GAF Roofing Shingles

Installation quality determines everything- how long your roof lasts, how well it performs in Long Island’s weather, and whether your warranty coverage holds up when you need it most.

As a GAF Master Elite Contractor, County Roofing Systems installs the complete GAF system on every project, giving you access to the Golden Pledge warranty: 50-year non-prorated material coverage and a 25-year workmanship guarantee.

Here’s how our certified installation process works from start to finish:

1. Roof Inspection and Preparation

Before any materials go on, we conduct a thorough inspection of your existing roof and the structure beneath it. We examine the roof deck for rot, soft spots, and structural compromise, and assess attic conditions for moisture buildup and heat retention — both of which can shorten the lifespan of any new roofing system if left unaddressed.

Once we’ve confirmed the roof is ready, we strip away the old shingles, nails, and debris down to the deck. Starting from a clean, solid surface is the foundation of a roof that performs as designed.

2. Roof Deck Protection

With the old roofing removed, we apply a GAF leak barrier along the eaves, valleys, and any other areas prone to water infiltration. This layer protects the roof deck from moisture damage before the rest of the system goes on.

We then install GAF underlayment across the full roof surface. Underlayment provides a secondary moisture barrier beneath the shingles and creates a consistent surface for installation — an important factor in long-term performance and warranty compliance.

3. Starter Strip Installation

Starter strip shingles establish the first line of defense at the roof’s eaves and rakes. These strips carry a sealant that bonds to the first course of shingles above them, significantly improving resistance to wind uplift — one of the most common causes of shingle loss during nor’easters and coastal storms.

The starter row also provides a straight, level reference line that guides the layout of every shingle course above it.

4. Shingle Installation

We work from the bottom edge of the roof upward, with each course of shingles overlapping the one below it to channel water away from the roof deck. GAF shingles are designed with clearly defined nailing zones that guide precise fastener placement — a critical detail that directly affects wind resistance ratings and warranty validity.

Every shingle is fastened to GAF’s specifications. Off-target nailing is one of the most common installation mistakes and one of the primary reasons warranty claims are denied.

5. Valleys and Roof Penetrations

Valleys, chimneys, vents, pipes, and skylights are the highest-risk areas on any roof — the points where water is most likely to find a path in if not properly sealed. We install step flashing, counter flashing, and pre-formed valley flashing at every penetration and transition point.

Proper metal flashing is particularly important on Long Island, where wind-driven rain and ice dams create the conditions that most often exploit weak flashing details.

6. Ridge Cap Installation

GAF ridge cap shingles are installed along the peak of the roof to seal and protect the ridge line from water intrusion while giving the roof a finished, uniform appearance. Where required by the roof geometry and local code, we also install ridge vents to support proper attic airflow — reducing heat and moisture buildup that can shorten shingle life and contribute to ice dam formation.

7. Final Inspection and Cleanup

After installation is complete, we walk the entire roof to verify every detail — checking for exposed fasteners, improperly sealed areas, and any shingles that need adjustment. No open nail heads, no gaps, no shortcuts.

We then clear all debris from the roof surface, gutters, and surrounding property before we consider the job done. What you’re left with is a complete, certified GAF roofing system backed by the strongest warranties in the industry.