Waterproofing a roof involves many different materials. You can choose from any of these materials to protect your roof and your home. However, when you build a GAF roof, there are only two GAF approved materials for waterproofing that are installed under the shingles. Trying to choose how you will build the roof and what you will use relies heavily on what you expect from the waterproofing material and whether or not you want the warranty on the roof from GAF.
GAF Approved Materials
When you build a GAF roof, everything is made by GAF with the intent of creating a roofing system that supports each new additional layer with added protection. Using anything other than GAF materials results in a void of the GAF warranty if the roof should fail. That’s why GAF created its own tested and trusted waterproofing materials.
StormGuard Film-Surfaced Leak Barrier
This is a waterproofing material used to protect the eaves, valleys, around chimneys, and other seams and vulnerable areas of the roof. It is not used to cover the entire roof, but to protect areas that are most prone to water and ice damage. It tolerates temperatures up to 250 degrees and can be installed with shingle roofs or metal roofs. In a GAF roofing system, it isn’t used alone, but in conjunction with WeatherWatch Ice and Water Leak Barrier.
WeatherWatch Ice and Water Leak Barrier
This is a peel and stick leak barrier that can be rolled out and stuck to most of the roof. It is ideal against heavy windstorms and ice dams, common weather conditions in most of the northern states where GAF roofs are installed. When used with Lifetime Shingles products, it retains its own Lifetime Limited Warranty to protect your roof against ice and water damage or leaks.
Roofing Membranes
Although not technically categorized as a waterproofing solution, roofing membranes by GAF provide an extra layer of protection. These membranes are either rubber or felt backed and reduce the possibility of water seeping through. During installation of a GAF roofing system, they are installed over the top of the StormGuard barrier or the WeatherWatch barrier.
Other Products Not by GAF
You could use other products not by GAF, but you run the risk of voiding the GAF warranty. These include other types of roofing membranes, tarring or asphalt coverage alone, and shingles claiming to be waterproof from competitors. Combining GAF products with non-GAF products produces mixed results in protecting your roof. If you want the full assurance of the warranty from GAF, use only GAF produced and GAF approved products.
Multiple Layers Create the Ideal Waterproofed Roof
There’s a reason why a GAF roof resists water damage. Most GAF roofs are comprised of at least five layers of materials. Each additional layer acts as its own barrier against the damages of wind and weather. Investing in some of the best products GAF offers means that you have incredible layered protection against the weather that can beat on your roof all year long. There are even shingles by GAF designed to resist mold, water damage, algae, etc.
What Happens If There Is Water Damage with a Complete GAF Roof
Let’s say you bought everything to redo your roof from GAF. The GAF Certified Elite contractor installed it all. Then you experience water damage. What happens next? The first thing you would have to do is call your contractor to come take a look. You can’t call a different contractor because only a GAF contractor can correct the issues and help you file a warranty claim. If the problem is improper installation or faulty products (which is very rare on both accounts), the contractor has to remediate the damage and then help you file a warranty claim.
If you asked to use anything other than GAF materials and the roof fails right where these materials were used, you might be out of luck. The contractor could help you file a warranty claim, but it may be denied. Be sure to use the aforementioned leak barriers and waterproofing products if you want the maximum protection for your roof and your home. Substitution just isn’t an option with a GAF roofing system.
