GAF is North America's largest roofing manufacturer, and its shingles are what Lightning installs on most New Jersey homes. Here's what you actually need to know.
The main lines
- Timberline HDZ — GAF's flagship architectural shingle. Excellent value, strong wind performance, wide color range. The right choice for most NJ homes.
- Timberline UHDZ / AS II — upgraded architectural options with enhanced durability and impact resistance.
- Designer shingles (e.g., Grand Sequoia, Camelot, Slateline) — premium looks that mimic wood shake or slate for high-end curb appeal.
Colors
GAF offers a deep palette — from classic Charcoal, Pewter Gray and Weathered Wood to Hickory and Slate. The right color depends on your siding, your neighborhood, and resale appeal. A good contractor will show you real samples on your home, not just a brochure.
Why GAF certification matters
Anyone can buy shingles, but GAF only lets certified contractors offer its strongest warranties. A GAF-certified roofer (like Lightning) is trained and vetted, which means a better installation and access to enhanced manufacturer warranty coverage you can't get from an uncertified installer.
The system, not just the shingle
A GAF roof is a system: starter strips, leak barriers (ice-and-water shield), underlayment, the shingles, ridge cap, and ventilation — all working together. Installing the full system correctly is what unlocks the long warranties and the real performance. Learn more on our roofing page.
The lines, plainly
- Royal Sovereign — three-tab. Cheapest, flattest, shortest life. Rarely the right answer now that architectural costs so little more.
- Timberline HDZ — the architectural shingle most New Jersey homes end up with. Dimensional look, strong wind rating, wide color range, sensible price.
- Timberline UHDZ — thicker, heavier, longer warranty coverage than HDZ.
- Designer (Grand Sequoia, Camelot, Woodland, Slateline) — heavyweight shingles imitating shake or slate. Genuinely different from the street, and priced accordingly.
Why the accessories decide the warranty
The longest GAF warranties are not earned by the shingle alone — they require the full system: starter strip, leak barrier, ridge cap, and ventilation, all from the same manufacturer, installed by a certified contractor. Mixing a premium shingle with a generic starter strip and a builder-grade ridge cap gets you a premium shingle and a basic warranty.
What certification does and does not mean
GAF certification means a contractor has met the manufacturer's requirements and is authorized to offer the enhanced system warranties. It is not a guarantee of workmanship on its own, and it is not the same as being an employee of the manufacturer. Treat it as a necessary condition rather than a sufficient one.