GAF Timberline Shingles are consistently at or near the top of the market when it comes to roofing materials. That is because of the price, quality and customer satisfaction.
That said, homeowners like to do their research to make sure the products they are investing in for their home are the right fit for their needs. That is one of the most important steps that any homeowner can make. It is essential to understand the benefits and drawbacks before investing any amount of your hard earned money into your home.
Read below to find out the pros and cons of GAF Shingles so you can make an informed decision for your roofing needs.
Pros
Wide Selection of Color: A wide selection of colors sold nationally make GAF Shingles appealing to customers. The color of the shingles can add so much to the house and give the house a fresh and updated feeling. Many customers appreciate the ability to select from multiple colors to match their taste. Also, if customers need more shingles a few years later (perhaps an addition to the house), they generally have an easy time tracking down the specific color for a seamless addition.
Affordable: Homeowners want to buy the best quality at the best price they can afford. GAF Shingles offer a wide selection, from the standard 3-Tab Shingles to the more expensive upscale shingles. Regardless of what customers choose, the shingles are highly rated and come with a limited warranty.
Durability/ Impact Resistant: The fiberglass-mesh reinforced asphalt shingles hold up over time. Two styles, in particular, GAF Timberline Armor Shield II and Grand Sequoia IR, have been rated a class 4. That means a 1.25” steel ball was dropped twice in the same spot from 12 feet and the shingles were not damaged. All homeowners know the damage that hail can cause, so having shingles that can stand the durability test will give homeowners peace of mind knowing they are safe, secure, and dry.
Wind Resistant: GAF Shingles have been tested for extreme winds ranging from 110-130 mph. GAF Shingles withstood this test.
Warranties: While all GAF Shingles come with a limited warranty, some homeowners spring for the upgraded extended warranties. That means they have hired a contractor with a certification as a “Master Elite” contractor. They have additional training and qualifications through the GAF manufacturing company. Homeowners can be guaranteed the quality of the material and the installation with a contractor certified as “Master Elite.”
Transferable Warranties: Selling your home can sometimes be a challenge. Knowing the warranty can be transferred once might be a selling point for potential buyers. (Please note that new homeowners have 60 days to notify the manufacturer of the sale so the warranty will remain in effect.)
Contractors trust GAF Shingles: Homeowners put a lot of trust in the contractors they hire. A lot of homeowners like the fact that contractors trust GAF Shingles because of the quality, warranty, and easy installation.
Home Inspectors like GAF Shingles: Home inspectors look at a lot of houses, and they are aware of problem areas for which to search. Inspectors like GAF Timberline Shingles because the average quality is higher than other brands in three of the areas already mentioned; durability, impact resistance, and wind resistance.
There are not many disadvantages that are specific to GAF Shingles that wouldn’t be the case of other highly rated companies like CertainTeed and Owens Corning. Still, below are some drawbacks that might make homeowners choose a different brand.
Cons:
Most roofers aren’t Master Elite: For homeowners to buy the upgraded warranty, they need to hire a contractor that is “Master Elite.” However, only about 2 to 3% of roofers have completed the training to be considered “Master Elite.” That might make it difficult to find a contractor to do the job if you want the upgraded warranty.
Warranty Hassles: Contractors and homeowners alike have both had issues with the warranty. The manufacturing company might blame the contractor for installing it wrong when in fact it might be faulty material. When customers try to get a refund or replacement materials, they have found it difficult to navigate their way around all the loopholes and have felt as though they wasted their time and money. That can be frustrating when, as the homeowner, you have put your trust into something, and you don’t feel like they treated you fairly.
It’s worth mentioning that 90% of customers haven’t had any issues with the warranty.
Delamination: If not properly fused, the shingles can start to peel apart only months after their installation. That would be a cause of faulty materials and covered under the limited warranty. However, as stated above, some customers have not been satisfied with the outcome of their warranty claims.
Granule Loss: If you have an improperly completed granule application process, the quality, strength, and durability will go down drastically. While some granule loss is typical, too much granule loss can wear out the shingles much faster than expected. Homeowners might not even realize there is an issue with their shingles until it is too late.
3 Tips Before Choosing
Read the warranty carefully: regardless of what brand you choose, be sure to read the fine print of the warranty.
Make sure your roof is ready: it is imperative to make sure that your roof is prepared correctly (for example the attic and roof structure is vented as stated in the warranty). It is also worth the cost to repair and replace any damaged parts of the roof discovered once the old roof has been torn off.
The installer you hire matters: make sure that whoever you hire to install your roof understands the specific techniques that are stated by the manufacturer to ensure it meets the warranty criteria. It is also vital that the contractor installing your roof will give you a written guarantee that they are following these guidelines.
Once you have completed your research regarding GAF Shingles, you can make an educated decision on whether they are right for your home.
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