GAF HDZ vs UHDZ: Full Comparison Guide
GAF Timberline shingles are some of the best-selling shingles in North America. Both the Timberline HDZ and UHDZ shingles are popular choices for homeowners seeking durability, style, and value for their money. So what would make you choose one over the other? Let’s look at some key points to consider when comparing GAF Timberline HDZ vs UHDZ.
Key Takeaways: GAF HDZ vs UHDZ Shingles
- GAF Timberline HDZ shingles offer durability, style, and affordability, featuring LayerLock™ technology and a WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.
- GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles feature the same technologies as the HDZ but with a thicker profile, a beautiful, more dimensional appearance, Dual Shadow Line technology, and 10% more GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology.
GAF Timberline HDZ Shingles: Overview and Features
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles were first released in 2020 and were an upgrade and replacement to the popular Timberline HD® line in both form and function. Let’s look at a quick overview of the GAF HDZ line of shingles.
Bold Colors and Classic Design
GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles are not just about protecting your home; they’re also about style. These popular architectural shingles come in a variety of bold colors (24 to be exact, with varying degrees of availability based on region), so you’re sure to find a color you love. They’re designed to mimic the look of wood shake, a classic look that lends a touch of elegance to any home.
StrikeZone® Nailing Area, Featuring LayerLock Technology™ and Dura Grip™ Sealant
The HDZ shingles boast GAF’s proprietary LayerLock™technology, which mechanically fuses the common bond between overlapping shingle layers. This innovation allows for the industry’s widest nailing zone, GAF’s StrikeZone® Nailing Area. This wider nailing zone lets your contractor install your shingles more accurately more quickly. Each shingle also features GAF’s Dura Grip™ Sealant on the back that (when installed correctly!) bonds with the nailing area of the shingle underneath, which significantly improves wind uplift resistance and durability.
Wind Warranty with No Speed Limits
One of the most notable features of GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles is their WindProven™ 15-Year Limited Wind Warranty. This coverage comes with no maximum wind speed limitation, providing homeowners with peace of mind knowing that their roof is protected against even the most extreme wind events. To qualify for this warranty however, four qualifying accessory products must be installed at the same time.
Economical Pricing
Despite their advanced technology and superior design, GAF Timberline HDZ shingles remain an economical option for many homeowners. The balance between cost and quality will leave you with a roof that’s protective and easy to look at, but won’t break the bank to do it.
GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles: Overview and Features
Similar to the upgrade of the Timberline HD to HDZ line in 2020, the Timberline UHD line (also known as the Ultra HD or Ultra High Definition line) was GAF’s premium architectural shingle offering before the introduction of the Timberline UHDZ™ line of shingles in 2023. Now let’s take a look at some of the features of GAF’s Timberline UHDZ™ line.
Dual Shadow Line Technology
The Timberline UHDZ™ shingles take the look of your roof to a whole new level with their patent-pending Dual Shadow Line technology. By applying color granules in two distinct lines and blending them in just the right way, this feature gives the shingles a more three-dimensional look. This added depth lends a shadow effect that gives a more textural appearance, as if the shingles were being hit by the setting sun.
Thicker and Enhanced Dimensionality
Heft and depth are the hallmarks of Timberline UHDZ™ shingles. They are thicker and about 20% heavier than their HDZ counterparts. This thickness not only contributes to the shingles’ enhanced dimensionality, but can help with wind uplift, too. With UHDZ, your roof won’t just withstand the rigors of nature—it will do so with a pronounced three-dimensional profile that elevates the look of your home.
Increased Algae-Fighting Technology
Algae growth can be a concern for homeowners, which can lead to unsightly streaks and potential damage to your roof. Timberline UHDZ™ shingles are equipped with 10% more copper microsites than HDZ. Copper is a natural algae deterrent, and more time-released copper means more algae protection over time. This increased protection means your roof will stay cleaner and more vibrant for years to come.
