When it comes to roofing, the difference between a good and great roof lies in the details – and that’s where Gunner Roofing excels. We’re not just installers; we’re craftsmen who take pride in every shingle laid, every seal applied, and every ridge capped. By leveraging the power of the comprehensive GAF roofing system, we offer our clients a roofing solution that’s more than just a cover over their heads. It’s a reliable, long-lasting shield, meticulously crafted to protect what’s most important to you.
The GAF roofing system is more than just a set of shingles. It’s a multifaceted, cohesive process involving a series of specific steps designed to maximize your roof’s performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Each component of the GAF roofing system plays a crucial role in creating a roof that can withstand the elements and the test of time while enhancing the visual appeal of your home.
It’s worth noting that we’ve previously delved into the benefits of the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, highlighting the added value and peace of mind it brings to homeowners. In this post, we’re going to take a closer look at the ins and outs of the GAF roofing system itself. We’ll walk you through each step, explaining how and why we do what we do, and how each component contributes to the overall performance and longevity of your roof.
At Gunner Roofing, we believe that understanding what goes into your roof helps you appreciate the craftsmanship involved and provides a deeper sense of the value you’re getting from your investment. Now, let’s dig into the specifics of the GAF roofing system, showing you why a roof from Gunner Roofing is built to last.
A strong foundation
The journey to a robust and enduring roof starts with a solid roof deck plywood base. This foundational layer, also known as sheathing, is typically composed of high-quality plywood ranging from 1/2″ to 3/4″ in thickness. This plywood forms the initial layer upon which all other roofing materials are installed, and its importance in the overall roofing system cannot be overstated.
The sheathing serves multiple critical functions in a roofing system. Firstly, it provides a flat and sturdy surface for the application of other roofing materials, such as the leak barrier, roof deck protection, and shingles. Without a solid base, these components would lack the necessary support, leading to potential sagging or other structural issues.
Plywood sheathing is also crucial for the structural integrity of the roof. The thickness of the plywood, typically ranging from 1/2″ to 3/4″, plays a significant role in this regard. Thicker plywood provides greater stability and can withstand heavier loads, making it a suitable choice for homes in regions that experience heavy snowfall or severe weather conditions.
In addition, plywood sheathing contributes to the overall energy-efficiency of your home. It acts as a thermal barrier, reducing heat transfer and helping to maintain a consistent temperature within your home. This can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.
Leak barriers
Following the installation of the solid plywood base, we incorporate the WeatherWatch® Mineral-Surfaced Leak Barrier, a vital component in our comprehensive GAF roofing system. This specific leak barrier is designed with advanced technology to fortify your roof’s most vulnerable areas against water infiltration.
The WeatherWatch Mineral-Surfaced Leak Barrier is not just any leak barrier; it is a specially formulated layer of protection that goes above and beyond to secure your roof. Its main purpose is to guard against leaks in areas where water tends to collect or flow, such as valleys, eaves, and around penetrations like vents and skylights.
What sets the WeatherWatch Mineral-Surfaced Leak Barrier apart is its unique composition and design. It features a granular, mineral surface that adds traction for installers, ensuring a safer and more efficient installation process. Its self-sealing properties provide an exceptional seal around nails or other roof penetrations, thereby enhancing its leak prevention capabilities.
Moreover, this leak barrier is crafted with a fiberglass mat, which imparts strength and durability. It’s surfaced with weather-resistant asphalt and mineral granules that not only increase its life span but also provide excellent UV (ultraviolet) protection. This means that your roof is safeguarded against the harmful effects of sunlight, preventing premature aging and deterioration.
Deck protection
Next, we turn our attention to installing roof deck protection. For this crucial step, we use GAF Tiger Paw™ Premium Roof Deck Protection, a high-quality, breathable underlayment that acts as a shield for your roof. GAF Tiger Paw is designed with industry-leading technology to provide exceptional protection against the harsh elements while its breathability allows moisture to escape from your roof deck.
What sets GAF Tiger Paw apart is its unique design, featuring a durable, nonwoven surface that provides superior walking safety for our installation team. It’s manufactured with a polypropylene construction that resists moisture absorption and, consequently, mold growth. GAF Tiger Paw also features a UV-stabilized polypropylene surface, ensuring it can resist heat and sun exposure during the installation process.
