What is a Timberline Roof?
The Timberline roof is one roofing option that continues to be popular among homeowners due to its blend of aesthetic appeal, durability, and proven performance. This article will explore the features, benefits, and various series of Timberline roofing shingles, helping you understand why it may be the ideal choice for your roofing needs.
What Is Timberline Roofs?
A Timberline roof refers to a type of roofing system featuring Timberline shingles, a line of products produced by GAF, one of the largest manufacturers in the roofing industry. GAF's Timberline shingles are one of their most popular shingles among homeowners and roofers. This is due to their exceptional depth, color blends, and durability that emulate the look of genuine wood shake. Timber shingles perform better than asphalt shingles too.
Key features of these shingles include their "dimensional shingles" or "architectural" design. This means they have a layered or "double-layer" appearance rather than being flat. This gives the shingles a high-definition, ultra-dimensional wood shake look, enhancing the curb appeal and potentially increasing the house's resale value.
GAF Timberline shingles are made from a combination of asphalt and other materials, offering excellent durability and wind protection, with some models offering a maximum wind speed warranty. Certain versions of these shingles also have built-in protection against blue-green algae, increasing the lifespan of the roof and maintaining its aesthetic appeal.

Series of Timberline Shingles
These GAF shingles come in several distinct series, each with its unique features and benefits. These different series allow homeowners to choose a shingle that perfectly fits their needs, whether they're looking for superior wind resistance, stunning color options, or the highest level of protection.
Timberline HD Shingles
Timberline HD roof shingles are a step above standard shingles, offering a genuine wood shake look with a high-definition appearance. They provide excellent durability and wind protection and are designed with Advanced Protection Shingle Technology to minimize the use of natural resources while providing superior protection for your home.
Timberline HDZ Shingles
The Timberline HDZ shingles offer the same aesthetic appeal and protection as the HD series but with an added feature: the StrikeZone nailing area, which is the industry's largest. This feature allows for fast, accurate nail placement during installation, leading to a more secure roofing system. It also comes with the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, the first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation, when installed with the required combination of GAF accessories.
Timberline Ultra HD Shingles
Timberline Ultra HD shingles provide a thicker, ultra-dimensional wood shake look for added curb appeal. They offer the same high level of protection as other Timberline shingles but have a more substantial appearance, with beautiful color blends that can significantly enhance the look of your home.
Timberline Natural Shadow Shingles
The Timberline Natural Shadow series features shingles with a subtle, even-toned look with a classic, natural appearance. These shingles are designed with a unique shadow effect that contrasts the shingle layers, enhancing the roof's visual depth. Despite their aesthetic appeal, they don't compromise on durability or wind protection.
Timberline Cool Series
Timberline's Cool Series shingles are specifically designed to reflect sunlight and reduce attic heat buildup, helping to make your home more energy-efficient. They come in a range of color options that meet the Cool Roof requirements, potentially saving homeowners on cooling costs.
Each of these series offers GAF's excellent durability, wind protection, and aesthetic appeal, allowing homeowners to choose the one that best suits their home's style and personal preferences. As always, homeowners should consider their regional weather conditions and budget when choosing a Timberline roof.