Ultra-High Definition Color Options
The UHDZ line comes in six colors that favor neutral or earth tones—Pewter Gray, Charcoal, Barkwood, Slate, Weathered Wood, and Shakewood. Each of these colors features the Dual Shadow Line application of color granules that gives added dimensionality throughout the day.
Same Great Nailing Zone and Wind Resistance Features as HDZ
The UHDZ line features the same wide nailing zone and wind resistance features—StrikeZone Nailing Area, LayerLock Technology and DuraGrip Sealant—as the HDZ line.
Comparing Warranty Options: Wind Resistance, Algae Protection, and Workmanship
A shingle’s warranty options are a testament to the quality a shingle manufacturer puts into their product. Three critical aspects of a roofing warranty are wind resistance, algae protection, and workmanship. Let’s compare how GAF’s Timberline HDZ and UHDZ shingles measure up in these areas.
WindProven Limited Wind Warranty
As mentioned previously, both HDZ and UHDZ shingles boast GAF’s WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty. This warranty is particularly noteworthy because it comes with no maximum wind speed limitation—a roofing industry first.
StainGuard Plus Limited Warranty
Algae can cause unsightly streaks on your roof and potentially harm the integrity of your shingles. The HDZ shingles come with the StainGuard Plus™warranty, a 25-year warranty against blue-green algae discoloration, while the UHDZ shingles feature the StainGuard Plus PRO™30-year warranty thanks to their 10% increase in GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty is an important part of a roof replacement, and covers any issues that have to do with your shingles being installed incorrectly. GAF offers a 25-year workmanship warranty for the HDZ line and a 30-year warranty for the UHDZ line. Workmanship warranties are only available through GAF Master Elite Contractors.
Factors to Consider: Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Selecting the right shingles for your home involves weighing several factors. Here are three key considerations to help guide your decision.
1. Budget
Your budget is often the starting point in the decision-making process. While UHDZ shingles offer enhanced features and greater protection, they come at a higher price point compared to HDZ shingles. Determine what you’re willing to invest in your roof without compromising on other essential home improvements.
2. Aesthetics
The appearance of your roof can dramatically affect the curb appeal of your home. If greater color options are more important to you, the HDZ line with its 24 color options might be what you’re looking for. If thickness and shadow dimensionality are what you’re after, then the UHDZ line is for you
3. Climate and Weather Conditions
The climate in your area should play a significant role in your shingle selection. If you’re in region prone to more extreme weather conditions, such as high winds or humidity, the enhanced wind resistance and algae protection of UHDZ shingles could be a deciding factor.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Best Shingle For Your Home
When it comes down to selecting between GAF Timberline HDZ and UHDZ shingles for your home, it’s essential to consider all features. The HDZ shingles offer a blend of durability, style, and affordability that makes them a smart choice for many homeowners. On the other hand, UHDZ shingles provide advanced protection, superior algae resistance, and a beautiful dimensional appearance that could be worth the investment for those looking to elevate their home’s curb appeal and long-term resilience.
Chase Roof Inspections: Your Trusted GAF Shingle Installer
When installing a new roof, it’s important to consult with seasoned professionals. Chase Roof Inspections is a long-standing trusted name in Memphis,TN; Olive Branch, MS; and the entire Mid-South, for over two decades. As experienced GAF shingle installers, we understand the nuances of each product and can help you choose the best option for your home. Our team is here ready to help you choose your perfect shingle, installed to our own high standards of workmanship.
Request a free quote today by filling out our form or calling (901) 907-3666.
FAQs About GAF HDZ and UHDZ Shingles
How many years is GAF Timberline HDZ and UHDZ good for?
Both GAF Timberline HDZ and UHDZ shingles come with a lifetime limited warranty (“lifetime” meaning as long as you own your home), with a non-prorated period of up to 50 years (when installed by a GAF-certified contractor). The actual length of time your shingles will last will vary however, depending on the extremity of weather conditions in your area.
