GAF President's Club: the Best of the Best

As part of its effort to build resilient communities, GAF provides students across the country with opportunities to gain work experience and hands-on training. The GAF co-op program offers participants autonomy and leadership in project management, engineering design, budgeting, project installation, and more.Over the years, the GAF co-op recruiting program has helped students advance academically, grow professionally, and earn competitively while working full time with North America's largest roofing and waterproofing manufacturer.How the GAF Co-Op Program WorksThe program gives students high-impact, hands-on experience in the manufacturing sector. They perform meaningful work alongside supportive GAF mentors and senior leadership while earning a competitive wage. Participants can also receive credits from their university, which they can apply to their coursework.Differences between a Co-op and an InternshipInternships and co-ops have a few notable differences. At GAF, the main difference is the length of time. Internships at GAF usually last 10 weeks, but the co-op program is six months. While internship programs often allow students to stay enrolled in school and complete coursework as they gain professional training, co-op participants must take a semester off to gain full-time work experience.Not all companies pay internship participants for their work. However, at GAF, both interns and co-op students are paid competitive hourly wages. GAF also offers financial relocation assistance for qualifying co-op program candidates.Finally, participants in the GAF programs are there to learn real skills that will help them advance their future careers. GAF interns and co-op students are given the same responsibilities, and chances to collaborate on major projects, as full-time employees.Recent GAF Co-Op Success StoriesMin U, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Maryland, says he "fell in love with manufacturing" thanks to his placement on an engineering project. The experience gave him a firsthand account of the role engineering plays in manufacturing safety, profit, and operations. This ultimately led him to shift his career goals from construction management to manufacturing engineering.When Dante Stellar, an industrial engineering student at Virginia Tech, met GAF representatives at a career fair, he says he didn't expect to become a self-proclaimed "nerd for shingles" and develop a passion for manufacturing. However, that's exactly what happened. And that newfound passion paid off when Dante won Student of the Year from Virginia Tech's Cooperative Education and Internship Program. Dante notes he's now eager to return to GAF and aspires to become a manufacturing leader in the world of shingles.Michael Hesseltine, an electrical engineering student at Texas A&M University, chanced upon a GAF co-op recruiting listing online. After a series of interviews, he landed a project engineering co-op in Ennis, Texas. Working with the Ennis team on major projects solidified his manufacturing engineer career goals.Co-Op Students Complete Meaningful WorkStudents in the GAF co-op program are involved in meaningful projects and get to see their work's impact on day-to-day operations.During his time in Ennis, Michael designed a baler that compacts fiberglass scrap, reducing site disposal trips and costs. He also oversaw renovations of the site's maintenance mechanical break room from start to finish. He notes that his favorite contribution was helping design the electrical system for a dewatering press.In Baltimore, Min's core project was ensuring site compliance with state regulations for discharging stormwater runoff. Min managed all the project contractors and budget with his manager's and mentor's support. Throughout his time there, Min was exposed to Lean methodologies, 5S, risk mitigation, insurance compliance, cost control, and procedure standardization. He gained an overall understanding of manufacturing equipment and business.At the Tampa plant, Dante worked on a rock pad storage expansion project and installed a starwheel machine guarding the manufacturing line, among other important projects. According to Dante, the defining moment of his co-op experience was his granule silo refurbishment project, which involved replacing eight silos, including floor plates and support beams.Dante explains the trust and opportunities his mentors provided were key to his success. "At GAF, I was given the chance to interact with contractors, and immerse myself in the plant, which accelerated my learning," he says.Co-Op Students Build Professional