Checklist: How to Complete 5 Spring Roofing Maintenance Tasks Yourself

Manufacturing sustainability is a top priority for GAF. In 2022, the company announced its 2030 Planet Goals to "focus on operational improvements, product transparency, and the introduction of circularity in the asphaltic shingle industry."Looking to lead positive change while considering the long-term impact of its business on the planet, GAF identified several goals, including:Diverting 1 million tons of roofing materials from landfills while integrating recycled shingle materials into new shingle productsDiverting 80% of manufacturing waste from landfills, recycling all shingle and TPO scrap that results from the manufacturing process, and recycling or reusing fiberglass mat scraps and coresReducing embodied carbon and operation carbon throughout its manufacturing and operationsAchieving Environmental Product Declarations for its core products, conducting life cycle assessments, and generating 2.5 GW of power from solar roofs in partnership with GAF EnergyMeeting these goals takes time, resources, innovation, and ingenuity, all backed by a team working to build a better world. Every GAF location is striving to meet the company's goals. Looking back on the progress made in 2023, some impressive accomplishments are bringing the company closer to achieving full manufacturing sustainability.Residential ManufacturingThe GAF Mt. Vernon, Indiana, shingle manufacturing plant worked toward achieving sustainable operations through robust recycling efforts. The team established a shingle recycling outlet estimated to divert thousands of tons of asphalt shingles from landfills annually. This has eliminated thousands of dollars in disposal fees and reduced transportation costs.The Mt. Vernon staff found creative ways to keep complex waste materials out of landfills, including working with a local golf course that could take the plant's waste sand. The team implemented an internal recycling program that includes cardboard and packaging materials, increasing its waste diversion score.Commercial ManufacturingAt the Gainesville, Texas, plant that manufactures TPO and Polyiso, team members earned the area's first waste diversion certification for both products' waste streams. They also earned a recycled content certification for each.The plant established a trial program with a plastics recycler to reprocess TPO skin material for reuse in manufacturing new material. Recycling and reusing would divert thousands of tons of waste from landfills and use recycled materials in manufacturing flexible TPO for flashings.The plant also developed a program with a local recycling company that serves as a single source to take its pallets, large cardboard boxes, facers, paper, and plastics.Sustainability All-StarsRecycling and manufacturing sustainability programs wouldn't be possible without the people behind the initiatives. GAF is proud to spotlight these individuals who went above and beyond to meet the company's sustainability goals.Ben AnselmanAs part of the Mt. Vernon team, Anselman was critical to starting the plant's core recycling program. He initiated repairs to an existing baler and established a program for recycling the super sacks. His creativity sparked the partnership with the local golf course to divert aggregate waste from landfills. In addition, he was the champion for the shingle recycling outlet project and repurposed an existing compactor to reinstate a cardboard recycling initiative.Christina Talladira and Amy WilsonThese teammates lead the core recycling program at the Tampa, Florida, manufacturing plant. They worked together to establish aggregate and shingle recycling programs with their local recycling company. Talladira and Wilson consistently look for ways to divert waste streams from landfills. They also handle the administrative needs accompanying these programs, including scheduling loads and tracking waste.Jeremy TisdaleAt the Tuscaloosa, Alabama, plant, Tisdale took the initiative to improve its core recycling program and set up a cardboard recycling program. He also championed a baler trial for glass mat cover and core waste, developing standard operating procedures and a job safety analysis. He was the innovator behind diverting the plant's plastic waste from landfills. He created a program where stretch film and shingle bundle packaging waste is saved in Gaylord boxes and then baled whenever the plant has downtime.Pete WeyrensIn Gainesville, Texas, Weyrens is the champion behind the plant's recycling efforts, establishing relationships with the local recycling company. He also organized the flexible TPO skin material trials. This effort will divert thousands of tons of waste from landfills and use recycled materials to manufacture flexible TPO for flashings.Leslie PeelsAfter the plant in Cumming, Georgia, saw a drop in its year-over-year waste diversion rate, Peels stepped in to turn those numbers around. Leading the effort to separate recyclable materials from regular waste, the Cumming location saw an impressive increase in keeping waste out of the landfill. Peels also set an example in data collection and analysis to keep the plant's sustainability goals on track.TJ Jenkins and Todd WinsteadJenkins and Winstead represent the TPO team at the Mt. Vernon manufacturing plant. Working together, they used their knowledge and experience in the TPO manufacturing process to help earn the plant's recycled content certifications. They also found a way to divert calcium chloride from local landfills and continue to work closely with the sustainability team to support waste diversion efforts.Sustainability PromiseGAF is committed to "Protect What Matters Most," and that includes people, communities, and the planet. Its sustainability promise is an opportunity to invest in a healthy future for everyone. Learn more about that commitment in its sustainability report.

