GAF Timberline AS II (ArmorShield II) Shingles: Class 4 Impact Protection for Long Island
Roofing Solutions for Homes & Businesses
FROM THE MOST AWARDED ROOFER IN NEW YORK
When severe weather brings hail, falling branches, or wind-blown debris, your roof takes the brunt of the assault.
Standard shingles can crack, split, or puncture under these impacts—leading to expensive repairs and potential water damage to your home’s interior. GAF Timberline AS II shingles solve this vulnerability with UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance, the highest rating available for residential roofing shingles.
County Roofing Systems has installed Timberline AS II shingles throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the New York City metro area, particularly for homeowners concerned about tree coverage, hail exposure, and insurance considerations.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor with 35+ years of experience, we help Long Island property owners determine when Class 4 impact protection justifies the investment—and when it’s essential for their specific situation.
Understanding Impact Resistance Ratings
The roofing industry uses the UL 2218 test standard to measure impact resistance. This test simulates hail damage by dropping steel balls of various sizes from 20 feet directly onto shingle samples. The shingles are then inspected for cracks, tears, mat breakage, granule loss, and other damage.
Shingles receive ratings from Class 1 (lowest) to Class 4 (highest) based on the size of steel ball they can withstand without damage:
Class 1: Resists 1.25-inch steel ball (equivalent to 1-inch hail)
Class 2: Resists 1.5-inch steel ball (equivalent to 1.25-inch hail)
Class 3: Resists 1.75-inch steel ball (equivalent to 1.5-inch hail)
Class 4: Resists 2-inch steel ball (equivalent to 1.75-inch hail)
Standard architectural shingles like Timberline HDZ typically rate Class 3. Timberline AS II achieves Class 4—meaning it can withstand significantly larger impacts without sustaining damage that compromises the roof’s integrity.
This distinction matters in real-world performance. Class 4 shingles resist damage that would crack or penetrate Class 3 alternatives, potentially saving you thousands in repair costs and preventing water infiltration that could damage interior finishes, insulation, and belongings.
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We’ve met the toughest requirements in the residential roofing industry- and we use only the best materials.
That’s why we stand behind our work with the best guarantee in the industry– including warranties only 2% of roofing companies can offer.
Your house deserves the best roofing warranty on the market. Give us a call today and get a brand new roof with a 50-year material, 25-year labor warranty from the best roofing contractor in Long Island and New York.
SBS-Modified Asphalt Technology
What enables AS II shingles to achieve Class 4 performance? The answer is GAF’s proprietary SBS-modified asphalt formulation.
SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene) is a synthetic polymer that, when blended with roofing asphalt, creates a more flexible, rubber-like material. This enhanced flexibility allows shingles to absorb impact energy rather than fracturing under stress.
Think of the difference between dropping a hammer on concrete versus rubber. The concrete cracks because it’s rigid and can’t absorb the impact.
Rubber flexes and bounces back. SBS-modified shingles behave more like the rubber—deforming slightly on impact and then recovering rather than cracking.
This flexibility provides benefits beyond just impact resistance. SBS modification also enhances temperature performance—the shingles remain more pliable in cold weather (reducing brittleness that can cause cracking) and maintain integrity in extreme heat better than standard asphalt.
For Long Island homes, this temperature performance matters. Our winters can drop below 0°F, making standard shingles brittle.
Our summer roof surface temperatures can exceed 150°F, potentially softening inferior shingles. AS II’s SBS formulation handles both extremes without compromising performance.
Insurance Discounts and Premium Savings
Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for homes with Class 4 impact-resistant roofing. These discounts recognize that impact-resistant shingles reduce claim frequency and severity—benefiting both homeowners and insurers.
Discount amounts vary by insurance carrier and location but typically range from 5% to 35% on the wind/hail portion of your homeowners policy. In some high-risk areas, the discounts can be even more substantial.
For Long Island homeowners paying $2,000-$4,000 annually for homeowners insurance, even a 10% discount represents $200-$400 in annual savings. Over a 20-30 year roof life, this can add up to $4,000-$12,000 in total savings—potentially offsetting a significant portion of the premium you paid for Class 4 shingles.
County Roofing Systems can provide documentation of your AS II installation that many insurance companies require to activate impact-resistant discounts. We recommend contacting your insurance agent before choosing shingles to confirm available discounts and documentation requirements.
Some insurers also offer reduced deductibles for homes with Class 4 roofing. If you do experience storm damage, you’ll pay less out of pocket before insurance coverage activates.
