I install three GAF Timberline lines: Natural Shadow (NS), HDZ, and the premium UHDZ with Class 4 impact rating. This page walks through what each one does, every color it comes in, and the warranty that ships with it. No upsell pressure — just the actual differences so you can pick the one that fits your roof.
GAF doesn't sell certifications. They earn them. To get the GAF Certified™ badge, a contractor passes background checks, has the required state licensing, carries valid insurance, and stays current on GAF's installation training. About 2% of US roofing contractors hold the certification.
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Solid GAF protection, looks great on the street, won't blow up your insurance claim's like-kind-and-quality coverage.
Go to Timberline NS →GAF's bestseller. Better warranty, better wind rating, the LayerLock ™ technology, and 22 colors to pick from. ~80% of my installs.
Go to Timberline HDZ →Toughest asphalt shingle GAF makes — UL 2218 Class 4 impact. Many insurance carriers offer a premium discount for installing one.
Go to Timberline UHDZ →Timberline Natural Shadow is GAF's entry architectural shingle — a true dimensional laminated shingle (not 3-tab) but at a price point closer to budget territory. Most people can't tell it apart from HDZ once it's on the roof; the differences are warranty length, wind rating, and the LayerLock™ install technology that HDZ adds.
Only colors with verified GAF stock photos are shown. Click thumbnails or arrows to flip through.
The Timberline HDZ is GAF's flagship architectural shingle — and the most-installed shingle in North America. It's what 80% of my customers go with when they don't have a specific reason to pick something else. Better warranty than NS, better wind rating, and the LayerLock™ nailing zone that's wider and more forgiving than the older HD generation it replaced.
Only colors with verified GAF stock photos are shown — no color-guess substitutes. Click any color for full-size view + pairing notes.
The Timberline UHDZ is GAF's premium Timberline. It uses the same LayerLock™ install technology as HDZ but with UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating — the highest impact certification available for an asphalt shingle. Class 4 means the shingle survived a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet without cracking the surface. Translation: it shrugs off hail strikes that would crack a Class 3 shingle.
Only colors with verified GAF stock photos are shown. Click thumbnails or arrows to flip through.
Class 4 is the highest impact rating an asphalt shingle can earn — UL 2218 — and many homeowner-insurance carriers in Ohio and Kentucky offer a premium discount on the wind/hail portion of your policy when Class 4 shingles are installed and documented. The exact discount varies by carrier and ZIP code, but I've seen homeowners save anywhere from $60 to $300+ per year on premium after switching to a Class 4 roof.
It's not automatic — you have to (1) ask your carrier whether they offer it, (2) get the savings figure in writing, and (3) submit your install certificate after the roof is on. I provide the GAF certification documentation as part of every UHDZ install, no extra cost.
Call your insurance agent before you sign the install paperwork. Ask: "Do you offer a discount on the wind/hail portion of my premium for installing UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistant shingles?" Get the dollar amount in writing.
I install the Timberline UHDZ with the GAF starter and ridge cap, then provide you with the GAF Certificate of Installation showing the product, install date, and the UL 2218 Class 4 rating. That's the document your carrier needs.
Submit the certificate to your carrier. The premium discount typically applies on your next renewal. Many homeowners pay back the upgrade cost over 3–7 years just from the discount alone — and the roof outlasts the math by decades.
Insurance discount availability and amount depend on your carrier, your policy, and your ZIP code. NBD does not sell insurance and cannot guarantee any specific discount — confirm with your agent before you commit to the upgrade.
Upload one photo of your home and our AI tool drops any GAF Timberline color onto the roof, instantly. No signup, no spam — just a preview before you commit.
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