(3) Recent Upgrades to GAF Timberline Shingles
By: Justin Trigalet
February 7th, 2023
GAF has been around for over a hundred years developing and manufacturing roofing materials. In fact, GAF was the first to create several products that are still widely used today – from rolled roofing (1892), embedding color granule technology (1904), to the first interlocking asphalt shingles (1933).
That was just the beginning…
In 1967 the first laminated (dimensional) shingle was made by GAF and they named it Timberline. Timberline has since gone on to be North America’s best selling shingle.
In 2011, GAF became the first roofing manufacturer to offer a ‘Lifetime Warranty’ (50 years in Michigan) on all of its laminated shingles.
GAF’s commitment to product innovation is impressive and it’s obvious they have plans to keep the title of North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.
Here’s the (3) Recent Upgrades to GAF Timberline Shingles:
1) StrikeZone Nailing Area
In 2020, GAF introduced their StrikeZone nailing area which is the industry’s largest (almost 2″ wide) and up-to 600% wider than other competitors on the market.
After two years of development and testing, GAF concluded that nailing accuracy with StrikeZone improved to over 99%. Shingle nail placement might sound trivial, but when an average roofer is installing over 500 shingles per day, the additional margin for error is gladly welcomed!
2) LayerLock Technology
The traditional manufacturing process involves applying an adhesive to hold the two laminated shingles together. But the bonding adhesive usually softens when the asphalt becomes hot, which leads to separation between the two shingles.
Now with GAF’s LayerLock technology the common bond area is mechanically fastened, increasing each shingles overall strength and wind resistance.
In fact, GAF shingles with LayerLock Technology are eligible for an industry first – a wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation!
3) StainGuard Plus Algae Protection
If you happen to notice ugly black roof stains when walking around your neighborhood, what you are likely seeing is algae. Algae thrives in damp moist environments which is why algae growth is more prevalent on the north side of the house (less direct sunlight). Another reason algae has become more common is because today’s asphalt shingles contain crushed limestone as a filler, which is a food source for algae.
The most common type of algae is known as gloeocapsa magma – also known as blue green algae. Gloeocapsa forms a dark protective outer coating which is why it appears black on the roof. Although algae is not harmful or dangerous, it’s ugly and over time can cause the protective UV granules to fall off prematurely.
For years, shingle manufacturers have added copper to roof granules to help prevent blue-green algae growth. As the roof dampens during rainfall, the copper leaches out of the granules and helps prevent blue-green algae growth. As the copper is used up, the protection wanes.
After developing specially engineered capsules that release copper steadily over time, GAF is able to provide customers with a 25-year StainGuard Plus Algae Protection Limited Warranty on all Timberline Shingles!
The roof over your head is just as important as the car you drive, it protects everything inside of it!
The (3) recent upgrades to GAF Timberline shingles are truly game changers. It’s refreshing to see continuous innovation, with the main focus of devoloping solutions to real world problems facing the roofing industry. It will be fun to see what GAF comes up with next!
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Great blog post! It’s impressive to see the century-long commitment to innovation from GAF in the roofing industry. The recent upgrades to the Timberline shingles, especially the StrikeZone nailing area and LayerLock technology, demonstrate GAF’s dedication to improving their products and addressing common problems faced by roofers. The StainGuard Plus Algae Protection is also a great addition, and the 25-year warranty is a testament to GAF’s confidence in their product. I’m excited to see what GAF will bring to the table next!
Same here, thanks Roselle!