Ennis, Texas, might be best known for hosting the National Polka Festival every year, but it's also home to many GAF professionals who support the community.GAF has been part of the Ennis community for over 45 years, where its footprint has grown to include a research and development center and two manufacturing plants. In addition to the work GAF employees complete onsite, many have used their connections to champion local organizations' efforts. GAF knows how important it is to build resilient, thriving communities, and its continued commitments in Ennis offer proof of what's possible.The GAF Ennis Facility's Tradition of Giving BackWith over 260 employees at the Ennis facility, it has a significant impact on the surrounding area. Many team members have worked there for 30 to 40 years, or more, and are lifelong residents of the city. One of the plants manufactures fiberglass mat rolls, a critical component used in roofing materials, while the other plant manufactures shingles. The shingle plant recently expanded to include recycled asphalt briquettes, which will be used in manufacturing recycled asphalt shingles to divert 300,000 tons of waste from landfills.David Tuttle, Senior Director of Residential Operations at GAF, joined the community in 2004 and in 2012 set out to help his friends and neighbors flourish with increased community engagement. He first joined the board of the Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center and has since expanded his service to other organizations, including two local United Way chapters, and the Ennis Boys and Girls Club.Tuttle's work started a legacy of community leadership. For instance, Joe Glanton, the GAF plant's community engagement ambassador, is now President of the Board of Directors of Greater Ennis United Way. Other GAF associates quickly followed suit, demonstrating their commitment to the community by working on local projects as well as joining the board of the Ennis Boys and Girls Club.Today, the tradition of giving back still runs strong. Many local groups and charitable organizations continue to benefit, and the community keeps growing stronger.GAF Ennis Facility's Community ImpactProviding justice, hope, and healingTuttle was instrumental in setting an example for community engagement. After joining the board of the Ellis County Children's Advocacy Center more than a decade ago, he eventually served as Board President. The nonprofit responds to child abuse and sexual assault reports, providing advocacy, forensic interviews, and mental health services to those affected."Our charge is to provide justice, hope, and healing for every child," Tuttle explains. After serving two years as Board President, and two as Past President, his 12-year tenure on the board is ending, but Tuttle has been working to bring other GAF team members into the organization and maintain support for Ennis's youngest residents.Stepping upGAF team member, Angela Adams, who is also an Ennis Boys and Girls Club board member, serves as a mentor through the Mentors Care program. After a Mentors Care representative was invited to speak at the Ennis plant, three of her colleagues signed up to volunteer as mentors. "I was so impressed by the number of employees who showed up to listen to what Mentors Care had to say," Adams notes.Mentors Care matches struggling high school students with mentors who serve as positive role models to help students manage their day-to-day challenges. The nonprofit recently reported that 100% of seniors in the program graduated, 92% of mentored students achieved a 90% school attendance rate, and 89% of students advanced to the next grade level.Unique solutions for unique challengesMatt Neal, GAF engineering manager, serves as Board President of Runnin' Free Ranch, which serves area veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals with special needs through counseling with horses. The organization is working to change the lives of Ennis residents who face unique challenges.A local US Navy veteran who participates in the program wrote that he was "a prisoner of rage and unending bitterness" after he departed from serving. Though he doubted a horse could help him, he eventually realized that "our therapy sessions have comprised of laughter, tears, frustration, and a release of tension that I've never experienced before."Making a direct impact when it's needed mostJoe Glanton has been involved in the evolution of many community organizations, including serving as a board-level leader for the Ennis CARES organization. Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ennis CARES was developed to help community members with non-emergency needs, including food, health care, and other services. Glanton notes that "it's a natural extension of our work to be as supportive and active as possible with organizations that have a direct impact on protecting what matters most."Ennis CARES will soon break ground on a new community center and "combat multiplier" for local charities, opening space to house a food bank and provide services such as health care for women and seniors.Disaster ResponseRandy Brumley, GAF mat plant Production Process Manager, met Team Rubicon—a disaster response organization—when they visited the Ennis plant. He instantly decided to become a greyshirt volunteer alongside several other team members.Brumley wrote about his first operation, where he responded to Houston neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Harvey. "Team Rubicon is a diamond class organization held together by volunteers—veterans and civilians—and respect at its core," he explains. "For anyone who has the chance, I would say: Step into the arenal!" Brumley has been a part of the Ennis community, and a GAF employee for over 40 years, and also serves as a member of the Ennis Boys and Girls Club.Becoming Part of the CommunityTuttle shares that he and his teammates appreciate that GAF affords them the flexibility and opportunity to give back to their communities. "It's exciting that GAF provides the support and encouragement to go and serve," he says. "We owe it to our communities; we're really blessed and privileged with our jobs and careers and the benefit to go volunteer. Everyone has the ability to go and find a place to serve."With a total of 34 manufacturing locations spread throughout 26 communities across the US, GAF and its team members are well positioned to change lives and help build resiliency nationwide. Curious to learn more about joining the GAF team? Explore the available career options and opportunities to get involved.