This roof deck protection extends beyond mere weather resistance. By allowing moisture to escape, it helps prevent the buildup of condensation in your attic, which can lead to mold, mildew, and eventual structural damage. Moreover, it plays a critical role in maintaining the overall integrity of your roof, extending its life span and preserving its warranty coverage.
In essence, the application of the leak barrier and GAF Tiger Paw Premium Roof Deck Protection ensures that your roof is well-guarded from the elements, from potential water damage, and from premature wear.
Enhancing wind resistance
At Gunner Roofing, we recognize the importance of a strong start when it comes to installing a roof, which is why we employ WeatherBlocker™ Premium Eave/Rake Starter Strip Shingles as a part of the GAF roofing system we provide. These shingles are more than just the first layer on your roof; they’re the foundation upon which we build a robust, resilient roofing solution that’s designed to withstand the elements, particularly strong winds.
The installation of starter strip shingles along the eaves and rakes of the roof provides a clean, straight edge at the roof’s outset and lays a solid base for the primary shingles. But their role isn’t merely foundational. These specially crafted shingles are engineered to significantly lower the risk of shingle blow-off, a common issue caused by high winds.
One standout feature of the WeatherBlocker Premium Eave/Rake Starter Strip Shingles is their high-grade adhesive, which locks your shingles firmly in place. This adhesive acts as a strong defense against wind uplift, making your roof more resilient to wind-related damage. These shingles are also precut, saving valuable time and materials by eliminating the need to cut field shingles for the starter course.
Moreover, the WeatherBlocker Premium Eave/Rake Starter Strip Shingles play a key role in securing GAF’s extended warranty coverage. This not only highlights the value GAF attaches to these shingles but also underscores their effectiveness in contributing to a robust, comprehensive roofing solution. At Gunner Roofing, we believe in the power of a strong start, and the WeatherBlocker Premium Eave/Rake Starter Strip Shingles provide just that.
High-quality shingles
A key component of the GAF roofing system installed by Gunner Roofing is the Timberline HDZ® High-Definition Shingles. Known for their exceptional quality and striking appearance, these GAF roofing shingles serve as the visible, protective outer layer of your roof and play a vital role in both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your roofing system.
The Timberline HDZ High-Definition Shingles are not just ordinary shingles; they are crafted with advanced technology to offer superior performance and dimensional stability. This includes GAF’s LayerLock® Technology, which mechanically fuses the common bond between overlapping shingle layers. This fusion provides a tighter, more robust seal that significantly reduces the risk of shingle blow-off during high winds.
Additionally, these shingles come equipped with the StrikeZone Nailing Area, the industry’s largest, which allows for fast and precise installation. This feature not only enhances the durability of your roof but also results in a cleaner, more streamlined appearance.
In terms of aesthetics, Timberline HDZ High-Definition Shingles are second to none. They offer a wide range of color options, allowing you to choose the perfect match for your home’s exterior. These shingles feature GAF’s proprietary color blends and enhanced shadow effect, resulting in a genuine wood-shake look that adds an element of sophistication to your home.
Moreover, the use of Timberline HDZ High-Definition Shingles is an essential part of qualifying for GAF’s best wind-related limited warranty: the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty. This further underscores the role these shingles play in maintaining the overall integrity of your roof, providing you with peace of mind for years to come.
Meticulous chimney flashing
At Gunner Roofing, as part of our commitment to installing comprehensive, high-quality GAF roofing systems, we pay meticulous attention to the details that often make the difference between a good roof and a great one. One such detail is the installation of 16 oz. copper flashing.
Flashing is a critical component of any roofing system. It’s designed to prevent water from infiltrating your roof at points of intersection or penetration, such as around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, and where the roof meets the walls. Without proper flashing, these vulnerable areas could become points of entry for water, leading to leaks and potentially severe water damage.
When it comes to flashing, we choose 16 oz. copper for its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and timeless aesthetic appeal. Copper is a material that stands up remarkably well to the elements. It’s highly resistant to wind, hail, and even fire, making it a perfect choice for the demands of a roof’s environment.
The thickness of the copper flashing we use – 16 oz. – is particularly well-suited for roofing applications. It provides a robust barrier against water infiltration while still being malleable enough to form into the necessary shapes for various applications around your roof.
