Most home and business owners expect their roofing to last once it has been installed. You believe that, because of the investment, you’re protected from damages stemming from defects or improper installation. However, if you don’t have an adequate warranty, you won’t be as safe as you think.
For those who have GAF shingles, you are fortunate to have a large selection of warranties to choose from, so you have peace of mind. That said, if you don’t know what is included in each one, you might choose a less than ideal option.
That’s why we’re discussing GAF shingle roof warranties today. Let’s get started.
Do I Need a Roof Warranty?
Since most roofing projects are considered an investment of time and money, you want to make sure that your investment is protected. Sometimes, it is not just weather that will affect your new roof but manufacturing and installation problems too. These problems can go undetected for a long time, meaning that more damage could result from a single error in the roofing system.
Those repairs could be just as expensive, or even sometimes pricier, than the original roofing project. Therefore, you need a roof warranty to cover those potential costs.
Levels of Protection
There are three levels of warranty protection granted by contractors and manufacturers:
- Material-Only Warranties: Covers defective roofing materials or those that fail prematurely.
- Labor-Only Warranties: Covers damages resulting from errors in installation.
- System Warranties: Covers both manufacturer defects and installation issues.
It is recommended that you get the most comprehensive level of protection available—a system warranty. Luckily, GAF offers several warranty options for you to choose from.
About GAF Shingles Warranties
GAF, a North American manufacturer of roofing and home improvement supplies, has several warranty levels that a homeowner can select upon having a shingle roofing system installed. The first warranty, the GAF Shingle & Accessory Warranty is often included without any additional cost. Sometimes, homeowners deem that included warranty adequate.
GAF shingles are reliable and have been tested and retested before installation. The chances of GAF shingles failing are slim, but that doesn’t mean accidents can’t happen.
Comparison of GAF Limited Warranties
Note that most these warranties are only available on the following types of GAF shingles: Timberline HD shingles, Timberline HDZ and HDZ RS, and HDZ RS+ shingles, Timberline NS shingles, Timberline AH shingles, Timberline CS shingles, and Timberline AS II shingles. The Timberline Ultra line is excluded.
The length of warranties changes for other GAF shingles, like the Marquis Weathermax and Royal Sovereign series.
GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty
First off, there are no eligibility requirements for the Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty and is guaranteed to last for as long as you own the building. For StainGuard and Ridge Cap shingles, there is a 10 year algae warranty, a 15 year wind warranty, and a 130 mph wind speed coverage for special installations. Tear-off, disposal, and workmanship are not covered. An important note is that labor cost for any repairs or replacements is included for a 10 year period.
GAF’s 3-Tab shingles only get 3-5 years of coverage under this warranty.
GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty
This is included with the installation of GAF shingles and at least three qualifying accessory products. The warranty is more or less the same as the Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, but the maximum wind speed coverage is now extended. There is no maximum limitation, but you must have installed LayerLock shingles and either have starter strips, ridge caps, or another accessory. Tear-off, disposal, and workmanship isn’t covered.
GAF System Plus Ltd. Warranty
The System Plus Limited Warranty is available through GAF Certified or Master Elite Roofing Contractors. You must also have installed GAF shingles and at least three accessory products, such as LayerLock shingles, starter strips for eaves and rakes, roof deck protection, or a leak barrier. Tear-off is covered, but disposal and workmanship are not.
3-Tab shingles, on the other hand, have labor costs covered for 25-30 years and 20 year coverage on material defects.
GAF Silver Pledge Ltd. Warranty
In order to get the Silver Pledge, you must have hired a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor. The Silver Pledge covers a wider range of GAF shingles and has a 100 percent coverage for the whole roofing system, as well as lifetime coverage for 50 years for labor costs. Workmanship is covered 100 percent. Other things that are covered is misapplication of accessories, such as flashing; defects and tear-offs are too. You can also transfer this warranty.
GAF Golden Pledge Limited Warranty
Only GAF Master Elite Contractors are allowed to offer the Golden Pledge Warranty. The Golden Pledge is the highest level of protection you can purchase. 100 percent of material defects are covered for 50 years, or 20 years for 3-Tab shingles. Installation labor costs are 100 percent covered for a lifetime; 3-Tab systems are covered for 25-30 years.
Additionally, the Golden Pledge covers accessory misapplication, tear-off, disposal, wind damage, and defects. Workmanship is covered completely for 25 years.
Choosing The Right Warranty For You
Consider the warranty packages carefully. There are a couple of components that will determine which roof warranty is right for your situation. Does the price suit the level of protection and your budget? How long do you plan on staying where you are? Are there limitations to the warranty that you are concerned about? Is the warranty transferable? Is the contractor trustworthy?
The answers to those questions will guide you to the right choice. For instance, if you know your region is prone to high winds, you might want to get a higher level of protection that offers more wind speed and tear-off coverage.
Takeaway
GAF shingles do not come with one option for coverage but many. Depending on certain factors, many homeowners will choose to increase the protection offered by warranties. Since your roof is a major investment, be sure to consider the warranties. If you want the best available, be sure to hire a GAF Master Elite Contractor, because they are the only ones who can grant the best workmanship and the Golden Pledge.
Interested in GAF shingles for your home? We can answer all of your questions. Send us a message by filling out the contact form. We’ll get back to you soon!
And if you’re still curious, check out our other informative blogs.
