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.
Why Homeowners Like GAF Roofing Shingles
There are a lot of reasons why contractors and inspectors like GAF, but there are plenty of reasons why homeowners like them as well. Here are some of the advantages of using GAF roofing shingles:
• They offer a lot of options for homeowners — GAF offers a lot of good-quality options at any price range. Some of them include affordable 25-year, three-tab, specialty shingles that are more resistant to impact. They also have higher-end products that are solar-reflective and more resistant to stains.
• They offer upgraded warranties — Roofers that are certified as “Master Elite” by GAF will offer better warranties after they install their products. The 100% coverage plan can be extended from 10 years to 50 years, and the workmanship coverage can be extended up to 25 years.
• Most of the warranties are transferable — This can be a good selling point for potential homebuyers, because they know that the warranty will still be in effect after their home has been sold. But, in order for the warranty to stay in effect, the new owners must notify GAF in writing within 60 days.
GAF is such a versatile brand that almost any homeowner would be happy with what they offer. If you’re interested in having GAF roofing shingles installed, be sure to speak to a roofing professional for more information about your options.
The Downsides of Using GAF Roofing Shingles
While GAF roofing shingles have a lot of advantages, they do have some drawbacks. They may be “few and far between,” but they do exist. That’s why you should know what they are before you make a final decision. While they do offer excellent warranties, only 2-3% of roofers go through the time it takes to get the “Master Elite” certification. Most roofing contractors aren’t going to have this title. Without it, they won’t be able to offer enhanced warranty coverage. Roofing shingles will also lose their appearance and durability over time, which is typically caused by excess granule loss.
If the shingles or their adhesives are exposed to the wrong temperature when they’re applied, they may become loose more quickly than they should. There can also be loopholes and hassles when it’s time to make a warranty claim. But before you use this as a reason not to install GAF roofing shingles, you should know that more than 90% of their customers never have a problem with their roof. This percentage is similar to Owens Corning and Cetainteed, but the biggest complaint about this brand is what happens if an issue does occur. They will have to do a lot to prove that there is a problem, which usually involves a lot of phone calls and emails.
If you’re thinking about GAF shingles and are looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with B. Ramirez Roofing. We have a team of qualified professionals with years of combined experience, and we would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs.