Real Talk with Amparo Sancen: The Journey from Healthcare to Roof Care

Under sunny blue skies, GAF hometown workers from Minneapolis joined over 4,000 Habitat for Humanity volunteers to donate their time and energy to the 2024 Carter Work Project in East St. Paul, Minnesota.The landmark 40th anniversary of the Carter Work Project celebrated former President Carter's 100th birthday. It also heralded the completion of 30 new all-electric homes in The Heights—the largest affordable housing development yet for Twin Cities Habitat—and marked the first installation of GAF Timberline Solar™ Energy Shingles.Supporting the Carter Work Project's PurposeGAF and the Habitat Carter Work Project share a common mission—to protect what matters most and bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Safe, secure, affordable housing is one of the surest routes to building resilient communities.Former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter were early champions of affordable housing. In 1984, they partnered with Habitat for Humanity to lead an annual week-long housing build. The momentum grew, and now, four decades later, over 100,000 Habitat volunteers have helped construct over 4,400 affordable homes for families in need.Each year, GAF volunteers travel from around the country for the Carter Work Project. GAF Community Matters also donates roofing materials, training, and installation expertise. Since 2011, GAF and its national network of certified contractors have supported roofing installation on over 3,800 roofing systems in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, impacting more than 15,500 individuals.Building Resilience in MinnesotaThis year was particularly special thanks to first time solar shingle installation at a Carter Work Project. Even more, the project's location was in a GAF hometown and local GAF employees were on-site to volunteer.Benefitting Homeowners by Going Solar"We're donating 40 roofing systems and 40 solar energy systems from GAF and GAF Energy," says Jake Pream, a territory manager for GAF Energy in Minnesota.In addition to energy production, the beauty of the GAF Timberline Solar™ Energy Shingle is its simplicity. The nailable shingles are "just like your typical Timberline HDZ® Shingles," says Fan Ulacia, Director of Product Deployment Applications for GAF Energy and one of the minds behind the solar shingle design. "They're simple enough to install with a nail gun, but they produce energy." For Ulacia, improving access to solar energy, giving back to the community, and helping homeowners gain energy independence make GAF Energy a great fit for the GAF Habitat partnership."The solar-powered roofing system will make these homes more resilient, generate energy, and be a long-term benefit to Habitat homeowners by helping to offset their energy costs," adds Jeff Terry, vice president of corporate social responsibility and sustainability at GAF, who has volunteered at the Carter Work Project for 26 years.Helping a GAF HometownThe Twin Cities Habitat build is also special because it means the Carter Work Project takes place in a GAF hometown. As Pream, a St. Paul native, puts it, "I have friends and family quite literally a few houses down."The Minneapolis GAF manufacturing facility opened in 1935, and "it's something we're really proud of," says Austin Owens, a local GAF technical manager. Over the years, "we've made improvements to equipment and operations and made changes to help the environment and sustainability. We try to help the community as much as possible."Like many GAF volunteers at the Carter Work Project site, Joey Och, a GAF plant process engineer, grew up in the area. "Affordable housing is something Minneapolis and St. Paul have been pushing for," says Och, "so it's nice to be out here and help. Affordable housing brings more people into the community."With GAF donating roofing and solar energy systems for this year's project, safe and affordable homeownership, with reduced energy bills, will be accessible to more people.This housing security helps strengthen the community. The area may experience severe weather and its share of hardship, but "there's a lot of resiliency in this community," says Owens.Carrying On the Carter Work Project in 2024 and BeyondFor many reasons, the Carter Work Project inspires repeat volunteers. "Community does matter," says annual participant and GAF CARE Learning and Development Instructor Michael Humenik. "It's just fun to volunteer. I look forward to coming out every year."Habitat homeowners who return each year to volunteer are the true testament to the transformational power of access to safe, affordable housing. LeAndra Estes brought her hard work and a big smile to the week-long Twin Cities build. Estes is an annual volunteer for the program that changed her life. "I need and I want to give back to Habitat for Humanity, to the affiliates and partners, and to the future homeowners to come," she notes.Estes puts into words the value of affordable housing and how the benefits ripple far beyond the home. "When you have a home, you don't just have that home and your family. Your community also becomes your family," she explains.Although former President Carter has retired his tool belt after decades of humanitarian service, he surely must have been proud to see his legacy continue to evolve, especially with the revolutionary new solar shingle that supports homeowners' financial independence.Ready to get involved? Explore the Habitat for Humanity GAF Contractor Program and change lives for the better, starting today.

