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Choosing Asphalt Shingles with the Strongest Wind Warranties

December , 2023 | 6 min. read

By Nicole Corson

asphalt shingle on a hip roof

Living in a windy area and worried about your roof shingles? Concerned they might just fly off during the next big storm? You're in the right spot to learn all about wind warranties for asphalt shingles.

Having a roof that stands strong against heavy winds is crucial. We know how stressful it is to see shingles blown away and rainwater seeping in during a storm. It's a homeowner's nightmare, and we completely understand.

RoofCrafters has helped many homeowners over the past 3 decades in windy areas like Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. We've seen the aftermath of hurricanes, with shingles torn off and homes damaged. But we've also seen roofs that remained intact, even in the fiercest storms.

Now, we're here to pass on that knowledge to you. In this article, we’ll discuss:

  • Which asphalt shingle offers the best protection against strong winds.
  • Why does this particular shingle outperform others?
  • The wind warranty details that come with this shingle.

By the end of this read, you'll be the neighborhood expert on asphalt shingles and their wind protection capabilities. Ready to become a savvy, storm-ready homeowner? Let's get into it!

Identifying the Top Asphalt Shingle for Wind Resistance

 

When it comes to standing up against strong winds, the GAF Timberline HDZ shingle takes the lead in the asphalt shingle market. It offers an unparalleled wind protection warranty, covering unlimited wind speed for an impressive 15 years. This level of protection sets the Timberline HDZ apart as the industry benchmark.

GAF Windproven infinite speed icon

To qualify for the warranty, GAF requires four nails per shingle. Additionally, four other GAF products must be used together. These extra items are vital parts of a full roof system. They guarantee the greatest strength and safeguard.

Other leading brands guarantee their shingles for wind speeds up to 110 mph. The other brands also offer the option to extend the guarantee to 130 mph by following special installation guidelines. The GAF Timberline HDZ shingle has a better wind resistance warranty. This warranty clearly outshines the warranties of other options. So, it is an ideal choice for homes in windy areas.

Infinite wind speed protection! If you are asking yourself why or how that is possible, we’ll explain in this next section.

The Asphalt Shingle Color Guide

The Engineering Behind GAF Timberline HDZ's Enhanced Wind Protection

 

The GAF Timberline HDZ shingle has exceptional wind resistance. GAF redesigned its popular Timberline HD line to achieve this. The first Timberline HD shingles were sealed together, but GAF found a problem. The main problem? The biggest issue was it only gave the installers a narrow area for accurate nail placement. 

Diagram of GAF HDZ shingle with layer lock technology

GAF developed the LayerLock Technology. The new HDZ shingles are mechanically fastened. So now the upper and lower parts of the shingle can’t separate. This solved the issue of the shingle separating. And by doing so also widens the nail zone. This is a win-win. The shingles will not delaminate and the installers have a wider area for nail placement. 

But wait…there’s more!

Ok, that was supposed to sound like one of those cheesy info commercials. Lol,  anyway back to these HDZ shingles. GAF also created a new sealant that gets added during the manufacturing process. It’s called Dura-Grip technology. It’s a modified bitumen sealant. It helps seal shingle the shingles together. Just below the wider nail zone.

2 images of GAF shingles with the numbers 1 thru 5 show 5 qualities

Yep, you guessed it. The bottom of the wider nail zone is also used to hold the shingles together. Once the Dura-Grip sealant heats up, the new HDZ shingles bond together. Let us tell you, we’ve tried to pull them apart and it’s nearly impossible. This is why they won’t blow off.

Drone shot of a GAF HDZ shingle on a hip roof

By re-engineering the Timberline HD shingles into the new HDZ version, GAF enhanced the product's resilience to wind. They focused on improving the design. This ensured a broader and more forgiving area for nail placement. It significantly reduced the risk of shingle separation due to installation errors. GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are the top choice for wind protection. They dominate the market for asphalt shingles. This is because of their thoughtful redesign.

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Exploring the GAF WindProven Limited Warranty and Its Requirements

 

The GAF WindProven Limited Warranty will provide you with an unlimited wind speed warranty for 15 years, which means no maximum wind speed. Could be 200 MPH and GAF still guarantees they won't blow off or they will replace them. That’s strong, right? Now, you’ll need the GAF HDZ shingles and a combination of 4 GAF accessories.

Here are the 4 components required to qualify for this warranty:

  • GAF Starter Strip Shingles
  • GAF Roof Deck Protection
  • GAF Ridge Cap Shingles

And either one of these 2 products:

  • GAF Attic Ventilation
  • GAF Leak Barrier 

GAF WindProven Warranty

And of course, you must install the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles along with one of the 4 GAF accessories. By doing so your roof will qualify for the industry's leading warranty. The GAF WindProven Limited Warranty.

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Deciding on GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles for Optimal Wind Defense

 

The GAF Timberline HDZ shingle is the top choice for unmatched wind resistance in roofing. It outshines all other options in this quest. It has proven performance. It can withstand even the harshest winds. It is an ideal choice for homes in windy regions. If you're unsure, we can help you choose between options. You might also be considering metal roofing, which we can discuss. We are here to support and guide you in your decision-making process.

RoofCrafters has spent thirty years helping homeowners make informed roofing choices. We believe in educating our clients so that they can confidently choose the best roofing material for their homes.

For more insights and comprehensive information, we invite you to explore our Roofing Learning Center. Here, you'll find a wealth of resources to further your understanding of various roofing options and their benefits. Whether you choose GAF Timberline HDZ shingles or another option, our goal is to help you protect your home. We want to ensure you make the best choice for your roof. 

Learning Center

Nicole Corson

At RoofCrafters, our mission is to provide job opportunities for others to thrive and grow while making a meaningful impact within our communities.