types of asphalt shingles: Timberline, 3-Tab shingles and Designer shingles. The latter group consists of several models with varied names – Camelot, Woodland, Slateline and Grand Sequoia.
In the vast majority of cases, asphalt shingles produced by GAF offer good quality at a reasonable price. It is worth noting, however, that the model range varies greatly – Royal Sovereign asphalt shingles can be up to three times cheaper than GAF Timberline UHDZ in a more sophisticated color.
GAF itself, however, is much more than just a manufacturer of asphalt shingles. It also offers flat roofing technologies (such as TPO), fiber cement siding, underlayments and much more.
GAF Timberline Series
Currently, the best-selling asphalt shingles from GAF is the Timberline HDZ model, whose name comes from High Definition technology involving the use of dyes with a clearer and deeper color. The roofing industry magnate also offers other products in the Timberline series – Timberline UHDZ with an even better design, Timberline NS with a natural shadow effect, Timberline AS II with increased impact resistance (UL 2218 Class 4), Timberline CS with increased reflectivity, lowering attic temperatures, and Timberline HDZ RS, which are tailored to meet the requirements of California’s building environmental regulations.
Talking about GAF Timberline series is therefore difficult – under this term there are many products that have both common features and many differences.
What Kind of GAF Timberline Shingles Should I Choose?
To answer this question, you need to analyze several key factors:
Your Budget
If you have limited funds, buying more expensive models like Timberline UHDZ or Timberline CS II may not be an option. Buyers driven primarily by price should consider installing a basic model like GAF Timberline HDZ – it offers good wind and fire resistance, and popular colors like Charcoal, Barkwood and Pewter Gray won’t be too expensive.
As a GAF contractor in Glenview, we most often install this model, mainly because of its above-average value for money.
The Climate in Which You Live
The address of your residence influences not only the right model of asphalt shingles for you, but also their color. For homes located in warmer areas, dark colors such as Charcoal, Barkwood, Williamsburg Slate and Appalachian Sky will not be the best choice – the darker the roof, the warmer the attic will be, which can result in higher air conditioning bills and accelerate mold growth.
If you live in an area where it is warm most of the year, choosing GAF Timberline CS can help you reduce your electricity costs. If, on the other hand, you live in a colder area and primarily need to heat your home, black or dark gray asphalt shingles are worth considering.
Risk of Hailstorms in Your Area
Although, as a general rule, asphalt shingles are relatively resistant to hailstorms due to their relatively high flexibility and efficient distribution of kinetic energy over a large area, larger lumps of ice can still pose a real threat to your home. If you are concerned about safety, GAF Timberline AS II will be a good option for you.
Your Aesthetic Preferences
Many models of asphalt shingles from the Timberline line share available colors. In the vast majority of cases, popular shades like Charcoal, Hickory and Slate are available. However, it’s worth noting that some models have their own unique colors – Golden Amber and Cedar Falls are exclusive to GAF Timberline HDZ, and Stone Gray, Sandalwood and Sagewood are exclusive to Timberline HDZ RS roofs, not counting the Grand Sequoia model, which, however, represents a completely different type of asphalt shingles.
The choice of model, therefore, depends on the color you have decided on. Asphalt shingles that will work perfectly on a house with white siding will not look good if the walls are brown. Similarly, light gray shingles will not make an aesthetically pleasing combination with gray stucco.
In the vast majority of cases, our first recommendation always remains Timberline HDZ shingles – they are relatively inexpensive, the range of colors available in this model is very wide, and on top of that, the vast majority of parameters, such as wind and fire resistance, level of algae protection and warranty are the same as in more expensive product series.
Are GAF Timberline Shingles Durable?
As a rule, the lifespan of all asphalt shingles manufactured by GAF is between 25 and 50 years. However, it is worth noting that the actual lifespan of a roof is usually shorter, at around 15-25 years.
In the vast majority of cases, there are three main reasons prompting homeowners to replace their asphalt shingles – high winds, damage to the shingles’ structure and fire. In practice, the lifespan of asphalt shingles can be improved through an improved installation system or the use of more durable materials, since in the event of a direct fire, absolutely every piece of asphalt will be damaged.
On its website, GAF boasts that Timberline HDZ asphalt shingles feature LayerLock and StrikeZone technologies that reinforce the inner layer of asphalt, which reduces shredding, and enlarge the nailing zone, which not only speeds up installation, but also reduces the risk of rooftop breakage in high winds.
The length and extent of the warranty provided for GAF Timberline shingles covered roofs depends on the other components used during installation. The differences are very clear:
- Installation of Timberline HDZ shingles only using 4 nails – rating up to 110 mph;
- Installation of Timberline HDZ shingles using 4 nails and starter strip shingle at the eaves and on the reakes – rating up to 130 mph;
- Installation of Timberline HDZ shingles using 4 nails, starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles and leak barrier or attic ventilation – guaranteed against wind damage regardless of wind strength.
In our opinion, GAF Timberline series are more than durable asphalt shingles that took a lot of time and cost millions of dollars to design. However, there is no roof that is indestructible, as some homeowners seem to think. It’s just that the chance that your asphalt shingles will deteriorate during the warranty period is low enough that GAF is able to take on that risk, including it in the final product price, of course.
Are GAF Timberline Asphalt Shingles Expensive?
As a rule, asphalt shingles produced by GAF are not among the cheapest on the market. While the price is strongly dependent on where you order the materials, as a rule, the “special” versions are more expensive – GAF Timberline Armorshield II costs about $2.90 per sqft, while the cheapest, standard Timberline HDZ shingles you’ll buy for as low as about $1.35 per sqft. Keep in mind that the prices we quote do not include the installation service and many other materials you need to make your roof function properly.
Compared to other asphalt shingles, the GAF Timberline series is not very expensive – TruDefinition Duration shingles from Owens Corning are priced at nearly the same level – the cost of purchasing them is essentially identical.
Is it Worth Buying GAF Timberline HDZ?
In our opinion, GAF Timberline HDZ are very good asphalt shingles that offer highly satisfying performance and durability at a reasonable price. The large range of available colors, several special models (CS, AS II), also helps you to adapt your roof to the environment as well as your requirements.
Despite being a certified GAF Roofing Contractor in Glenview Il, we do not believe that this brand’s products are the only right ones or the best on the market. You may find that a competitor’s offer will be more favorable, shingles produced by GAF are not available in a color that is attractive to you.
Finally, it is also worth comparing several available models from at least two brands when choosing asphalt shingles. Your roof is supposed to be functional and durable first and foremost, so it’s worth doing some good research and taking a little extra time to choose the optimal product, even if it’s not very popular.
