Storm Damage? We Can Help! Learn More About Our Emergency Storm Services & Call Now For Relief.

South MS: (601) 520-3183

North MS: (662) 636-7663

North AL: (256) 692-5527

Meridian, MS: (601) 841-3218

Do You Need To File An Insurance Claim

Learn How Our Insurance Experts Can Help

Storm Damage? We Can Help! Learn More About Our Emergency Storm Services & Call Now For Relief.

Are GAF Shingles Worth It? A Look at Quality, Durability & More

Posted on October 19, 2024

gaf shingles

If you are thinking about installing new roof shingles or replacing your existing roof, then you might have heard the name GAF. This premier company has been manufacturing top-class roofing products for years and their shingles are popular throughout North America. 

But we know that popularity alone will not drive your roofing decision. That’s why we have decided to deep dive into this shingle manufacturer. 

As a leading roofing company in Mississippi, we have installed numerous shingle roofs and have worked with different manufacturers. Today, we will analyze GAF shingles and talk about their quality and whether they should be your top choice!

Know Your Shingle Manufacturer: History Of GAF

GAF, short for General Aniline & Film, is one of the biggest names in the roofing industry. The company’s journey started way back in 1886 as Standard Paint Company in New Jersey. What started as a small company with 18 people is now a powerhouse boasting more than 30 locations and 4,800 employees. 

With more than a century of experience, they’ve had plenty of time to build a reputation for making high-quality shingles. 

Other Products Offered by GAF

Not only shingles, GAF offers a complete range of roofing products: 

  • Residential roofing products
  • Commercial roofing products
  • House siding 
  • Ventilation products
  • Roof coatings 

Installing other accessories along with roof shingles can allow you to get better warranties. We cover this in a later section. 

What You Need To Know About GAF Shingles

When you do your research or when your roofing contractor discusses your shingle options, you will probably come across GAF shingles. But what exactly are they, and why should homeowners consider them?

GAF offers a wide range of shingle types, catering to different budgets, home styles, and climate needs.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the types of shingles GAF offers:

3-Tab Shingles: 

3-Tab Shingles
3-Tab Shingles

These are the traditional, flat shingles you’ve likely seen before. They’re cost-effective and straightforward to install. However, they are not as popular as they were back in the day. Still, GAF offers one of the best 3-tab shingles on the market, Royal Sovereign®.  

This is amongst the few 3-tab shingles that come with good wind warranties as well as algae resistance (which is usually only available in more expensive shingles). 

Architectural Shingles: 

Architectural Shingles
Architectural Shingles

These are thicker and have a dimensional look, with darker shadow lines on each shingle. They’re sturdier and more visually appealing than 3-tab shingles. This category includes GAF’s best-selling shingle, Timberline HDZ®. 

An engineer at Ruberoid, a company that later merged with GAF, came up with the idea of this shingle in 1967. It was the first of its kind. There have been many advancements in this range, including the use of color granules.  

The Timberline roof shingles have everything you want from a roofing shingle. They include high-definition colors, patented technologies, and industry-leading warranties.  Thanks to its tremendous success, several other variants of the shingle have been introduced, including Timberline® AS II and Timerbline UHDZ® shingles. 

Designer Shingles:

These shingles are a high-end option for homeowners who want the look of premium materials like slate or wood without the premium price tag. Here, you get popular options like Camelot® II that offer a premium slate look at a much lower cost. 

What makes GAF stand out is that no matter the type of shingle you choose, their products are known for being durable and backed by solid warranties, which is key when investing in your roof.

Quality of GAF Shingles

Now let’s talk about quality because, let’s face it, when you’re putting something on your home that’s going to be exposed to rain, wind, and scorching sun, you want to make sure it’s built to last.

GAF shingles are made from high-quality asphalt, which offers a balance of affordability and durability. They’ve integrated several advanced technologies into their products, which are designed to enhance both performance and longevity.

LayerLock™ Technology: 

One of GAF’s signature features is LayerLock™ Technology. This helps their shingles bond better at the seams, creating a stronger and more wind-resistant roof. In fact, some GAF shingles can withstand winds up to 130 mph for hurricane-level strength.

StainGuard™ Algae Protection: 

If you live in an area that’s prone to humidity, you know that algae growth on your roof can be an eyesore. Some GAF shingles come with StainGuard warranty protection. This enables them to fight algae stains, keeping your roof looking clean and new longer. If you install Timberline shingles or any other shingle in their architectural range, you get a 25-year algae-resistant warranty. 

