Are you considering a GAF shingle for your upcoming roof replacement? Do you want to know the best shingle options GAF has to offer?
GAF is one of the biggest shingle manufacturers in the United States. They have plenty of shingles options to fit any budget, look, and anything else you want.
While this is great, you need to do your due diligence when making a decision. You can go through their website and technical data to find the information you need to make the right choice.
However, this can create confusion and frustration with all the fine print. So, let’s simplify it.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in giving homeowners the information they need to feel confident in their roofing decisions. That’s why I’ll break down the best GAF shingles you should consider.
By the end of this article, you’ll learn the basic information, benefits, and warranties for the 5 best GAF shingles:
- Timberline NS shingles
- Timberline HDZ shingles
- Timberline UHDZ shingles
- Timberline AS II shingles
- Grand Sequoia shingles
1. Timberline NS shingles
GAF’s Timberline NS shingle is an architectural shingle part of their best-selling Timberline series. The “NS” stands for Natural Shadow, which provides an even-toned look with the warmth of natural wood.
(Image provided by gaf.com)
While Timberline NS is the lowest quality of the Timberline shingle line, it still offers:
- 7 color options (availability varies by location)
- Algae resistance
- Class A fire-resistance rating (highest rating available)
- Class F Wind-Resistance (110 mph, upgradable to 130 mph with GAF accessories)
GAF offers their lifetime-limited warranty on their Timberline NS shingles. On top of this main warranty, GAF also provides the following warranties:
- 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period (pays a “reasonable” price for replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 10-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty
GAF Timberline NS shingles are a good option for homeowners with a tighter budget but still want a quality roof. However, they are the lowest quality of the Timberline shingle series.
2. 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)
Below are the performance perks that GAF’s Timberline HDZ asphalt shingles offer:
- 23 color options (availability varies by location)
- Class 3 impact rating
- 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, the shingles also come with the following warranties:
- 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 your home advanced roof protection from eave to ridge.
3. Timberline UHDZ shingles
GAF’s Timberline UHDZ® shingle is an architectural shingle that GAF calls their “Premium Laminate Shingle”. It has a lot of the same qualities as HDZ but is heavier, has a dual shadow line, and a longer algae-resistance warranty.
(Image provided by gaf.com)
Below are the performance perks that GAF’s Timberline UHDZ asphalt shingles offer:
- 6 color options (availability varies by location)
- Class 3 impact rating
- 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 UHDZ shingles come with a lifetime-limited warranty. On top of this, they also come with the following warranties.
- 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period (pays a “reasonable” price for replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects)
- 30-year StainGuard Plus™ PRO Algae Protection Limited Warranty
- 15-year, 130 mph WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty (requires a combination of GAF accessories)
Timberline UHDZ® (Ultra High Definition) shingles offer a look and benefits that go beyond the first two Timberline shingles. However, they come at a higher price point than NS and HDZ.
4. Timberline AS II shingles
GAF’s Timberline AS II shingles are the Class 4 impact-resistant option in GAF’s Timberline architectural asphalt shingle collection. They are made with GAF’s proprietary SBS-modified asphalt that absorbs the impact of hail up to 2” in diameter.
(Image provided by gaf.com)
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
- Insurance discounts (depends on location)
Timberline AS II shingles come with GAF’s limited-lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects. However, there are more protections for this Class 4 impact-resistant shingle.
Timberline AS II shingles also come with the following warranties:
- 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 to prevent algae
- 15-year, 130 mph WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty (requires a combination of GAF accessories)
If you live in an area with frequent hailstorms, Timberline AS II shingles are a great option. Just know that GAF specifies the shingle isn't guaranteed to withstand all hail damage, which means they don’t come with an impact-resistance warranty.
5. Grand Sequoia shingles
GAF’s Grand Sequoia shingle is a luxury shingle designed with artisan-crafted shapes and oversized tabs to create the rugged look of wooden shakes. The shingles are thicker than the Timberline architectural shingle line, but are more expensive, and the installation is more complex.
(Image provided by gaf.com)
The performance perks Grand Sequoia shingles offer are:
- 5 color options (availability varies by location)
- Class 3 impact rating
- Algae resistance
- 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)
GAF provides a Lifetime Limited Warranty on these luxury asphalt shingles, but also provides:
- 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period (non-prorated material and installation labor coverage)
- 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration
GAF also makes a class 4 Grand Sequoia shingle (Grand Sequoia® AS) if you like the look, but want the SBS modification. However, it’s crucial to hire a certified roofer if you’re interested in this luxury shingle because of the complex installation.
How does GAF compare to CertainTeed?
After reading this article, you know the 5 best shingles GAF offers. GAF’s Timberline shingle line is one of the most popular in the United States, with Timberline HDZ shingles being a bestseller.
Just consider the information listed here, and I’m confident you’ll make the right shingle choice. But before you make a final decision, there’s another brand you need to consider: CertainTeed.
CertainTeed and GAF are the two most popular shingle brands in the roofing industry. However, there are some big differences that push a homeowner towards one or the other.
That’s why I wrote another article comparing GAF and CertainTeed on key decision-making factors.
Check out CertainTeed vs. GAF: Which Shingle Brand is Right for You to learn which shingle brand fits your needs and wants.
