GAF Roof Warranty Information
Investing in a new roof can be an expensive endeavor but the process can be even more costly when problems arise from improper installation and faulty materials. That’s where a warranty comes into play. There are numerous warranty options that should be looked into before investing in a new roof. Do investigate what’s out there before you rush into the roof of your dreams, as you want that new roof to be a permanent fixture, not one that requires constant repair or replacement. So, just what are the current GAF protection and warranty options available today?
GAF Shingle & Accessory Warranty
This warranty is considered a base coverage, which includes total roofing system coverage at 100 percent with an allowance of 10 years for materials that are determined defective. The labor cost for installation is included as well for a 10 year period. Items that are considered accessories and qualify as GAF products will also be part of the 10 year period. Shingles that qualify as GAF products are also covered for wind damage up to 130 miles per hour.
Any shingle that is associated with GAF production is subject to numerous inspections and repetitive testing, which suggests that any deterioration is unlikely, but it can occur on occasion and can be costly to repair and replace. GAF is aware of what can happen and has formulated coverage for GAF Lifetime Designer Shingles at 30 years, while GAF Timberline Lifetime shingles have 25 years of coverage, and GAF 3-Tab Shingles have 20 years of coverage.
System Plus Limited Warranty
System Plus is a recommended warranty as the benefits are substantial. One hundred percent coverage is provided for up to a 50 year period that includes material defects as well as the total roofing system for a residence. In addition, the labor costs for installation are included for a lifetime period. Workmanship defects are also covered for a lifetime and, in addition, the warranty allows 100 percent coverage for defects that involve workmanship, for up to a two year period. Wind coverage is also provided for 130 miles per hour wind speeds.
Silver Pledge Warranty
This warranty fits in the better range and includes 100 percent coverage for an entire roofing system and lifetime coverage, up to 50 years, for installation labor costs. Workmanship coverage is at 100 percent and is supported by GAF workmanship factors for 10 years. Also included and covered are misapplication of flashing as well as tear-off costs, defects and other misapplications. The Silver Pledge also assures certified GAF contractor installations and transfer of warranty.
Golden Pledge Ltd. Warranty
The GAF Golden Pledge Ltd. Warranty is considered the best available warranty, as it provides coverage for an entire roofing system, has 50 years of direct, 100 percent coverage and has lifetime coverage for any labor involved with installation. Workmanship is also covered at 100 percent and is supported by GAF for 25 to 30 years. Any misapplications, tear-offs, manufacturing defects and disposal cost involving defects and misuses are also covered under this plan. As with the Silver Pledge and all GAF installations, roofing contractors are factory certified, and the warranty is transferable.
| GAF SHINGLE & ACCESSORY LIMITED WARRANTY | SYSTEM PLUS LIMITED WARRANTY | SILVER PLEDGE LIMITED WARRANTY | GOLDEN PLEDGE LIMITED WARRANTY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Requirements | None! Great coverage accompanies purchase of the product. | Installation of GAF Shingles + At Least 3 Qualifying Accessory Products*
Installed by GAF Certified or Master Elite Roofing Contractor** | Installation of GAF Shingles + At Least 4 Qualifying Accessory Products*
Installed by GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor** | Installation of GAF Shingles + At Least 5 Qualifying Accessory Products*
Installed by GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor** |
| Warranty Term for GAF Shingles | Lifetime*** | Lifetime*** | Lifetime*** | Lifetime*** |
| Smart Choice Protection Period**** | 10 Years | 50 Years | 50 Years | 50 Years |
| Algae Warranty Term | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles or Ridge Cap Shingles | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles or Ridge Cap Shingles | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles or Ridge Cap Shingles | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles or Ridge Cap Shingles |
| Wind Warranty Term | 15 Years | 15 Years | 15 Years | 15 Years |
| Maximum Wind Speed Coverage | 130 mph with Special Installation**** | WINDPROVEN Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation! **** | WINDPROVEN Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation! **** | WINDPROVEN Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation! **** |
| Tear-Off | Not covered | Covered (when necessary) | Covered (when necessary) | Covered (when necessary) |
| Disposal | Not covered | Not covered | Covered (when necessary) | Covered (when necessary) |
| Workmanship | Not covered | Not covered | 10 Years | 25 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Warranty Should I Choose?
All GAF roofing shingles and qualifying accessories (the “GAF Products”) come with the great coverage provided by the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, and you don’t need to do anything at all to get it. In the event you experience a problem with your GAF Products caused by a manufacturing defect, this warranty is a great start. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
Does My Warranty Need To Be Registered?
Neither the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty nor the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty require registration. Simply hold on to your proof of purchase (such as your contract with your installer, or invoice from roofing supply store or retail store where you purchased the GAF Products), which will need to be provided to GAF in the unlikely event you experience a problem with your GAF Products during the warranty term and need to file a claim. Enhanced warranties (such as the System Plus Limited Warranty, Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranty) do require registration, but your GAF Certified Contractor will take care of that. If you purchase an enhanced warranty from a GAF Certified Contractor and do not receive a copy of your warranty and registration within 60 days after the installation is complete, call GAF at 1-877-423-7663.
