GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingle: Ultra High Definition Roofing for Long Island Homes
Roofing Solutions for Homes & Businesses
FROM THE MOST AWARDED ROOFER IN NEW YORK
GAF’s Timberline HDZ shingles have been America’s best-selling roofing shingles for years, protecting millions of homes with proven performance and attractive wood-shake styling.
The popular roof shingle Timberline HDZ set the standard for architectural shingles, making it the benchmark against which premium options are measured.
But for homeowners who want to go beyond standard excellence, GAF developed GAF Timberline UHDZ—Ultra High Definition shingles that take everything great about HDZ and elevate it with enhanced aesthetics, superior algae protection, and increased dimensional depth.
GAF Timberline UHDZ is a premium laminate shingle, positioned as a high-end architectural option compared to other premium laminate shingle products available in 2025.
County Roofing Systems has installed both GAF Timberline HDZ and GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the greater New York City area. Each GAF Timberline UHDZ installation demonstrates the premium laminate shingle technology that sets this product apart from standard architectural options.
As a GAF Master Elite contractor with 35+ years of roofing experience, we’ve seen firsthand how GAF Timberline UHDZ’s premium features deliver measurable advantages for Long Island homeowners who choose this upgraded premium laminate shingle option.
GAF Timberline UHDZ Shingles are available in a range of colors including Pewter Gray, Charcoal, Barkwood, Slate, Weathered Wood, and Shakewood.
What Makes UHDZ “Ultra High Definition”
GAF Timberline UHDZ represents the company’s premium laminate shingle line—a step up from their standard HDZ offering.
This premium laminate shingle delivers enhanced dimensional aesthetics and superior performance features.
The “Ultra High Definition” designation refers to the exceptional dimensional appearance created through several engineering advancements.
The most visible UHDZ innovation is GAF’s patent-pending Dual Shadow Line technology. Standard architectural shingles, including HDZ, create depth through shadow bands—darker granule zones that simulate shading and contours.
UHDZ takes this concept further with a second, complementary shadow line that runs across each shingle. These dual shadows create what GAF describes as “dramatic sunset shadows all day long”—enhanced three-dimensional appearance visible from street level regardless of lighting conditions.
UHDZ shingles are also physically thicker than HDZ—approximately 20% heavier construction that creates genuine dimensional depth rather than just visual effects from granule placement.
This extra thickness adds real shadows cast by the shingle layers themselves, working synergistically with the designed shadow bands.
The result is architectural shingles with exceptionally rich, deep appearance that elevates curb appeal and creates premium aesthetics that differentiate your home from properties with standard roofing.
THE BEST GUARANTEE IN THE INDUSTRY
50-Year Material, 25-Year Labor Guarantee
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.
Superior Algae Protection: 30-Year StainGuard Plus PRO
One of UHDZ’s most valuable upgrades addresses a persistent Long Island roofing problem: blue green algae discoloration that creates unsightly black streaks down roof slopes.
Timberline UHDZ shingles come with an algae protection limited warranty, specifically designed to combat blue green algae discoloration and keep your roof looking its best.
Our humid coastal climate provides ideal conditions for algae growth, and standard shingles without protection turn dark and streaky within just a few years.
Timberline HDZ shingles include GAF’s StainGuard Plus Limited Warranty, providing a 25-year limited warranty against blue-green algae discoloration—excellent coverage that exceeds most competitors.
But UHDZ goes further with the StainGuard Plus Pro Limited Warranty, also known as the Plus Pro Limited Warranty, offering an upgraded 30-year limited warranty against blue-green algae discoloration. This warranty against blue green algae discoloration gives homeowners added peace of mind and long-term protection.
The enhanced protection comes from 10% more GAF Time Release Algae-Fighting Technology compared to HDZ. UHDZ incorporates more of this advanced GAF Time Release Algae technology, which is a key differentiator.
This proprietary system uses capsules infused with copper microsites embedded in shingle granules. As rain flows over your roof, it interacts with these capsules, gradually releasing copper ions that create an environment where algae cannot colonize and grow.
The time-release mechanism is critical. Rather than providing short-term protection that degrades quickly, the copper microsites continue releasing active ingredients for decades. This sustained protection keeps your UHDZ roof looking clean and streak-free far longer than basic shingles or even standard HDZ.
For Long Island homeowners, this extended algae protection has real economic value. Algae streaking doesn’t just look bad—it can reduce your roof’s reflectivity, increasing solar heat absorption and cooling costs.
Black algae staining also creates conditions that encourage damaging moss growth. StainGuard Plus Pro Limited Warranty protects both your roof’s appearance and its functional performance.
LayerLock Technology and Wind Resistance
Like all modern Timberline shingles, UHDZ features GAF’s LayerLock Technology—a proprietary mechanical fastening system that fuses shingle layers together in the common bond area.
This creates stronger connections than thermal-seal adhesives alone, significantly improving wind resistance.
