Are GAF Shingles Good?

When it comes to asphalt shingles, GAF shingles dominate the residential roofing industry. GAF has been manufacturing innovative roofing solutions for over 130 years and remains the most popular option among
homeowners.

But are GAF shingles as good as everyone says they are? Lets review GAF shingles and take a look to their essential features, prices, and warranties.

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Are GAF Shingles Expensive?

One of the biggest questions on homeowners’s minds when faced with a new roof installation, is how much will it cost.

While GAF shingles are not the cheapest shingles out there, the quality and durability is well worth the price.

Here is a detailed breakdown of GAF shingles costs.

GAF Shingles Per 100-Square Feet	Price
Timberline AH	$120
Timberline AS II	$250
Timberline CS	$210
Timberline HDZ	$110
Timberline NS	$95
Timberline UHD RS	$140
Timberline UHD with Dual Shadow Line	$140
Camelot II	$200
Glenwood	$330
Grand Sequoia	$190
Grand Sequoia AS	$230
Stateline	$175
Woodland	$190
Marquis WeatherMax	$120
Royal Sovereign	$85

The Most Popular Types of GAF Shingles

Each of the three categories has several options that range in application, quality, and price. Without a doubt, the most widely used GAF shingle type belongs to the Timberline series, which are available in seven different subtypes.

Timberline AH (American Harvest) and AH II feature Class 4 impact rating and excellent wind resistance. The Timberline UHD RS, for example, is the perfect choice for those who want to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

GAF also offers two versions of the 3-tab shingles, Marquis WeatherMax and Royal Sovereign. They’re well-known for durability and very reasonable price. The Royal Sovereign, in particular, is one of the best-sellers, as it features phenomenal resistance to cracking.

Finally, we have GAF Designer shingles, considered the high-end option. The handcrafted natural slate is designed to increase the home’s appearance and overall value.

There are six different subtypes of GAF Designer shingles, and Grand Sequoia AS is one of them. They’re pricey but feature a maximum impact rating.

Another remarkable option is the GAF Woodland shingle, which is more European style as it features natural slate and more massive tabs. They also come with the best quality sealant and a variety of colors.

Homeowners that settle on installing GAF shingles on their homes will have the freedom of choice and the ability to coordinate with their home improvement budget.

Did you know? Asphalt shingles can be recycled and used to make new roads. By recycling one ton of asphalt shingles, you can save an entire barrel of oil from going to waste.

What Are the Main Advantages of GAF Shingles?

While each GAF shingle series comes with its own features and benefits, there are some general advantages that come with each option. Here are a few to consider:

Durability

This is the most crucial feature for every homeowner and the most compelling reason why GAF roofing systems are so prevalent in the U.S.

Their shingles feature excellent impact and wind resistance, making them the top choice among consumers.

Most people don’t expect that they’ll need to replace the roof more than once in their lifetime, so they make sure to invest in durable shingles. The popularity of GAF shingles is a testament to their quality and durability.

GAF Is a Reputable Company

Whether you’re installing a brand new roof or replacing a few damaged shingles, GAF is there to provide a solution. We’ve mentioned GAF’s long history, but there’s a reason why this is one of the most successful roofing companies in North America.

They offer variety unlike any other manufacturer and have developed a system that caters to nearly every homeowner. Plus. GAF is an award-winning company and has even got a Women’s Choice Award for “customer satisfaction regarding service to their female customers” in 2016.

They’re the leading innovators in the roofing industry and continuously put new products on the market. Finally, those who want to work with a brand that gives back to society will be pleased to know GAF regularly donates to Habitat for Humanity.

Color Variety

Your home’s roof should be functional, but also complements the appearance of your house and complements your home’s appearance.

With a wide range of colors and textures, GAF gives customers a way to accommodate their tastes. Plus, with GAF, homeowners can get a complete roofing system and choose every element in the process.

They also offer color blends and shades to ensure you get the color of the shingles just right.

However, GAF shingles can be sorted into several categories.

Shades of blue and green are designed to blend effectively into the environment and allow effortless merging with nature. They are an excellent choice for homes in more rural areas or beautiful surrounding scenery.

Gold and beige tones are a popular choice among many homeowners as they offer a more calming appearance and a touch of luxury.

Red and brown solutions are more earthy and rustic and come in several varieties. They’re often the best choice for those who want a more refined appearance.

GAF shingles are also available in black and gray, which are neutral minimalistic, and they offer the perfect opportunity to mix them with other colors.

Affordable Pricing

Not all roofing companies have the wide price range that GAF does. As the company has been at the forefront of innovation, they’ve developed products that cover the needs of nearly every homeowner’s budget.

The exact price range of GAF shingles stands between $85 and $300 per 100 square feet. However, the median price range is closer to $110 and $190 per square

The good news is that even the least expensive GAF shingles come with excellent impact and wind resistance. But even the least expensive GAF shingles have an excellent track record in durability.

Although, it’s vital to point out that cost of accessories such as underlayment, starter shingles, tarps, nails, and other roofing supplies are not calculated into the price. So, homeowners should add that separately, when devising a roof replacement budget.

You can use our Roof Shingles Cost Calculator to estimate the cost of installing asphalt shingles on your roof.

Anti-Staining Properties

Naturally, homeowners want to invest in shingles that will retain their appearance for as long as possible. Fortunately, GAF shingles have outstanding anti-staining properties.

