It's no secret that high-wind events can wreak havoc on a roof. However, the use of strong, high-quality roofing materials can protect a home during high winds and other damaging weather events.
GAF's patented LayerLockTM Technology enables excellent adhesion for their shingles, which ultimately contributes to exceptional wind resistence for the entire roof assembly. When installed with the required combination of GAF accessories, GAF shingles with LayerLockTM Technology are eligible for the WindProven limited wind warranty - an industry first limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. This protection ensures stronger safeguards for homeowners who live in areas prone to storms.
Benefits of LayerLockTM Technology
One of the primary benefits of using Timberline® HDZ shingles with LayerLockTM Technology is the wider nailing area. It measures close to 1.81 inches wide, which is the industry's largest nailing area.
Expanding this area allows for quicker shingle installation and helps installers avoid missing the nailing zone. In an independent study, workers were able to install shingles with the StrikeZone nailing area 30% faster, and with 99.9% accuracy*. With traditional shingles, missing the nailing zone could lead to performance issues down the road. The nailing area on HDZ shingles increases the likelihood that the nails are placed properly for optimal performance.
The wider nailing zone also benefits contractors during inspections. Brian Lancaster, Director of Sales and Marketing at Stratus Roofing in Orlando, notes that the larger strike zone on HDZ shingles makes it easier for installers to meet the requirements of local jurisdictions and pass their inspections.
According to Lancaster, the biggest selling point for customers in his area is the wind warranty. "As long as we're using the shingles plus four qualifying GAF accessories, then we're able to offer an infinite wind warranty for those first 15 years. And there's no other shingle on the market that does that."
The GAF WindProvenTM Limited Wind Warranty** helps protect homeowners after installation without placing a limit on the speed of the wind in the event of shingle blow offs—a real advantage in hurricane-prone Florida and other regions that face wind storms. Lancaster says that even when it means a slightly higher price, this allows him to provide homeowners with additional protection and peace of mind.
How it Works
GAF LayerLockTM Technology is based on the mechanical fusing of the shingle layers. Lancaster compares the technology to superglue—it's tacky to the touch and extremely sticky. Other brands of shingles use a similar bonding strip, but as Lancaster explains, "This is different, because it literally creates a multilayer effect in a way that's unique from other products."
The two layers of the laminate shingle are fused together during manufacturing, according to GAF Senior Product Manager Dan Witte. This creates a much larger nailing zone for the installer. As the shingles are already connected, these mechanical punches help make the larger nailing area possible.
Protection During Wind Events
The WindProvenTM Limited Wind Warranty offers an industry first - a roofing warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. When you install qualifying GAF shingles with LayerLockTM Technology, plus GAF starter strip shingles, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles and your choice of leak barrier or attic ventilation, you are automatically eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty - a 15-year limited warranty providing coverage in the event of shingle blow-offs no matter how fast the wind blows. **
Lancaster noted that they haven't had any hurricanes in their service area during the past year, but have had some high-wind events. They have received no reported issues of any damage of any kind from their clients who had HDZ shingle roofs installed.
Timberline® HDZ shingles with LayerLockTM Technology allow contractors to install shingles faster and with more accuracy. The benefits extend to homeowners, who have greater peace of mind knowing their roof is covered by the GAF WindProvenTM Limited Wind Warranty. When it comes to protecting roofs, it's a winning combination.
To learn even more about the WindProvenTM Limited Wind Warranty and receive a free digital selling kit, visit gaf.com/windproven.
*Results based on study conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, an independent research lab, comparing installation of Timberline HD® Shingles to Timberline® HDZ™ Shingles on a 16-square roof deck using standard 4-nail nailing pattern under controlled laboratory conditions. Actual results may vary.
**15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline® HDZ™ Shingles 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.
