How to Install Roofing Shingles Faster with a Larger Nailing Area

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.

Choosing roofing materials for your home is a big, exciting decision. Beyond keeping your family safe and comfortable, your roof majorly impacts curb appeal. Most roofs occupy 40% of a home's visual exterior, so it makes sense that you'd want roofing materials that look good!But there's more to deciding on a type of roofing material than color and design. Your regional climate, local building and fire codes, and budget all matter. Plus, your home construction factors into whether slate tile, clay tiles, asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or another roofing material might be best.Here, we dive into four of the most common roofing materials to help you make the best choice possible.Asphalt ShinglesAsphalt is the most popular roofing material in the U.S. In fact, four out of five homeowners choose asphalt shingles. Most asphalt shingles are made from a fiberglass base that's been soaked in asphalt and coated with mineral granules to create a durable roof covering.There are two categories of asphalt shingles: traditional 3-tab shingles, which are more affordable and built from a single layer, and laminate or architectural shingles, which can be two or three layers. 3-tab shingles are used due to their affordability, but laminate or architectural shingles are more popular due to their durability and greater range of design options.Here's when to consider asphalt:You have architectural roof details with tricky flashing needs.You want distinctive color options and a variety of designs that can match the style and aesthetics of your home.You prioritize ease and speed of install.You want the wood shingle look with high fire and wind resistance. GAF Timberline® HDZ™— North America's top selling shingle has the highest roofing fire rating: UL Class A, Listed to ANSI/UL 790 and meets the industry's toughest wind tests ASTM D7158, Class H and ASTM D3161, Class F. In addition, when installed with the required combination of 4 qualifying GAF Accessories, it qualifies for the WindProven™ limited wind warranty*, the industry's first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.SlateSlate has a distinctive look that's often associated with high-end architecture and traditional Northeastern homes. Slate is metamorphic rock that's mined and cleaved into thin sheets for roofing. It's typically dark gray, but may be found in other colors depending on where it was mined.There are three quality ratings for natural slate roofing—S1, S2, and S3. An S1 rating offers the highest resistance to water absorption and weathering, as well as the highest break strength.Slate tile is attractive and offers natural durability. Here's when to consider slate:You want the natural insulation that slate providesYou love the look and the durability of an S1-rated slate tile like GAF Slateline®Your home construction can support the weight of a slate roofYou want the natural durability that slate offers against the elementsMetalMetal roofs come in a range of prices and types. Metal roofs can impart a modern, clean look when done in stainless steel, or lend a period aesthetic when done in copper. You can choose between metal shingles or standing seam metal roofing.Popular metals include galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and stainless steel. The metal you choose impacts your roof's strength and durability. It's important to note that some metal materials can dent easily from weather events such as hail. Here's when to consider metal:You want the fire resistance that metal providesYou want the unique aesthetic of metalYou don't mind the noise of a metal roof when it rains or stormsYou can invest in a quality metal material that will lastClayClay roof tiles are naturally beautiful and commonly associated with Southwestern and Mediterranean-style homes. Clay tiles come in a range of colors and designs. Although they are traditionally handmade, most clay tiles are now machine-made.Concrete tiles replicate the look of clay and typically cost less than clay. Clay roofs are hardy and durable, but they can become brittle over time and break more easily than some other roofing materials. Here's when to consider clay:Your roof meets the typical slope requirements (2:12 or greater) for clay or concrete tile installationYour home can support the weight of a clay tile roofYou want the fire, wind, and impact resistance of clayYou love the look of clay tileYou're able to afford clay roofingStill have questions about which material will be right for your home? Check out our Virtual Remodeler to see how certain roofing materials and colors will look on your home. When you're ready to get started, contact a GAF factory-certified contractor** to discuss your options and request a cost estimate.*15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline® 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. **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.

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 Shingles There 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.