RelationshipsThrough "lunch and learn" sessions, leadership speaker series, meetings with senior leadership, and mentorship, co-op students build long-term professional relationships.Dante was given the chance to showcase the coordination and safety efforts involved in his granule silo project to the GAF executive leadership team in Parsippany, New Jersey.For Min, getting the right feedback to grow meant having the right relationships. He notes the mentorship from his manager Alex Smith and engineering manager Mike Kloda was key to his progression. As advice to future co-op participants, he explains that "everyone is here to help... but it's up to you to drive that forward."Meanwhile, the autonomy and leadership opportunities program leaders gave Michael allowed him to grow technically and professionally. "I was often the go-to person for projects, managing contractors and ensuring everything was on track," he says.Joining an Industry Filled with OpportunityThe GAF co-op program helped Min, Michael, and Dante start and solidify their careers in manufacturing engineering. Following their experience, each student was excited and motivated by the autonomy, responsibility, and growth opportunities they were given. In fact, Min has since accepted a full-time role as a project engineer at the GAF plant in Baltimore. His expected start date is July 7, 2025.GAF is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the organization. It believes a talented and diverse organization can drive innovation, growth, and transformation more effectively. To further bolster inclusivity, GAF offers academic and merit scholarships, partners with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to recruit from the nation's most diverse talent at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, and reaches out to candidates at career fairs nationwide.Bright and motivated minds who want to explore manufacturing have plenty of opportunities. From shingles to solar to environmental impact, GAF offers many exciting career paths.Are you ready to do work that matters and be empowered to explore a leadership role? Discover the co-ops, internships, and job opportunities available at GAF.

Harsh weather can damage your home, leading to expensive repairs or even making it unlivable in the worst cases. While you can't control the weather, you can take steps to try and minimize damage—like installing a durable roof.If you live in an area prone to harsh weather, metal roofing materials can help protect your home from elements like hail, rain, snow, and wind. Here's what you need to know about metal roofs and the protection they offer.Wind and Impact ResistanceMetal roofing shingles can help resist high winds due to their interlocking system, which helps provide wind uplift resistance. Interlocked panels help keep the materials in place and reduce the areas where winds can cause uplift, like the eaves and edges. Metal's smooth surface also lets air flow easily over it.The GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System passes the ASTM D3161, Class F test method, wind resistance for the ASTM D3161, the highest possible category for wind resistance of steep slope roof coverings. This means it has been tested to handle 110 mph wind speeds under the Standard Test Method for Wind Resistance of Steep Slope Roofing Products (Fan-Induced Method)*.GAF TimberSteel™ metal field shingles are classified to UL2218 Class 4 Impact Resistance, the highest rating available.Moisture ResistanceOffering excellent protection against wind-driven rain, the GAF TimberSteel™ passes the TAS -100 Wind-Driven test* for rain water intrusion.Custom Snow SolutionsWhile rain is one problem, snow can also damage your roof. Snow adds a heavy load to your roofing structure, and moisture can enter your home as it melts if given the opportunity.Metal roofs have a smooth surface that allows snow to slide off which may help prevent ice dams that form when snow melts and refreezes. Custom snow guards are available in the colors of the TimberSteel™ system to complement your roof.UV Radiation ResistanceSunlight can break down roofing materials over time. Metal roofing helps resist the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays which may contribute to its longevity.Consider Metal RoofingWith more areas experiencing extreme weather, homeowners all over the country may benefit from considering metal roofing materials.Does metal roofing sound right for your home? Explore the options GAF offers and sign up to get updates about the availability of GAF TimberSteel™ in your area.*Testing conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.

