For fiber cement siding materials with a traditional shingle appearance, these five GAF WeatherSide options offer different edges, textures, and panel dimensions. Purity Wavy is best for a scalloped look, Purity Straight for a clean edge, and the Profile styles for vertical striation. Each product is described as asbestos-free, pre-primed, and resistant to several forms of damage. Compare the appearance and listed dimensions with your project before choosing; the supplied product information does not provide coverage calculations or installation instructions.
| Product | Best For | Listed Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Purity Wavy | Wavy edge and vintage character | 12 x 24 inches |
| Purity Straight | Straight-edge shingle appearance | 12 x 24 inches |
| Profile 12 | Vertical striated surface | 12 x 24 inches |
| Profile 9 | Vertical striated surface in a longer format | 9 x 32 inches |
| Purity Thatched | Distinctive thatched texture | 12 x 24 inches |
GAF WeatherSide Purity Wavy Siding Shingles
Best for: Homeowners seeking a wavy-edged shingle style with a vintage appearance. The 12-by-24-inch shingles have a textured surface designed to echo the look and size of older asbestos siding shingles, while the product is described as asbestos-free.
The listed features say the fiber cement is engineered to resist warping, rotting, UV degradation, and termite damage. The shingles are pre-primed and described as non-combustible per ASTM E136, with UL classification to ANSI/UL 723. The wavy profile distinguishes this option from the straight-edge products in this group.
Why it was selected: It combines the traditional shingle format with a clearly specified wavy edge. Limitation: The supplied details do not state color, finish-coat requirements, or area covered per bundle, so confirm those details for your project.
GAF WeatherSide Purity Straight Siding Shingles
Best for: Buyers who want a traditional shingle appearance with a straight edge rather than a wavy outline. These 12-by-24-inch shingles have a textured, pre-primed surface and are presented as an asbestos-free alternative with a vintage look.
According to the product features, the fiber cement is engineered to resist warping, rotting, UV degradation, and termite damage. The listing also describes the material as non-combustible per ASTM E136 and UL classified to ANSI/UL 723. Choose this style when a simpler, even edge better suits the intended exterior appearance.
Why it was selected: It offers the same stated material benefits as the other WeatherSide options in a straightforward profile. Limitation: The listing details provided do not specify bundle coverage or installation requirements; check current product documentation before ordering.
GAF WeatherSide Profile 12 Siding Shingles
Best for: Buyers who want a straight-edged shingle with a vertical striated surface. This 12-by-24-inch format adds a different surface detail than the smooth-looking edge distinction alone, while retaining the traditional shingle appearance described by the manufacturer.
The product information identifies it as asbestos-free fiber cement with a pre-primed surface. Listed performance details include resistance to warping, rotting, UV degradation, and termite damage, plus non-combustibility per ASTM E136 and UL classification to ANSI/UL 723.
Why it was selected: The striated surface gives shoppers a distinct texture option in the 12-by-24-inch size. Limitation: The supplied listing does not explain how the striations appear at a distance or give coverage per bundle, so evaluate the finish and calculate material needs from current specifications.
GAF WeatherSide Profile 9 Siding Shingles
Best for: Projects where the listed 9-by-32-inch size is a better match than the 12-by-24-inch formats. It has a straight edge and vertical striated surface, making it a practical comparison against Profile 12 when dimensions are a deciding factor.
The product features describe an asbestos-free, pre-primed fiber cement shingle designed to resist warping, rotting, UV degradation, and termite damage. The listed fire-related details are non-combustibility per ASTM E136 and UL classification to ANSI/UL 723.
Why it was selected: It provides the striated Profile look in a longer, narrower listed format. Limitation: Do not assume its coverage or installation layout is interchangeable with the 12-by-24-inch products; confirm dimensions and manufacturer guidance for the specific project.
GAF WeatherSide Purity Thatched Siding Shingles
Best for: Homeowners who want a more distinctive thatched appearance in a 12-by-24-inch shingle format. This option is pre-primed and textured, and is described as an asbestos-free alternative designed to recall older siding shingles.
Its listed fiber cement benefits include resistance to warping, rotting, UV degradation, and termite damage. The product information also states non-combustibility per ASTM E136 and UL classification to ANSI/UL 723. Choose it when surface character matters more than a plain straight-edge look.
Why it was selected: It adds a visibly different texture choice to the available traditional-style profiles. Limitation: The provided information does not state bundle coverage or final color options, so verify both before planning a full installation.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Fiber Cement Siding Materials
Which profile suits the exterior?
Compare the edge and surface texture separately. Purity Wavy has a wavy edge; Purity Straight has a straight edge; both Profile products list vertical striation; and Purity Thatched offers a thatched texture. Request or inspect product samples when appearance is important, because product names alone may not show how a surface looks across a full wall.
Do dimensions affect the choice?
Yes. Four products in this comparison list 12-by-24-inch shingles, while Profile 9 lists 9-by-32-inch shingles. These dimensions can affect layout and material calculations. Do not estimate total quantities from the dimensions alone: verify the usable coverage, bundle contents, overlap, and project measurements using current manufacturer information.
What should buyers confirm before installation?
Check the current installation instructions, substrate requirements, fastening details, handling guidance, and any finish-coat directions. “Pre-primed” describes the listed surface condition, but the supplied product details do not establish the final finish system. For existing siding that may contain asbestos, avoid disturbing it and consult qualified local professionals about assessment and safe work practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these fiber cement shingles listed as asbestos-free?
Yes. The supplied features describe all five WeatherSide products as 100% asbestos-free.
Which option has a wavy edge?
GAF WeatherSide Purity Wavy is the product in this selection described with a wavy profile.
Which products list a vertical striated surface?
WeatherSide Profile 12 and Profile 9 both list a vertical striated surface.
Are the shingles pre-primed?
Yes. The product names or supplied features describe these shingles as pre-primed. Confirm finish-coat requirements in the current product instructions.
Can bundle coverage be determined from these details?
No. The supplied information does not provide coverage per bundle. Check the current manufacturer specifications and account for the project layout before ordering.