Want to save money on your heating and cooling bills and keep your home feeling pleasant year-round, regardless of the weather outside? Opting for an energy-efficient roof might be the way to go.You can replace your existing roof with a new system that uses energy-efficient materials and colors. For instance, while a roof's color may seem like an aesthetic choice, it can play a part in keeping a house cooler in the summer by reflecting sunlight. Meanwhile, the best roofing materials for energy efficiency can help with thermal emittance and keep a house warmer in the winter.Here's a comprehensive overview of energy-efficient roofs, why color and material matter, and why you might consider updating your home's roof.Benefits of Energy-Efficient RoofsAside from offering protection from the outside elements, reducing your home's environmental impact, and enhancing its curb appeal, energy-efficient roofs can offer several benefits. With energy-efficient roofing materials, homeowners may notice cost savings through a reduction in energy consumption, and more interior comfort during particularly hot or cold weather conditions. The lifetime of a roof may even be extended, depending on manufacturer warranties. All of these factors can positively impact the resale value of your home when it's time to sell.Additionally, local laws may require your home to meet certain energy standards, which an energy-efficient roof can help with. For example, due to Title 24, California homes must comply with specific cool roof requirements. GAF shingles like Timberline HDZ® RS Shingles and Timberline® CS Shingles have been rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) for use in Title 24 projects. At GAF, a primary focus is building sustainable products that not only adhere to changing building standards, but also help create a more sustainable future.Most Energy-Efficient Roofing MaterialsGenerally, the most energy-efficient roofing materials are metal, tile, and asphalt. Here's how each of these materials differ.MetalMetal roofs are known for their longevity. Metal is also considered one of the best roofing materials for reflecting sunlight, which results in improved energy efficiency. Its strong insulation properties help keep the interior at a comfortable temperature while keeping out hot (or cold) exterior air. Lastly, metal roofs are environmentally friendly, as most of the material is recyclable.TileCommonly made from clay and slate, tile roofs are another energy-efficient option. Tile roofs are often seen in the Southwest, where daily temperatures can reach triple digits and the sun beats down most of the day. This roofing material sometimes comes preheated to help reduce heat absorption in sunny weather and high-temperature areas. You can also add coatings to the roof to further improve its reflectivity once it's installed.AsphaltWhile asphalt shingles are a popular choice across homes in the United States, they aren't known to have a lot of solar-reflecting ability. That said, many new energy-efficient asphalt shingles are equipped with solar-reflecting granules.For example, GAF Timberline® CS Shingles can help keep your attic cool and allow you to use your home's air conditioning system less. And GAF Timberline HDZ® RS Shingles, which are rated by the Cool Roof Rating Council, come in several light and dark finishes, so you can choose your color scheme. These shingles offer excellent performance and can withstand strong wind speeds, while giving you the same look as traditional asphalt shingles.Best Roof Colors to Reflect HeatLight roof colors tend to reflect more sunlight and heat than darker colors. Popular light colors used for energy-efficient homes are white, light gray, and light brown.White is the most effective roof color to reflect heat. According to the US Department of Energy, a white roof stays coolest because it can reflect anywhere from 60% to 90% of sunlight. Meanwhile, other products typically reflect 30% to 60% of sunlight. Darker colors tend to absorb more heat, with black roofs absorbing the most heat followed by brown and dark gray.Shingles That Reflect Heat Regardless of ColorThough darker colors tend to absorb more heat, you may want a darker roof to match your home's aesthetics. For example, if you want your home's siding to stand out, a dark-colored roof is more favorable than a light one.Today, you don't have to decide between color and energy efficiency: modern shingles, like GAF cool roof shingles, can still reflect heat despite their dark shade. For instance, GAF Timberline HDZ® RS+ Shingles are offered in charcoal, hickory, aged chestnut, and other rich colors while still maintaining their high energy efficiency. You can choose the color that best fits your home's design without having to sacrifice your roof's energy efficiency.When Color May Not Matter as MuchKeep in mind your local weather and your property's features. If your home doesn't get as much sun or is covered in shade by nearby trees, the color of your roof may not matter as much when it comes to solar reflectance.Other Ways to Improve Roof Energy EfficiencyApart from color and roofing material, you can take other steps to improve your roof's energy efficiency.InsulationAttic insulation protects your roof during any season. In the summer, it reduces the transfer of heat coming in from outside. While your roof material is the first line of protection, you can think of insulation as your second line of defense.Insulation also protects your home against humidity and can prevent pests from getting inside your home. During the winter months, attic insulation can also prevent ice dams that can lead to expensive damage.VentilationIf your roof doesn't have proper ventilation, heat will always make its way inside. Proper ventilation allows the warm air inside to constantly shift out through the vents and be replaced with cooler air. Apart from regulating temperatures, it reduces condensation, which can result in mold, and keeps your insulation in good condition. Adding roof and attic vents while ensuring insulation isn't covering any airflow is the best way to ensure good ventilation.Updating Your Roof with Modern MaterialsFor more help navigating the variety of energy-efficient roofing materials available, speak to a local contractor. These professionals can tell you what's most popular in your area and help you understand the advantages you could enjoy after upgrading to a more energy-efficient roof.