Considering a new roof? Do what the pros do. When home improvement influencer and GAF Partner Jon Peters started planning a new roof installation, he chose Timberline HDZ® shingles and a GAF Master Elite Contractor. "Our roof not only looks beautiful with Weathered Wood, the shingle color we picked, but we're confident we have a roof we can trust here at the Jersey Shore," he says. Learn about Jon's experience each step of the way.
Installing a new roof can be complex, even for construction industry veterans. Jon Peters has over 30 years of professional woodworking and cabinet-making experience; almost 600,000 followers on YouTube; more than 100,000 Instagram followers; and nearly 70,000 Facebook followers hooked on his home improvement DIY tutorials. Nonetheless, he still hesitated to install a new roof. Fortunately, when the time came, he knew to rely on a licensed roofing professional. "Most projects I try to do myself, but a new roof is just too big of a job for me," Jon explained.
Getting a Quote
Jon called Garden State Roofing in New Jersey thanks to a friend's recommendation. The company sent over Pete, a salesperson, to provide a free estimate. Trustworthy sales representatives can offer expertise and help determine whether a home needs a roof repair or roof replacement. Pete also walked Jon through the entire roof replacement process so he knew exactly what to expect.
Pete explained how the crew would bring dumpsters and prep the roofing project, then tarp off and protect gardens and other vulnerable areas. Next, they'd tear off the roof from the ridge down. If the crew found any rotten sheathing, they would replace it or recommend repairs. Only then would roof installation actually begin. "One thing I was particularly impressed with was the fact they added a cricket behind the chimney," Jon says. "The cricket is a V-shaped structure that helps divert water around the chimney instead of allowing it to puddle up behind it."
Jon also learned that he'd be working with a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor*. "As a homeowner, it's important for me to choose trusted products and hire a trained, experienced contractor," Jon says. GAF Master Elite certification means that the contractor is licensed where required, insured, in good standing with the BBB, and trained in high-quality installation methods using the latest technologies.
Choosing a Shingle
With a clear understanding of the process and confidence in the contractor, Jon decided to work with Garden State Roofing. Together with Pete, he picked Timberline HDZ® shingles in Weathered Wood.
Jon's decision was the result of a few intersecting factors:
Personal experience: Jon has always had a great experience with GAF Products—his barn roof is also from GAF.
Smart Design: The new Timberline HDZ® shingle has the widest strike zone in the industry, making it easy to accurately place nails in the nailing zone.
Technology: LayerLock™ Technology just makes good sense, mechanically fusing the common bond between overlapping shingle layers during production.
Aesthetics: Paired with great color selections, the three-dimensional design of the shingle makes for a great-looking roof that adds curb appeal and value to the home.
Wind Protection: When installed with the required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories, the Timberline HDZ® shingle is eligible for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty**—the first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation—which can come in handy during a storm.
Approaching Installation Day
On installation day, the crew arrived at 7:00 a.m. and finished the job around 5:00 p.m. Jon knew that the team wasn't sacrificing quality for speed—he felt confident in their work thanks to the combination of the contractor's GAF Master Elite certification* and their use of efficient shingle technology.
"The LayerLock™ Technology powers the industry's widest nail zone—the StrikeZone™ nailing area—which makes for a fast installation of the shingle and also makes it easy to properly place nails," Jon explains. "Plus, the Dura Grip™ adhesive on the back of the shingle seals them to the roof and reduces the risk of blow-offs." This offers a certain peace of mind in high-wind areas like the Jersey Shore, where Jon lives.
As a finishing touch, the roofing crew installed the Cobra Ridge Vent to help ventilate the attic, an integral part of GAF roofing systems. "Cobra Ridge Vents help to exhaust excess heat and moisture from the attic that can damage the roof. It's used as part of a balanced system of ventilation consisting of both exhaust at the ridge and intake at or near the soffits," says Jon.
Enjoying the Finished Product
Despite putting off the project for years, Jon was delighted with the process and the outcome of his new roof. He noted that the whole process was painless—ultimately, Jon had his old roof removed and his new roof installed in just one day. "I couldn't be happier with my new GAF Timberline HDZ® roof and the Weathered Wood shingle color we chose. It looks great!"
The day after installation, the gutters and downspouts were installed. "Since then, we've had a few classic summer downpours, and I'm happy to say that the roof is keeping the water out as expected," said Jon. "We are confident that we have a roof we can trust here at the Jersey Shore."
If you're thinking of a new roof, Jon recommends considering the GAF Timberline HDZ® shingle and a GAF Certified Contractor.*
*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products.
**15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty on Timberline HDZ® Shingles requires the use of GAF starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and leak barrier or attic ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products.
