GAF has been around for over a hundred years, which is pretty impressive. During that time, they have gained a reputation as one of the premier manufacturers of roofing materials in the world. Their most popular line of shingles is the Timberline series, making Timberline shingles some of the most popular in the world. Still, there are a few different types of Timberline shingles, so let’s discuss them briefly.
Timberline HD Shingles
These are the simplest option in the Timberline series, offering great functionality with no gimmicks. These are some of the most affordable shingles offered by GAF, which is one of the reasons for their popularity. With this product, you can get the look of high-end shingles at a reasonable price.
Most of these shingles are meant to simulate the look of wood shakes, but you won’t have to worry about bugs and decay. We really like the lifetime warranty offered by GAF on these shingles, as it adds to the practicality of this option. When you can get the results you need at a lower cost, and with a good warranty to boot, that is definitely a good deal.
Timberline HDZ Shingles
HDZ shingles are another popular line, and they offer several distinct advantages. While the HD offers simple functionality, this one offers a higher level of durability. HDZ shingles will probably cost you more than their HD counterparts, but that money will not be wasted.
For one thing, this line of shingles comes with algae protection, mostly through the use of copper granules. Copper is naturally immune to algae infestation, so this was a great idea. Blue-green algae can be one of the ugliest things to have on your roof, ruining the look of an otherwise beautiful home.
HDZ shingles also have the highest level of fire resistance, and a very high level of wind resistance as well. In fact, their wind warranty has no wind speed limitation. You won’t find that level of leniency in any other shingle warranty.
Timberline UHD Shingles
UHD shingles are another premium option, and they are definitely worth considering. The UHD line is characterized by the exceptional thickness of each piece. In fact, these shingles are up to 53% thicker than standard products. There are several benefits that come from this feature.
For one thing, those extra-thick shingles give a deep and textured look that stands out from the rest. The interplay of light and shadow is something that many homeowners find very appealing. That extra-thick covering will also save you some money on your electric bill by providing better insulation. Apart from this, they offer the same level of algae protection as the HDZ line.
Timberline Armorshield II
As you might guess from the name, Armorshield shingles are meant to be the toughest on the market. Of course, you will pay a little extra for that increased durability, but many would say that it’s well worth the cost. After all, it’s very expensive to replace your roof, so high-durability shingles are sure to mean less replacement (and, consequently, less expense).
These shingles are made with a proprietary type of asphalt known as SBS. This stands for styrene-butadiene-styrene, allowing you to look up the technical details if you so desire. We can save you some research by telling you this: SBS shingles are meant to be flexible like rubber. These shingles are so tough that your home insurance company might be willing to give you a discount just for using them.
As a result, they can flex and bend instead of breaking. When they are pulled by the wind or pounded by hail and branches, they just bend and bounce back, where other shingles would shatter into pieces. These shingles also tend to hold their granules longer than most, giving them an excellent longevity factor.
Timberline Cool Series
This is another special-purpose line of shingles, and this one is intended for those who live in hot climates. When it’s hot outside, an attic will tend to become a hot, sweltering oven. For those who want to use their attic, this is a major problem. Even if you don’t use your attic for anything specific, that heat will eventually make its way downward, making the house stuffy and uncomfortable.
Timberline Cool Series shingles are able to solve this problem in a simple and effective way. They incorporate a lot of reflective materials, allowing the sun’s rays to “bounce” away. The little bit of heat that is absorbed will be diffused into the surrounding air rather than entering your home.
Conclusion
Of course, these are not the only shingles offered by GAF. In fact, these aren’t even all of the shingles that are offered as part of the Timberline series. We have chosen to give you a small sampling here so that you can get a better idea of how diverse your options really are. But we still have to answer the question: Which one of these shingles is the best?
The honest answer is that none of them are the best for all situations. For instance, the cool series shingle might be your best choice if you live in a hot climate, but those who live in cold climates would find them less helpful. In the end, it’s all about finding the right shingle for the right setting. If our article has helped to educate you a little more on this subject, then we hope that you will fill out the contact form below. Get in touch with RGB Construction by calling 856-264-9093.
