Why a GAF-Trained Installer Matters
GAF shingles are some of the best-engineered asphalt roofing in North America — but the manufacturer warranty depends entirely on the install being done to spec. Roofs installed by non-certified contractors often technically void the warranty without anyone realizing it: wrong nail placement, missing starter strip, improper ventilation balance, skipped ice-and-water shield at eaves. We see it all the time on inspections.
Manufacturer-trained installers (us) install to GAF's exact published spec, which qualifies your roof for the longest available warranties and means GAF will actually back the material if a problem develops in 15 years.
GAF Shingle Lines We Install
The four GAF lines we install most often across NJ. We bring samples to every estimate so you can compare in person.
Timberline HDZ
The most-installed architectural shingle in North America
Standard-grade architectural shingle with LayerLock technology for nailing accuracy, StainGuard Plus algae resistance, and the WindProven limited wind warranty (no maximum wind speed). Right for most NJ homes.
Timberline UHDZ
Upgraded thickness + longer warranty
Same DNA as Timberline HDZ but thicker, with the StainGuard Plus PRO 25-year algae warranty. Better choice if you want the next tier above standard architectural without going to full designer.
GAF Designer Lines
Premium architectural styles
Camelot II (Tudor-style), Grand Canyon (rugged wood-shake look), Slateline (slate appearance), and Woodland. Significantly thicker than standard, with deeper shadows and richer color depth. Right for premium NJ homes.
Glenwood
Closest asphalt match to real wood shake
GAF's lifetime designer shingle with the most authentic wood-shake aesthetic in the asphalt family. Heavyweight construction, lifetime warranty, lower maintenance than real cedar.
The Full GAF System We Install
GAF's enhanced warranties — like the System Plus Limited Warranty available to GAF Certified Contractors — require a complete GAF system install, not just GAF shingles. Here's what that means in practice on a Tri-State install:
- GAF Timberline or Designer shingles (the visible roof)
- GAF starter strip shingles (StarterMatch / Pro-Start)
- GAF synthetic underlayment (FeltBuster / Tiger Paw)
- GAF ice-and-water shield (WeatherWatch / StormGuard)
- GAF ridge cap shingles (TimberTex / Seal-A-Ridge / Z-Ridge)
- GAF Cobra ridge ventilation
- Proper nail count and placement per GAF spec
- Balanced soffit-to-ridge attic ventilation
When we install the full system, your warranty registration with GAF includes the system bundle — the longest coverage GAF offers.
What You Get With a GAF Roof From Us
Manufacturer warranty
GAF limited lifetime material warranty registered in your name. Transferable to next owner within program terms.
Workmanship warranty
Tri-State written workmanship warranty on top of the GAF coverage — separate, in writing, on the contract.
Spec-correct install
Every nail count, vent ratio, and flashing detail per GAF's published install specification. No skipped steps.
GAF Roofing FAQs
What is a GAF Certified Contractor?
GAF Certified Contractor is GAF's authorized-installer program — extended to roughly the top 7% of US roofing contractors. Certified contractors are factory-trained on GAF systems, must maintain proper licensing and insurance, and install to GAF's published spec, which qualifies your roof for enhanced GAF system warranties and gets the contractor listed in GAF's official contractor finder. Tri-State Roofing & Chimneys is a GAF Certified Contractor, listed in GAF's directory.
Why does GAF certification matter for my roof?
Two reasons. First, manufacturer-trained installers build roofs to the exact spec the manufacturer warranties — most roof failures we see come from generic installs that miss the spec details, voiding the material warranty quietly. Second, the enhanced GAF system warranties that extend coverage beyond the standard material warranty are only available through GAF-certified contractors installing a complete GAF system. Choosing a certified installer protects your investment.
Which GAF shingle systems do you install?
Our crews install the full GAF asphalt shingle family: Timberline HDZ (the most-installed architectural shingle in North America), Timberline UHDZ (upgraded with longer warranty), GAF Designer lines (Camelot II, Grand Canyon, Slateline, Woodland) for premium architectural homes, and GAF Lifetime systems with extended warranties. We also install GAF underlayments, ice-and-water shield, and ventilation products to qualify the install for the longest available warranty.
What warranties do GAF roofs come with?
Standard GAF Timberline shingles come with a limited lifetime material warranty. As a GAF Certified Contractor, we can register the System Plus Limited Warranty on complete GAF system installs, which extends coverage beyond the standard material warranty when the full GAF system is used. We register your warranty with GAF after the install completes, in your name, transferable to subsequent owners within program terms.
Are GAF shingles better than CertainTeed or Owens Corning?
All three are quality manufacturers with comparable architectural-shingle lines. GAF has the largest market share and the most certified contractor network in North America, which makes warranty service more reliable long-term. CertainTeed's Landmark and Presidential lines are excellent and offer some unique designer profiles. Owens Corning's Duration line is also solid. We install all three; the right choice usually comes down to which color and texture you want, not technical superiority.
How long does a GAF roof installation take?
Most single-family GAF Timberline replacements complete in 1–2 working days. Larger homes (3,000+ sq ft of roof surface) or complex rooflines with multiple gables and dormers take 2–4 days. Designer shingle installs sometimes run slightly longer due to the more careful pattern alignment. Weather can extend the timeline — we communicate the schedule upfront.
Do I need a GAF roof for it to be a good roof?
No — we install CertainTeed, Owens Corning, IKO, Tamko, and Atlas roofs all the time, and they're all excellent. We're transparent about that. We highlight GAF here because it's the most-installed shingle in North America and we have the most experience and certifications with GAF specifically. But if you want a Landmark or Presidential roof, we install those too with the same workmanship warranty.
Get a GAF Roof Quote
Free written estimate with samples brought to your home. We walk the roof, photo-document anything we find, and provide itemized pricing for the full GAF system.
(862) 881-0028