Timberline Aesthetics with Enhanced Protection
AS II shingles don’t sacrifice appearance for impact protection. They maintain the same attractive wood-shake styling that’s made Timberline America’s best-selling shingles for years.
The multi-layer construction creates dimensional depth visible from street level. Proprietary shadow bands simulate natural wood grain and texture. Advanced color blending incorporates multiple granule tones that create rich, varied appearance.
AS II is available in several popular Timberline colors including Charcoal, Weathered Wood, Shakewood, and Barkwood. These coordinate with common Long Island home exteriors and provide the curb appeal homeowners expect from premium architectural shingles.
The Class 4 rating comes from the SBS-modified asphalt core—a change invisible from the outside. Your AS II roof looks like an attractive Timberline installation, but performs far better when impacts occur.
Wind Resistance and LayerLock Technology
Impact protection isn’t AS II’s only performance advantage. These shingles also include GAF’s LayerLock Technology—proprietary mechanical fastening that fuses shingle layers in the common bond area.
When installed as part of a qualifying GAF roofing system with required accessories, AS II shingles earn the 15-Year WindProven Limited Wind Warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. This unlimited wind coverage provides exceptional protection for Long Island’s coastal exposure.
The combination of Class 4 impact resistance and unlimited wind warranty coverage makes AS II an excellent choice for properties facing both hail/debris threats and strong wind exposure. You’re not compromising one type of protection to gain another—AS II delivers comprehensive storm protection.
StainGuard Algae Protection
Long Island’s humid climate promotes roof algae growth that creates unsightly black streaks. AS II shingles include StainGuard algae protection using time-release technology that inhibits algae colonization for years.
The 10-year StainGuard limited warranty protects your roof’s appearance against blue-green algae discoloration. For an impact-resistant roof that represents a significant investment, this algae protection helps preserve both aesthetics and home value throughout the shingles’ service life.
Impact Resistance and Weathering
When it comes to protecting your most valuable asset—your home—choosing the right roofing material is essential.
GAF Timberline ArmorShield II shingles are engineered to deliver extra protection where it matters most, especially against hail damage and the unpredictable storms that can hit Long Island. With a Class 4 rating under the rigorous UL 2218 impact resistance test, these shingles have proven their ability to withstand the kind of hail and debris that can compromise lesser roofs.
The secret behind the Timberline ArmorShield II shingles’ outstanding performance lies in their advanced asphalt shingle formulation and robust construction.
Each shingle, sized at 13 1/4 x 39 3/8 inches, forms a durable barrier that resists the dents, cracks, and punctures caused by hail and flying debris. During the UL 2218 test, steel balls are dropped onto the shingles to simulate severe hail impact—yet the ArmorShield II shingles remain undamaged, providing homeowners with the confidence that their roof can handle whatever nature throws its way.
Beyond their impressive impact resistance, these shingles offer a striking look that enhances any home’s curb appeal. Available in popular colors like II Weathered Wood and Charcoal, Timberline ArmorShield II shingles blend seamlessly with a variety of exterior styles, giving your roof a great view from every angle. Homeowners can enjoy both the beauty and the peace of mind that comes from knowing their roof is built to last.
Installing GAF Timberline ArmorShield II shingles can also make you eligible for valuable discounts from your insurance company.
Many insurers recognize the superior protection these Class 4 shingles provide and offer reduced premiums for homes equipped with them. Coupled with GAF’s industry-leading limited warranty—including a 50-year lifetime limited warranty and a 15-year wind warranty—homeowners can save money while ensuring their roof is covered for years to come.
These shingles don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them, complying with strict CSA and UL standards for quality and durability.
Whether you’re planning a new roof or replacing an aging one, Timberline ArmorShield II shingles offer an awesome combination of style, strength, and long-term value. They connect with the needs of today’s homeowners by offering extra protection, insurance savings, and a roof that truly stands out.
For those seeking to safeguard their home and enhance its appearance, GAF Timberline ArmorShield II shingles are a smart, striking, and reliable choice.
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Ideal Applications for AS II Shingles
Timberline AS II makes particular sense in several situations County Roofing Systems frequently encounters:
Properties with Significant Tree Coverage: Homes surrounded by large trees face regular impact risks from falling branches, acorns, pine cones, and other debris. Class 4 protection significantly reduces damage from these routine impacts.
