GAF RoofViews Blog

Understanding Hurricane Straps: Benefits and Installation Tips

Hurricanes are characterized by strong winds, which can cause significant uplift pressure on your roof. If your home isn't properly prepared, this amount of force can lift or even tear the roof right off your home. Hurricane straps are critical tools that help ensure your roof remains attached to your house in the event of a hurricane.

Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles Explained: Testing, Benefits, and ROI

GAF Master Flow™ Attic Vents: Safe and Reliable Ventilation

Choosing the right attic ventilation system isn't just about cooling your attic—it's about safeguarding your home and family. Homeowners shouldn't have to worry about attic vents overheating or causing fire hazards due to product malfunctions or oversights. Attic fans should be designed to protect your home, not endanger it.

The Homeowner's Guide to the GAF TimberSteel™ Metal Roofing System

Whether you're getting ready to build a new home or looking to replace the roof on your current one, GAF has numerous residential roofing options from which to choose. One of them, the GAF TimberSteel™ Metal Roofing System, is an intriguing choice you might not have considered.

GAF LIBERTY™ Launches New Colors and Earns Class 4 Impact Resistance

For residential homes with low-slope roof areas, GAF LIBERTY™ has long been a trusted roofing solution. The SBS self-adhering roofing system, which includes LIBERTY™ Self-Adhering Cap Sheet, LIBERTY™ Self-Adhering Base/Ply Sheet along with LIBERTY ™ Asphalt Primer and LIBERTY™ Flashing Cement accessories, ideal for porches, garages, carports and sheds, now comes in two new, popular colors—Pewter Gray and Barkwood—and has earned its UL 2218A Class 4 impact resistance rating.

Synthetic Roofing Underlayment: A Top Choice

As a roofing professional, it's important to give your customers insight into the work required and their available roofing options so that they can be sure the job will be completed to the highest standard possible for their budget. This is particularly true when it comes to roofing underlayment, the material that's installed between the shingles and the sheathing or roof deck.

GAF Timberline HDZ® RS: The Darkest Reflective Shingle on the Market

Darker roof colors are growing in popularity because of their timeless appeal, but some areas—like California—require the use of a reflective shingle that can meet strict energy efficiency requirements. Outside of California, more home and building owners are seeking energy-efficient solutions, but they don't want to settle for colors or styles that deliver a less-than-desired aesthetic for their home.

Cool Weather Roofing: Must-Know Tips for Installing Shingles in Cool Temperatures

Winter doesn't bring an end to the roofing season. Cool weather roofing is often necessitated by emergency roof repairs, and new home builders may not want to wait until spring. When you're tasked with roofing in the winter, understanding the risks that come with installing shingles in cool weather and being prepared to overcome those challenges can help you achieve success with winter roof installations. Read on to learn best practices and expert tips to achieve a long-lasting GAF roof installation when roofing in cool weather.

What Is Built-Up Roofing?

A built-up roofing system (BUR) is a popular choice for buildings with low-slope or flat roofs. Often referred to by the acronym BUR, this system has been used in the US for over 100 years. BUR systems are known for providing excellent protection due to their redundant nature—they're made of multiple layers of ply sheets and asphalt. The plies give the building weather resistance and heavy-duty protection. These layers are then topped off with a cap sheet or a flood coat of asphalt and gravel.

What Is APP Roofing?

Understanding the different asphaltic roofing products can help you better decide which materials to use on commercial projects. For instance, atactic polypropylene (APP), styrene butadiene styrene (SBS), and built-up roofing (BUR) membranes all help protect the roof and building from the outside elements.

When and How to Install Silicone Commercial Roof Coatings

When and How to Install Silicone Commercial Roof Coatings Silicone coatings offer a convenient and cost-effective commercial roofing solution. Among other advantages, they can improve a building's energy efficiency and protect the roof from standing water. As an added benefit, the installation process is relatively straightforward.

Insulating a Roof for Savings and Efficiency on Commercial Projects

When insulating a roof, it's important to educate your commercial clients about the significant financial and environmental benefits of properly installed, energy efficient roof insulation. On average, 30% of energy used in commercial buildings is wasted, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In fact, just by upgrading existing commercial roofs with energy efficient insulation, commercial building operators could save more than $65 billion in energy costs over the next 30 years.

A Practical Guide to Single-Ply Roofing Attachment Methods

A Practical Guide to Single-Ply Roofing Attachment Methods When designing your next low-slope roof assembly, there are a number of single-ply roofing attachment methods to consider. Whether you choose a TPO, PVC, or EPDM membrane, the attachment method you select will typically be influenced by the building type and location, the rest of the roof assembly, and the construction schedule and cost. The most common single-ply roofing attachment methods are mechanical, induction-welded, adhered, and ballasted. Depending on the unique circumstances of your project, it may also make sense to employ a hybrid approach, or a combination of methods. Let's explore the main features, as well as the pros and cons, of each.

Mitigating Water on Roofs

Since the first shelters were constructed by humans, the primary purpose of roofing has been to protect against the elements, especially water on roofs from rain and snow. Modern building science has expanded this focus to include temperature regulation, moisture management, and air tightness, but managing liquid water on roofs remains one of the most critical factors in roof design.

Single-Ply Roof Membrane Types and Comparison

Single-ply roof membranes are ubiquitous in the commercial roofing industry, comprising the majority of low-slope roof installations. Their popularity is driven by advantages such as ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and durability, with some options also offering sustainability benefits.

AI in Architecture: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges

For centuries, architects led the way in technological innovations that influenced how buildings were designed and constructed. However, in the latter two decades of the twentieth century, advances in computer science necessitated changes to the practice of architecture and the way 3D space was designed and visualized.

Veterans Building New Careers: GAF Roofing Academy Paves the Way

The roofing industry needs skilled workers. To both address the skilled labor shortage and support the troops at the same time, GAF Roofing Academy offers free training to military veterans, helping provide vets with meaningful careers after service.

GAF Roofs for Troops Program Provides Meaningful Support to Veterans

As a company whose motto is, "We protect what matters most," GAF pays special tribute to those who protect us: our military. To thank them for their dedicated service to our nation and the many sacrifices they make throughout their careers, GAF created the Roofs for Troops rebate program.

2025 GAF Latinos In Roofing Summit and Exposition Shines in Atlanta

The 2025 GAF Latinos In Roofing Summit and Exposition for the Southeast Region, held in mid-September, brought together more than 775 roofing professionals in Atlanta for training, business workshops, networking, and more. Latino roofing business owners, salespersons, and installers participated in hands-on training on TPO systems, roof coatings, metal roofing, and more. They also learned about the advantages of the GAF Certified Contractor program and received tips on transitioning from door-to-door sales to digital marketing.

Leidys Quiñonez's Journey: From Survival to Success

Starting a roofing company isn't easy, and the journey Leidys Quiñonez had to go through to get to that point made it even harder. From being a struggling single mother who faced immense challenges to becoming the successful business owner of Orkasun Roofing, her journey can serve as an inspiration to many.