What Are The Different Types Of GAF Roof Warranties?

As GAF Master Elite® roofers in Pennsylvania, it's important that homeowners know about the GAF roof warranties that protect their investment. In this guide, we’ll get into detail about the different types of GAf warranties available to homeowners. 

To discuss your project with our professionals, call us today at (412) 353-5660.

#1 GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty

When you invest in a new roof, you want to be sure your investment is protected. That's why GAF provides basic warranty coverage for its shingles and accessories.

This standard warranty is your defense against manufacturing defects that may affect your roof's overall performance. It's automatically included when you purchase GAF shingles, which is a great starting point for protecting your roof.

The warranty provides lifetime limited coverage for certain GAF shingles including Timberline HDZ® and Timberline® AS II shingles. This means the materials are covered for as long as you own your home.

Also, there's a 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period included in this warranty. During this initial decade, you get non-prorated coverage, which means GAF covers 100% of material defects without any reduction based on the age of your roof. This is helpful because most roofing issues occur within the first few years after installation.

Although this is GAF's most basic warranty, it still provides solid protection for your new roof. You must register your warranty within the specified timeframe to ensure your coverage is properly documented and accessible when needed.

#2 GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty

Building on the foundation of the standard warranty, the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty takes your protection a step further. This warranty covers your entire GAF roofing system rather than just individual components.

To qualify for the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, you need to install GAF shingles along with at least three qualifying GAF accessories. The combination of these components creates a complete roofing system that works together to protect your home.

Just like the standard warranty, this option provides lifetime limited coverage for your shingles and accessories, which ensures protection for your roof's total lifespan. 

The 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period is also included, giving you full non-prorated coverage during that important initial period.

What makes this warranty better than the standard warranty is the comprehensive system coverage. Rather than addressing individual components separately, GAF recognizes that your roof functions as an integrated system. This approach provides more thorough protection against manufacturing defects that may affect your roof's performance.

Many homeowners prefer this warranty because it provides more complete coverage without a significant increase in cost. It's a balanced option that provides solid protection for most residential properties.

#3 System Plus Limited Warranty

The System Plus Limited Warranty extends your protection period and provides more comprehensive coverage overall.

With this warranty, you get an extended 50-year non-prorated period for material defects in GAF shingles and qualifying accessories. 

This is a major improvement over the standard 10-year non-prorated period found in the basic warranties. For half a century, you don't have to worry about prorated reductions in your coverage!

To qualify for this warranty, your installation must be performed by a GAF Certified™ or Master Elite contractor (like McClellands Contracting and Roofing, LLC) using GAF shingles and at least three qualifying GAF accessories. 

The System Plus Limited Warranty also provides coverage against manufacturing defects for the entire roofing system, not just individual components. This comprehensive approach helps protect your investment more thoroughly than basic warranty options.

#4 Silver Pledge Limited Warranty

The Silver Pledge™ Limited Warranty takes your protection to an even higher level by adding workmanship coverage to the material warranty. This premium option is available exclusively through GAF Master Elite contractors, which represent only 2% of roofing contractors in the country.

With this warranty, you get all the benefits of the System Plus Limited Warranty, including the 50-year non-prorated period for material defects. 

But what really sets the Silver Pledge warranty apart is the addition of up to 10 years of workmanship coverage. This means that GAF stands behind not just their materials but also the installation work.

Another benefit is coverage for tear-off and disposal costs when necessary. If your roof needs to be replaced because of a covered defect, GAF will help cover the costs of removing and disposing of the old materials, which can add up quickly.

To qualify for the Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, you need to install GAF shingles and at least four qualifying GAF accessories. 

#5 Golden Pledge Limited Warranty

The Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty provides an impressive 25 years of workmanship coverage (which is more than double what's offered with the Silver Pledge). This extended workmanship protection means your roof installation is covered for up to a quarter-century.

Like the Silver Pledge, the Golden Pledge warrant includes a 50-year non-prorated period for material defects in GAF shingles and qualifying accessories. It also covers tear-off and disposal costs when necessary, helping to reduce your financial burden if a replacement becomes necessary.

Again, you need to follow a similar procedure to be eligible to claim this warranty. Work with a GAF Master Elite contractor and install GAF shingles along with at least five qualifying GAF accessories. 

The Golden Pledge Limited Warranty also includes a mandatory pre-installation inspection by GAF, providing an additional quality control measure. After installation, GAF also conducts a final inspection to verify that the roof was installed correctly according to their strict standards.

