How to choose roofing shingles
Consider these factors to choose the best roof shingles for your home
Where you live
Your style
Your budget
Top types of shingles: Asphalt
Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingles in the U.S. because they’re affordable and easy to install and maintain. They are made from a sturdy fiberglass base, coated with asphalt and tiny granules of ceramic-coated mineral. Learn about shingle types.
Asphalt roof shingle types
All GAF shingle types offer excellent protection and value - it’s a matter of selecting the type that best suits your home.
1 Can be used to comply with 2019 Title 24 Part 6 Cool Roof Requirements of the California Code of Regulations
2 Special Installation: GAF LayerLock™-labeled Shingles will be covered up to the maximum wind speed above ONLY if installed using 4 nails per shingle and you have GAF Starter Strip Products installed at the eaves and rakes. Special Installation for all other GAF Shingles requires use of 6 nails per shingle and GAF Starter Strip Products installed at the eaves and rakes.
3 25-year StainGuard Plus™ Algae Protection Limited Warranty, 30-year StainGuard Plus™ PRO Algae Protection Limited Warranty and 10-year StainGuard Limited Warranty against blue-green algae discoloration is available only on products sold in packages bearing the StainGuard Plus™, StainGuard Plus™ PRO or StainGuard logo. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
4 15-year WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty on GAF Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.For installations not eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
5 See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
The best roof shingles for your weather and climate
We’ve built GAF shingles to help protect your home against the elements. No matter where you live, there is a GAF shingle for you.
High Winds
Hail
Sun
High Moisture
4 15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products
6 Energy cost savings are not guaranteed and the amount of savings may vary based on climate zone, utility rates, radiative properties of roofing products, insulation levels, HVAC equipment efficiency and other factors.
7 Hail damage is not covered under GAF limited warranties.
Shingle color and design inspiration to suit your style
See how your new roof will look
Use one of our model homes or upload a picture of your own home to select and view shingle styles and colors to find the perfect roof for you with our Virtual Remodeler.Boost your home’s curb appeal
Representing up to 40% of your home’s visual exterior, roofs are an often underestimated part of its curb appeal. But replacing your roof opens up a whole world of decisions. You’ll want to consider the type of materials, as well as the design and color options. Let’s explore the aesthetic side of the equation.Sunset shadows, all day long with Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles
Dual Shadow Line technology precisely distributes color granules to create a secondary shadow line, which gives the Timberline® UHDZ™ shingle a thicker, ultra-dimensional wood-shake look than our Timberline HDZ® shingles.Frequently asked questions
A new roof is a major investment in your home that you want to be happy with for years to come. So, we want to make sure all your questions are answered.
Which color shingles will look best with the color of my house?
Some combinations just “work,” like charcoal shingles on a white house. But it’s really about personal taste. This article about choosing the right house and roof color combination can help you decide.
Are reflective shingles right for my home?
It depends where you live. Highly reflective shingles reflect more sunlight and are best suited for hotter areas while less reflective shingles absorb more sunlight and may be beneficial in colder areas. Explore our highly reflective shingles that may help reduce your cooling costs.6
How do architectural shingles differ from standard shingles?
If you’re a homeowner researching new roofing options, you may be seeing a lot of information on architectural shingles as a popular choice for roof replacements. Learn about what architectural shingles are and why they are growing in popularity.
Choosing shingles for smaller structures
Sheds, garages, workshops, gazebos, pool houses, and other small structures may need shingles too, though the job differs from shingling houses in several ways.