Reasons to Install a Timberline Roof on Your House
In case you are wondering whether a Timberline roof is a worthy investment, consider the following factors.
Aesthetic Appeal
Timberline roofs, with their high-definition, ultra-dimensional wood shake look, significantly enhance the aesthetic appeal of any home. The shingles come in a variety of color blends that provide an authentic wood-like appearance, a characteristic that homeowners often find attractive.
The aesthetic appeal extends beyond the shingles themselves. The ridge cap shingles, designed to match the other shingles in the Timberline series, provide a consistent, harmonious look across the roof. This superior aesthetic can boost your home's curb appeal, making it more appealing to potential buyers should you decide to sell.
Enhanced Durability
Durability is a key feature of Timberline roofs. Made from a blend of high-quality asphalt and other materials, these shingles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and provide reliable protection for many years.
Beyond their inherent durability, Timberline shingles also come with a wind warranty, providing additional assurance of their ability to withstand high winds. This resilience can help to reduce maintenance costs over time, as the shingles are less likely to require replacement or repairs due to weather-related damage.
Algae Protection
Timberline shingles come with built-in protection against blue-green algae. This feature can be particularly beneficial for homes in humid areas where algae growth is common.
Algae can discolor shingles and lead to a deteriorated appearance over time. With their algae-resistant qualities, Timberline shingles help to maintain the roof's aesthetic appeal, reducing the need for frequent cleaning or premature replacement due to algae damage.
Comprehensive Roofing System
A Timberline roof is more than just shingles; it's a complete roofing system. Along with the shingles themselves, Timberline roofs include additional components like starter strip shingles, leak barriers, and ridge cap shingles.
These additional components work together to enhance the overall performance of the roof. For instance, the starter strip shingles can help to prevent shingle blow-off in high winds, while the leak barriers provide extra protection in vulnerable areas.
Exceptional Warranty Coverage
GAF offers comprehensive warranty coverage for Timberline roofs. This warranty typically includes non-prorated coverage for a certain period and can cover a range of potential issues, from manufacturing defects to wind damage.
This extensive warranty coverage provides homeowners with added peace of mind. They can have confidence in the quality and longevity of their roof, knowing that they have protection against a range of potential issues. This is much better than the limited warranty on other roofing shingle materials.
Professional Installation
Timberline roofs are typically installed by professional contractors who are familiar with GAF products. These professionals have the knowledge and skills to install the roof properly, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
A professional installation also means you can access expert advice and guidance. The contractor can provide valuable input on the best type of Timberline shingle for your specific home and location, helping to ensure that you get the most from your investment.
Energy Efficiency
Certain series of Timberline shingles, like the Cool Series, is designed to reflect sunlight and reduce attic heat buildup. This can help to make your home more energy-efficient, potentially leading to savings on cooling costs.
Even if you choose a different series, the comprehensive nature of a Timberline roofing system – including proper attic ventilation – can still contribute to improved energy efficiency. This can make your home more comfortable and help to reduce your environmental footprint.

Why Do You Need a Professional to Install A Timberline Roof?
We understand many homeowners consider DIY roofing solutions. But you must leave it to professionals when it comes to timberline roofs. And here are the reasons why:
Expert Knowledge and Skills
Professional roofers have the specialized knowledge and skills required to properly install a Timberline roof. They understand how to handle the materials correctly, place the shingles for optimal performance, and ensure that all roofing system components are properly installed.
This level of expertise can make a significant difference in the longevity and performance of your roof. Incorrect installation can lead to leaks, poor ventilation, or premature wear, which could result in costly repairs down the line.
Familiarity with GAF Products
GAF, the manufacturer of Timberline shingles, offers training to roofing professionals to ensure they understand how to install their products correctly. Hiring a roofer who is familiar with GAF products and has received this training means you're getting someone who knows the product well and can install it to the manufacturer's specifications.
This familiarity also extends to the additional components of a Timberline roof, such as the starter strip shingles, leak barriers, and ridge cap shingles. A professional roofer will understand how these components work together to create a comprehensive roofing system, ensuring all parts are correctly installed for optimal performance.
Warranty Requirements
Many manufacturers, including GAF, require that their products be installed by certified or licensed professionals for the warranty to be valid. If you choose to install the roof yourself or hire someone who isn't appropriately certified, you risk voiding the warranty.
Hiring a professional roofer ensures you maintain your Timberline roof's warranty. This can provide peace of mind, knowing that you're protected against potential manufacturing defects or other issues covered by the warranty.
Safety Considerations
Roofing is dangerous and involves working at heights and handling heavy materials. Professional roofers have the training and equipment necessary to perform the work safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
By hiring a professional, you also eliminate the personal risk associated with doing the job yourself. Knowing that the work is done safely and without risking your health and safety can give you peace of mind.
Time Efficiency
Professional roofers have the experience and tools to install a Timberline roof efficiently. They understand the steps involved, can anticipate and avoid potential issues, and have the manpower to get the job done quickly.
While it might be tempting to try and save money by doing the job yourself, the time and effort involved can be substantial. By hiring a professional, you can have your new roof installed quickly and correctly, allowing you to focus on other things.
What is a Timberline Roof - Conclusion
Timberline roof offers a blend of superior aesthetics, advanced protection features, and durability, making it an excellent choice for homeowners. These roofs not only enhance your house's curb appeal but also ensure long-lasting performance.
However, to fully capitalize on these benefits, working with a professional roofing company is crucial. Professionals bring expert knowledge and familiarity with GAF products and ensure the warranty on your roof remains valid. Moreover, they can carry out the installation safely and efficiently, avoiding potential pitfalls that could compromise the lifespan and performance of your roof.
Nova Home Improvements is among the few installers with expertise to work with Timberline roofing systems. The company has all the tools and experience required for a reliable job. Hiring such a roofer is a great investment.