How To File A Warranty Claim With GAF 

Beyond understanding your warrant options, it’s also important to know how to file a claim if needed. Here, we will quickly discuss how to file a warranty claim with GAF.

Start by documenting the problem thoroughly. Take clear photos of the damage or defect, and note when you first noticed the issue. This documentation will be useful during the claims process.

Then, locate your warranty documentation. Having your warranty registration information available will make the process much more efficient. If you can't find your warranty documents, contact GAF to look up your information.

Contact your original roofing contractor, especially if you have workmanship coverage through a Silver Pledge or Golden Pledge warranty. They can help assess the situation and may even handle much of the warranty claim process for you.

If you can't reach your original contractor or prefer to work directly with GAF, you can contact GAF's warranty department at 1-800-458-1860. A representative will guide you through the claims process and explain what information you need to provide.

Be prepared for an inspection. GAF may send a representative to examine your roof and verify the issue before approving your claim. 

After filing your claim, follow up regularly on its status. Most claims are processed within a reasonable timeframe, but staying in touch is important so that nothing falls through the cracks.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Remember that GAF warranties generally cover manufacturing defects but not damage from external factors like severe weather, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. 

How to Transfer a GAF Roof Warranty

One benefit of GAF warranties is their transferability, which also adds to your property's overall resale value. If you're selling your property or have recently purchased a home with a GAF roof, here's how to transfer the warranty:

👉 For most GAF warranties, the transfer must occur within one year after the real estate transfer. This timeframe is strict, so it's important to handle this promptly during the closing process.

👉 The transfer process generally requires completing a warranty transfer form, which you can obtain from GAF's website or by contacting their warranty department. Some warranties may require a transfer fee, which is usually modest compared to the value of the continued coverage.

👉 For enhanced warranties like the Silver Pledge or Golden Pledge, you'll need to provide documentation of the real estate transfer along with your completed transfer form. A copy of the deed or other closing documents is usually sufficient.

👉 After submitting the required paperwork and any applicable fee, GAF will process the transfer and send confirmation to the new warranty holder. This process usually takes a few weeks, so it's good to follow up if you haven't received confirmation after about a month.

👉 It's worth noting that some aspects of GAF warranties may change upon transfer. For instance, the coverage period might be reduced or certain benefits might be modified. The specific terms depend on which warranty you have and when it was originally registered.

👉 If you're purchasing a home with a GAF roof, ask the seller about the warranty status and request all documentation. Having this information before closing gives you time to understand your coverage and prepare for the transfer process.

How to Choose the Right GAF Roofing Warranty For Your Property

Choosing the most appropriate GAF warranty for your home depends on a few key factors. 

👉 Consider your long-term plans for the property. If you intend to stay in your home for decades, investing in a more comprehensive warranty like the Golden Pledge or Silver Pledge makes sense because you'll benefit from the extended coverage.

👉 Your budget is another important consideration. While premium warranties provide superior protection, they also come with higher initial costs because of the requirement for certified contractors and additional GAF components. 

👉 The climate in your area should also influence your warranty choice. If you live in Pittsburgh or other areas with harsh weather conditions, you might benefit from enhanced coverage that specifically addresses weather-related concerns like the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty.

👉 The value of your home is another factor to consider. For high-value properties, the additional investment in premium warranty coverage represents a smaller percentage of the overall home value, making it a more logical choice. Conversely, for more modest homes, a mid-range warranty option might provide sufficient protection without overinvesting.

👉 Finally, consider your tolerance for risk. If you prefer maximum peace of mind and want to minimize potential future expenses, the more comprehensive warranties will align better with your preferences despite their higher initial cost.

Also Read: Top GAF Shingle Colors For Every Home Style!

Get Professional Roofing Services In Pennsylvania

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, we are your GAF Master Elite contractors based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

When you choose us for your roofing needs, you gain access to the full range of GAF warranty options, from standard coverage to the prestigious Golden Pledge Limited Warranty. As a certified contractor, we have the training and experience to ensure your roof is installed according to GAF's strict standards.

Our professionals take the time to understand your specific needs and budget constraints, helping you select the perfect warranty option for your situation. We believe in transparency throughout the process, explaining all warranty details so you can make an informed decision.

Call us today at (412) 353-5660 to schedule a consultation with our professionals.