All homes can benefit from a little tender loving care, no matter the age or location. Making occasional updates to beautify your property can help maintain its character while enhancing your pride and appreciation. In some cases, home improvement projects can even boost the resale value.If you want to upgrade the look of your home and green spaces without getting on the roof or breaking the bank, there's no shortage of options. Here are four DIY ideas for low-maintenance front yard curb appeal.1. A Fresh Coat of PaintPainting is one of the simplest and least costly DIY home projects, requiring only primer, paint, and a brush. In fact, the most complicated part of painting projects is often choosing what to paint and what colors to use. However, this can be one of the highest-impact, low-maintenance front yard curb appeal projects.Painting your shutters, trim, or even just your front door can give your home a quick facelift. A great way to make your home look as cohesive as possible is to stick to its existing colors and undertones. You can achieve this by keeping the trim or shutter colors within the same color family as your roof.For example, if you have a white home with Hunter Green GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles on the roof, consider a similar shade of green for the shutters and trim. Or, if you have a stucco house with a cooler-hued roof, you can paint your shutters a soft gray or light blue for a modest pop of color.If you're feeling adventurous, consider painting your front door a fun color that will catch the eye and welcome your guests. For cooler-toned homes, try a front door in navy, royal, or even sky blue. For warmer-toned homes, you can be extra playful and paint your front door a bright red.When painting, remember to properly prep and prime all surfaces and use exterior paint. If you plan to refresh your shutters, it's best to remove them from the hinges and lay them flat while working.2. Updated LandscapingLandscaping is another fun way to add front yard curb appeal, but it can feel a little more daunting than an afternoon of painting. To start, visit your local nursery and learn about suitable plants for your area. Figure out how much upkeep and irrigation certain shrubs require, when particular flowers bloom, and the amount of sunshine each plant needs. You may want to dot your landscape with bushes that bloom throughout the year, or you may want a simple and calming lawn filled with lush shades of green. Either way, an expert at your local nursery can help.However, if you only have one afternoon to dedicate to your landscape, you can still make an impact. One quick way to upgrade your property's look is to fill terracotta pots with seasonal flowers in your favorite colors. Place them flanking the front door or beside the mailbox. If your home has a lot of windows, plant beautiful, low-maintenance flowers in windowsill boxes. The best part about potted plants is they're transportable, and you can change the blooms with the season or your mood.As you update your landscaping, choose a color scheme and appearance that complements your home's style and design. If you have a more traditional home with brown Weathered Wood GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles on the roof, for instance, you could create a rustic, English-style garden that's filled with bursts of colorful flowers. If your home is more modern, on the other hand, stick with a simple landscape design that uses a subdued color palette. You want your front yard to feel connected with the rest of your home.Home featuring GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles in Weathered Wood.3. Improved Walkway DesignAnother DIY project that can give your home low-maintenance front yard curb appeal is improving your walkway. Enhancing your yard's hardscaping can make your home feel more cohesive.If your property has existing gravel walkways, consider matching the color to your home. Gray gravel stones complement a cooler-toned home, and ivory/beige stones work well for a warm-toned home. For instance, if your roof is a color similar to Oyster Grey GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles, consider using slate or bluestone; if it's on the warmer side, use brick.If you like the look of paver stones, pick up lightweight options at your local hardware store and use them to create intricate, eye-catching designs.Home featuring GAF Timberline HDZ shingles in Oyster Grey4. Elegant LightingAn impactful DIY tip for jazzing up your home's curb appeal is upgrading your exterior lighting. Soft, warm lighting can add elegance and offer dramatic flair. This complements homes with GAF Timberline® NS shingles that provide a natural shadow effect.Consider adding a sconce by the front door to make your home feel inviting and cozy. Place outdoor solar-powered lights along walkways. You can also add solar lights at the base of trees to uplight them, creating a sophisticated look at night. As added benefits, solar lights require no hard-wiring and don't affect your electricity bill, which makes them a great low-maintenance front yard curb appeal addition.There's No Place Like Your HomeGiving your home upgraded curb appeal through painting, landscaping, hardscaping, and lighting can make a big difference without requiring too much time or money. In addition to giving you a newfound sense of pride, your neighbors may also appreciate the property's updates. Best of all, these exterior DIY projects can potentially increase your home's sale price. It's often easier for buyers to envision themselves in a beautiful, well-maintained home.If you want to take your home's exterior to another level, think about upgrading your roof. A new roof requires less maintenance and can help refine your property's appearance. Explore the GAF Virtual Home Remodeler to envision different ways your home could look, and reach out to a local GAF-certified contractor* to discuss your roofing project.*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 GAF Contractor Terms of Use.