When helping customers identify the roofing materials they want installed on their properties, the functional and aesthetic qualities are both top considerations. While you're aiming to provide adequate protection from the elements and ensure energy efficiency, homeowners are also interested in how it will all look.Premium shingles can satisfy both priorities, effectively protecting the home (and its inhabitants) while providing an eye-catching appearance and boosting curb appeal.If a customer invests in premium shingles, you'll want to use equally high-quality ridge caps to finish the roof. Premium ridge cap shingles, such as GAF TimberTex® and GAF TimberCrest®, offer a strong protective layer and provide the same luxe look as GAF premium shingles.Here are the key details to know about these ridge cap shingles as well as insights and talking points you can share with customers.What Is GAF TimberTex®?GAF TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles measure 12 inches (305 millimeters) wide, with extra-large 8" (203 mm) exposure, which is larger than traditional ridge cap shingles. The large exposure results in less pieces to install and creates a dimensional, luxurious look. These ridge cap shingles were designed to complement the color of GAF shingles, avoiding matching issues and providing the perfect finishing touch.The TimberTex® double-layer design creates added protection on the hips and ridges and delivers an elevated, dimensional appearance. The ridge caps also use Dura Grip™ Self-Seal Adhesive to ensure they stay attached to the roof during sharp winds. They're available in various states across the United States.Shingle Pairing OptionsIf customers invest in Timberline UHDZ(R), Timberline HDZ(R) or Designer Lifetime Shingles, you'll want to use ridge caps that provide the same rich look. GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles can be combined with TimberTex® ridge caps to give a roof a dramatic, dimensional look. The ridge caps aesthetically complement Timberline UHDZ® shingles on the hips and ridges.What Is GAF TimberCrest®?GAF TimberCrest® Premium SBS‑Modified Ridge Cap Shingles measure 10 inches (254 millimeters) and allow it to meet UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, and feature a bullnose rounded edge. They're built with an SBS polymer-modified asphalt that increases its flexibility. These ridge cap singles are ready to install out of the box, helping make quick work for your projects.To make your job easier, GAF TimberCrest® cap shingles also come with an alignment guide in the headlap to ensure proper centering on the hip and ridge. It's specifically constructed to enhance the architectural aesthetics of houses in the West, Southwest, and BC Canada.Shingle Pairing OptionsIn addition to Timberline HDZ(R) and Timberline HDZ(R) RS, TimberCrest(R) Ridge Cap shingles pair well with GAF Timberline® AS II shingles with a high-profile UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance. These enhanced profile ridge caps also have Class 4 impact resistance and give Timberline® AS II shingles a more dramatic appearance than traditional ridge caps like the GAF Seal-A-Ridge® AS. Customers get the best of both worlds in their roofing system with effectiveness and aesthetic appearance.TimberCrest® ridge caps also complement GAF Grand Sequoia® AS shingles, which have a wooden shakes-like appearance and Class 4 impact resistance. Both are built using SBS-modified material, which gives the shingles and ridge caps enhanced flexibility as the roof expands and contracts in different weather conditions.Warranty Protection Offered for Both Ridge Cap OptionsStainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty* protection is included with TimberTex® and TimberCrest®, both of which tie into the GAF Lifetime Roofing System**. This is just one of the many benefits of choosing the GAF ecosystem of products for your roofing projects.Apart from the premium and durable products GAF offers, a strong warranty that can back up your jobs ensures happy customers, a good reputation, and continuous work for your company. When you install premium GAF shingles with three qualifying GAF accessories for your customers, they automatically get a GAF Lifetime Warranty. When installed with four qualifying GAF accessories, they become eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty***.Choosing the Right Roofing Products for Your Next JobGAF TimberTex® and TimberCrest® premium ridge cap shingles, which function best when combined with GAF shingles, can effectively protect a roof while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. To see all the options available to your customers, explore GAF ridge cap shingle products.Ready to move forward with one of the premium ridge cap shingle options? Reach out to your area's GAF Territory Manager for availability and more information.