GAF Shingles: Complete Product Guide for Florida

GAF (General Aniline & Film) is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, and their Timberline HDZ is the single best-selling shingle in the United States. If you're getting a new roof in Pinellas County, there's a good chance your contractor will quote GAF products. This guide breaks down every GAF shingle line so you know exactly what you're getting.

GAF Shingle Product Lines

GAF Timberline HDZ: The Florida Standard

The Timberline HDZ is GAF's flagship product and the shingle we install most frequently in Pinellas County. Here's why it dominates:

LayerLock Technology

GAF's proprietary LayerLock is the key differentiator. It mechanically fuses the shingle layers together during manufacturing, creating a one-piece construction rather than layers held together by adhesive alone. This is what enables the 130 mph wind warranty without the heavy fastening schedules (6 nails) that some competitor products require.

In practical terms: during a hurricane, the wind tries to peel shingle layers apart. LayerLock resists this peeling force at the material level, not just at the nail. It's the single biggest engineering improvement in asphalt shingles in the past decade.

StainGuard Plus

Every HDZ shingle includes StainGuard Plus algae protection with a 25-year limited warranty against blue-green algae discoloration. In Pinellas County's humid climate, algae resistance isn't a luxury, it's a necessity. Without it, you'll see black streaks within 3-5 years. The protection comes from copper-infused granules that leach copper ions when wet, preventing algae colony formation.

Available Colors (Florida Popular)

• Weathered Wood — The best-seller in Pinellas County. Warm gray-brown blend that works with most home exteriors.
• Shakewood — Warm cedar-inspired tone. Popular on craftsman and coastal homes.
• Pewter Gray — Clean, modern gray. Trending upward in newer construction.
• Oyster Gray — Light silvery gray. Good energy performance due to lighter color.
• Charcoal — Deep dark gray. Dramatic contrast on white or light-colored homes.
• Barkwood — Rich brown. Classic look that pairs with warm-toned brick or stucco.
• Desert Tan — Light sandy tone. Best energy performance in this line.

For Florida energy efficiency, lighter colors (Oyster Gray, Desert Tan, Weathered Wood) reflect more solar radiation. If you want a darker color without the heat penalty, consider the Timberline HDZ RS (Reflector Series) with cool-roof granules.

GAF Timberline AS II (Armed Shingle)

The AS II adds Class 4 impact resistance to the Timberline platform. Class 4 is the highest impact rating, meaning the shingle can withstand a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking.

Why this matters in Florida:

• Most Florida insurers offer 15-30% premium discounts for Class 4 impact-rated roofing
• On a $4,000/year insurance premium, that's $600-1,200 in annual savings
• The AS II upgrade costs roughly $1,500-3,000 more than standard HDZ on a typical home
• At $600-1,200/year savings, the upgrade pays for itself in 1-4 years

If you're in Pinellas County and your insurance premium is above $3,000/year, the AS II is almost always worth the upgrade. Contact your insurance agent before your roofing project to confirm the available discount.

GAF Designer Shingles

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon mimics the look of hand-cut wood shake with oversized tabs and random tab widths creating dramatic shadow lines. It's the most popular designer shingle in GAF's lineup. At $7-10/sq ft installed, it costs roughly 50-75% more than standard HDZ but delivers a dramatically different look.

Best suited for homes in upscale Pinellas neighborhoods (Belleair, Snell Isle, Harbor Oaks, Northeast St. Pete) where curb appeal directly impacts property values.

Camelot II

The Camelot II creates an artisan slate appearance with a thinner, more refined profile than Grand Canyon. It has a more understated elegance compared to Grand Canyon's rustic drama. At $8-11/sq ft, it's GAF's highest-end residential shingle.

GAF Warranty System

GAF offers tiered warranty coverage based on your contractor's certification level:

The WindProven warranty is unique in the industry: it removes the 130 mph wind speed cap entirely, meaning wind damage is covered regardless of speed. This requires a GAF Master Elite contractor (only 2% of roofers qualify) and full GAF accessory system. In hurricane-prone Pinellas County, WindProven is the strongest wind warranty available on any asphalt shingle.

GAF vs Owens Corning vs CertainTeed

All three are excellent products for Florida. GAF wins on wind warranty (WindProven unlimited), Owens Corning wins on color selection and SureNail visibility during installation, and CertainTeed wins on initial price point while still delivering strong performance.

Finding a GAF Certified Contractor in Pinellas County

GAF's contractor certification levels determine your warranty eligibility:

• GAF Certified: Basic training and licensing verification. Access to System Plus warranty.
• GAF Master Elite: Top 2% of roofers nationally. Requires ongoing training, licensing, insurance, and reputation checks. Access to Golden Pledge and WindProven warranties.

For the strongest possible warranty protection in Pinellas County, insist on a Master Elite contractor. The upgrade to Golden Pledge or WindProven warranty costs $200-500 more but provides dramatically better long-term coverage. We're a GAF certified contractor serving all of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Pinellas County.