When installed as part of a qualifying GAF roofing system with required accessories, GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles earn GAF’s 15-Year WindProven limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation.
A qualifying GAF roofing system requires the installation of at least four qualifying GAF accessories alongside GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles to activate the enhanced warranty coverage. The WindProven limited wind warranty represents the industry’s only unlimited wind speed coverage.
This unlimited wind coverage provides exceptional protection for Long Island’s coastal exposure where nor’easters and tropical storm remnants regularly produce damaging winds.
The DuraGrip adhesive seals each shingle tightly while the smooth microgranular underside creates optimal conditions for thermal bonding.
Between LayerLock’s mechanical fusion, DuraGrip’s adhesive strength, and thermal sealing, UHDZ shingles achieve multi-layer protection against wind uplift.
County Roofing Systems has inspected hundreds of roofs after major storms. Properties with properly installed Timberline shingles—including UHDZ—consistently show minimal to no blow-off damage even when neighboring homes with inferior shingles suffered significant losses.
StrikeZone Nailing Area
Installation accuracy directly affects long-term performance.
Nails placed too high or too low can compromise wind resistance, void warranties, and create leak points. GAF addresses this challenge with StrikeZone nailing technology.
StrikeZone is an oversized nailing area that’s easy for roofers to hit consistently. In GAF’s testing, professional installers achieved 999 out of 1,000 nails correctly placed within StrikeZone—99.9% accuracy. This consistency ensures your UHDZ roof benefits from optimal fastening across every shingle.
The larger target area doesn’t compromise performance—it ensures more consistent achievement of design performance.
When County Roofing Systems installs your UHDZ roof, our crews follow all GAF specifications for nail type, placement, and penetration depth. Combined with StrikeZone’s guidance, this delivers installations that meet or exceed all warranty requirements.
Roofing Services
Premium Color Options
UHDZ shingles are available in carefully curated colors designed to deliver maximum visual impact:
Charcoal remains the most popular choice, offering classic dark gray tones with subtle variations that complement virtually any exterior color scheme.
Barkwood blends warm brown tones for homes with earth-tone siding or brick exteriors.
Weathered Wood provides a lighter, more traditional appearance with soft gray-brown coloring.
Pewter Gray delivers sophisticated mid-tone gray perfect for contemporary and transitional architecture.
Slate offers blue-gray tones inspired by natural stone roofing.
Shakewood combines varied brown tones that mimic authentic wood shake roofing.
All UHDZ colors feature GAF’s proprietary blending techniques that create genuine wood-shake appearance.
Multiple granule colors within each shingle create natural-looking variation and depth that photographs beautifully and impresses from the street.
Comparing UHDZ to HDZ and Other Options
Understanding the specific differences between GAF Timberline UHDZ and other Timberline product lines helps you make informed choices:
GAF Timberline UHDZ vs. HDZ:
GAF Timberline UHDZ costs approximately 15-25% more than the roof shingle Timberline HDZ but delivers:
Patent-pending Dual Shadow Line appearance
20% thicker premium laminate shingle construction,
10% more algae-fighting technology
and upgraded 30-year algae warranty versus HDZ’s 25-year coverage
GAF Timberline UHDZ represents exceptional value as a premium laminate shingle option.
For homeowners prioritizing curb appeal and long-term appearance, the upgrade delivers measurable value.
UHDZ vs. HDZ with ArmorShield II:
GAF also offers Timberline AS II (ArmorShield II), which provides Class 4 impact resistance through SBS-modified asphalt.
AS II is the choice when hail protection is the priority, while GAF Timberline UHDZ focuses on enhanced aesthetics with standard impact resistance.
Both products qualify for the Golden Pledge limited warranty when installed by Master Elite contractors, and both include GAF shingle accessory limited warranty coverage for qualifying components.
UHDZ vs. Premium Designer Lines:
GAF’s ultra-premium options like Grand Sequoia and Slateline cost substantially more than UHDZ but deliver even more dramatic wood shake or slate aesthetics. UHDZ provides premium appearance at a more accessible price point.
For most Long Island homeowners seeking noticeable aesthetic upgrades without ultra-premium pricing, GAF Timberline UHDZ hits an attractive sweet spot—meaningfully better than standard HDZ while remaining far more affordable than designer alternatives.
The premium laminate shingle technology in GAF Timberline UHDZ delivers professional-grade results at a mid-premium price point.
Fill out the form below or give us a call today at (631) 400-7663 to get your free roof estimate:
Installation and Warranty Requirements
Maximizing UHDZ performance requires proper installation following GAF specifications.
To activate certain warranty benefits, a required combination of four qualifying GAF accessories must be installed along with UHDZ shingles.
This combination of four qualifying GAF accessories—often referred to as the required combination of four—ensures you receive comprehensive warranty coverage, as the warranty benefits are contingent upon the use of qualifying GAF accessories.
Installing a complete GAF roofing system with all required components unlocks the full range of warranty protections available with GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles.
