All About GAF Roofing/GAF Certification Levels
If you’ve ever been in the market for a new roof, roofing services, or even just researching local roofers, you’ve likely seen the letters GAF appear more than once. GAF is a big name in the world of roofing, and for good reason. With over 3,000 employees across the country and almost 150 years in the business, GAF has rightly established themselves as not just a roofing company but a roofing authority, offering not just GAF roofing materials but certification levels to roofing contractors.
But what is GAF, and how can GAF help you find the right replacement roof…or even the right roofer for roof repairs? In today’s blog, we’ll explain who GAF is, how they’ve impacted the roofing industry, and how they can help you.
What Is GAF?
GAF (General Aniline & Film) Materials Corporation is a roofing materials manufacturing company that has been in business since 1886. True to the name, GAF was also once responsible for manufacturing photographic film and became the official film of Disneyworld and Disneyland. Today, however, they specialize in creating top notch commercial and residential roofing.
GAF has a history of leading the way when it comes to roofing. It is GAF who was responsible for creating the first energy efficient asphalt shingle in 2005. Today, they offer fiberglass laminated shingles for more durability and energy efficiency. In 2010, they introduced solar grade single-ply TPO membranes for commercial roofs. They’ve also led the way in terms of warranties, offering limited lifetime warranties on the entire roof system with their GAF Golden Pledge.
GAF often sets the trend that the rest of roofing contractors around the world try to catch up to. It’s for that reason that we at Houston Roofing offer GAF products for all of our projects.
GAF Golden Pledge Warranty
GAF roofing materials lead the way in the roofing industry in terms of durability and energy efficiency. It’s this that allows them to offer the best manufacturing warranties in the country. Most roofing companies are only able to offer about a 10 year warranty on their shingles. GAF offers a limited lifetime warranty, including 50 years of non-prorated coverage. This covers the entire roofing system, not just the shingles. Before the project is even finished, there is a 40-point factory inspection to make sure the roof is up to GAF standards. Finally, GAF is able to back a 25 year Workmanship Warranty for the roofers who install their products.
GAF Certification Levels
Because GAF has made themselves an authority when it comes to roofing, they also offer certifications that can help roofers to stand out. GAF offers top notch roofing materials and is thus quite selective when it comes to the roofers they use. They offer different tiers of certifications depending on the type of roof that the roofer installs.
Steep Sloped Certifications
Steep-sloped roofs are the most common roofing types when it comes to residential roofing. The slope allows water, snow, and debris to roll off the roof and into the gutters, moving it away from the house. When it comes to installing GAF roofing materials for steep sloped roofs, the lowest certification level is Authorized Homebuilder. This roofer has been authorized to use GAF products and GAF will help generate leads for them. They can also offer the System Plus warranty with workmanship coverage for 2 years.
Next up is the GAF Certified. This is not only a roofer that is authorized to use GAF products but has been highly trained and is trusted to do so. For GAF Certified roofers, there’s the GAF Silver Pledge Warranty, offering a workmanship coverage for 10 years.
Finally, the cream of the crop when it comes to roofers, GAF Master Elite Roofers. This is a distinction given to only 3% of roofers — including Houston Roofing. These roofers are the best of the best, which is why it’s GAF Master Elite Roofers who can offer the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty.
Low Slope Certifications
Low slope or flat roofs are the most common when it comes to commercial roofs, though they are occasionally used for residences. Commercial GAF roofing materials can include single-ply TPO and PVC roofing systems or asphalt roofing systems. When it comes to GAF certification levels for low slope roofs, there’s GAF Master and GAF Master Select. Both are entrusted with the Diamond Pledge, offering the industry’s longest warranty on TPO roofs — 35 years.
Solar Certifications
Energy efficient roofing systems are important to GAF. As we’ve referenced earlier in this blog, GAF has been an innovator and led the way when it came to energy efficient roofing options. Thus they also try to choose roofers who value energy efficiency and can be trusted with their energy efficient products. Solar is a key element here. A good energy efficient roof should be able to reflect the sun’s rays so that harmful UV rays don’t get into the home and too much heat doesn’t pass through the roof, causing your AC bills to spike.
Solar panels are also often installed on roofs to add an alternative energy source for eco-conscious homeowners. GAF offers excellent solutions for this, as well as trusted roofers. If you’re looking for an energy efficient roofer you can trust to install solar panels, you want a GAF Solar Elite roofer.
At Houston Roofing, we strive to offer our customers the best, which is why we work with GAF to offer their top notch products and warranties. We back it up with expert installation and a crew you can trust. Want to learn more? Contact us today for more information or to get started with a free estimate.