Residential Roofing

RoofViews

GAF recently launched a premium version of their bestselling Timberline HDZ® Shingles—Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles. A reengineered version of GAF Timberline® UHD—Ultra High Definition—Shingles, these have all the features that have made Timberline HDZ® Shingles a popular choice for homeowners, but with a few extras—ranging from enhanced aesthetics to 10% Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology. Here's an at-a-glance comparison of the benefits of both shingles to help you choose the best fit for the project and budget you're working with.Curb AppealBoth Timberline® UHDZ™ and Timberline HDZ® Shingles provide a stylish wood-shake look, for beautiful curb appeal that can help boost the value of a home. The difference with the new Ultra High Definition™ Shingles is, as their name suggests, their patent-pending Dual Shadow Line feature—which provides an ultra-dimensional, deeply defined look via a "sunset shadow effect" that's perceptible all day long. Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles are also thicker, which adds to their enhanced dimensionality.CostTimberline HDZ® Shingles remain more affordable than their premium counterpart, making them a high-quality choice that's cost-effective. However, the extra features that come with Timberline® UHDZ™ could be well worth the slightly higher price that customers may be happy to pay if they understand the difference between the two products.WarrantyWarranties are a good way to offer customers peace of mind, assuring them they'll be covered in certain circumstances. The advanced technologies incorporated into both Timberline® HDZ® and Timberline UHDZ™ Shingles allow GAF to offer a 15-Year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty* on these shingles if they're installed along with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories. Unusually, this warranty has no maximum wind speed limitation.GAF Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles also come with a 30-year StainGuard Plus Pro Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration** as they feature 10% more GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology (capsules infused with copper microsites that release copper steadily over time) than Timberline HDZ® Shingles. That said, Timberline HDZ® Shingles come with a 25-year StainGuard Plus Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration***—still extremely competitive. More information on both algae-protection limited warranty options can be found here.DesignBoth shingle types are available in an attractive range of colors, with the Timberline HDZ® line offering color blends and finishes like Charcoal, Birchwood, Hunter Green, and White. A full list of colors is included on the Timberline HDZ® product page.Meanwhile, the Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles come in Pewter Gray, Charcoal, Barkwood, Slate, Weathered Wood, and Shakewood. While the color schemes are similar, Timberline HDZ® shingles currently have the edge on choice with a few more available options.InstallationBoth the Timberline® HDZ® and UHDZ™ Shingles come with LayerLock® Technology, which makes for easier and faster installation. Both products feature the StrikeZone® Nailing Area, helping your crews place the nails in the correct spot each time. So, no matter whether you use Timberline HDZ® or Timberline® UHDZ™ shingles, installation will likely be smooth-running.Finding the Right Choice for Your NeedsUltimately, the property owner will decide the shingle style and color—but armed with this information, contractors can provide clients with more options and allow them to make the optimal choice for their roof. Your expertise will be needed to explain the differences between Timberline HDZ® and Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles, so it's important to understand the finer points of each.Interested in learning more about these products? Explore the Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingle and Timberline HDZ® Shingle product pages, plus you can reach out to your local Territory Manager for additional information.*15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on GAF Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology 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.**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 and qualifying products.*** 30-year StainGuard Plus PRO™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus PRO™ logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

Using Pipe Boot Flashing for a Roof Leak Repair

By Mark Soto

December 13, 2024
Residential Roofing
How Innovations in Hurricane Shingles Protect Your Roof from Storms

By Mark Soto

December 06, 2024
Residential Roofing
Ridge Cap Shingles: What to Know About GAF TimberTex® and TimberCrest®

By Mark Soto

December 03, 2024

Residential Roofing
The Role of Roofing Codes and Standards in Roof Venting Product Development

