Roofing Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about GAF asphalt roofing

Why does Contract Exteriors choose to install GAF Asphalt Roofing?

GAF leads the industry in roofing material. Founded in 1886, GAF has become North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing. Also, GAF is the winner of the Innovation Award for Asphalt Roofing Shingles in both Home Builder Executive and Home Improvement Executive in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

Why are warranties important?

Warranties are especially important with such a large investment as your roof. A roof costs thousands of dollars, but should last 25, 30, or 40 years, or more. As with any big investment, knowing in advance what your warranty covers could save you thousands in the event that problems arise with your roof.

What should I look for in a Roofing Warranty?

There are two basic types of coverage that you should ask your contractor about: coverage against manufacturing defects in the materials and coverage against workmanship errors. **Contract Exteriors offers a 25-year unheard-of Labor Warranty – backed by GAF.

How about coverage against manufacturing defects?

To our best knowledge, all manufacturers provide a warranty against manufacturing defects for their roofing products, although exact coverage will vary depending on the brand. For example, most architectural shingles carry a Lifetime* limited warranty against manufacturing defects, while most 3-tab shingles carry a 20, 25, or 30 year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Unique terms and conditions apply to each warranty, so it’s important to read each warranty carefully. Also, it’s important to keep in mind – if you are not the original owner of the shingles on your roof, you may not have coverage under the manufacturer’s warranty. Most manufacturers, including GAF, limit coverage to the original owner and the first subsequent owner provided the new owner notifies the manufacturer of the change in ownership as set out in the limited warranty.

The warranty on the other components that make up your roofing system can vary from as little as a few months to Lifetime. While the shingle you choose may have a warranty that lasts for 30 years or even Lifetime, some (or all) of the other components that make up your roof may not — so if they cause a problem with your roof, you may not have the coverage you need. That’s why GAF offers three different warranties.

What is GAF’s “Smart Choice® Protection Period”?

GAF’s warranties come with a special provision called the Smart Choice® Protection Period that provides extra coverage against manufacturing defects during the critical early years of your new roof. During this period, in the event that you experience a manufacturing defect on covered components, GAF will provide you with 100% replacement materials and the reasonable cost of labor to install them. This is important because some roofing warranties may only provide replacement materials, but not the labor to install them.

What is the GAF Weather Stopper® System Plus Ltd. Warranty?

The GAF Weather Stopper® System Plus Ltd. Warranty provides coverage against manufacturing defects for all major GAF components on your roof, not just your shingles. (See ltd. warranty for complete coverage and restrictions). The warranty is available through GAF’s factory-certified contractors, such as Contract Exteriors, and is a low-cost way to get up to 50 years of non-prorated coverage (against manufacturing defects) on your new roofing system.

Are there any manufacturers who will cover the Contractor’s workmanship?

GAF’s Golden Pledge® Ltd. Warranty, the first manufacturer’s warranty to cover both manufacturing defects and the contractor’s workmanship, covers you for 25 years regardless of whether or not your contractor remains in business. The Golden Pledge® Ltd. Warranty is available only through GAF Master Elite™ Contractors, such as Contract Exteriors, who are factory-certified by GAF. This warranty even includes an inspection by GAF’s factory-trained inspectors after your new roof has been completed to ensure proper installation.** It is the strongest, safest warranty available in roofing today. Your Master Elite™ Contractor can provide a price for the warranty when he gives you a quote for your new roof.

Does Contract Exteriors offer a Labor Warranty?

Yes. A full 10 years.

How do I file a claim if I have a manufacturing defect on my GAF Shingles?

You will need to locate a copy of your GAF warranty, and a copy of the contractor’s invoice, contract, or original estimate. Also, please provide the date applied, proof that you were the owner when the shingles were installed (or that the warranty was properly transferred to you), and the number of squares applied (1 square = 100 square feet). Then call our Warranty Service Department toll-free at 1-800-458-1860, and let us know the nature of your complaint.

* The word “Lifetime” means as long as the original individual owner of a single family detached residence (or the second owner in certain circumstances) owns the property where the shingles and accessories are installed. For owners/structures not meeting above criteria, Lifetime coverage is not applicable.

** Inspection is limited to the GAF covered components on your roof, and excludes incidental components such as gutters, skylights, etc.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.