Understanding complete coverage and restrictions helps homeowners maximize their warranty benefits, while the limited warranty for complete system installations provides enhanced protection beyond basic shingle-only coverage.
The warranty for GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles includes a lifetime limited warranty if installed with GAF accessories and has no maximum wind speed limitation when installed properly.
This lifetime limited warranty provides long-term protection and represents one of the industry’s most comprehensive coverage packages when paired with a qualifying GAF roofing system.
For complete coverage and restrictions, homeowners should review GAF’s warranty documentation, which details the limited warranty for complete protection including terms and exclusions.
The warranty for complete coverage requires proper installation by a GAF-certified contractor.
The roof deck must be a minimum of 3/8″ plywood or OSB and must be clean, smooth, dry, and free of damage prior to installation.
To maintain warranty coverage, any damage to UHDZ shingles must be repaired by a GAF-certified contractor using GAF materials. GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles require minimal maintenance beyond regular inspections and debris removal.
County Roofing Systems’ Master Elite certification ensures we meet GAF’s highest standards:
We install required GAF accessories—starter strips, leak barriers, roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, and attic ventilation—to qualify for enhanced warranty coverage including the WindProven limited wind warranty.
Every complete GAF roofing system installation we perform follows manufacturer specifications precisely to ensure warranty activation.
As a Master Elite contractor, we can offer the Golden Pledge limited warranty, GAF’s most comprehensive coverage that includes both material and workmanship protection. The GAF shingle accessory limited warranty covers qualifying accessories, while the shingle accessory limited warranty terms vary based on product type.
We register your installation with GAF, ensuring you’re covered under the appropriate warranty tier based on accessories used and our Master Elite status.
Proper registration activates warranty for complete coverage, ensuring homeowners receive all available protections including the GAF shingle accessory limited warranty for qualifying components.
We follow all manufacturer specifications for deck preparation, underlayment installation, shingle fastening, and flashing details that protect your investment and ensure warranty validity. Understanding complete coverage and restrictions outlined in GAF’s warranty documentation helps avoid common issues that could void coverage.
Our quality control procedures verify every installation detail before we consider the project complete.
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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 Value Proposition
GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles cost more than standard HDZ, but the premium laminate shingle premium delivers tangible benefits that justify the investment for many Long Island homeowners.
The enhanced curb appeal from Dual Shadow Line technology and increased thickness creates measurably better aesthetics. Real estate professionals consistently note that distinctive, attractive roofs support higher home values and faster sales in competitive markets.
The upgraded 30-year algae warranty provides five additional years of coverage versus HDZ—meaningful in Long Island’s humid climate where algae staining is almost inevitable on unprotected shingles.
The 20% thicker construction contributes to enhanced durability and potentially longer service life, though GAF offers the same lifetime limited warranty on both GAF Timberline UHDZ and HDZ when installed as part of a qualifying GAF roofing system.
This premium laminate shingle construction provides additional value through improved dimensional aesthetics and enhanced weather resistance.
For homes in high-visibility locations, properties you plan to sell within 10-15 years, or situations where maximizing curb appeal is important, UHDZ’s premium features deliver genuine value despite higher material costs.
County Roofing Systems’ UHDZ Installation Expertise
Our 35+ years serving Long Island and Master Elite certification with GAF position us perfectly to deliver exceptional UHDZ installations:
We help you evaluate whether UHDZ’s premium features justify the cost premium for your specific situation—providing honest guidance based on your goals, not just selling the most expensive option.
We show you actual UHDZ color samples and, when possible, completed installations so you can see exactly how colors and dimensional effects look on installed roofs.
We detail the accessories and installation approach needed to qualify for maximum warranty coverage, ensuring you understand exactly what you’re getting from your GAF roofing system.
For homeowners and contractors seeking comprehensive product information, GAF’s commercial roofing catalog provides detailed specifications, though residential GAF Timberline UHDZ installations follow residential product guidelines and warranty structures.
We execute installations following all GAF specifications with quality control that meets Master Elite standards—protecting your investment and ensuring warranty validity.
Ready for Ultra High Definition Performance?
If you’re planning a roof replacement and want results that go beyond standard architectural shingles, with enhanced appearance, superior algae protection, and premium GAF engineering, GAF Timberline UHDZ shingles deserve serious consideration.
This premium laminate shingle option delivers exceptional value when paired with proper installation and complete warranty coverage.
County Roofing Systems specializes in helping Long Island homeowners select and install GAF roofing systems that match their performance needs and aesthetic goals.
Our Master Elite expertise ensures installations that deliver GAF Timberline UHDZ’s full potential with complete qualifying GAF roofing system configurations and access to premium warranties like the Golden Pledge limited warranty for maximum protection.
Call (631) 400-7663 today to schedule your free consultation.
We’ll evaluate your property, discuss UHDZ options and alternatives, and provide detailed pricing so you can make an informed decision about the best GAF shingles for your Long Island home.
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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