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A gray house with slate shingles
Your Home

Timeless Shingle Colors for Your Home

Given the investment you make in a new roof or reroofing project—and how long your roof will last—timeless shingle colors are a reliable way to help ensure your home looks elegant (despite changing trends) in the long term. That's why GAF shingles are not only contstructed to protect your home for many years, they're also designed to beautify it by mixing durability with classic color design. Many other timeless shingle colors partner beautifully with a wide variety of home exteriors.TraditionalTraditional homes will most often have black and gray roof shingles. Black and gray are sophisticated yet neutral colors, so they can be paired with almost any exterior home color. The most common traditional exterior color, however, is white. There are many different shades and types of whites in various undertones, so don't write off the color too quickly: instead think of it as a canvas on which you can paint practically anything. White (in whatever iteration) is anything but boring!Home featuring Timberline HDZ shingles in CharcoalRusticRustic homes tend to have brown and red roof shingles that pair nicely with earth-toned exterior sidings like beige, brown, brick, or stone. As the name suggests, you'll tend to find these homes nestled in the countryside, where earth-toned and other colors that blend comfortably with nature are used to relate a home to its surroundings. Since rustic hues have warm undertones of brown, yellow, and red, you should ensure the exterior color and the roof shingles have corresponding undertones so they balance and provide a cohesive effect.Home featuring Grand Sequoia shingles in Weathered WoodNeutralMore neutrally colored homes work well with warm-hued roof shingles like beige, brown, or gray with gold and copper undertones. They complement home exteriors in similar color palettes like cream, taupe, caramel, or even brick. The beauty of neutral shingles is that you can paint your home's exterior a darker shade than your roof. The neutral undertones of your roof will balance it out, making it feel less dense.Home featuring Timberline Natural Shadow shingles in Weathered WoodBoldBolder homes might have blue and green roof shingles—traditional colors with additional flair. You may find these more strident colors more difficult to pair, but they can withstand shifting design trends when chosen well. Green-shingled homes match well with yellow undertones: cream, beige, yellow, or even green. For a little more character, but without losing a traditional effect, you can use green shingles on a home with a brick facade. Blue-shingles pair best with cooler undertones: cream, gray, or another blue. And for more flair, blue-shingled homes can look stunning with a stone facade.Home featuring Timberline HDZ in Hunter GreenWith any of these timeless shingle colors and styles, you should always consider your home's setting. Part of creating an enduring look for your home means accounting for and blending it with its surroundings — so that it seems naturally suited—rather than going with a current trend that you might love but that clashes with your home's immediate environment. As a rule of thumb, you'll almost always want to use colors and materials that connect your home to its backdrop.Learn more about timeless shingle color pairings (as well as more recent trends) and get inspired by a wide range of possible new looks for your home using the GAF Roof Style Guide.

By Cristina Soriano

April 21, 2023

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  • A couple looks at their home from the ground.
    Your Home