Our skilled technicians custom-fit and seal the copper flashing to ensure a watertight barrier at every vulnerable point on your roof. The process requires a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that every seam and joint is perfectly sealed.
Moreover, copper flashing adds an elegant touch to your roof. Over time, copper develops a unique patina, giving your roof a timeless, classic look that can enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.
By using 16 oz. copper flashing in our GAF roofing systems, we at Gunner Roofing are ensuring that your roof has the best possible protection against water infiltration while also adding a touch of class and durability that only copper can provide.
Ventilation for a healthy environment
A vital component in the comprehensive GAF roofing system installed by Gunner Roofing is the Cobra® SnowCountry® Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge. This high-performing product is specifically designed to provide effective attic ventilation, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and energy-efficient home.
Attic ventilation serves several key functions. It promotes air circulation, helping to remove excess heat and moisture from your attic. This can significantly reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can cause structural damage and potentially harmful air quality issues. Additionally, proper attic ventilation can help prevent ice dams in winter, protect your roof from premature aging and warping, and improve overall energy-efficiency by reducing the load on your air conditioning system during hot weather.
The Cobra SnowCountry Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge is uniquely designed to provide efficient, reliable ventilation while withstanding the harsh conditions of winter weather. As the name suggests, this vent is engineered to prevent snow infiltration, an essential feature for homes in colder climates. It achieves this through its unique internal weather filter, which provides a barrier against weather infiltration while still allowing for optimal airflow.
The design of the Cobra SnowCountry Exhaust Vent for Roof Ridge allows it to blend seamlessly with your roof, providing effective ventilation without compromising aesthetics. Moreover, when installed in combination with GAF shingles and at least three other qualifying GAF accessories, this roof ridge vent can help qualify your roof for GAF’s exclusive System Plus or Golden Pledge Limited Warranty, providing you with extended coverage and peace of mind.
Finishing touches
One of the final yet crucial components of the GAF roofing system installed by Gunner Roofing is the TimberTex® Premium Ridge Cap Shingles. These specialized shingles are specifically designed for the peaks and hips of your roof, providing both functional protection and aesthetic enhancement.
Functionally, ridge caps serve a critical role in protecting your roof’s most vulnerable areas. The ridges and hips of a roof are exposed to the elements more directly than any other part, making them susceptible to weather-related damage. TimberTex Premium Ridge Cap Shingles are constructed with a thicker dual-layer design, which provides an excellent defense against wind, rain, snow, and other harsh conditions. Their multilayer construction offers a substantially better protection than using typical three-tab strip shingles or cut-up shingles for your ridge cap.
In terms of aesthetics, TimberTex Premium Ridge Cap Shingles offer a substantial improvement over standard shingles. Their distinct, high-profile design adds dimension and depth to your roof, giving it a polished and finished look. With a variety of color options available, these shingles can be matched to your main shingles, creating a cohesive, well-coordinated appearance that can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home.
Moreover, using TimberTex Premium Ridge Cap Shingles is a key part of qualifying for GAF’s best wind-related limited warranties. This highlights the importance GAF places on the role these specialized shingles play in maintaining the overall integrity and durability of your roof.
Quality, longevity, and peace of mind: the Gunner Roofing promise
When you choose Gunner Roofing, you’re choosing more than just a roofing service; you’re opting for a holistic roofing solution meticulously crafted for reliability, longevity, and optimal performance. We don’t just install roofs; we provide homeowners with a comprehensive GAF roofing system that integrates high-quality materials, advanced technology, and skilled craftsmanship.
At Gunner Roofing, we understand that a quality roof is about more than just materials and installation. It’s about providing homeowners with the assurance that their investment is protected. That’s why we ensure that every roof we install is backed by GAF’s warranty coverage, offering you the ultimate peace of mind.
Choosing Gunner Roofing means experiencing the difference that comes from a team committed to excellence and attention to detail. We believe in delivering not just a product, but a comprehensive service that enhances your home’s durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. With Gunner Roofing and the GAF roofing system, you’re not just getting a roof; you’re investing in a long-lasting solution that’s built to withstand the test of time. If your home is calling out for a roof replacement, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Gunner Roofing. You can even buy your new roof online! We’re here to turn the prospect of a new roof from daunting to exciting, delivering a roof replacement experience that’s all about quality, reliability, and peace of mind.