Areas with Hail History: While Long Island doesn’t experience the severe hail common in Plains states, we do get occasional hail events. Properties in inland areas like central Suffolk County see hail more frequently than coastal locations.
Insurance-Driven Decisions: If your insurance carrier offers substantial discounts for Class 4 roofing—or if you’re in a high-premium area where any discount provides significant savings—AS II can pay for itself through reduced insurance costs over the roof’s life.
Properties Seeking Maximum Storm Protection: For homeowners who want the best available residential storm protection combining impact resistance, wind resistance, and algae protection, AS II delivers comprehensive performance.
Homes in High-Value Neighborhoods: In upscale Long Island communities where maintaining property values is critical, Class 4 roofing provides both actual protection and the perception of quality that supports home values.
Comparing AS II to Other Impact-Resistant Options
Understanding how AS II compares to alternatives helps inform your decision:
AS II vs. Standard Timberline HDZ:
HDZ shingles cost less and provide Class 3 impact resistance adequate for many situations. AS II steps up to Class 4 for maximum impact protection and potential insurance discounts. The premium for AS II is typically 20-30% over HDZ.
AS II vs. Owens Corning Duration FLEX:
Duration FLEX is Owens Corning’s Class 4 alternative, also using SBS modification. Both offer excellent Class 4 protection. Choice often comes down to contractor certification, preferred warranty programs, or aesthetic preferences between the brands.
AS II vs. Metal Roofing: Metal roofs provide superior impact and wind resistance but cost 2-3 times more than AS II. For homeowners wanting maximum protection at reasonable cost, AS II delivers most of metal’s storm performance at a fraction of the price.
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Installation Requirements
AS II’s SBS construction requires proper handling and installation to achieve design performance. County Roofing Systems’ Master Elite training ensures installations that maximize AS II’s protective capabilities.
Temperature considerations during installation are important. SBS shingles remain flexible in cold weather—actually easier to install than standard shingles on cool days—but they require attention to proper sealing and fastening.
We use the specified nail types, lengths, and quantities GAF requires for AS II installations. We ensure adequate roof deck penetration without overdriving nails that could compromise the SBS material.
We install all required GAF accessories—starter strips, leak barriers, ridge caps, underlayment, and ventilation—to qualify for enhanced warranty coverage including the WindProven unlimited wind warranty.
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With nearly four decades serving homeowners under our belt, we know what’s needed to make your roofing project a success.
When you work with County Roofing, you get only the best. As little as 0% interest on approval for 5 years, quick approval, easy pay, and all backed by the best guarantees in the industry.
The County Roofing Systems Advantage
Our 35+ years installing impact-resistant shingles across Long Island positions us to provide expert guidance:
We help you evaluate whether Class 4 protection makes economic sense for your specific property, considering tree coverage, hail history, insurance discounts, and budget.
We document installations thoroughly to support insurance discount applications and provide the paperwork carriers need to activate premium reductions.
We properly register your warranty with GAF, ensuring you’re covered under the appropriate warranty tier based on accessories installed and our Master Elite status.
We stand behind our installations with workmanship guarantees that complement GAF’s material warranties, protecting your investment from both product defects and installation issues.
Protect Your Investment with Class 4 Shingles
Roof damage from impacts isn’t just expensive to repair—it can lead to interior water damage, mold growth, and compromised structural integrity if leaks go undetected. GAF Timberline AS II shingles provide the highest available residential impact protection, potentially saving you thousands in future repair costs while reducing insurance premiums.
County Roofing Systems specializes in helping Long Island homeowners select roofing solutions that match their specific needs and risk exposure. Our Master Elite certification ensures AS II installations that deliver the full protective performance these premium shingles are engineered to provide.
Call (888) 366-6619 today to discuss whether Timberline AS II shingles are right for your property. We’ll evaluate your situation honestly, explain insurance discount opportunities, and provide detailed pricing for Class 4 impact protection that safeguards your home and your budget.
OVER 35 YEARS IN THE ROOFING INDUSTRY
Long Island and Westchester's Go-To Roofing Contractor
Keith Schmied, CEO of County Roofing Systems, is a native Long Islander.
He’s worked on houses throughout Long Island and the greater New York area for nearly four decades with countless happy customers.
We’ll give your old home a beautiful and durable roof that doesn’t just look good- it also saves you money on your energy bills. We can handle everything from minor repairs to a full roof installation. No matter what you need, we’re here to help.
If you’ve had problems with bad roofing contractors in the past, give us a call. We do the job right the first time and we stand behind our work.
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