*25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus™ logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.**See GAF Shingle & Accessory Ltd. Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. The word "Lifetime" refers to the length of coverage provided by the GAF Shingle & Accessory Ltd. Warranty, and means as long as the original individual owner(s) of a single-family detached residence [or the second owner(s) in certain circumstances] owns the property where the shingles and accessories are installed. For owners/structures not meeting the above criteria, Lifetime coverage is not applicable. Lifetime ltd. Warranty on accessories requires the use of at least three qualifying GAF accessories and the use of Lifetime Shingles.***15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty covers GAF Shingles with LayerLock® Technology only and requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products. For installations not eligible for the WindProven limited wind warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

Como contratista comercial de construcción de techos, usted es responsable de elegir los materiales adecuados para cada trabajo. Con tantas opciones disponibles, tomar una decisión puede resultar una tarea difícil.Cada vez más, los profesionales del sector están optando por los revestimientos de silicona para techos por su fuerza y durabilidad. Este tipo de revestimientos sirve para extender la vida útil de un techo con una estructura firme y, posiblemente, para que los propietarios ahorren tiempo y dinero al retrasar la reparación completa del techo. Además, sus propiedades de restauración funcionan a la perfección con la mayoría de los sistemas comerciales de construcción de techos, como el EPDM, de fieltro, de betún y de metal.¿Qué son los revestimientos de silicona para techos?Los revestimientos de silicona son revestimientos de protección, alto rendimiento e impermeables para techos. Al agregar este revestimiento a un techo con una estructura firme, se puede extender la vida útil del techo existente. La silicona es un componente inorgánico, por lo que mantiene sus propiedades a la intemperie. A su vez, es un material flexible que puede absorber la mayor parte del movimiento normal de un techo a fin de evitar el agrietamiento y la pérdida de sus capacidades de protección.Beneficios de los revestimientos de silicona para techosAdemás de su flexibilidad y su capacidad para extender la vida útil del techo existente, los revestimientos de silicona ofrecen una serie de beneficios. Laura Soder, gerenta sénior de productos líquidos y revestimientos de GAF, explica que los revestimientos de silicona de GAF están diseñados para proteger el techo de filtraciones y ofrecer otras ventajas relacionadas.Protección contra rayos UVEl principal beneficio de los revestimientos de silicona es la protección contra los rayos ultravioleta (UV). "La fórmula de la silicona de GAF incluye dióxido de titanio, lo que ofrece una estabilidad excepcional contra los rayos UV y una reflectancia solar alta", afirma. Esta protección UV ayuda a reducir la temperatura del techo, lo que se traduce en un mejor funcionamiento de las unidades de techo.RentabilidadLos revestimientos de silicona son soluciones rentables que sirven para retrasar el costo de los materiales y la mano de obra necesarios para reemplazar el techo en su totalidad. Funcionan de manera excelente con la mayoría de los techos comerciales y se acoplan especialmente bien con los techos de metal.Restaura el techo existente y extiende su vida útilSoder señala que los revestimientos de silicona se adhieren bien a los techos de metal, lo que los convierte en una excelente opción para extender la vida útil de este tipo de techos. Antes de su aplicación, cepille el óxido ligero o trate específicamente las zonas con más óxido. "Hay muchos techos de metal instalados y, para aquellos que tienen una estructura firme y solo requieren una restauración moderada, se puede agregar con facilidad años de vida útil al techo al revestirlo con silicona", sostiene.Resistente a la humedadLos revestimientos de silicona también son conocidos por su capacidad de resistencia a la humedad. Como la silicona es inorgánica, resiste la degradación en zonas en las que el agua se acumula, lo que la convierte en una opción ideal para áreas con muchas lluvias o nieve.Funciona en climas calurosos y fríosLa silicona tiene un amplio rango de temperaturas en las que se puede