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Introducing GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles: An Honest Product Review

October , 2023 | 10 min. read

By Mitch Owens

GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingle up close with a home in the background

Are you navigating the confusing terrain of the roofing market? Perplexed about which shingle might crown your home the best?

Are you unsure who to trust with this important decision about protecting your home?

Choosing the right roofing shingles can be overwhelming with so many options available. It’s a common scenario. Homeowners feel swamped by the multitude of choices, each promising to be the 'ideal' pick.

We get it. At RoofCrafters, we resonate with your uncertainties and perplexities. A recurring query that greets us from many clients is - which shingle outshines the rest? For 30 years, our family business has protected homes from the weather by installing many shingles. Our goal is to provide you with unbiased facts to help you find the perfect option for you.

In this article. we’ll dive deep into the best-in-class shingle in the marketplace. Here’s a snippet of what you'll learn:

  • Manufacturer Matters: It's important to consider the reputation and experience of the shingle manufacturer.
  • Expectancy and Assurance: Learn what to expect about lifespan and warranties from the highest-rated shingles.
  • Beyond Aesthetic Appeal: Explore how curb appeal does more than elevate the beauty of your dwelling.
  • Price Point Perspective: We'll make sure you understand the costs. So that you can decide if it fits into your budget.

After reading this article, we hope you'll have the information you need to make a well-informed decision for your upcoming roofing project.

Let's dive beneath the shingle surface.

Manufacturer Mastery: Unveiling the Backbone of GAF

 

Navigating the labyrinth of roofing options begins with understanding the manufacturers behind them. In this section, we delve into the history and size of GAF and explore the crucial question: why does this matter to you and us?

The Pedigree of GAF

 

GAF’s roots delve deep into American manufacturing soil, being an established presence since 1886. GAF, short for General Aniline & Film, is a top company for roofing and waterproofing in North America. GAF has many manufacturing plants in the US and sells over 3 billion dollars worldwide. They are leaders in the roofing industry.

roofer installing GAF underlayment

Their resonant slogan, “We protect what matters most,” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a credo that has anchored their century-long journey.

Trust: The Keystone of Roofing Decisions

 

But why does GAF’s corporate dossier matter to you as a homeowner or to us, as your roofing contractor?

In our world, warranties are often used as shields. The manufacturer's stability and reliability are important. When a roofing company, like GAF, gives lifetime warranties, it shows their stability and dedication to quality and service. It’s a pact between them, us as contractors, and you, the homeowner nesting under their product.

Imagine a scenario where a manufacturer does not honor its warranty. A terrible scenario!

Well, it doesn’t just tarnish their reputation; it smears ours too. Your trust in us, as a contractor, hinges on the reliability of the products we bring to your home.

Our foundation is interwoven with trust. Your belief in us as your contractor cascades into faith that our product choices are researched, vetted, and personal.

We opt for brands, like GAF, that we'd trust to protect our own homes and families.

Trust is significant; it’s our ethos, our guiding star, and we hope it illuminates your journey with us.

Expectancy and Assurance: Unpacking Shingle Warranties with Simplicity

 

When you buy a new roof, a warranty is like a safety net. It’s not just a piece of paper. It’s a promise to help if things go wrong. A solid warranty from the maker of the roof can save you both headaches and cash. It’s there to fight issues like, 1) wind damage 2) the growth of unwanted algae 3)any problems with the materials 4) workmanship errors.

Simply put, it’s your home’s shield against future issues. Let’s understand the four main types of warranties and see how GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles perform in each category.

Wind Warranty

 

GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles

  • Promises protection against wind
  • Unlimited wind speed coverage (using 4 GAF accessories)
  • Gives you a 15-year Infinite wind speed warranty against wind issues (industry leading)

GAF roof diagram of roofing components

Algae Warranty

 

GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles

  • Comes with the StainGuard Plus Pro Warranty
  • Shingles have time-released capsules that contain copper and zinc
  • Promises to fight algae for 30 years

Shingle roof with black algae streaksUgly Black Algae

Material Warranty

 

GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles

  • Promises to fix material defects for a lifetime
  • Gives 10 full years of coverage without reducing the value (non-prorated)
  • Offers a 50-year non-prorated warranty if you choose an approved GAF Contractor
  • Offers Lifetime after the 50-year non-prorated as a pro-rated warranty

lifetime warranty sign

“Lifetime” here means as long as you, the first owner, have the roof. If you sell the house, the second owner can also get the warranty if they register it the right way. This transfer is free but must happen within the first 10 years.

