What does “GAF Certified” mean, and what does the GAF System Plus warranty cover?

Alpha Eagle Roofing (CSLB #1148511) is listed in GAF’s contractor directory as a GAF Certified™ contractor, contractor ID 1162965. This answer explains what that designation lets a roofer offer, what GAF’s System Plus warranty does and does not cover, and how to check any roofer’s claim yourself. Everything about GAF’s warranties below comes from GAF’s residential warranty comparison guide; the full warranty documents are on GAF’s site.

Which GAF warranty can each type of contractor offer?

Every GAF shingle roof comes with GAF’s standard Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, whoever installs it. The enhanced warranties are only available through GAF-certified contractors, and the contractor’s tier decides which ones:

Alpha Eagle is GAF Certified, so the enhanced GAF warranty we can offer is System Plus. We do not offer Silver Pledge or Golden Pledge, and a roofer who promises a Golden Pledge should be listed as Master Elite in GAF’s directory.

What does the System Plus warranty cover?

• A complete GAF system. It builds on the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, which GAF defines as GAF Lifetime Shingles plus at least three qualifying GAF accessories, and which adds lifetime coverage on those qualifying accessories.
• 50 years of non-prorated coverage. GAF extends the Smart Choice Protection Period from 10 years to 50 years. During that period, coverage for a qualifying manufacturing-defect claim is not reduced for the age of the roof.
• Tear-off and disposal when necessary. GAF says System Plus includes tear-off and disposal when they are needed for a covered repair.
• Registration. Enhanced warranties must be registered, and GAF says the certified contractor takes care of that. If you buy one and do not receive your warranty and registration within 60 days of completion, GAF asks you to call 1-877-423-7663.

What does System Plus not cover?

• Installation workmanship. GAF’s coverage for misapplication of its products and for covered flashings, which it calls “workmanship” coverage, is part of Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge only. System Plus does not include it.
• Anything that is not a manufacturing defect. GAF lists failure to install adequate ventilation as an example of what is not covered, and tells homeowners to discuss ventilation with their roofer before the roof goes on. See why attic ventilation matters.

Installation on our roofs is covered by our own written workmanship warranty, with its terms written into your contract. See our warranty page for how the two warranties fit together.

What does “non-prorated” mean once the 50 years end?

After the Smart Choice Protection Period, GAF reduces any remedy to reflect the use you have already had from the products, based on the months elapsed since installation. GAF’s guide gives the exact formula, including how a Lifetime warranty is treated after year 40.

How do I check that a roofer is really GAF Certified?

1. Find the company in GAF’s online contractor directory and read its distinctions. Our profile shows GAF Certified, contractor ID 1162965.
2. Match the state license number on the GAF profile to the estimate, then look it up on the CSLB license check. Ours is #1148511, classification C-39 Roofing.
3. Ask for the warranty by name in the written estimate (for example, “GAF System Plus Limited Warranty”) and confirm the shingles and accessories listed qualify.
4. After the job, expect the registered warranty document. If it does not arrive within 60 days, call GAF.

Is System Plus worth asking for on a San Francisco roof?

On a full shingle replacement it is worth asking about, because the longer non-prorated period and tear-off coverage protect you against a defect that shows up years later. It does not replace a contractor’s workmanship warranty, and it only applies to GAF shingle systems. Many San Francisco houses have flat or low-slope roofs that take a membrane instead of shingles, so System Plus does not apply to those sections. We list which warranty applies to each part of your roof in the written estimate.

Request a free inspection and written estimate or call (415) 410-7917 (Mon–Sat 7am–7pm, 24/7 emergency line). Related: roof replacement, roofing in San Francisco.

Sources: GAF residential warranty comparison guide; GAF contractor directory: Alpha Eagle Roofing; CSLB license check.

More questions

Can Alpha Eagle Roofing offer a GAF Golden Pledge warranty?

No. GAF limits Golden Pledge to Master Elite contractors. Alpha Eagle is GAF Certified, which lets us offer the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty.

Does GAF System Plus cover a roofer’s installation mistakes?

No. GAF puts misapplication (workmanship) coverage in its Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge warranties. Installation is covered by the contractor’s own written workmanship warranty.