When developing a new roofing product, it's important to ensure it meets the local roofing codes and requirements in multiple jurisdictions. These standards are often regionally similar, but some may require additional testing or the use of certain raw materials. The product development team at GAF works hard to ensure products meet some of the strictest codes, so they can provide years of protection no matter where they're installed.Jeremiah Hershberger, GAF product manager of residential accessories, recently discussed the role codes and standards play in residential roofing product development, specifically concerning roof vent code requirements.Why Are Product Codes and Standards Important?The main purpose of building codes and standards is to maintain public health, safety, and welfare in all structures. They do this by ensuring that buildings are constructed in such a way as to minimize potential hazards, like fire, structural failure, or storm damage.Building codes exist to improve the safety and livability of buildings. They set minimum requirements for the materials and systems installed, as well as their installation methods. In the US, building codes are upheld and enforced by state, county, and city governments through the permitting and inspection processes.Standards also provide minimum design and performance metrics for products and systems. However, unlike local building codes, they are often universally upheld (nationally or worldwide). Organizations like ASTM International and the National Fire Protection Association are responsible for creating, updating, and communicating these standards. Local building codes often use these standards to set minimums for product and installation quality.How Do Roofing Codes and Standards Affect Product Development?"The goal of product development at GAF is to provide enhanced value for our customers and contractors," Hershberger explains. Ultimately, customers need to be confident in the performance of GAF products and building codes and standards provide a minimum threshold for product performance. Accordingly, they must be taken into consideration when designing products.Codes are prescriptive performance requirements for buildings. They include both the materials used to construct the building and how they're installed. All products used in a particular building must meet the local code requirements for that county or city.Standards are used as bases of comparison. Types of standards include:Testing standards that define methods and minimum acceptable resultsRating standards that provide a way to fairly compare productsDesign standards that set the criteria for specific roof system designsWhen products are developed for use in many geographic areas, they must meet several locations' requirements. For instance, when developing a new off-ridge ventilation product, GAF considers not only how much net free area (NFA) the unit will have, but also the performance characteristics required to meet Florida Building Code, Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), and Miami-Dade standards so the product can be used in areas that adhere to those codes.Why Does GAF Pay Attention to Codes and Requirements?"We want our customers to be confident in the performance of our products not based solely on our word but also on the basis of third-party standards that level set the industry," notes Hershberger. "Codes and testing requirements provide customers with that outside assurance that our products will hold up to the environmental rigors of a specific region or location."For example, TAS-100(A) tests a product's performance in wind-driven rain. The test provides information on how well a ventilation product will perform in such an environment and helps the product development team learn how likely it is that a ventilation product might leak, so we can then mitigate that risk.How Do Codes Affect Product Quality?Codes may specify what raw materials can be used to make a product or how it will perform in certain standardized tests. For instance, ASTM E108 or ANSI/UL790 Class A roofing fire ratings require a high degree of fire protection to the roof deck, which directly affect the materials used to produce these products. Similarly, the UL 2218 Class 4 impact test or the ASTM E330 Uplift Pressure Test show how a product performs under naturally occurring forces (e.g., hail or wind)"GAF strives to find the balance between performance, strength, and ease of installation (or handleability)," Hershberger says. "This often leads us to develop products that use higher grade materials (better performance over time), are simpler to manufacture with fewer points of potential failure, and are easier to install correctly (ensuring repeatability)."How Codes Affect the Development of High-Quality Roof VentsCreating high-quality roof vents and rooftop accessories didn't occur by accident. The GAF development team focuses on roofing codes and requirements through an intentional design process to drive innovation. From product ideation to design, development, and launch, the team ensures products meet or exceed several codes and standards, including:Florida Building CodeSets minimum performance standards for roof construction, such as wind resistance, fire performance, and roof ventilation requirements. Products must be approved by the state before being installed.Miami-Dade CountyThis county in Florida has some of the strictest building codes in the country due to its classification as a High-Velocity Hurricane Zone. Products used there must also be approved by the county as meeting not only Florida Building Code, but the stricter county requirements.Texas Department of Insurance (TDI)Regulates insurance companies and the insurance/claims process in the state of Texas. Roofing products are evaluated based on TDI-adopted building specifications regarding products used and installation methods.Other tests performed to ensure product performance include:TAS-100(A). Determines the water infiltration resistance of a ridge area ventilation system (ridge vents, static vents, turbines, or powered vents).Simulated snow/ice dam. Ice dams can form when a roof is not properly ventilated, leading to snow melting and refreezing along the lower edge of the roof.UL2218 Class 4 impact test. The UL2218 test is a steel ball drop test that evaluates the impact resistance of roof coverings. Class 4 products are shown to withstand the 20-ft drop of a 2-inch diameter steel ball without cracking through significant damage.Ensuring Roofing Products Are Up to the TaskThe product team at GAF routinely performs these tests to ensure roofing materials meet local roofing code requirements. The company then makes the results publicly available, helping customers nationwide rest assured that they can rely on GAF roofing products to perform as expected.For more information on the GAF ventilation products that meet or exceed code requirements, explore the ridge and off-ridge ventilation offerings.

