Every GAF shingle comes with a basic warranty against manufacturing defects. The stronger warranties add coverage for labor, tear-off and installation mistakes, and those are only available when the roof is installed by a GAF-certified contractor using a full GAF system. The top tier, Golden Pledge, can only be offered by GAF Master Elite contractors. SB Roofing is a GAF Master Elite contractor.
GAF Warranty Tiers at a Glance
Warranty |
Who can offer it
|
What it adds
|
|---|---|---|
Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty |
Any installer |
Coverage against manufacturing defects in GAF shingles and accessories
|
GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty |
Any installer, with GAF Lifetime shingles and at least three qualifying GAF accessories |
Lifetime defect coverage, including installation labor and replacement products for the first 10 years
|
System Plus Limited Warranty |
GAF Certified, Certified Plus or Master Elite contractors |
Extends that coverage to 50 years, including tear-off and installation labor for covered defects
|
Silver Pledge Limited Warranty |
GAF Certified Plus or Master Elite contractors
|
Extends that coverage to 50 years, including tear-off and installation labor for covered defects
|
Golden Pledge Limited Warranty |
GAF Master Elite contractors only
|
50 years of defect coverage including tear-off, disposal and labor, plus 25 years of workmanship coverage
|
Why Workmanship Coverage Matters Most
Most roof failures are not caused by bad shingles. They come from installation mistakes: nails in the wrong place, flashing done poorly, ventilation left out. A standard manufacturer warranty does not cover any of that. Your only protection is whatever the contractor promises, and that promise is only as good as the contractor's future.
The Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge warranties are different because GAF itself backs the workmanship coverage. If an installation error causes a problem within the coverage period, GAF stands behind the repair, not just the roofer.
Ask which GAF warranty your estimate includes. Request a free estimate or call (757) 785-9937.
What "Lifetime" Means
In GAF warranties, "lifetime" means as long as the original individual owner of a single-family detached home owns the property where the shingles are installed, or the second owner in certain circumstances. Buildings that do not meet that definition, such as churches or commercial buildings, do not get lifetime coverage. The full limited warranty spells out the details.
Wind Coverage
GAF's WindProven limited wind warranty covers qualifying Timberline shingles with no maximum wind speed for 15 years, as long as they are installed with GAF starter strips, roof deck protection, ridge caps, and leak barrier or attic ventilation. Without that full system, GAF wind coverage is up to 130 mph with a special installation method, or 110 mph without it. In Hampton Roads, ask which wind coverage your estimate includes.
What Can Void a GAF Warranty
Mixing brands. System warranties require qualifying GAF accessories. Using another brand's ridge caps or underlayment can disqualify the system coverage.
Skipping registration. Enhanced warranties must be registered with GAF by the contractor. Ask for proof of registration after the job.
Not following installation instructions. GAF coverage depends on the roof being installed to GAF's instructions, including cold-weather requirements like hand sealing.
Later work by someone else. Repairs or rooftop installations done incorrectly after the fact can affect coverage. Check the warranty terms before anyone else works on the roof.
Transferring a Warranty When You Sell
GAF warranties can generally be transferred to the next owner, which is a selling point when you list your home. Transfer rules and coverage after transfer depend on the warranty and how much time has passed, so check the terms and complete the transfer paperwork during the sale.
Why Your Contractor's Certification Matters
Only a small share of roofing contractors are GAF Master Elite. That certification is what makes the Golden Pledge warranty available on your roof at all. SB Roofing is a GAF Master Elite contractor and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, with over 35 years of experience in Hampton Roads.
Get a free estimate and ask about GAF warranty options or call (757) 785-9937.
GAF Warranty FAQ
What does the GAF Golden Pledge warranty cover?
Golden Pledge is GAF's top residential warranty. It covers manufacturing defects for 50 years, including tear-off, disposal and installation labor, and adds 25 years of GAF-backed coverage for workmanship errors. Only GAF Master Elite contractors can offer it.
Can any roofer offer the Golden Pledge warranty?
No. Only GAF Master Elite contractors can offer Golden Pledge. Silver Pledge is available through GAF Certified Plus and Master Elite contractors, and System Plus through GAF Certified, Certified Plus and Master Elite contractors.
What is the difference between Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge?
The main difference is workmanship coverage. Silver Pledge includes 10 years of workmanship coverage, while Golden Pledge includes 25 years. Golden Pledge is also limited to Master Elite contractors.
What voids a GAF roof warranty?
Common causes include using non-GAF accessories on a system warranty, failing to register the warranty, installation that does not follow GAF instructions, and incorrect work done on the roof later. Check the full warranty terms for your coverage.
Is a GAF warranty transferable when I sell my home?
GAF warranties can generally be transferred to the next owner. Transfer rules depend on the warranty and timing, so review the terms and complete the transfer during the sale.
SB Roofing, Inc. is a family-owned roofing contractor with over 35 years of experience in Hampton Roads. We handle residential and commercial roof replacement, repair, maintenance and inspections across Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News. We are a GAF Master Elite and Owens Corning Preferred contractor, licensed in Virginia as a Class A contractor (#2705106111). Call (757) 785-9937 for a free estimate. Where Quality Counts!
ABOUT SB ROOFING
Commercial and Residential Class A Contractor
Here at SB Roofing, we are dedicated to providing quality products, craftsmanship, and service. But, more importantly, we want to assure that you are completely satisfied with the job we do for you.
We are experienced providers of the industry's most secure residential roofing solutions, providing Hampton Roads homeowners with over 25 years experience. From immediate roofing estimates to quick service to final clean-up, we have built our reputation on protecting your most important investment - your home!
We pay special attention to detail by having continuous job supervision and highly qualified installers on every job. Also, SB Roofing maintains discreet relationships with roofing manufacturers and distributors, allowing us to provide you with the best prices, availability and selection at all times. And our work is backed by a full warranty that covers labor & materials.
