What does it mean when a roofer says they are GAF certified?
GAF is the largest shingle manufacturer in North America, and it certifies contractors who meet its requirements for licensing where the state requires it, insurance, reputation and training on its roofing systems. A certified contractor can register a roof for GAF warranties that a non-certified installer cannot offer, including coverage for workmanship. GLC Roofing is a GAF certified contractor, which places us among the small percentage of roofing companies to hold that certification.
What the Certification Requires
To become GAF certified, a contractor has to show proof of insurance, hold any license the state requires, maintain a good reputation and complete GAF training on how its roofing systems are installed. The certification is reviewed over time and can be lost if a contractor stops meeting the requirements.
Why It Matters for Your Roof
A standard shingle warranty covers the shingles themselves. It does not cover installation mistakes, which are a common cause of roof problems. GAF enhanced warranties, which only a certified contractor can register, can extend coverage to workmanship and, on the higher tiers, to the full roofing system for a set number of years.
A roof registered for an enhanced warranty uses GAF underlayment, starter strips, ridge caps and ventilation along with the shingles, installed to GAF specifications.
How to Check
GAF has a contractor search on its website that lists certified contractors by name and city. You can ask a roofer for their certification level and look them up. Using GAF shingles is different from being GAF certified, since any contractor can buy the shingles.
What It Does Not Mean
Certification does not automatically make a roof more expensive. Enhanced warranties have a registration fee that is small compared to the price of a roof. It also does not mean every roof is registered for the highest warranty tier, so it is worth asking which warranty your roof will have before you sign a contract.
Related Questions
Is GAF the only manufacturer with a program like this?
No. Other manufacturers have similar programs. GAF is the largest, and its enhanced warranties are among the most common.
Does the warranty transfer if I sell the house?
Most GAF enhanced warranties can be transferred once to a new owner within a set period. Check the details of the warranty tier your roof was registered for.
Will insurance pay for a GAF roofing system?
An insurance claim pays for a roof of like kind and quality. The system components are usually part of a normal replacement, and the certification itself costs the homeowner nothing extra.