What do you mean by “Lifetime Limited Warranty”?
The word “Lifetime” refers to the length of coverage provided by your GAF warranty and means as long as you, the original owner(s) [or the second owner(s) if coverage was properly transferred during the Smart Choice Protection Period], own the property where the shingles and/or accessories are installed. The Lifetime limited warranty is applicable only to shingles and accessories installed on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals. For any other type of owner or building, such as a corporation, governmental entity, religious entity, condominium or homeowner association, school, apartment building, office building, or multi-use structure, the length of the warranty is 40 years.
What do you mean by “Smart Choice Protection Period”?
The Smart Choice Protection Period refers to the crucial period of time following installation of the GAF Products during which the coverage provided for in your GAF warranty is non-prorated. After the Smart Choice Protection Period, the remedy provided for in your GAF Warranty may be different than that provided for during the Smart Choice Protection Period, and any remedy will be reduced to reflect the use you have received from your GAF Products. The amount of use will be calculated by dividing the number of months which have elapsed since installation to the date of claim by the number of months in the warranty term. For a Lifetime limited warranty, the number of months in the warranty term is deemed to be 600 for years 11-40 of the warranty term. For years 41 and beyond of a Lifetime warranty, GAF’s contribution is 20%. For example, if you make a claim for Lifetime shingles after they have been installed for 25 years (or 300 months), your settlement will be reduced by 300/600, or 50%.
What coverage is available for defects in the GAF Products?
In the event that GAF approves your warranty claim for a manufacturing defect during the Smart Choice Protection Period, GAF will provide you with replacement GAF Products and will pay you the full reasonable cost of labor to install the replacement GAF Products. After the Smart Choice Protection Period, labor is no longer covered and the amount of replacement GAF Products will be reduced to reflect the use you have received from your GAF Products from the date of installation to the date of claim.
What coverage is available for workmanship?
The Golden Pledge Limited Warranty and Silver Pledge Limited Warranty both offer coverage for misapplication of your GAF Products and flashings at valleys, dormers, chimneys, and plumbing vents (“Covered Flashings”). This coverage is also commonly referred to as “workmanship” coverage, and these warranties are only available through GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractors. For a list of GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractors in your area, please visit our contractor locator.
In the event that GAF determines there is an application error which falls within the scope of the coverage provided for in the Golden Pledge or Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, GAF will arrange to have your roof repaired or, at its sole option, will provide you with replacement GAF Products and reimburse you for the full reasonable cost of labor and other materials to repair your roof, including Covered Flashings. See Golden Pledge Limited Warranty and Silver Pledge Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What coverage is available for algae?
Algae warranty coverage is available in all GAF warranties covering shingles and accessories. All StainGuard Plus™-labeled shingles, ridge cap shingles and StarterMatch® starter strip shingles carry a 25-year limited warranty and 10-year non-prorated period against algae discoloration caused by blue-green algae. All StainGuard®-labeled shingles carry a 10-year limited warranty and 1-year non-prorated period. There is no coverage for algae discoloration for any other GAF Accessory Products. Your StainGuard Plus™-labeled shingles, ridge cap shingles and starter strips may be eligible for a 15-year non-prorated period if you purchase an enhanced warranty through a GAF certified-contractor. The remedy provided in the event of a claim is the reasonable cost of commercially cleaning your shingles, ridge cap shingles, or StarterMatch® starter strip shingles, or at GAF’s sole option, replacing the discolored shingles, ridge cap shingles, or StarterMatch® starter strip shingles. See applicable warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What coverage is available for wind damage?
Wind Warranty coverage is available in all GAF warranties covering shingles and accessories. Wind Warranty coverage on GAF shingles and ridge cap shingles lasts for 15 years. There is no wind warranty coverage for any other GAF Accessory Products. Maximum wind speed coverage depends on the type of shingles or ridge cap shingles installed on your roof, as well as the installation method. The remedy provided in the event of a claim is reimbursement for the reasonable costs of replacing blown-off shingles or damaged shingles or ridge cap shingles and hand-sealing any unsealed shingles or ridge cap shingles. See applicable warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What is NOT covered by my GAF Warranty?
Any conditions resulting from anything other than an inherent manufacturing defect in the GAF Products (or their Misapplication if you have a Golden Pledge or Silver Pledge Limited Warranty) are NOT covered. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to install adequate ventilation. Please be sure to discuss ventilation with your roofing contractor prior to the installation of your new roof.
How do I transfer my GAF Warranty?
The easiest way to transfer your GAF Warranty is by sending an email to [email protected] clearly stating your name, your address, and the date you purchased the property. GAF might request a copy of your deed or other documentary proof of the date the property changed hands. If you have questions, or prefer not to send this information via email, you can call GAF at 1-877-423-7663.
How can I file a warranty claim?
The easiest way to open a claim is online at gaf.com/contact. You may also call GAF at 1-800-458-1860, email [email protected], or send a notice in writing to: GAF, Warranty Claims Department, 1 Campus Drive, Parsippany, NJ 07054.