GAF roofing shingles are among the most popular on the market, but the question is whether their popularity is because of their high-quality and consistent performance or because of a better-than-average marketing budget. GAF is the second largest manufacturer of roofing materials in North America, and they have been around for more than 100 years. Their shingles are up to 30% more resistant to wear and tear, because they use a patented fiberglass reinforcement technology called Duraweave. GAF roofing shingles can come in a variety of styles and colors, which is why most roofing contractors in the United States use them. That’s why they’re one of the most popular brands in the country. From their Timberline Lifetime series to their three-tab shingle systems, their products can match almost any color, style, or budget.
The company started as the Standard Print Company in Bound Brook, NJ in 1886. William Griscom (who was one of their employees) focused on coming up with ideas for asphalt compounds. In 1912, they introduced a set of inexpensive, weatherproof, and easy-to-install asphalt shingles. Eventually, they merged with GAF and adopted their name (with their Timberline series becoming the best-selling shingle in North America). Now, GAF is an award-winning brand. Not only have they won the Innovation Award for asphalt shingles from 2011 to 2014, but they have also been rated #1 in shingle quality by homebuilders for the last nine out of eleven years.
Tips on Picking the Roof Color You Love
• Put your ideas into a mood board — If you need more inspiration to help you narrow down your list of colors that you think will work for your home, take the time to explore different shingle and color pairings with an online mood board. It can help you discover the architectural aesthetic that will make the kind of statement you want with your new roofing shingles.
• Don’t feel limited by what you already have — Take a moment to think about which color of roofing shingles can improve your home’s overall look. You might be tempted to “play it safe” by replacing your roof with the exact same color, but you should see it as an opportunity to give your home’s exterior a fresh look.
• Compare the actual impact on cost — The cost difference between roofing shingles might not be as much as you think, so upgrading to one that’s in a designer color might be within your budget. Your roofing contractor will be able to give you an estimate that’s based on the specific details of your home and on the products you have selected. Getting the roofing shingles you want may only add an extra few hundred dollars to the cost of the total project.
• Communicate your color and style ideas with confidence — There are a lot of options for roofing shingles in terms of both style and color, so you shouldn’t limit yourself. If you want to see more variety, it’s okay to ask for samples of large-format shingles while you’re working with your contractor. You should also do some preliminary color selection by using the manufacturer’s website. You can then ask the contractor to bring samples of those colors.
• See the shingle color in real life — It’s a good idea to look at homes in your neighborhood with the same color and style of roofing shingles that you’re considering. It will allow you to get a more accurate picture of what it will look like before you make a final decision. Ask your contractor for a list of recommended homes, so you can drive by and see them at different times of the day.
• Look at the big picture — The color granules will look different once they have been paired with another color. Take the sample board that your contractor brought you and lean it against different parts of your exterior, so you can get a better idea of how they will blend together.
• Think about the impact of lighting — The look of your roof will vary at different times of the day. Take your samples outside in the morning, afternoon, and evening hours to make sure you like what you see at each of these times.
• Think about working with a home designer — You can always hire a professional with a trained eye, so he or she can give you a second opinion. Designers will often charge a day rate, so the two of you can work together to find the perfect color for your roofing shingles. That way, you can tie it all together with your exterior design elements (including your siding, trim, and paint colors).
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi to help you with your next roof installation, be sure to get in touch with B. Ramirez Roofing.