By Dawn Killough

August 15, 2024
Residential Roofing
When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof?

If every day was sunny, mild, and a pleasant 75 degrees, there'd be little reason to wonder about the best time to replace a roof. Of course, not everyone lives in areas with ideal weather conditions, as climates vary greatly across the country.So if a client ever asks, "When is the best time to replace a roof?" your answer will likely vary based on where they live and what each season is like. However, you can share some general pointers in response. Here's what to consider for each season to help answer the question, "when is the best time to replace a roof?"SpringSpringtime is traditionally recognized as the kickoff of roofing season, as outside temperatures begin to warm and activity increases. Thanks to melting ice and snow, it's also the time of year that homeowners may want to have their roofs checked out for damage.While spring offers outdoor temperatures that are more friendly for workers, the season also typically comes with an increased chance of severe thunderstorms (and potentially tornados, depending on the region). Spring is usually a good time to schedule a roof replacement if you just monitor the weather forecast for major events to help reduce the chance of delays.SummerWith spring showers in the rearview, most areas of the country see longer stretches of nice weather during summertime, which lends itself well to working outside. Accordingly, summer tends to be the most ideal time for installing a new roof.But with potentially hot days, when is the best time to replace a roof in the summer? Workers will need to start as early in the day as possible because temperatures are usually cooler in the morning. Depending on the forecast temperatures, the job may need to be spread over a few days, so most of the work can be done in the morning hours before it gets too hot. It's also wise to remind customers that workers will need to have breaks in the shade and access to water to stay hydrated.FallThe autumn months can be an equally good time for a roof replacement as summer, as the hot and hazy days have passed, and severe weather isn't as common. The only exception to this is if you're working in an area prone to hurricanes. Hurricane season runs through the end of November and can cause project delays.In addition to the favorable weather, fall is a popular season for roof replacement because many property owners want to fortify their homes and buildings with a new roof before the winter months.WinterIn some areas of the country, it may be possible to continue roofing installations year-round, including during the winter. In southern regions, for example, roofing replacements can often be completed in the winter, as there's less chance of inclement weather. Temperatures may drop, but not as drastically as in areas that see ice and snow more regularly. Of course, it's still important to reference the relevant local forecast when scheduling upcoming work.Sustained stretches of very cold weather does not constitute suitable weather for the installation of asphalt shingles. All self-sealing shingles must be exposed to warm, sunny conditions for several days before they completely seal. Before sealing occurs, shingles are vulnerable to blow-offs and wind damage. Shingles installed in fall or winter may not seal until the following spring. Shingles that are not exposed to direct sunlight, adequate surface temperatures, or that are not fastened or installed properly may never seal. Failures to seal, blow-offs, and wind damage under these circumstances result from the nature of self-sealing shingles, and are not covered under most manufacturer's warranties. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. While most provide guidance about cold weather installations, it will ultimately be up to you to exercise discretion about when to move forward with an installation vs. postponing the work until more favorable weather conditions are present.Other Factors That May Affect Project TimingWhile weather is likely the leading factor that can disrupt scheduled roofing work, if you want to best answer your client's question of "when is the best time to replace a roof?" you'll need to take other factors into account when setting timeline expectations for property owners. One such consideration is the lead time needed for materials. If your customer chooses an uncommon color or a specialty product, it may take longer for materials to arrive.Another factor to weigh is your own backlog. If your production calendar is booked weeks out, clearly communicate the timing to your customers with the knowledge that weather events could impact the schedule. Regularly communicating with customers and setting accurate expectations are key to a positive experience.Looking to learn more roofing best practices and further expand your knowledge base? Check out GAF's CARE Contractor Training Center to help build your skill set and receive valuable training.

