What does the GAF Timberline HDZ warranty cover?
The manufacturing defect coverage
- Lifetime. For an individual owner of a single-family detached home, as long as you own it. Other owners and building types get a fixed term instead.
- Smart Choice period. During the early non-prorated years, GAF covers the reasonable cost of replacement materials and labor to repair or re-cover defective shingles. Under the standard warranty, tear-off and disposal are not included.
- After that. Coverage becomes prorated and typically covers materials only, reduced for the years of use.
Wind and algae
HDZ shingles use GAF's LayerLock nailing strip. When installed with GAF starter strips, ridge cap shingles, roof deck protection, and leak barrier or attic ventilation, they qualify for the WindProven limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed. Without the qualifying accessories, the standard wind coverage has a stated speed limit that depends on the installation method. Where bundles carry the StainGuard Plus label, a separate limited warranty covers blue-green algae discoloration for a set term.
Transfer
The warranty can usually be transferred once, and the new owner must notify GAF in writing within the deadline stated in the warranty. How much coverage the second owner keeps depends on when the sale happens, so keep the warranty paperwork with the house records.
What it does not cover
Installation mistakes, which fall to the contractor's workmanship warranty; hail and other acts of nature, which are insurance matters; damage from poor ventilation or foot traffic; and leaks from metal flashing. Enhanced GAF system warranties, available through GAF certified contractors, lengthen the non-prorated period and add coverage. GAF updates warranty terms, so read the version for your installation date. Compare all warranty types in roofing warranties explained and architectural vs 3-tab shingles.