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Timberline Ultra HDZ: How It Measures Up to Other GAF Shingles

By Wendy Helfenbaum

October 08, 2018

GAF Timberline Ultra HDZ roof shingles on a blue home

The best roof shingles not only help protect your family's most important investment but also provide attractive curb appeal that can increase your home's value. GAF's new line of architectural shingles, Timberline® UHDZ™, Ultra High DefinitionTM Shingles improve upon their high-quality legacy products by combining the latest technology with an added beauty that delivers extended benefits for homeowners.

Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles Add Dimension

A step-up from the popular Timberline HDZ® Shingle, Timberline® UHDZ™ laminate shingles are a premium option for homeowners who want to bring extra beauty and depth to their property's silhouette. One way Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles achieve this is that they are about 20 percent thicker than Timberline HDZ® Shingles. Another is that they feature the patent-pending Dual Shadow Line effect, which lends an attractive shadowed dimensionality and texture—whatever the time of day. This makes the shingle stand out: The look of the shadow boldly pops when you look and its quality and appeal is visible both head-on and from the curb.

This type of shingle works well for multiple types of pitched roofs. On some mansard roofs or very steep slopes, the Dual Shadow Line provides substantial depth in areas that would otherwise be perceived as flat. And for roofs with lower slopes where the old roof appears one-dimensional, the Dual Shadow Line breaks up some of that color variation to create an attractive profile, along with the appearance of dramatic sunset shadows all day long, even on gloomy days.

The new Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles are available in a wide variety of colors—Charcoal, Pewter Gray, Slate, Weathered Wood, Shakewood, and Barkwood. Here's a look at how they fit into the range of GAF shingles:

Good: Natural Shadow

  • 10-Year StainGuard™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty1
  • 15-year limited wind warranty coverage up to 130 mph with special installation2 or 110 mph without special installation

Better: Timberline HDZ®

  • High Definition® Color Palette
  • ARK-THIS">Features LayerLock® Technology and the StrikeZone® Nailing Area for neat, accurate installation
  • Eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation when installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories3
  • 25-Year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty1

Timberline HDZ

Timberline HDZ® Charcoal

Best: Timberline® UHDZ™

  • High Definition® Color Palette with patent-pending Dual Shadow Line (which gives the shingles a deeper, shadow effect for added dimensionality)
  • Features LayerLock® Technology and the StrikeZone® Nailing Area for neat, accurate installation
  • Eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed installation when installed with the required combination of 4 qualifying GAF accessories3
  • 30-Year StainGuard Plus PRO™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty1 powered by 10% more time-release algae-fighting technology than Timberline HDZ®
  • GAF Master Elite® contractors* can offer 30 years of workmanship coverage when they install a qualifying GAF roofing system with Timberline® UHDZ™ shingles and register a Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty4.

Timberline Ultra HDZ

Timberline® UHDZ™ Pewter Gray

A Smart Investment for Your Home

In addition to their highly attractive look, the advanced technology of these new shingles bring a slew of benefits that make them a smart investment for your home. The additional 10% GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology in Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles over Timberline HDZ® means that they're the first shingles from GAF to offer the 30-year StainGuard Plus PRO™ limited warranty against blue-green algae discoloration1. They are also eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation when installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories3.

GAF Master Elite® contractors4 can offer 30 years of workmanship coverage when they install a qualifying GAF roofing system with Timberline® UHDZ™ shingles and register a Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty5.

Overall, Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles provide a premium, advanced shingle technology choice for homeowners that delivers strong warranties without sacrificing a beautiful and unique aesthetic. Learn more about the advantages of Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles.

125-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty, 30-year StainGuard Plus™ PRO Algae Protection Limited Warranty and 10-year StainGuard Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus™, StainGuard Plus™ PRO or StainGuard logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

2Special Installation requires use of 6 nails per shingle and GAF Starter Strip Products installed at the eaves and rakes. See GAF Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

3 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.

4Contractors 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.

5 30-year misapplication coverage term applies only to single-family detached residences owned by individual(s). For all other properties, misapplication coverage term is 25 years. A qualifying GAF roofing system consists of Timberline® UHDZ™ shingles and 5 qualifying GAF accessory products. Qualifying GAF accessory products include: (1) ridge cap shingles; (2) attic ventilation; (3) starter strip shingles; (4) roof deck protection; and (5) leak barrier. See GAF Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.

About the Author

Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal-based journalist, content marketing writer and TV producer who covers design, architecture, real estate, gardening and travel for many publications and brands, including Country Gardens, Metropolis Magazine, Realtor.com, Marriott Traveler, Costco Connection, Toll Brothers, PBS NextAvenue.org and many more. Wendy loves keeping up with current design trends and is addicted to home improvement DIY reality shows. Follow her @WendyHelfenbaum.

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