    How to Conduct a Roof Inspection from the Ground

    As a homeowner, it's always a good idea to stay on top of routine maintenance that will help protect your biggest investment—and that includes a regular roof inspection. Catching leaks or damage early can help preserve your roof's longevity and prevent major issues.But getting up on a ladder to walk around on your roof can be dangerous. It's safer to visually inspect your roof from the ground. Read on to learn how to conduct a routine roof check, so you'll know when it's time to bring in a professional.Walk around the Entire PropertyTo see all the angles of your roof, you'll first need to walk around your home, looking up and down. Check for any fallen shingles or debris on the ground or any missing spots on the roof where shingles may have broken off.Using binoculars, look for moss, piles of leaves, algae, or other debris on the roof. If left unaddressed, this debris can damage the structure by trapping moisture, eventually causing it to seep into the sheathing beneath your shingles. After some time, this can develop into serious water damage and leaks.Look for Damaged ShinglesExcessive heat and moisture in your attic, typically caused by inadequate ventilation, may compromise the roof system's performance or even cause shingles to become misshapen or damaged. Loose, curled, cracked, or buckled shingles can leave room for water to seep in and damage your roof's underlayment.If you see shingles that don't look right or are missing altogether, consult a roofing professional. They can help you understand if it's a simple fix or indicative of something larger, meaning it could be time to replace the roof.Check Your Gutters, Fascia, and SoffitNext, look for obvious damage, such as holes, dents, mold, or cracks. Gutters clogged with branches, leaves, or dirt can prevent water from draining off the roof. Also, asphalt shingles contain small, gravel-like granules, and if you see this material has ended up in your gutters, it can mean the shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan. Inspect the downspout to be sure it's clear of debris, too.While you can remove leaves or sticks yourself, hire a gutter cleaning service for a larger blockage. If you need to climb a ladder to reach any part of your gutters, it's best to leave that to an insured service.Peek at the Flashings from the BalconyIf you have a balcony or other way to safely view your roof from above, get a closer look at the flashings. These are the metal components that redirect water from your roof, located around your chimney, vent pipes, and dormers.Flashings are often the most vulnerable areas around your roof and the first to show wear and tear. If they're dented, rusty, or otherwise damaged—or if the caulk is brittle or cracked—water can get into your roof's interior structure and lead to rot.Examine the Attic or CrawlspaceAfter your exterior inspection, head inside. Some hidden roof damage or water infiltration can be seen from your attic. Using a flashlight, look for signs of rotting wood joists, sunlight coming through the joints, water damage on the floor, or any vulnerable spots around vents, skylights, or the chimney. Also check your rafters, insulation, and any other wooden structures for signs of mold, moisture, and rot.Scan Your Home's InteriorSome early signs your roof might be leaking are obvious from inside the house. Look for damp spots near the fireplace, water stains on the pipes that vent your furnace or water heater, dark patches, or peeling paint on your ceilings.When to Go with a ProPerform a visual roof inspection twice a year—in the spring or early summer and again in the fall. Conducting regular inspections helps you get to know your roof and spot any issues immediately.If your roof looks like it's in good shape after your inspection, you probably don't need to call in a licensed roofing contractor. However, if you've seen any worrisome signs of damage or leaks, it's best to book a professional inspection before the issues worsen. A GAF-certified roofing contractor* can make any necessary repairs, so your roof continues to protect your most valuable asset.*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.

    By Wendy Helfenbaum

    March 22, 2024

  • The GAF TimberSteel™ premium metal roofing system on a house
    Your Home

    3 Disadvantages of a Standing Seam Metal Roof

    When you're choosing the right roofing material for your home, you might rule out metal. Metal roofs are often expensive and noisy, and they can look wavy or distorted (known as oil canning). However, GAF has an alternative that allows you to get the durability and aesthetic appeal of a metal roof—without the high cost and finish concerns.What Is a Standing Seam Metal Roof?A standing seam metal roof is a series of mechanically attached metal panels. The attachment points, called standing seams, create a thin ridge along the outside of each panel. These seams allow the metal to expand and contract as the temperature changes without sacrificing the roof's ability to protect your home from moisture. The panels are attached to the roof structure under each seam. The fasteners don't show externally, giving the roof a consistent look.Disadvantages of a Standing Seam Metal RoofStanding seam metal roofs are known for their smooth aesthetic and durability. But they can have three significant downsides.1. PriceBetween the cost of metal and the need for professionally trained installers, standing seam roofs can cost two to three times as much as a standard asphalt shingle roof. The material cost depends on the metal's thickness, the requested finish, and the roof's size. Installation can also cost more because it takes specialized training to install the panels correctly. If they're not, they can experience leaks and metal expansion.2. NoiseWhen it rains on a metal roof, it's noisy. Attaching the roof panels to solid wood decking and adding rigid insulation can help reduce the noise level, but you can't completely get rid of it. You might like hearing the pitter-patter of raindrops on your roof during a storm. But if you don't want this extra noise in your home, you may want to avoid a metal roof.3. Oil CanningOil canning is a finish issue that occurs when the metal panels are fastened too closely together. The panels have room to expand lengthwise but not sideways. The finish begins to look like it's bubbling and continues to get wavier over time. Note that oil canning is an aesthetic issue caused by improper installation, not a material defect. The roof will continue to offer protection but will appear warped.An Alternative to Standing Seam Metal RoofsThe GAF TimberSteel™ premium metal roofing system provides an alternative to standing seam metal roofs. Here are some features to keep in mind.1. Lower costThe TimberSteel™ system can be easier on the budget and easier to install than a traditional standing seam metal roof. While installation costs will vary by location, GAF's system offers more efficient installation than traditional standing seam panels, giving you the opportunity to save additional time and money.2. BeautyInstead of sacrificing looks for durability, the GAF TimberSteel™ system is made with an embossed vertical grain, giving the appearance of traditional roof shingles, with the strength of steel. It is specifically designed to help avoid common issues, like oil canning, that traditional metal roofs present. The TimberSteel™ system is also available in a variety of colors to suit your home and taste.3. Durable finishAs the first metal shingle from GAF, the TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System is constructed out of GALVALUME® steel and coated with a combination of aluminum and zinc, which help to protect against corrosion. The GAF TimberSteel™ system also passes UL's toughest impact-resistance test — UL 2218 Class 4.In addition, metal roof systems are completely recyclable when reaching the end of its useful life, making them a great choice for the environment.While GAF's new metal roofing system is currently only available in select areas, you can learn more and sign up to receive information about the TimberSteel™ system, including updates on availability in your area, by visiting gaf.com/metal.

