GAF was founded about 140 years ago. Ever since, it has expanded to become a force in the industry, known for making some of the best-quality roofing materials. As a matter of fact, their Timberline HDZ shingle is a bestseller in the USA. And guess what! Things just got more interesting, as they’ve made the competition tougher with their introduction of GAF Timberline UHDZ shingle into the market, which promises to be even better. It’s going to be hard to beat that.
The GAF UHDZ (ultra-high-definition) shingle is relatively new in the market, and many people are still not sure what it is about. Since it’s been causing a lot of buzz, we’ve decided to discuss both shingles and compare them by examining their benefits and cons in this article. Stay with us.
What Are GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles?
In the world of shingles, GAF Timerbline HDZ shingles is a star. Since it arrived on the market, it has taken up space and found its way to become the bestselling shingle in America. GAF designed HDZ shingles to give structures visual appeal. They usually have vibrant colors and outstanding designs that add texture and depth to the roof.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles were the first to have a wind warranty without a maximum speed. They also increased the nailing target by 60%, which helps roof installers be more efficient and faster at installation.
Pros and Cons of GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles
Pros
Wind warranty: GAF Timberline HDZ shingles offer a wind warranty, which is the first in the industry. Unlike other brands, they do not have a speed limit. To back this claim up, it has been reported with evidence that even in a hurricane, not one GAF shingle was lost.
Transferable warranty: Again, this brand does something that no other brand of shingles does. Installing GAF Timberline HDZ shingles on your property means you can transfer the warranty when you decide to sell it. Being able to transfer your warranty increases the value of your property to potential buyers.
Easy to install: GAF offers a layer-lock technology that makes installing GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles a breeze for contractors. The technology secures the common bonds on the shingles mechanically. Coupled with the increased strike zones, the layer-lock technology lets nails pass via two layers of shingles.
StainGuard algae protection: Copper fights the growth of algae. GAF Timberline HDZ shingles were created to allow them to release copper consistently in the long run. This means that GAF offers 25-year protection against algae growth and stains. This is different for most shingles with algae protection, as their copper coating wears off and becomes less adequate after a while.
Cons
- Limited color options: If you visit GAF’s website now, you may come across several color options for their Timberline HDZ shingles and get excited. What you don’t know is that your options are limited to your geographical area. This means that not all colors are available in specific areas. Disappointing, right?
- The requirement to install a minimum of four accessories from GAF: GAF offers one of the most extensive and best warranties. However, to access it, you must get and install at least four accessories from GAF along with your GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. This puts you in a tight situation, as you need more room to pick from alternatives that you might consider better choices for your properties.
- Complicated warranty: To utilize the warranty GAF offers, you have to observe certain things. First, a GAF-certified roofing contractor must correctly install your shingles. Also, suppose you notice defects in the material after installation. In that case, GAF will demand proof of damage just to confirm that the defect is not a result of poor installation by your roofing contractor. This is why it is essential to use GAF-certified contractors for your GAF Timberline HDZ shingles.
- No unique appearance: If you are looking to be wowed when you install your GAF HDZ shingles, you might meet some disappointment as it has no wow factor. GAF HDZ shingles have the regular architectural shingle look. Property owners who want an outstanding roof for their property sure won’t be pleased with this feature.
What Are GAF Timberline UHDZ (Ultra High Definition) Shingles?
GAF brought Timberline UHDZ shingles to the market with the aim of improving homeowners’ lives. They are basically an improved version of their HDZ shingles. They use dual shadow line technology, which gives your building a lovely shadow line all day, not only at sunset. Of course, this feature increases your curb appeal.
Beyond the beauty it adds to your home, GAF’s UHDZ offers several benefits that are similar to HDZ but better. It comes with more than 10% copper and zinc to fight against algae growth. You know what this means, right? You’ll get a more algae-resistant roof for longer than GAF HDZ shingles. Additionally, GAF UHDZ shingles are thicker than GAF HDZ by 20%, making them more wind-resistant.
Pros and Cons of GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles
Pros
- Dual shadow line technology: This feature imitates the shadow the sunset casts on your roof when it hits it, giving your roof some depth and definition. The dual shadow line technology gives your roof a very appealing appearance all day, with or without sunset.
- StainGuard Plus PRO: This is perfect for areas where algae quickly grows on the roof. The GAF UHDZ is designed with specially made capsules infused with copper microsites, 10% more than the GAF HDZ. These microsites slowly release copper over time, giving the shingles the ability to resist algae for a very long time. Additionally, it offers a 30-year StainGuard Plus PRO algae protection limited warranty against discoloration from blue-green algae.
- Lifetime limited warranty: Provided a GAF-certified installer installs your shingles, you will receive a lifetime limited warranty on all of them. This warranty is valid for shingles and accessories installed on a single-family detached property as long as the actual owner is still alive.
- Windproven limited wind warranty: Similar to GAF’s HDZ, you get a 15-year windproven wind limited warranty when you install the UHDZ and a minimum of four GAF accessories. The warranty also covers wind damage, with no maximum wind speed limitation.
- LayerLock technology and DuraGrip adhesive: The UHDZ shingles are designed to give the best installation experience. The StrikeZone nailing area makes about 99.9% nailing accuracy possible. Coupled with the DuraGrip adhesive, which helps defend your roof from winds and windy rainfall, the LayerLock technology provides unlimited protection against wind speed.
- You can transfer the warranty: When you sell your house, you can transfer your GAF Timberline UHDZ shingle warranty to the new owner. For the new owner to get access to the warranty, they would have to send an email or place a phone call to GAF to communicate the address and date of the property purchase. In addition, they will have to send a written notification after buying the house within 60 days. GAF may also request some verification as proof of purchase.
Cons
- You can only access the warranty if you install your shingles alongside a minimum of four accessories.
- The available color options are limited.
- The process of getting access to the warranty can be complex.
GAF Timberline HDZ Shingle Vs. GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles
| GAF Timberline HDZ Shingle | GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingle |
| 25-Year StainGuard Plus Algae Protection | 30-Year StainGuard Plus Algae Protection |
| Lighter than HDZ shingle | Heavier than HDZ shingle |
| It has no shadow line to emphasize its dimension | It has a dual shadow line to emphasize its dimension |
| Has copper granules to defend roof against blue-green algae | Has additional copper granules to extend defense against blue-green algae |
| It is less expensive | It is more expensive because of its extra benefits |
Conclusion
GAF is one of the foremost shingle companies, and their HDZ and UHDZ shingles are excellent choices for your home. They are reliable and provide some of the best protection against harsh weather when you install them properly.
These shingles offer benefits that make for an irresistible deal, even though you have to meet some criteria to get some of these benefits. However, even though they are both great choices, the GAF Timberline UHDZ shingle is superior to the GAF Timberline HDZ shingle.
Again, it’s up to you and your budget to decide between them. When you finally choose, don’t forget to contact a GAF-certified roofing contractor to help you install yours. We’ll be here for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years is GAF Timberline HDZ good for?
In the market, the GAF Timberline HDZ shingle is the only architectural shingle with a wind warranty without a speed limit. In the first 15 years of installation, they will give you 15-year wind speed protection—limitless.
What is the cost of GAF Timberline HDZ?
As a homeowner, you can anticipate paying about $12,900 to $23,700 for a GAF Timberline HDZ shingle roofing system.