aplicar. Al no contener agua, puede aplicarla en temperaturas más bajas que el acrílico y otros revestimientos de techo. Proporciona una capa de impermeabilización monolítica y sin fisuras por encima de los techos de metal existentes. Además, la silicona se contrae y expande junto con el metal en climas fríos y calurosos.En qué se diferencian los revestimientos de silicona de los revestimientos elastoméricosEn comparación con el acrílico y otros revestimientos elastoméricos para techos, la silicona tiene ciertas ventajas.Los acrílicos son revestimientos de protección a base de agua con resistencia a los UV, pero no deben instalarse en lugares donde se acumula el agua, ya que podrían romperse y comenzar a deslaminarse. La silicona es un material que se termina de curar con la humedad, lo que significa que reacciona con la humedad del aire y se seca hasta lograr una película.Soder explica que ambos materiales son flexibles y adecuados para su uso sobre el metal. Pero, si hay agua estancada, el acrílico no es la mejor opción. "Si bien la silicona es más costosa, en general, se degrada a un ritmo mucho más lento que otros revestimientos", sostiene. Ahora bien, una de las desventajas de la silicona en comparación con otros revestimientos elastoméricos para techos es que es resbaladiza cuando está mojada.Recorrido por la instalación y aplicaciónSi bien los revestimientos de silicona pueden extender la vida útil de un techo existente, Soder sostiene que es mejor instalar el revestimiento antes de que finalice la vida útil de la membrana existente.Como las filtraciones suelen ocurrir en las juntas de los techos, puede agregar sellador de silicona en esas zonas. La fórmula de los selladores difiere de la de los revestimientos: en la de los selladores se utilizan otros polímeros de silicona, lo que los vuelve más robustos y pesados. Los selladores de silicona están formulados para las zonas de mucha presión y pueden ayudar a absorber el movimiento en puntos críticos del techo. Funcionan junto a un revestimiento de silicona para la protección del techo.Antes de aplicar cualquier revestimiento, asegúrese de que el techo esté limpio, seco y firme. "Limpio significa libre de contaminantes, polvo, aceites, hojas y otros desechos", explica Soder. Puede usar el concentrado de limpieza de GAF para hidrolavar el techo.Como la silicona se termina de secar con la humedad, el techo debe estar seco antes de aplicarla. Revestir una superficie húmeda puede afectar la adhesión del material y es uno de los errores más grandes que puede cometer en el momento de la instalación. Queremos que el revestimiento comience el proceso de secado por la humedad del aire, no de la humedad en el techo.Cómo aplicar revestimientos de siliconaLa aplicación de un revestimiento de silicona para techos implica cinco pasos:Limpiar los desechos del techo y probar que el revestimiento se adhiera correctamente a la superficie.Asegurarse de que el techo esté firme. Reparar las láminas de metal rotas y reemplazar los sujetadores que falten o estén dañados.Tratar todas las juntas y sujetadores con sellador de silicona, como GAF Silicone Mastic. Se debe aplicar con un cepillo a un grosor de 60 milésimas de pulgada o 1/16 pulgadas mojado.Usar el mismo sellador en los bordes, entradas y drenajes.Por último, aplicar el revestimiento de silicona para techos a todo el techo. Algunos revestimientos, como GAF Unisil Silicone, requieren dos capas, mientras que otros, como GAF High Solids Silicone, necesita solo una.Entender las necesidades de mantenimiento y la durabilidadEl mantenimiento de un revestimiento de silicona para techo es fundamental. Abordar los problemas antes de que se vuelvan más difíciles ayuda a minimizar los costos de las reparaciones y maximizar la vida útil del revestimiento.Como el techo se contrae y expande con el tiempo, se pueden producir algunos problemas con las juntas. Una buena regla de oro es hacer inspeccionar el techo cada seis meses. Aplicar un sellador de silicona puede servir para tratar las zonas con filtraciones o grietas. El sellador de silicona es estable contra los rayos UV y no necesita una capa final, según Soder.Agregar revestimientos de silicona para techos a la caja de herramientasCon tantos beneficios, los revestimientos de silicona para techos deberían ser la primera opción en los proyectos de planificación de restauración del techo. Además, al tener tantas opciones disponibles, puede elegir el tipo que sea mejor para cada tipo de techo en el que trabaje. ¿Tiene más preguntas sobre los revestimientos para techos? Los representantes del servicio técnico de GAF estarán encantados de asistirle con su nuevo proyecto de revestimiento.