On top of that, they offer excellent resistance to algae-related damage. The proprietary StainGuard technology protects the shingles from various species of algae and can be found in every Timberline series GAF shingles.

Contractors Trust GAF

If your home needs a roof replacement, it will come as good news to find out many licensed and experienced contractors trust GAF and use their products all the time.

Apart from being the top-quality choice, many contractors prefer to work with GAF because they can optimize the entire roofing installation process. GAF makes it easy for roofing contractors to use every component necessary to get the job done efficiently.

For example, if you opt for a complete GAF roofing system, apart from the shingles, the contractor can order roof deck protection, starter strip shingles, leak barriers, and so much more.

This often expedites the process and makes the job easier for the roofing contractor. Furthermore, by opting for a complete GAF roofing installation, you’re likely to get the best price too.

The Best Warranty in the Industry

GAF is well-known for its comprehensive – albeit somewhat complicated – warranty system. They offer a transferable lifetime limited warranty for every type of shingle, which is impressive.

However, it’s it’s vital to read all the fine print here because it won’t won’t be valid unless the warranty is properly transferred. If you buy a house from the original owner and don’t don’t transfer the GAF warranty, your roof is no longer warrantied.

However, GAF roofing systems offer numerous enhanced warranty protections against wind or fire damage. These warranties are only available. Also, most of these additional warranties are only available if installed by a GAF-certified contractor.

The good news is that GAF offers training programs for roofing contractors where they can become “Master Elite” installers.

But even fully licensed GAF contractors are obligated to continue professional training in order to keep the GAF certification. This is how GAF guarantees quality and can reliably offer enhanced warranties.

Pro tip: GAF shingles are built to last, but they remain in better condition with some proper and routine maintenance. Checking for damaged shingles and leaks after a storm is vital.

Also, be sure to clean the gutters and make sure the chimney is in good shape to increase the roof’s longevity.

What Are Some Disadvantages of GAF Shingles?

As with all asphalt shingles, granule loss is inevitable. However, proper installation and maintenance will decrease the loss notably.

The trick is to catch shingle damage early on and schedule a timely replacement. However, there are a few other issues associated with GAF shingles.

Delamination, when a shingle splits into separate layers, is another common problem that can be minimized with proper application.

As with the other issues, it’s it’s vital to point out that these issues fall under the material quality that’s that’s covered by the manufacturer’s manufacturer’s warranty. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your roof is fully covered with a GAF warranty.

But even then, homeowners might run into complications and loopholes as GAF is known to blame contractors and incorrect installation for damages.

Some might argue that they hide behind their “Master Elite” training program and avoid accepting warranty claims if other roofing contractors performed the installation.

While navigating through GAF shingle warranties might be a challenge, it’s encouraging to know their product are typically very durable and don’t often require replacing defective shingles.

GAF Shingles Customer Reviews

Often the best way to truly get an idea of a product’s quality is to see what others are saying about it. Satisfied homeowners have had this to say about GAF shingles:

“Once installing GAF shingles, the wind hasn’t blown a single shingle away.”
“The color remains vibrant even 10 years after installing GAF shingles.”
“After four years, there are no signs of water leaks.”
“Timberline line requires very little maintenance.”
“GAF shingles are quick to install. Only four nails per shingle are necessary.”
“Shingles look multidimensional and attractive.”
“GAF shingles are an excellent choice for Tudor-style homes.”

While many customers swear by GAF quality and appearance, a few have reported negative experiences:

“The warranty claims are complicated and often rejected.”
“Too many asphalt granules end up in the gutter.”
“After 17 years, GAF shingles were significantly stained.”
“Some GAF Timberline shingles look cheap. “
“In some cases, shingles did not seal properly.”
“Some GAF shingles have been discontinued, and homeowners can’t can’t replace them.”
“Shingles have started fading after it has rained several days in a row.”

Did you know? GAF asphalt shingles aren’t automatically sealed after installation. They require the heat of the sun to develop an airtight seal. Depending on your location and time of year, that can take more or less time.

Are GAF Shingles Made in the U.S.?

The answer is yes; all GAF shingles are designed and manufactured in the U.S. In fact, GAF is the leading manufacturer of roofing systems in the country and has many factories around the country. In total, there are 35 plants in 26 different locations.

What Is the Difference Between GAF Shingles and Composite Slate Shingles?

While both shingle types are popular and beautiful options, they are not manufactured using the same materials. The GAF shingles are a fiberglass and asphalt composite, whereas the composite slate also contains polyester, plastic, and even recycled paper.

Unlike GAF, composite shingles are more expensive and harder to install.

Can You Get a Tax Credit by Installing GAF Shingles?

If you choose GAF shingles with an Energy Star rating, such as the Timberline CS line, you will save on energy bills and qualify for the federal tax credit. To be sure you are eligible, contact your tax advisor.

Are GAF Shingles the Best on the Market?

When a product is so widely used and has existed for over a century, it’s it’s easy to consider it ““the best.” .”

Indeed, GAF fiberglass-asphalt shingles are incredibly popular due to their versatility and excellent protection against wind, fire, and impact.

Plus, the lifetime warranty comes in handy, even though it’s not always so easy to claim it. The GAF shingle line includes affordable options, but can also include options that are quite pricey, but they’re generally easy to install and maintain.

Rating: 4.4/5 Stars