Why a GAF Certified Contractor 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.
As a GAF Certified Contractor, we install to GAF's exact published spec, which qualifies your roof for GAF's enhanced system warranties and means GAF will actually back the material if a problem develops in 15 years.
GAF Shingle Lines We Install
Four GAF lines that suit most NJ homes. Ask to see samples at your estimate so you can compare in person.
Timberline HDZ
GAF's best-selling architectural shingle
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
A full GAF system installed by a GAF Certified Contractor like Tri-State is eligible for the System Plus Limited Warranty, which we register with GAF. GAF's longest coverage, Golden Pledge, is reserved for Master Elite contractors.
What You Get With a GAF Roof From Us
Manufacturer warranty
GAF limited lifetime shingle warranty, with System Plus Limited Warranty coverage when we install a complete GAF system. Transferable to the next owner within GAF 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. Certified contractors must maintain proper licensing and insurance and install to GAF's published spec, which qualifies your roof for enhanced GAF system warranties. Tri-State Roofing and Chimneys is a GAF Certified Contractor.
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?
The GAF lines we install include: Timberline HDZ (GAF's best-selling architectural shingle), 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, leak barrier and ventilation products, which a roof needs to be eligible for GAF's System Plus Limited 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 offer the System Plus Limited Warranty on complete GAF system installs (GAF Lifetime shingles plus qualifying GAF accessories), which extends coverage beyond the standard material warranty. System Plus is registered with GAF by the certified contractor, and GAF warranties are 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 largest 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. Any of the three makes a good roof; 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. CertainTeed, Owens Corning, IKO, Tamko and Atlas all make good shingles. We highlight GAF here because Tri-State is a GAF Certified Contractor, and GAF says its Timberline line is the best-selling shingle in North America. If you have another brand in mind, ask at the estimate.
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.
(201) 779-3961