Interested in GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingle? Are you wondering if they have a Class 3 or Class 4 rating?
GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingle is one of the most popular asphalt shingles used in residential roofing. But with how frequently damaging storms hit roofs in the United States, impact ratings are becoming a huge factor when choosing an asphalt shingle.
Because of this, you need to dig into Timberline HDZ’s impact rating and what it actually means.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has given homeowners the power to make the right shingle decision with transparent information. That’s why I want to break down what you need to know about GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingle and the impact-resistance rating.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the answers to:
- What are GAF Timberline HDZ shingles? (Quick overview of benefits and warranties)
- Are GAF Timberline HDZ shingles Class 3 or Class 4?
- Does a Class 3 rating make GAF Timberline shingles impact-resistant?
- Does GAF make a Class 4 Timberline shingle?
What are GAF Timberline HDZ shingles?
GAF’s Timberline HDZ® shingle is one of the best-selling architectural asphalt shingles on the market. The high-dimensional wood-shake look and GAF’s patented High Definition® shadows create exceptional depth and dimension.
(Image provided by gaf.com)
GAF’s Timberline HDZ asphalt shingles come with:
- 23 color options (availability varies by location)
- Algae resistance
- Patented LayerLock™ Technology and StrikeZone™
- Advanced Protection Shingle with GAF Dura Grip Adhesive
- Class A fire-resistance rating
- Class F Wind-Resistance (110 mph, upgradable to 130 mph with GAF accessories)
Like all GAF products, Timberline HDZ shingles come with a lifetime-limited warranty. On top of this warranty, they also have:
- 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period (pays a “reasonable” price for replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty
- 15-year, 130 mph WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty (requires a combination of GAF accessories)
With a focus on affordability, GAF Timberline HDZ offers advanced roof protection for your home from eave to ridge.
Are GAF Timberline HDZ shingles Class 3 or Class 4?
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles have a Class 3 impact rating, which means they can handle hail impacts up to 1.75” in diameter. They qualify for this rating because of the two fiberglass cores coated with engineered asphalt on a fiberglass mat.
However, GAF doesn’t get to decide what the classification is. Impact ratings are given through Factory Mutual (FM) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) by testing a shingle’s ability to withstand an impact from 20 feet.
GAF uses Underwriters Laboratories, so Timberline HDZ shingles have a UL 2218 Class 3 designation. Keep in mind the rating is “at the time of manufacturing”, so the shingles will weaken as they age due to years of exposure.
Does a Class 3 rating make GAF Timberline shingles impact-resistant?
Even though GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are class 3, they aren’t considered “impact-resistant”. Including Class 3, there are four impact classifications based on the hail size a shingle can handle without getting damaged.
As I said, GAF uses Underwriters Laboratories, but manufacturers also use Factory Mutual. They do the test the same way by measuring impacts from a 20-foot drop, but the only difference is UL uses steel balls and FM uses ice balls.
Below are the Classifications for both UL and FM impact ratings:
- Class 1 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 1.25” in diameter.
- Class 2 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 1.5” in diameter.
- Class 3 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 1.75” in diameter.
- Class 4 shingles can withstand steel/ice balls that are 2” in diameter.
With the above information in mind, only Class 4 shingles are considered “impact resistant” in the roofing industry. So, GAF Timberline HDZ isn’t considered an impact-resistant shingle, even though it still has a strong impact rating.
Does GAF make a Class 4 Timberline shingle?
Yes, GAF does make a class 4 Timberline shingle. Timberline UHDZ® shingles can get a Class 4 rating when paired with GAF’s UltraMat technology, but their availability is extremely limited.
(Image provided by gaf.com)
GAF Timberline AS II shingles are the specific Class 4 impact-resistant option for the Timberline architectural asphalt shingle collection. These shingles are made with GAF’s proprietary SBS-modified asphalt that absorbs hail impacts up to 2” in diameter.
On top of the Class 4 impact rating, they also offer:
- 7 color options (availability varies by location)
- Algae resistance
- Patented LayerLock™ Technology and StrikeZone™
- Advanced Protection Shingle with GAF Dura Grip Adhesive
- Class A fire-resistance rating
- StainGuard Plus™ algae protection
If you live in an area with frequent hail storms or just want more protection, Timberline AS II shingles are a great option. Depending on your area and insurance company, you could even get discounts on your policy.
Just know that GAF specifies the shingle isn't guaranteed to withstand all hail damage. So, they don’t come with an impact-resistance warranty that backs up the Class 4 rating.
What are the best Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?
Now, you know what GAF Timberline shingles offer and that they have a Class 3 impact rating. On top of this, you learned the Class 3 rating doesn’t mean they’re an impact-resistant shingle.
Fortunately, they do have Timberline AS II shingles for homeowners who want a Timberline shingle with a Class 4 rating. However, this is just one impact-resistant option.
There are plenty of great Class 4 shingles, but some stand out from the rest. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the best impact-resistant shingles on the market today.
Check out The 5 Best Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles to learn the top shingles with a Class 4 impact rating.
