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Residential Roofing

Unpacking the GAF TimberSteel™ System and the Benefits of Premium Metal Roofs

By Wendy Helfenbaum

April 25, 2025

A newly installed GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System in Rustic Red

Thinking of adding metal roofing to your business offerings? Between its high-performance materials, easy installation, and industry-leading warranties, your customers will love getting a new GAF TimberSteel™ premium metal roofing system.

Here's what you should know about the benefits of selling and working with this metal product.

Start with High-End Materials

Fabricated from 24-gauge GALVALUME® steel with Class 4 impact resistance, TimberSteel™ roofing systems are especially durable—particularly in parts of the country known for extreme weather events or harsh thermal cycles, says Scott Dawson, GAF Senior CARE Learning and Development Instructor.

"In my area, we're right in a hail belt. The benefit of that Class 4 material is that, if you get large impacts to the limits of that grading, you're not going to have catastrophic failures or hail penetrating through to the living space with leakage into the house," Dawson explains.

The TimberSteel™ system is engineered with premium materials designed to withstand the toughest of conditions, including hail, high winds, and extreme temperatures. And because the product's self-adhered high-temperature butyl-backed underlayment has some elasticity, it provides a more protective membrane over the roof's plywood decking than a mechanically attached one would.

Boosting Curb Appeal with the TimberSteel™ System

In addition to its reliable performance, the TimberSteel™ metal roofing system adds an elegant touch to any home. "We now have eight different colors," says Dawson. "It's a phenomenal-looking shingle, and it doesn't look like anything else on the market."

Eddie Leiss, Director of Marketing and Sales at 5-Star Roofing in Greensboro, North Carolina, encourages contractors to explore the advantages of metal roofs. "As a contractor, I recommend the GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System because it offers an unmatched combination of superior engineering, strength, and beauty. It stands heads and shoulders above other metal roofs that we've worked with," he explains.

According to Leiss, its design mimics the classic look of a wood shake or dimensional shingle, giving homes a timeless aesthetic with a modern edge. He also appreciates how the finish and color options blend seamlessly with any architectural style. "Homeowners love how it elevates the overall look of their property, delivering elegance and durability in one complete package."

Save Time with Quick, Easy Installation

The TimberSteel™ metal roofing system can be installed in half the time of an on-site roll formed standing seam metal roof. What's more, Dawson explains that, unlike many other products, you can use a standard coil nail gun to install the TimberSteel™ system. "You're not breaking out screw guns and predrilling and trying to set screws all day," he says. "It's a much quicker process with a fan-operated or pneumatic coil nailer."

Dawson recommends residential contractors add heavy-duty turbo shears, like the Malco TSHD, to their toolkits. "They're designed to cut 18-gauge metals, and although TimberSteel™ field shingles are 24-gauge, they're doubled at the headlap, so you're cutting through two layers of 24-gauge," he explains. "Turbo shears work much better than trying to cut with hand shears all day long."

Leiss says his crews appreciate how the system is engineered for easy installation, saving time and ensuring a precise fit. "It's incredibly well-designed, fitting together seamlessly. It's also lighter than other metal roofs while still delivering outstanding strength and durability," he notes. "My crews love that they can install the roof system using the same nail guns they've always used. They like how the size and weight of the shingles make them easier to control on the roof."

Dawson estimates six to eight crew members can install the TimberSteel™ system. He suggests residential contractors take advantage of GAF jobsite trainings where teams can get tips for smooth installation. "It's a good idea to have anybody who's going to be involved in this product moving forward—whether they're sales or project managers or owners—come out and learn this new process and how to work with these new materials."

Strengthen Customer Relationships with Comprehensive Warranties

The TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty* is available for purchase when the system is installed by a GAF Metal Certified contractor,** which includes an unparalleled 30-years of workmanship coverage, as well as unlimited wind speed coverage,*** hail coverage against leaks,**** and paint finish coverage.*****

Leiss says these industry-leading warranties offer a level of protection that's unmatched in the metal roofing market. Knowing he can trust the system to deliver exceptional performance and protection over the long term allows him and his customers to enjoy peace of mind.

"For contractors, the warranties elevate our offering by showcasing premium quality and reliability, making it easier to win homeowners' trust."

Leiss also notes that GAF certifications help position roofing contractors as cutting-edge solution providers. "Having a metal certification from GAF elevates our reputation for quality and innovation in the roofing industry and gives me a significant edge in the in-home selling process by establishing credibility," he explains. "Homeowners value that expertise and trust when they're making such an important investment, making it easy to close sales and build lasting relationships."

With the right support and education, you can confidently add metal roofing to your business offerings. Find out more with the TimberSteel™ system installation guide.



*The TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty may only be purchased from a GAF Metal Certified contractor. Additional requirements may apply. See limited warranty available at gaf.com for complete coverage and restrictions.

**Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use.

***15-year limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation requires purchase of ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty and covers the following TimberSteel branded components only: field shingles, hip & ridge cap shingles, eave drip edge flashing, rake edge flashing and ridge vents. See TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty, available at gaf.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.

****15-year limited hail warranty requires purchase of TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty and covers the following TimberSteel branded components only: field shingles, hip & ridge cap shingles, eave drip edge flashing and rake edge flashing. See TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty, available at gaf.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.

*****30-year paint finish coverage limited warranty covers the following TimberSteel branded components only: field shingles, hip & ridge cap shingles, eave drip edge flashing, rake edge flashing and other metal components. All color variations (with the exception of Rustic Red) are eligible for 30-year paint finish coverage. Rustic Red is eligible for 20-year paint finish coverage. See TimberSteel™ ArmorPledge™ Limited Warranty and TimberSteel™ Roofing System Limited Warranty, available at gaf.com, for complete coverage and restrictions.

About the Author

Wendy Helfenbaum is an award-winning journalist based in Montreal. She is an active member in several professional writing and editing organizations and a former board member for the American Society of Journalists & Authors. Wendy writes about architecture, design, construction, DIY, heritage home restoration, gardening, real estate, and other home-related topics. She has covered various aspects of roofing to help educate and inform homeowners and roofing professionals. Wendy's work has appeared in many outlets including AARP, Apartment Therapy, DIY Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Real Simple, BBC.com, Costco Connection, PBS, and more.

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