When shopping around for new roofing materials, it isn’t easy to compare products side-by-side because of their wide variety of sizes and shapes.
For example, when comparing GAF Timberline HD shingles and GAF Timberline HDZ shingles, here are some key features of each product to help you determine which one is right for your home or business.
The HD GAF Timberline shingles manufacturers designed them with 50-year warranties.
As a result, they’re twice as durable as most other asphalt shingles on the market, so you won’t have to worry about replacement for a very long time, and the same goes for the HDZ.
So what makes one stand out? This article discusses GAF Timberline HD vs. HDZ ridge cap shingles!
The GAF Timberline HDZ and HD both have a lifetime limited warranty and other similarities, but the GAF Timberline HDZ is superior to the GAF Timberline HD. GAF Timberline HDZ has a Dura Grip sealant and a StrikeZone nailing area, which is 30% faster than HD shingles. Apart from this, it is more durable with no wind speed limitation.
Ready for a Roofing Quiz?
What Is the Difference Between GAF Timberline HD and HDZ Shingles?
Both Timberline HD and Timberline HDZ are shingles from GAF, and both have a limited wind warranty.
However, these shingles have different features that give them slightly different characteristics and prices.
Here I’ll be examining some differences between the HD and HDZ GAF timberline shingles to decide which is best for you.
Before examining the difference between these qualifying GAF products, note that these products are in close competition, with the Timberline HDZ being a high-definition, gutterless, wind-warranty shingle available in several colors and a range of sizes.
The Timberline HD has similar characteristics, but there are some differences, including:
- Price
- Superior Durability
- Wind Warranty
- Resistance to Fire
- Nailing Accuracy
#1. Price
GAF Timberline HD shingles are the most economical, unlike GAF Timberline HDZ.
Although cheaper than its HDZ counterpart, that doesn’t mean it isn’t good either, so it’s no surprise they’re famous, and you won’t be sacrificing quality as GAF balances value and cost.
It also doesn’t mean that Timberline HDZ shingles are of lower quality, but if you are short of cash, the HD isn’t a bad option.
#2. Superior Durability
Compared to the HD GAF Timberline shingles, the HDZ shingles have excellent durability.
Their manufacturers built them to last, which means you will be able to enjoy them for decades, mainly if you use installers who are GAF-certified.
#3. Wind Warranty
Although both GAF Timberline shingles provide a 15-year limited wind warranty, the difference between the HD and HDZ is their windspeed coverage.
The windspeed coverage for HD GAF Timberline shingles is 130 mph, while the GAF Timberline HDZ doesn’t have a maximum wind speed.
#4. Resistance To Fire
Another difference between these qualifying GAF products is that the Timberline HDZ shingles have a higher fire rating than the HD.
Due to its fire rating, you will feel secure knowing that your home is better protected from potential hazards.
#5. Nailing Accuracy
The Timberline HDZ shingles are distinguished from the HD by their ability to achieve a nailing accuracy of 99%, thanks to their StrikeZone nailing area feature, which is 600% greater than the one found on the HD.
Additionally, compared to the HD, it enables you to complete the nail fastening stage of the installation 30% more quickly.
GAF Timberline HD Vs HDZ Cost
GAF Timberline shingles are typically pretty affordable, especially considering their perks. However, the prices of these GAF Timberline shingles differ at various stores.
Take the Timberline HD shingles; they cost about $0.93 per square foot, amounting to $31 per bundle and $93 per square.
At Homedepot, the GAF Timberline HDZ goes for $37.10 for a bundle, but you can get a pallet (36 bundles or more) at a reduced price of $31.54.
At Lowe’s, the GAF Timberline HDZ goes for $34.91 per bundle and is available in different colors.
Although their cost varies, most GAF roofing system shingles have a 50-year limited warranty. So if you buy Timberline HD, for example, and fail within 50 years, GAF will replace your roof.
Is GAF Timberline HDZ Better Than HD?
GAF Timberline HDZ is great all-around roofing material.
However, when choosing between Timberline HD and Timberline HDZ, it’s best to look at your home’s characteristics and match them up with one of these shingles so you can choose something that will work best for you.
While both are durable, these two products are of different materials, which means they have various advantages and disadvantages depending on your application.
GAF Timberline HDZ has a better wind rating than GAF Timberline HD, giving it an advantage if you live in an area prone to bad weather.
It is also more durable and has higher fire resistance than the HD GAF Timberline shingles.
Another thing that makes Timberline HDZ better is that it’s easy to nail because it has 99.9% nailing accuracy and is 30% faster than HD.
With that said, there are several drawbacks to using GAF Timberline HDZ over HD. First, it costs more, but that doesn’t mean it is always a better choice.
In some cases, it may be worth spending a bit extra to get an upgrade. But in other cases, you might find that you can save money by sticking with what you know works well for your area.
Since GAF Timberline HDZ costs more than HD, you’ll have to ensure that you think it’s worth your investment.
The choice between these two shingles will depend on your location and what your home needs.
If you’re looking for something that will withstand harsh conditions and last a long time, then the Timberline HDZ is likely your best option.
If you can afford it, GAF Timberline HDZ is a better investment than GAF Timberline HD.
If not, it may be wiser to stick with its more affordable cousin, or if you have a home in an area that doesn’t get much snow or rainfall, then you might be better off with something less expensive like Timberline HD instead.
GAF Timberline Ultra HD Vs HDZ
When comparing the GAF Timberline shingles, the Ultra HD with the HDZ, there are things you have to consider before making a choice on which is best for you.
The Timberline Ultra HD, also known as Timberline UHD, is available in 11 different color blends, while GAF Timberline HDZ is available in 16 colors.
So, when looking for a color that will blend with your home, the Timberline HDZ offers you more color than the UHD.
Regarding the algae limited warranty, both products are good for you, so it’s a personal choice which one you choose because they both have a 25-year warranty.
Another distinguishing factor between the GAF Timberline HDZ and the Ultra HD is the limited wind warranty.
In addition, the Timberline HDZ is without a maximum wind speed limitation, while the Ultra HD can stand against the wind up to 130 mph.
So, depending on your area, you might choose to go with the Ultra HD or the HDZ.
Is GAF Timberline HDZ More Expensive Than HD?
Although HD and HDZ are American-made exterior-grade roofing products from GAF Materials Corporation, they carry a 50-year limited warranty.
They’re both made in America, but that doesn’t mean they’re cheap or the same price. The GAF Timberline HDZ is more expensive than the Timberline HD.
The Timberline HD shingles have a price tag of approximately $0.93 per square foot, which works out to $31 per bundle and $93 per square.
One bundle of the GAF Timberline HDZ costs $37.10 from Home Depot, but if you purchase 36 bundles or more, you can obtain a pallet for the discounted price of $31.54.
The GAF Timberline HDZ can be bought at Lowe’s for $34.91 per bundle and is available in various colors. The GAF Timberline is more expensive than its counterpart, the Timberline HD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the company that manufactures GAF Timberline HD and GAF Timberline HDZ is the same.
They even have similar features with a lifetime limited warranty, but what makes them different is that the HDZ is superior to the HD with its durability, wind speed limitation, and nailing accuracy.
However, if you live in an area without much wind, you can go with the Timberline HD as it also has excellent features.
