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What Is a GAF Golden Pledge Warranty?

March , 2024 | 8 min. read

By Nicole Corson

roofer installing GAF storm guard over a plywood deck roof

Are you gearing up for a roof replacement and want to ensure you get the best value and protection for your investment? The process involves making a myriad of decisions, ranging from choosing the right brand, style, color, to finding a reliable contractor for a high-quality installation. Among these crucial decisions, selecting the appropriate warranty stands out as one you definitely don't want to go wrong.

At RoofCrafters, we understand the weight of this decision. As a GAF factory-certified contractor since 2009 and a Master Elite contractor since 2012, we've been trusted with installing GAF shingles for over three decades. Through countless projects, we've offered homeowners the esteemed GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, and now we're here to guide you through understanding its nuances.

In this article, we'll delve into the key aspects of the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, covering the eligibility criteria and the comprehensive coverage it provides. 

Let's dive in and explore it together! 

Eligibility Criteria for the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty

 

For top-notch protection of both you and your home, the Golden Pledge Warranty stands out as an industry-leading warranty system. However, to become eligible for this exceptional coverage, it's imperative to adhere to GAF's guidelines. Meeting the criteria for the Golden Pledge Warranty boils down to two essential factors:

  1. Hiring a GAF Master Elite Contractor.
  2. Installing GAF Shingles along with a minimum of five GAF accessory products.

By fulfilling these prerequisites, you lock in not only eligibility but also unlock the superior protective benefits that come with the Golden Pledge Warranty. It's a commitment to excellence that ensures your roofing investment is backed by the industry's best warranty.

Hiring a GAF Master Elite Contractor

 

Contractors who can provide the industry-leading Golden Pledge Warranty are GAF Master Elite. Less than 2% of all roofing contractors nationwide have achieved Master Elite status! This warranty places extreme liability on GAF as the owner who guarantees the warranty. Because of this, GAF holds a high standard to become a Master Elite Contractor.

roofer installing GAF felt buster synthetic underlayment

To qualify, contractors must have a strong reputation within their communities, consistently delivering excellent work and maintaining a track record of timely bill payments. No new contractors are considered. The next step involves a three-year commitment to GAF's lower-tiered program, during which contractors must demonstrate proficiency in installing leak-free roofs and ensuring homeowner satisfaction. After successfully navigating this initial phase as a GAF Certified Contractor, they become eligible for the next level.

Upon eligibility, contractors are then required to undergo additional GAF factory training to achieve Master Elite Contractor status. This advanced training further refines their skills and expertise, solidifying their position as top-tier professionals in the roofing industry.

2 roofers installing Timberline Ultra High Definition shingles over the blue deck Armour synthetic underlayment

Why does it take years to become Master Elite?

The installation is a critical part of any roof system. Installation errors result in over 80% of roof leaks. GAF truly understands this and provides you a 25-year workmanship warranty. That's a roof that's guaranteed not to leak for 25 years! So, GAF must have contractors who will install the roof system their way- not the way tank top Tommy or Chuck in a truck installs them. Make sense? 

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Warranty Coverage: Installing GAF Shingles with 5 Essential Accessories

 

To be eligible for the Golden Pledge Warranty, your Master Elite Contractor must install a GAF shingle along with 5 qualifying GAF products. Below is a list of shingles and accessories that qualify:

GAF shingles that qualify:

  • Royal Sovereign 3-tab shingle

  • Timberline HDZ architectural shingle

  • Timberline UHDZ architectural shingle

  • Camelot II designer shingle

  • Slateline designer shingle

  • Woodlawn designer shingle

  • Timberline Solar shingle

One of GAF shingles combined with one product from each of the following 5 accessory categories below.

5 GAF accessories are required:

  1. Leak Barrier - see all GAF-qualifying leak barriers

  2. Roof Deck Protection - see all GAF-qualifying deck protection products

  3. Starter Strip Shingles - see all GAF qualifying starter strips

  4. Cobra Attic ventilation - see all GAF-qualifying ventilation products

  5. Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles - see all GAF-qualifying hip & ridge shingles

Steps to registering a new Golden Pledge Warranty:

 

Have a GAF Master Elite Contractor install a GAF shingle with one of each of the 5 accessories. Then your contractor will go online to register your info, and the shingles and accessories installed. This will complete the warranty registration. GAF will email you the warranty after!

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Comprehensive Coverage: Unpacking the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty Details

 

What is included in the Golden Pledge Warranty and the coverage period is what provides you peace of mind. The Golden Pledge Warranty breaks down into 2 parts- the materials are one and the workmanship is the other.

Here’s what's covered under the material warranty:

Material Warranty Term: Lifetime warranty for shingles and accessories except for the 3-tab shingles. The 3-tab shingle comes with a 25-year material warranty. 50 years is non-prorated and after 50 years it will be pro-rated. The warranty can be transferred to a new owner one time during the 50 years. This is the roofing industry's top material warranty. (Guarantees you all the products will last)

Algae Warranty Term: 10 years on products StainGuard-labeled. 25 years on products labeled StainGuard Plus. (Guarantees you no algae or black streaks)

GAF roof diagram of roofing components

Wind Warranty Term: 15 years of warranty that guarantees the shingles and accessories will not blow off during a wind storm. 

  • Royal Sovereign 3-tab shingles - 60 MPH wind speed warranty for 15 years
  • Timberline HDZ shingles - unlimited wind speed warranty for 15 years
  • Designer shingles - 130 MPH wind speed warranty for 15 years
  • Timberline Solar shingles - unlimited wind speed warranty for 15 years

Tear-off & Disposal: If the products fail and need to be replaced, the costs for the tear-off and disposal are included. 

chart showing how much a GAF golden pledge warranty is worth

Here’s what's covered under the workmanship warranty:

Workmanship Term: 25 years of workmanship coverage is included. This guarantees you that your new GAF roof system is installed correctly and if it leaks GAF will pay to fix the leak. 

As you can see, the Golden Pledge warranty offers the highest level of protection. Don’t just take our word, go out and look at the other brands. Read the fine print and you’ll see that the other brand warranties don’t offer this level of protection.

Since installation errors are the top reasons why roofs fail or leak, you can rest assured that your new GAF roof system will last a lifetime.

Is the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty Right for You?

The GAF Golden Pledge Warranty is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking top-notch protection. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time and value peace of mind, this warranty is a perfect fit for you.

Wondering if the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty suits your needs? Get a quote for your upcoming roof replacement from RoofCrafters, a trusted GAF Master Elite Contractor with three decades of experience providing lifetime shingle warranties to homeowners in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Let our team assist you in securing the best coverage for your roof.

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Nicole Corson

At RoofCrafters, our mission is to provide job opportunities for others to thrive and grow while making a meaningful impact within our communities.