    By Dawn Killough

    March 22, 2024

  • Squirrel on a roof
    Your Home

    How to Secure Your Roof to Prevent Animals in the Attic

    While unwanted animals in the attic can be a problem year round, it's when the weather starts to get colder and we all want to spend more time indoors that neighborhood critters begin to consider moving in with you in earnest. To prevent animals seeking refuge in your cozy attic (and thereby possibly in other parts of your home), you need to ensure pests can't access it through roof. The best time to do that is during spring and summer when it's still warm outside and the local wildlife hasn't—necessarily—started hunting out new habitats.Here's how to keep animals outside and prevent unwanted intrusions.Inspect Your RoofThe only way to know if you might run into a possible animals in the attic issue is by getting your roof inspected for vulnerabilities. It's typically best to call a roofing contractor* as they will know what to look for. They can spot any openings in the roof's structure, patch any holes, or replace damaged shingles. These are all things animals will seek out in order to make their way inside your home.It's generally recommended that you have your roof inspected at least twice a year. Get one inspection before winter, either in late summer or early fall. Then get another one close to spring, when the snow has melted, so you can see any damage that might have occurred in the freezing weather. During these inspections, a roofer will also review your attic and look for warning signs—like chewed wood—that might signal pests are already inside.Trim Nearby Tree BranchesAnimals often use trees to climb onto roofs and direct overhanging branches make it even easier for them. Accordingly, regularly trim branches near your roof to prevent curious squirrels and other animals from gaining access.Plus, trimming tree branches has other benefits. Untrimmed branches can fall on the roof and scratch the shingles or cause more serious damage. Once winter arrives, branches that get too heavy with snow are more likely to break and fall on the roof.Cover Vents and Other EntriesRoof vents naturally have openings to allow for proper air circulation, making them another way animals get inside an attic. But you can cover these vents and still keep them working effectively. Install a roof vent cover with steel mesh to keep debris and animals out. The robust material also helps prevent animals from chewing through. Some roof vents, like the GAF Cobra® SnowCountry® Advanced or the GAF Master Flow® SSB960 Super Slant-Back Roof Louver, offer an internal filter/screen that not only resists snow and weather infiltration but also helps prevent insects from gaining access.If your home has a chimney, that's another factor you have to consider. You can have a roofer install a cover like a GAF Master Flow® Chimney Cap, which allows smoke to safely leave the chimney but stops animals from coming in. It also helps prevent debris from falling inside the flue, making it a must-have product during the winter.Lastly, cover up any openings between the shingles and gutters with a product like properly installed drip edge flashing. If you don't already have a drip edge installed between these two areas, hire a roofer to install it for you, so rodents can't get inside.Clean GuttersAs gutters get filled with debris, leaves, and standing water during the year, animals may see this as a an invitation to move in. Mice and birds sometimes build nests on gutters. Mice can make their way into your home to nest inside as the weather outside gets colder—and that's a problem.Also, if you don't routinely clean out debris, standing water may pool in the gutters, serving as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Termites and ants are also attracted to dirty gutters.Clean your gutters twice a year, ideally after spring and always right before winter— you don't want snow to add to the weight of the existing debris.Remove Food SourcesFinally, if you don't want animals in the attic, reduce the chances of them getting near your property in the first place. Always close and secure the lid on your garbage can outside so animals don't consider your property as a food source. Also, avoid leaving any other garbage bags outside since squirrels, raccoons, and other animals can easily rip through them. If you have pets and keep food outside for them, bring it indoors instead.Trust the ProfessionalsYou might be tempted to get up on a ladder and clean your gutters or inspect your roof yourself, but these are tasks best left to trained professionals. Reach out to a local contractor* for help checking the health of your roof or addressing any potential entry points.*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.

