GAF HDZ Charcoal Roof Replacement — Cambridge, MD

Project overview

A complete roof replacement on a single-family home in Cambridge, Maryland. The existing shingles were worn through in places and the homeowner wanted the roof replaced rather than patched. Scope: tear-off, deck repair, new underlayment and flashings, and a GAF Timberline HDZ shingle roof in Charcoal.

Two sheets of plywood were found to be damaged once the old roof was off. They were replaced before anything went back down.

Why the homeowner chose GAF Timberline HDZ in Charcoal

Timberline HDZ uses GAF's LayerLock technology, which creates a wide nailing area across the shingle. The homeowner had looked at several architectural shingles and wanted a dimensional profile in a dark, uniform colour that would not show the streaking they had seen on neighbouring roofs.

Charcoal is a near-black grey that sits well against white and light-grey trim, and it is one of the more forgiving colours on a roof with several planes and dormers. HDZ carries StainGuard Plus algae protection, which matters in Dorchester County humidity.

Materials and specifications

GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles (Charcoal). Synthetic underlayment across the deck. Ice and water barrier in the valleys and around penetrations. New drip edge. Matching ridge cap shingles. New pipe boots and step flashing rather than reused metal.

Deck repair: two sheets of plywood replaced. Ventilation was checked at both intake and exhaust so the new roof is not trapping heat and moisture in the attic.

Our process, step by step

Free inspection with a written condition report, then a line-item estimate so the homeowner can see exactly what each part of the job costs. Colour selection against the house. Site protection. Tear-off, deck inspection, and any repair priced as found. Water management layers, then shingles. Flashing and ventilation details. Magnetic sweep and a walkthrough before we leave.

Most Cambridge residential roofs of this size are completed in one to three days, weather permitting.

Eastern Shore considerations

Dark shingles absorb heat, so attic ventilation is not optional on a Charcoal roof in a Maryland summer. Balanced intake at the soffit and exhaust at the ridge keeps deck temperatures down and helps the shingles reach their intended service life.

Wind is the other factor. Nor'easters and summer thunderstorms both test the fastening pattern along the rakes and eaves, which is where wind damage almost always starts.

Warranty

GAF Timberline HDZ shingles carry GAF's manufacturer limited warranty on the product itself. Extended system and workmanship coverage depends on the specific accessories installed and on registration with the manufacturer; we tell homeowners in writing which coverage a given specification actually qualifies for before the contract is signed.