By Karen L Edwards

February 05, 2024
Residential Roofing
All about Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles

One high-stress area of a residential roof is where its two faces meet, either at a hip or a ridge. Protecting these areas helps reduce the risk of leaks. Before the advent of shingles purpose-made for hip and ridge caps, roofers typically cut up 3-tab strip shingles and bent them over these areas of the roof. Today, specially made versions of these types of shingles provide better protection while maintaining a roof's aesthetic appeal.Here's what to know about these products and the benefits they can offer.What Are Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles?Hip and ridge caps are specially designed asphalt shingles that protect the areas where two roof faces meet. They're typically curved or bent in the middle to help protect the joint from water intrusion and debris. These specialized shingles may look different than other roof shingles, but they're made from the same material and come in a range of designs so they can seamlessly match the color and texture of the standard shingles they are paired with.Common StylesStandardStandard hip and ridge caps are made of the similar material as asphalt shingles. As a standard, cost-effective option for GAF roof systems, Seal-A-Ridge® Ridge Cap Shingles are used.SBS-ModifiedFor roofs on homes in areas that experience hail, styrene-butadiene-styrene- (SBS) modified ridge caps, such as GAF Seal-A-Ridge® AS Ridge Cap Shingles are a popular option. SBS is a plastic polymer that makes the ridge cap more flexible than standard asphalt ridge caps to help absorb impact. It's important to note, however, that the these SBS-modified ridge caps are not warranted to withstand hail damage.Wood ShakeHomes with roofs that have wood shake-style shingles need hip or ridge caps designed to imitate their roof shingles' three-dimensional look. GAF Z®Ridge Distinctive Ridge Cap Shingles have a unique folded ("Z-fold") design that helps simulate the look of traditional wood shakes but are made of asphalt.PremiumWhen a home's roof uses premium shingles, it needs premium caps that will match those shingles' dimensions and/or aesthetics. GAF has three premium cap systems: TimberCrest®, TimberTex®, and Ridglass® ridge caps that are SBS modified.Hip and Ridge Cap ColorsGAF offers hip and ridge caps in colors that compliment its popular shingles. Check the color chart available for each brand to find the one that complements the shingles used on your roof.Warranty BenefitsInstead of using a ridge cap, some installers may cut a regular 3-tab shingle and install it over the joint to provide protection. With this option, the homeowner receives only a 20- to 25-year warranty, as this is the shingle warranty term. In many cases the wind speed coverage against blow-offs is also reduced and less than that of the field shingles.By installing factory-produced hip and ridge caps, homeowners can benefit from not only higher wind speed coverage against blow-offs, but also longer warranty terms, often equivalent to the warranty term of the field shingles. In fact, GAF Ridge Cap Shingles are eligible for a Lifetime Limited Warranty†.Coverage per BundleThe number of pieces and coverage a bundle of hip and ridge caps provides depends on the type and how much the pieces overlap in the installation. In general, each bundle covers 20 to 33 lineal feet. Specifically, the following brands cover:GAF Seal-A-Ridge®: 45 pieces per bundle, covering approximately 25 lineal feet when installed at proper 6 2/3" exposureGAF Z®Ridge: 72 pieces per bundle, covering approximately when installed with the proper 5 5/8" exposureGAF TimberTex®: 30 pieces per bundle, covering approximately when installed at the proper 8" exposureCheck the product's specifications and installation instructions to ensure you have enough pieces/bundles to cover the necessary hips and ridges.How to Install Hip and Ridge CapsReview the installation instructions for each brand to ensure you install them correctly. Improper installation can lead to costly damage!In general, follow these four steps for installation:1. OrganizeSeparate the hip and ridge caps into individual pieces.2. PrepareCreate a starter shingle by cutting off the exposed portion of one of the cap shingles.3. ApplyStarting at the bottom of the hip, or from the end of the ridge opposite the direction of the prevailing wind, install the starter shingle using two nails. Place each one inch back from the cut end and one-half inch up from each side edge.4. OverlapApply each shingle piece with the required overlap, completely covering the starter shingle with the first full cap shingle. Apply each cap shingle using two nails per piece one-half inch up from the edge. Don't place nails in the sealant.In cold weather, warm the cap shingles before installation to help prevent cracking or other damage when bending the shingles over a joint.Hip and ridge cap shingles are just one of the products that help residential roofers provide a quality roof while saving installation time. Additional training, like the GAF CARE program, can also be a benefit.† Lifetime refers to the length of warranty coverage provided and means as long as the original individual owner(s) of a single-family detached residence [or eligible second owner(s)] owns the property where the qualifying GAF products are installed. For other owners/structures, Lifetime coverage is not applicable. Lifetime coverage on shingles requires use of GAF Lifetime Shingles only. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Lifetime coverage on shingles and accessories requires use of any GAF Lifetime Shingle and at least 3 qualifying GAF accessories. 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 GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, see the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty.

