Are you considering GAF shingles for your roof and wondering if they’re a good idea? GAF is one of the biggest names in roofing, and many homeowners want to know if they’re getting a solid product or just a familiar brand name.
At Hoel Roofing, we’ve inspected thousands of roofs across Indiana. We don’t install GAF shingles ourselves, but we’ve seen plenty of them in the wild, and we want to help you make the best decision for your home and budget. So, in this article, we’ll cover what GAF shingles are, the biggest features and selling points, how much they cost, the real pros and cons, and why Hoel Roofing doesn’t install GAF shingles (and why we’re still reviewing them anyway.
By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of whether GAF shingles are a good fit for your roof or whether you might want to explore other brands.
GAF manufactures three types of shingles namely: GAF Timberline® Series, GAF Royal Sovereign®, & GAF Designer/Luxury Shingles.
Here’s a quick overview of GAF’s most popular lines:
Here’s why GAF shingles are so popular, especially for builders and budget-conscious homeowners:
Affordable Pricing: GAF shingles generally cost less upfront than some other brands, making them attractive for big housing developments or homeowners watching costs.
Variety of Styles and Colors: There’s a wide selection to match different home styles.
Manufacturer Warranties: GAF offers strong warranties, sometimes up to 50 years, especially if installed by certified contractors
Availability: Easy to find at suppliers and big-box stores nationwide.
Tip: GAF shingles check a lot of boxes for affordability, warranty coverage, and style choices. However, longevity depends on how well they perform under real-world conditions.
From what we’ve seen on real roofs, GAF shingles come with both benefits and significant drawbacks.
Cons:
Tip: Not everyone has problems with GAF. But we’ve repeatedly seen sealing failures here in Indiana’s climate. It’s worth a careful conversation with any roofer you hire.
On average, GAF shingles cost about $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed.
This price generally includes labor and materials, but doesn’t cover extras like old roof removal or repairs to the decking underneath.
Typical ranges:
| Shingle Type | Installed Cost per Square (100 sq. ft.) |
| Royal Sovereign® (3-tab) | $250 – $350 |
| Timberline® HDZ | $350 – $550 |
| Designer/Luxury | $600 – $1,000+ |
Example total roof cost:
For a 2,000 sq. ft. roof (20 squares), a Timberline HDZ installation might cost:
Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate with materials costs and regional labor rates.
At Hoel Roofing, we’ve been up on a lot of GAF roofs, and our experience hasn’t been great. The core problem appears to be that GAF shingles often don’t seal down as firmly as those of some other brands.
In roofing, the sealant strips under each shingle are crucial; they help lock the shingles in place and prevent wind uplift. When they don’t bond properly, shingles can blow off far sooner than they should. So at Hoel Roofing, we don’t install GAF shingles.
That said, we’re not here to bash GAF. They’re a huge brand for a reason, and lots of roofers do use them. But we believe in being honest about what we’ve seen so homeowners can make an informed choice.
Despite the drawbacks, GAF shingles might still be a fit for some homeowners:
If you plan to stay in your home long-term, especially in areas prone to strong winds, you may want to explore other brands with a stronger reputation for sealing and wind resistance.
Tip: Always ask roofers what brands they trust most, and why. Local experience with Indiana weather often matters more than national brand names.
If you’re weighing GAF shingles, here’s what we’d recommend:
At Hoel Roofing, we don’t install GAF shingles, but we’re always happy to chat, answer your questions, or help you weigh your options.
If you’re considering GAF shingles, it might be helpful to compare them with one of the most discussed alternatives: Malarkey. We’ve seen both brands on real roofs right here in Indiana, and we broke down how they compare in terms of durability, cost, and performance. Read our side-by-side comparison of GAF vs. Malarkey shingles
Or, if you’d rather talk it through, feel free to reach out for a no-pressure chat. We’re always happy to help you make the best call for your roof.
Toyosi Ogunsola is the Content Manager at Hoel Roofing & Remodeling in Rushville, IN, where she oversees the creation of educational, trustworthy content about roofing, remodeling, and home improvement. With a master’s degree in Emerging Media Design and Development and a background spanning content strategy, UX research, and digital marketing, Toyosi combines data-driven insights with clear, engaging writing to help homeowners make informed decisions. Passionate about translating complex roofing topics into helpful resources, she works closely with Hoel’s team of roofing experts to ensure every piece of content is accurate, practical, and user-focused.