So, with a GAF Master Elite Contractor, you get a lifetime warranty from GAF, with full (non-prorated) coverage for 50 years. If you sell within 10 years, the new owner gets the same great deal. If it's transferred after 10 years, they get a lifetime materials warranty, but it will reduce over time (pro-rated).

Workmanship Warranty

 

GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles

  • Guarantees the quality of work for 30 years, only if you choose a GAF Master Elite Contractor
  • Warranty increases in value as it matures
  • No promises about work quality (workmanship) from GAF unless you go with an approved contractor

GAF golden pledge warranty chart

So, in the warranty department for asphalt shingles. The GAF Timberline UHDZ wears the crown. By choosing the UHDZ shingles, you'll be well-covered.

Beyond Aesthetic Appeal: When GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles Marry Ruggedness and Elegance

 

GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles embody the perfect union of visual charm and sturdy longevity. These are made for homeowners who love the classic look of shingles and wood but want something more. These shingles make your roof look better and have a thick, textured appearance. It's akin to opting for a rugged, all-terrain vehicle that doesn’t skimp on luxuriousness - built to awe in both performance and appearance.

two-story home with a new GAF Timberline UHDZ shingle in Pewter gray

Homeowners often struggle to choose between durability and aesthetics in the market. GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles combine both, providing a roofing solution without sacrificing anything. These shingles protect your home from harsh weather and add decoration.

Upgraded Premium GAF Timberline UHDZ shingle

The UHDZs are available in several colors and these shingles serve more than mere practicality. These shingles will make your home look better with a thick, textured appearance on the roof. They’re crafted to highlight the visual allure of your home, thereby enhancing its market value.

Cost Insights: Unlocking the Financials Behind GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles

 

Exploring the cost of roofing with premium shingles like GAF Timberline UHDZ is a big financial decision. It's important to consider both the costs and value.

Drone shot of a GAF HDZ shingle on a hip roof

 

For a standard 3 to 4-bedroom house, with a 2 or 3-car garage, expect an average price ranging between $23,000 and $32,000. This is for the complete removal of your old roof and installation of the new GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles. While these numbers are a general guide, it's important to remember that the actual costs depend on the details of each project.

3 Factors Affecting Your Investment

 

1. Roofing Material Selection

Choosing upgraded architectural shingles, like the GAF Timberline UHDZ provides a cheaper option. Compared to metal or tile roofing. Each material has its own price structure.

2. Scope of Roof's Square Footage

The size of your roofing project directly impacts the cost, with larger areas demanding higher material and labor inputs. In roofing, you’ll often hear mention of “squares” as a unit of measurement, where one square equates to 100 square feet.

3. Project Complexity and Specifics

The final cost is also swayed by the difficulty of your roof. Including its slope, existing layers, and special architectural features. (the elevation of the work site, i.e., the number of stories.)

Knowing these three key factors gives you a more precise framework for understanding the cost. Feel free to use our pricing calculator below to help get a better idea of the cost of a roof replacement on your home.

Image call to action, use the pricing calculator to estimate the cost of your roof replacement

Charting Your Course Through Roofing Choices: Concluding Thoughts 

 

Embarking on a roofing journey underscores a pivotal decision in your home’s lifeline and aesthetic embodiment. A new roof isn’t only a structural element; it’s an investment in quality, a seal of protection, and a statement of style.

Peering through the lens of GAF’s history and the tangible quality of the Timberline UHDZ shingles. You can see that choosing this option is smart and shows confidence in your roof investment. GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles are a great choice for those who seek durability, visual appeal, and secured warranties. Based on the facts we've provided you in this article they are best-in-class shingles.

RoofCrafters has been installing shingles for 30 years. Each installation tells a unique client story. You get to make your own decisions, but we thought you might like our perspective on the new Timberline UHDZ shingles. Hopefully, this article has helped. Also, if you're not sure about the perfect color, check out our Choosing My Color guide below.

The Asphalt Shingle Color Guide

Mitch Owens

My name is Mitch, and I have over 10 years of roofing experience. I enjoy my career in the service industry because I love helping others take care of their homes and businesses. With over 10 years in the roofing industry, my success comes from my honesty and integrity during my roof inspections. I do my best to listen to the needs of my clients and strive to provide an awesome client experience.