    By Mark Soto

    August 09, 2023

  • Empty unfurnished loft mansard room interior with wooden columns and wet concrete floor on roof leve
    Your Home

    What to Know about the Modern Mansard Roof

    What's old is new again. In addition to musical tastes and clothing trends, this is often the case with certain architectural styles.Today, the modern mansard roof is experiencing a comeback. The first known use of this roof style was in 1550 where it appeared on a portion of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The mansard roof derives its name from François Mansart, a French architect who favored the style and used it in many of his building designs.Its unique style and aesthetic appeal led to its growth in popularity and spread into other countries, including England and Italy. Eventually, the style made its way to the US and Canada; it can be found on many historical buildings and throughout older cities.What Is a Mansard Roof?A mansard roof has four sides with two slopes, and the lower slope typically has a steeper pitch. Often, dormer windows are tied into the mansard roof, giving the building a distinctive appearance. The style can be either straight, convex, or concave, offering several options to complement the home's architectural design.One of the reasons for the mansard roof's popularity is that it can transform typically unusable attic areas into functioning, livable spaces. This is because the design offers more headroom and the dormer windows bring in natural light.The 1970s and 1980s saw a resurgence in mansard-style roofs in new construction, with the style appearing on apartment buildings and condos as a way to maximize space and capitalize on natural lighting. However, as these structures now need their roofs replaced, many owners are looking to modernize and enhance their properties' curb appeal.What Is a Modern Mansard Roof?The modern mansard roof is a new take on an old favorite. It may feature additional windows and use more contemporary roofing materials.Gentrification of historic city areas has seen homeowners purchasing and renovating older homes—many of which feature mansard roofs. Some single-family homeowners who want to expand their living spaces have been adding mansard-style roofs to attics, which can help open the space without having to add another story.While putting a new spin on this traditional roof style, many people have become interested in applying modern roofing solutions. A modern mansard roof may feature more architecturally appealing roofing materials, like GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles, which deliver both beauty and protection. Modernizing a mansard roof on an existing property may also include adding windows to the surface to help light up the interior space.Design Appeal Can Be Found Inside, TooIn addition to apartment buildings and single-family homes, modern mansard roofs are increasingly appearing on tiny homes. These roofs can maximize the living space on the second floor, which is often used as a sleeping area in many of today's smaller homes.Some people are also choosing mansard-style roofs in new construction because of the unique appeal they can add to a home's design. The loft area under the mansard roof can be designed with high windows, exposed beams, and natural wood accents to create a cozy additional space. This can be used for an office, a playroom, or a relaxing reading nook.As with any roof style, mansard roofs have pros and cons, so talk to a professional roofing contractor who can help you determine if a mansard style is right for your home. They can also help you identify the right roofing materials if you're looking to modernize an existing mansard roof.

    By Karen L Edwards

    May 16, 2023