By Dawn Killough

September 21, 2023
Residential Roofing
3 Home Insurance Trends Contractors Should Watch

The insurance landscape is changing dramatically—and that's having an impact on your homeowners' ability to afford vital roofing projects. That, in turn, affects you and your business. Here are three major home insurance trends that are impacting the affordability of new roofs, along with some of the things you, as a roofer, can do to adjust.Trend 1: Rising DeductiblesRemember the good old days when a typical roofing customer would face a $500 deductible and have Replacement Cost Value (cost to replace at today's prices) coverage? Those days appear to be long gone. In fact, a 2%-of-home-value deductible has become the standard in many markets and some carriers are requiring deductibles as high as 5%. Let's do the math on that: A home with an insured value of $500,000 could have a deductible between $10,000 and $25,000.The culprit could be climate change, inflation, materials costs, risk aversion, homeowner choice (larger deductible = lower premium), or—most likely—a combination of all of the above. But regardless of why it's happening, insurance deductibles are steadily climbing, making it more challenging for the ordinary homeowner to recover from storm damage with a roof replacement.Trend 2: "Basic" Endorsements and Bare-Bones PoliciesOne way insurance carriers are trying to contain the overall cost of insurance is by simply reducing what the policy covers. Some are creating a "basic" endorsement, or bare-bones policy, which often removes coverage for metal, excludes code upgrades, includes cosmetic waivers, and limits the ability to match the shingle style and color. Here's what that means in practical terms:Metal: Hail damage to metal roofs and gutters may not be covered unless the metal is punctured. As you know, metal is found all over the building exterior, from roof accessories to gutters, and chimney flashing to window trim.Code Upgrades: Traditionally, additional materials and labor related to city and state code upgrades have been covered. That may not be the case with bare bones policies; confirm coverage and discuss the implications with your homeowner before making these upgrades.Cosmetic Waiver: Homeowners policies are more frequently including cosmetic waivers, which means they will only be able to get coverage if the functional use of the roofing system is degraded.Limited Color Matching: In some policies, a homeowner may elect to have limited matching coverage. For example, a match may only be considered for a single slope or plane over the roof versus the policy providing coverage to make the entire roof match. These policies usually differ by state.Trend 3: Roof Age RestrictionsAs previously mentioned, Replacement Cost Value policies are becoming less common, as many carriers are opting to offer Actual Cash Value-only policies. When coupled with the skyrocketing deductible challenge, ACV policies may leave the roof effectively underinsured.There are a few twists here that are of particular importance to roofers and homeowners:One exception to this home insurance trend is that homeowners may still be able to secure Replacement Cost Value coverage on newer roofs.Also, insurers are increasingly paying only Actual Cash Value on roofs that are past a certain age. The challenge here is that many homeowners do not actually know the age of their roof, and yet the burden of proof is on them. A good insurance company may use aerial imagery to help the homeowner identify the age and relative condition of the roof.What Can Contractors Do?Because of the growing size of deductibles and decrease in average personal savings, financing will play an increasingly important role in your ability to serve your customers. Knowledge is key here: The homeowner should know as much as they can about both their homeowners policy and their home itself.Your first step to assist with this is to have a conversation about insurance with your homeowner. Advise them to read their insurance policy thoroughly, so they understand their coverage and can brace themselves against sticker shock.If the age of the roof appears to be an issue, or there's a gap in knowledge about the home's history or roof condition, you could help the homeowner gain a better understanding by ordering an address-specific GAF QuickSite Report. It includes a 10-year weather history, aerial-imagery AI-driven roof assessment, property parcel data, and—if available—permit histories that may tell the story of home improvements including re-roofs.Perhaps the most important step is to offer a flexible financing option that suits their situation.GAF SmartMoney powered by Payzer empowers you to offer loans from multiple issuers, including Second Look financing.Green Sky, trusted by thousands of US contractors, offers deferred interest plans and credit limits up to $100,000, and is backed by Goldman Sachs.To help increase your homeowners' purchasing power, so they can say yes with confidence, find out more about these financing programs today.

By Don Kilcoyne

June 14, 2023

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