Author: Kaitlyn Short
GAF is North America’s leading roof manufacturer and installer. Founded in 1886, GAF has solidified its position as a leader in the roofing industry, offering a wide range of roofing materials and services. From asphalt shingles to ventilation systems, GAF aims to provide durable, high-quality roofing solutions for residential and commercial properties alike.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Quality Roofing Materials
- Customizable Roofing Options
- GAF Warranties
- Environmental Sustainability
Quality Roofing Materials
GAF is renowned for its commitment to quality. GAF asphalt shingles, in particular, are engineered to withstand various weather conditions, providing excellent protection against rain, wind, and hail. The company's rigorous quality control measures ensure that customers receive durable roofing materials that stand the test of time.
GAF provides the following quality roofing products, all of which are built to last:
- Roofing shingles — Asphalt and laminate shingle options are available. GAF’s featured roofing shingles are Timberline UHDZ® Shingles, a line of premium laminate shingles featuring richer colors, deeper dimensions, and better coverage against discoloration.
- Leak barriers — StormGuard® Film-Surfaced Leak Barrier and WeatherWatch® Ice & Water Leak Barrier products are available.
- Hip and ridge cap shingles — A variety of hip and ridge cap shingles are available that help protect roof hips and ridges, while also providing an aesthetic appeal.
- Roof deck protection — A variety of roof deck protection materials are available. Typically made of felt, roof deck protection products protect your roof from wind-driven rain.
- Starter strip shingles — A variety of starter strip shingles are available. Starter shingle strips feature properly positioned adhesive that help resist shingle blow-off.
- Ventilation and attic vents — A variety of ventilation and attic vents are available.
- Residential roll roofing — A variety of residential roll roofing options are available. Roll roofing is a good option for low-sloped roofs over porches or garages.
All roofing products mentioned above are GAF products. All products are backed by a warranty, ensuring that your roof investment is protected against damage.
Customizable Roofing Options
GAF roofing shingles are available in a variety of styles, colors, and configurations, allowing you to customize your roof to your needs, budget, and style. Whether you're looking for traditional asphalt shingles, designer shingles that mimic the look of wood or slate, or energy-efficient options, GAF has you covered.
To assist in customization, GAF provides a virtual house remodeler tool that allows you to either upload a photo of your home or select a model home that looks similar to your home. Once you have a photo of a home you can mix and match shingle styles, colors, trims, and more. While the GAF virtual home remodeler tool may not provide an accurate representation of what your home will look like with specific shingle styles and colors, it can give you a better idea of what you do and don’t like, and what to look out for as you design your GAF roof.
In addition, you can order a GAF QuickMeasure™ report, an aerial roofing measurement tool that can provide you with your roof measurements in under an hour. As you begin designing and customizing your roof, it can be helpful to have these measurements on hand.
GAF Warranties
GAF stands behind its products with robust warranty offerings. Many of GAF’s roofing products and systems come with extensive warranties that provide peace of mind to homeowners, covering manufacturing defects, labor costs, and even damage from severe weather events.
Environmental Sustainability
GAF is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. In 2021, GAF launched its 2030 Planet Goals, providing a roadmap for the company to improve its operations and become more sustainable. In 2022, the company created programs and initiatives, such as the initiative to tackle urban heat, and continues to look for opportunities to improve each year.
Beyond sustainability programs and initiatives, many of GAF’s roofing products are made from recycled materials, and the company continually seeks ways to reduce its carbon footprint through energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
The Bad
- Availability of Certified Contractors
- Complex Warranty Terms
Availability of Certified Contractors
While GAF has a network of certified contractors for installation services, the availability of these contractors may vary depending on your location. Some areas may have limited options when it comes to choosing a GAF-certified installer, which could potentially lead to longer wait times for installation.
Complex Warranty Terms
While GAF's warranty offerings provide comprehensive coverage, some customers may find the terms and conditions of these warranties to be somewhat complex. However, it's important for homeowners to thoroughly review the warranty documentation and understand what is and isn’t covered. If you need assistance in understanding your GAF warranty coverage, you can call and speak with a company representative.
The Bottom Line
GAF is a leading roofing company that’s been providing roofing solutions since 1886. While a century and more of roofing expertise and experience puts GAF in a position of prowess and trust in the roofing industry, GAF’s products and solutions speak for themselves. The company provides a variety of high-quality asphalt and laminate shingle options, as well as a variety of other roofing solutions, including leak barriers, roof deck protection, and more.
A new roof can present some significant upfront costs and you may be concerned about protecting your investment. GAF understands this and provides comprehensive warranties for all of its products and services. Warranties will vary by product and service, so don’t assume that your warranty coverage for all products is the same; it’s important that you read all warranty terms and conditions carefully to fully understand your coverage(s).
GAF is committed to its customers by providing high-quality roofing solutions, but it’s also committed to the environment and seeks to implement sustainable and eco-friendly practices into its business operations and manufacturing processes.
