History


Our journey to become North America’s largest roofing manufacturer is built upon sustained innovation, a never-ending focus on our customers and our commitment to protect what matters most.

1886
Standard Paint Company Founded
The Standard Paint Company was founded in a remodeled sawmill in Bound Brook, N.J. Among its 18 employees was a young chemist named William Griscom, who focused his creativity on developing new ideas for asphalt compounds.
1892
Introducing RU-BER-OID
In 1892, Griscom and Standard Paint created ready-to-lay asphalt roofing and changed the roofing business. Since it was similar to rubber, Standard Paint called their easy-to-use asphalt rolls RU-BER-OID roofing.
1904
Embedded Color Granule Technology
Standard Paint perfected the embedding of colored granules in its asphalt coating, a method still used today.
1912
First Individually Cut Asphalt Shingles
Griscom and Standard Paint introduced easy to install, inexpensive, and weatherproof individual asphalt shingles. They’re made from rag felt, hand-dipped in asphalt.
1921
Standard Paint becomes The RUBEROID Co.
Based on the success of its roofing line, Standard Paint changed its name to The RUBEROID Co. in 1921.
1933
The First Interlocking Asphalt Shingles
In 1933 The RUBEROID Co. introduced Tite-On shingles, an inexpensive, attractive alternative to older roofing methods and became the model for the success of asphalt shingles to this day.
1967

Today's most popular shingle: Timberline®

In 1967, RUBEROID engineer, Phil Bottoli laminated two strip shingles together to create a shingle of extraordinary strength and aesthetics. The Timberline® Shingle became North America’s best-selling shingle. The same year, RUBEROID merged with GAF and adopted the GAF name.
The '70s and '80s
The Entertainment Years
For a period in the 1970s and '80s, GAF was a leading provider of film and cameras, becoming the official film of Walt Disney World and Disneyland, as well as the manufacturer of the famous View-Master.
1983
The Sam Heyman Era
Sam Heyman was elected Chairman & CEO of GAF in 1983. His vision included heavy investment in the company's manufacturing network and attracting the best employees. With a seven-fold sales increase in three decades, his leadership helped GAF become the industry's largest roofing manufacturer.
1991
High Definition® Shingles
A new proprietary granule application technique enabled GAF to create unique shadow and color patterns on the upper and lower shingle layers, which results in a shingle with exceptional depth, dimension, and color.
2003
Self-Adhered TPO Membranes

To help reduce commercial roof installation costs, GAF introduced the industry's first self-adhered thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) membranes. They install quickly and eliminate the need for messy adhesives or hot asphalt.

2005
Energy-Efficient Asphalt Shingles
Advances in granule coloration technology allowed GAF to create energy efficient shingles that reflect sunlight to reduce unwanted attic heat build-up.
2007
GAF Acquires ElkCorp
GAF acquired ElkCorp, a leading residential roofing manufacturer, and soon introduced Advanced Protection® Shingles — a technology that maximizes durability while eliminating unnecessary materials overall. The new shingles were the first in the industry to pass two key wind uplift tests and a new long-term performance test.
2010
Solar-Grade TPO Membranes
EverGuard Extreme® became the first TPO membrane that could withstand the high temperatures of peel and stick solar panels and soon found wider use for any demanding application.
2011
Lifetime Limited Warranty on All Laminated Shingles
GAF became the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime ltd. warranty on all of its laminated shingles. The following year, GAF offered a Lifetime ltd. warranty on the entire GAF roofing system.
2015
GAF Acquires Quest
In 2015, GAF completed the acquisition of Quest Construction Products, including United Coatings™ and HydroStop® Coating Technologies and StreetBond® Pavement Coatings — making GAF the leading supplier of liquid-applied roof products in the USA.
2016
Timberline HD® Reflector Series™ Shingles
The introduction of Timberline HD® Reflector Series™ Shingles offered California homeowners a wider variety of rich color options to comply with Title 24 cool roof requirements.
2019

Energy From Every Roof™

GAF solar efforts grew into GAF Energy. GAF Energy works in partnership with GAF, offering affordable integrated rooftop solar options to residential and commercial customers.
LATEST FROM GAF ROOF VIEWS
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Valor and Pride: Gainesville Medal of Honor Museum and GAF Roof Donation
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As part of the nation's longstanding tradition of honoring people who have served in the armed forces, a new museum has been built to recognize those who have been awarded the highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. GAF is proud to be playing a role in the Gainesville Medal of Honor Museum and Education Center in Texas, set to open its doors in 2024.
By Annie Crawford
09-28-2023
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Teaming Up to Build Skills and Shelter for the 2023 Carter Work Project
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Work is getting underway in Greater Charlotte, North Carolina, as GAF supports Habitat for Humanity with the 2023 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The five-day build event began in 1984 when former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalyn Carter led a group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to New York, building alongside 19 families in need of safe, affordable housing. For 36 years, the Carters have worked side by side with professional builders and volunteers at locations around the world to build and raise awareness of affordable housing.
By Annie Crawford
09-20-2023
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
How Women in Roofing Can Help Grow the Industry
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Training women in roofing and other trades can help strengthen the US economy by addressing the country's massive skilled labor shortage. On an individual level, skilled trade training can help improve women's lives.
By Annie Crawford
08-22-2023
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
GAF Roofing Academy Graduate Profile: Shakyra Worley
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The commercial and residential roofing industry is booming, with demand for 19,000 new jobs expected by 2028. Accordingly, now is a great time to begin a career path in the sector by enrolling at the GAF Roofing Academy. Hundreds of students have gone on to jobs in roofing after learning the necessary skills and gaining the required experience.
By Cristina Soriano
08-10-2023