Warranties – Why they are Important?

A new roof is a big investment, typically involving thousands of your hard-earned dollars and lasting 25 - 40 years or more. With any big investment, knowing in advance what your warranty covers could save you thousands in the event that problems arise with your roof.

Are There Chances Of Having A Problem With My New GAF-Elk Roof?

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing process reduces the odds of having a problem with a new GAF-Elk roof to about 1 in 1000! On the other hand, while serious problems with GAF-Elk roofing materials are rare, if you were to have a problem, it can be as expensive to fix as your roof originally cost. So while the risk of having a problem is low, the cost if you do have a serious problem can be high.

What If There Are Problems With Installation?

GAF-Elk’s studies indicate that more than two-thirds of problems that home owners experience with their new roofs are due to the contractor’s workmanship—not the roofing materials themselves. Keep this in mind when deciding on warranty coverage.

Key Things To Look For In A Roofing Warranty?

Essentially, there are two types of coverage that you should talk to your roofing contractor about: warranty coverage against material defects and warranty coverage against workmanship errors.

What About Coverage Against Material Defects...

You would be hard pressed to find a roofing product that does not come with a warranty against material defects, however your coverage will vary depending on the brand. A typical industry shingle warranty will cover material defects for a period of 20 - 40 years or more. The warranty on the other components of your roofing system (i.e. workmanship) can vary from as little as a few months to several years. Remember that coverage against material defects is provided by the manufacturer, so select a brand from a manufacturer who is financially strong and therefore more likely to be in business for as long as you own your roof—which could be several decades!

What Is GAF-Elk’s “Smart Choice® Protection Period”?

The GAF-Elk warranties come with a special provision called the “Smart Choice® Protection Period” that will cover you against material defects during the critical early years of your new roofing system. During this period, in the event that you experience a material defect on warranted components, GAF-Elk will provide you with 100% replacement materials and the reasonable cost of labor to install them. Some roofing warranties may only provide replacement materials, but not the labor to install them while this coverage will cover both.

What Is The GAF-Elk Weather Stopper® System Plus Ltd. Warranty?

The GAF-Elk Weather Stopper® System Plus Ltd. Warranty provides coverage against material defects for all major GAF-Elk components on your roofing system (not just your shingles)—giving you the peace of mind in knowing that, if any covered roofing component fails, it will be covered by the warranty (see ltd. warranty for complete coverage and restrictions). This warranty is available through GAF-Elk certified contractors, and is a low-cost way to get up to 50 years of non-prorated coverage (against material defects) on your new roof.

Can I Get Coverage Against Workmanship Errors?

Many roofing contractors will provide their own type warranty against errors in their workmanship. Sometimes these warranties can last for as long as ten years or more. Be aware that the coverage is only good for as long as the contractor remains in business. Since the roofing occupation experiences “high turnover”, the majority of roofing contractors are out of business within five years—making the your workmanship warranty worthless and leaving you with nowhere to turn in the event that you have a workmanship problem.

Will Any Manufacturers Cover The Contractor’s Workmanship?

Recognizing this obvious need, GAF-Elk introduced the Golden Pledge® Ltd. Warranty—the first manufacturer’s warranty to cover both material defects and the installation contractor’s workmanship (see ltd. warranty for complete coverage and restrictions). Whether your contractor remains in business or not, GAF-Elk will stand behind their workmanship up to 20 years! The Golden Pledge® Ltd. Warranty is available only through GAF-Elk Master Elite™ Contractors, who are factory-certified by GAF-Elk. The warranty also includes a professional inspection by GAF-Elk’s independent inspectors after your new roofing system has been completed to insure proper installation. It is the strongest, safest warranty available today. Your Master Elite Contractor can provide a price for the warranty when he gives you a quote for your new roofing system.

How Do I File A Claim For A Material Defect On My GAF-Elk Shingles?

Before you contact us, if possible you should locate a copy of your GAF-Elk warranty along with a copy of the contractor’s invoice, contract, or original estimate. You will need the date of installation, proof that you were the owner when the shingles were installed (or proof that the warranty was properly transferred to you), and the number of squares applied (1 square = 100 square feet), this can typically be found on your invoice or bid. Then call our Warranty Service Department toll-free at 1-800-458-1860, and let us know the nature of your complaint.