WAYNE, NJ--(Marketwire - Jan 30, 2013) -  GAF, North America's largest roofing manufacturer, held a press conference last night at The International Builders' Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, that had implications for all players in the building materials industry. At GAF's IBS Outdoor Booth on January 22^nd, the company announced its sponsorship of the All-American Home Initiative. GAF also presented its American-made custom motorcycle, which appeared on the popular TV show American Chopper featuring Paul Teutul Sr.

During the event, Jake Lewendal, builder of the first All-American Home (which was featured on Good Morning America and in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications), spoke about the All-American Home Initiative. He described a simple program that builders can participate in to help build their business -- while creating more American jobs. 

Together, Jake and GAF invited show attendees to take the "5% Pledge" at theallamericanhome.com, committing to using 5 percent more American-made materials in their builds. If every builder used just 5 percent more American-made products, it would create over 220,000 jobs in the United States. Manufacturers of American-made products can get free exposure by adding their company's name to a directory on the site.

"GAF is thrilled to be an exhibitor at IBS to share our American-made products with builders and to show how we are actively investing in America to support customers all over the world. Our research shows that 83 percent of homeowners favor American-made products and 82 percent favor products from American-owned companies, and we are proud to be able to fulfill both of these expectations," explained Paul Bromfield, senior vice president of marketing at GAF. 

Paul Teutul Sr., owner of the nationally known custom and production motorcycle manufacturer Orange County Choppers, also appeared. Paul Sr. presented the custom GAF-commissioned chopper that was featured in the December 3^rd episode of the long-running popular series, American Chopper. Paul Sr. met with attendees to encourage them to take the pledge to commit to using more American-made products.

"It was great to be a part of the International Builders Show with GAF to show the final commissioned chopper built by Orange County Choppers. For the past 10 years, we have dedicated ourselves to our business and television show and take great pride in our chopper for GAF," explained Paul Teutul Sr.

The International Builders' Show is the largest annual light-construction show in the world; GAF was proud to feature the Made-in-America products at this year's IBS. GAF is investing in American jobs with its 26 plants across the country, including a newly opened plant in Statesboro, Georgia. GAF is also working toward opening three additional plants within the next few years. 

About GAF

Founded in 1886, GAF has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company's products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple for contractors, specifiers, and property owners alike. In 2011, GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles and, in 2012, it introduced the GAF Lifetime Roofing System.

With a focus on social responsibility, GAF has developed Advanced Protection^® Shingle Technology, which provides superior durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of scarce natural resources. The company has also developed single-ply and asphaltic membranes with superior durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.

GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 125,000 professionals. CARE's mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel. For more information about GAF, visit www.gaf.com.

About The International Builders' Show

The International Builders' Show is the largest annual light-construction show in the world -- over miles and miles of the latest and most advanced building products and services ever assembled. See all of the latest innovations for yourself with hands-on demonstrations and working models in over 300 building industry categories at the National Association Home Builders' annual convention.

About Orange County Choppers

Orange County Choppers (OCC) is a custom and production motorcycle manufacturer based in Orange County, New York, that was founded by Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr. in 1999. The company is featured on American Chopper, a reality TV show that debuted in September 2002 on the Discovery Channel, which has contributed to the company's quick rise to fame. In 2007, Discovery Channel's sister channel TLC picked up the series in the United States and Canada, and the show now airs on the Discovery Channel on Monday nights at 9pm ET/PT.