Dura Grip™ Adhesive: 

Another key feature is their adhesive technology, which ensures each shingle sticks securely to the roof. This adds an extra layer of protection against harsh weather conditions.

When it comes to weather performance, GAF shingles are tested to handle tough conditions like high winds, heavy rains, and even snowstorms. Many of their shingles have UL Class A fire ratings, which is the highest rating available for fire resistance.

Durability Of GAF Shingles 

In the previous section, we saw how GAF uses several proprietary technologies to make high-quality shingles. All these features help make the shingles extremely durable too. 

GAF shingles are known for their long lifespan, and most homeowners are more than satisfied with these roofing shingles. But exactly how long they last can depend on a few factors, including the type of shingle you choose, the climate in your area, and how well the shingles are installed and maintained.

Lifespan of Different GAF Shingles

  • 3-Tab Shingles: These are the more traditional, entry-level shingles. While affordable, their lifespan typically ranges from 20 to 25 years.
  • Architectural Shingles: These are a step up in both durability and aesthetics. On average, architectural shingles like the Timberline HDZ and UHDZ can last for 25-30 years. 
  • Designer Shingles: Luxury shingles are top-of-the-line asphalt shingles. Shingles such as Camelot II and Slateline®, with their wind and hail ratings, can last for more than 30 years.  

Aesthetic Appeal: The Look of GAF Shingles 

When it comes to roofing, homeowners aren’t just thinking about protection—they want their roof to look good too. The good news? GAF shingles offer a wide variety of colors and styles that make it easy to find something that fits your home’s aesthetic, whether modern or traditional.

Here are some of the most popular GAF shingle colors:

  • Weathered Wood 
  • Pewter Gray 
  • Charcoal 
  • Golden Harvest 

Note: All these shingle color options are available with GAF Timberline HDZ. To know more about other colors, visit our blog post: The Most Popular GAF Roof Shingle Colors Of All Time

Cool Roof Shingle Range

Shingle colors not only enhance curb appeal but also functionality. Yes, choosing the right shingle color can also have practical benefits. GAF’s Timberline® CS shingles are designed to reflect more sunlight, helping keep your home cooler during the hot summer months, which can save on energy bills.

Lastly, when you think of curb appeal, remember that the roof of a home makes up about 40% of what people see from the street. Choosing a roof that enhances your home’s overall appearance can also boost its resale value. A well-chosen roof doesn’t just protect your home, it becomes a key part of its appeal.

GAF Warranties 

Now comes the ultimate test: warranties. GAF shingles pass this with flying colors. These shingles come with some of the best warranties on the market.  

There are certain levels of GAF warranties. Starting with the basic GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty and going all the way to the Golden Pledge® Warranty, which offers up to 50 years of coverage on materials. 

The warranty you qualify for will depend on the following: 

  • Type of shingle you install (conditions differ for Timberline, designer, and 3-tab shingles) 
  • Additional GAF components installed
  • Certification of your roofing contractor

Enhanced Warranties with GAF Master Elite® Contractors

If you hire a GAF Master Elite contractor, you are choosing a contractor that is amongst the best (only about 2% of all roofing contractors in the U.S. earn this certification). This allows you to qualify for some of the best warranties in the industry, including the System Plus, Silver Pledge™, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranty. All of these options provide extended protection for materials and workmanship that homeowners won’t get from uncertified installers.

Sustainability and GAF Shingles

Asphalt shingles excel in a lot of areas, but one area where there has always been concern is sustainability. While other roofing materials like metal roofs can be recycled and are energy efficient, shingles are not as environmentally friendly. 

GAF has recognized that environmental responsibility is essential, and their recycling initiative is part of their larger commitment to sustainability.

Their RoofCycle™ program aims to use shingle waste in a more productive manner. GAF HDZ® RoofCycle™ Series shingles are manufactured with 7% recycled shingle content. This program is surely a start!

Conclusion

When it comes to investing in a new roof, GAF shingles offer a compelling mix of quality, durability, and aesthetics that make them a smart choice for your Mississippi home. With options ranging from budget-friendly 3-tab shingles to premium designer shingles, there’s a fit for every style and budget. 
If you want GAF shingles for your roof, look no further than the team of B&A Roofing. We are GAF Master Elite contractors, which means our roofers have passed all the requirements to install these shingles and offer you the best warranty coverage. Contact us today at (601) 520-3183 to learn more about our services.

Don’t see your location? Call us! We Likelt serve your area too