FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

GAF “certified” installer & 50yr wrnty

rsquared | Posted in General Discussion on July 11, 2007 06:10am

The roof saga continues,

After my earlier experience discovering that my “intended” roofer didn’t think a starter strip was necessary just as i was about to sign a contract, I decided that I should get a few more quotes.  2 more bids came in – both reasonable and both appearing to be quality operations.  I’m intrigued by the roofer who was touting his status as a GAF “certified Master Elite” contractor and his ability to give (through GAF) a full, non-prorated 50-yr warranty on materials and labor for all roof components.  Sounds almost too good to be true.

Does anybody have experience with this arrangement?  Is there real value here, or is it mostly marketing?  Does the warranty fine-print spoil the deal?  I understand that I would need to use the GAF roofing system, but that’s no big deal.  On the face of it this sounds like good insurance that I won’t be stuck with the after-effects of poor workmanship (or the fate of my defective Horizon shingles) several years down the road.

What is the view of those who know better than I?

Thanks!!!

Rob

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. CAGIV | Jul 11, 2007 06:36am | #1

    his ability to give (through GAF) a full, non-prorated 50-yr warranty on materials and labor for all roof components.

    Think you'll be able to find the guy in 48.5 years?  Will you be in the house in 20 years?

    IMO Most of those warranties are great marketing gimicks and worthless, but who knows, do you have a link to to the actual warranty and it's limitations?

     

    Team Logo

    1. Piffin | Jul 12, 2007 12:38am | #6

      "Think you'll be able to find the guy in 48.5 years? "It doesn't matter if the guy is pushing up daiseys or waiting them in forty or fifty years. If he is indeed certified, the warranty is with the company. GAF.I agree it is mostly marketing and that a lot of companies try to sidestep honoring them ( after all, you are supposed to lose the paperwork, sell the house and move on in ten years) but in general, to become certified and keep that certification, you need to be pretty good, and do business practice in business-like ways, which are things that set you apart from 90% of the roofers in the country. 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  2. ThePhiant | Jul 11, 2007 06:41am | #2

    is it transferable?
    most home owners move after about 5-10 yrs.
    and your warranty gimmick is gone

  3. DaveRicheson | Jul 11, 2007 01:19pm | #3

    http://www.roofery.com/shingles/brands/gaf.html

    Check out his pitch at the above site.

     

    dave

  4. user-144854 | Jul 11, 2007 05:25pm | #4

    I don't know if I have much relevant information to share, but I've been on quite a few roof warranty inspections with various manufacturer's reps (none in 20 years or so).  It seemed that the manufacturer started with the premise (perhaps accurate) that their product was without defect and so any problem was either the fault of installation, or in the imagination of the homeowner. 

    Basically, they'd keep looking until they found a misplaced fastener or some such, and then try to shunt the whole deal to us, the builder.  Unable to find any problem with nail-down?  Well then look at venting or sheathing, and try to get the builder to prove that invisible stuff was done correctly.  I once had a GAF rep point out several sheathing nails that missed trusses, and based denial of a claim on indications of poor quality control in the sheathing process.  Obviously, no-one was going to tear things apart to see whether fasteners had been added to compensate for the misses.

    The onus was then on us to prove whether or not this had any direct bearing on the complaint.  Meanwille, the homeowner was becoming unhappy at what seemed to be a pissing contest that bore little  on their interests.  Guess who had the most at stake in resolving that.  My involvement in these things met with near 100% failure, though we were one of the better builders around.  I did learn a little about quality control, or maybe just CYA, and we started tapping-up any missed sheathing nails, even in blind attics, to assure that we really did cover all the misses.

    It sounds as if I'm making a case against the shingle manufacturers, but in reality almost all roof problems really are the fault of installation or underlying factors.  One exception was when shingles were not meeting their warranted life expectation in the American Southwest due to high UV.  The manufacturers pushed back hard on that, so we had to be absolutely sure that venting & such was appropriate, and we eventaully won.

    I never dealt with a roofer that was certified by the manufacturer, so I wonder how that relationship would work from the homeowner's perspective.  This should quash one round of the blame ping-pong game, but I (perhaps too cynically) suspect that the framers & sheathers wouldn't then just get double-teamed and the homeowner would still be frustrated until the GC stepped up.

    }}}}

    1. seeyou | Jul 11, 2007 11:46pm | #5

      I never dealt with a roofer that was certified by the manufacturer,

      In most cases the only guy certified is the one back in the office in the A/C. At one time (probably 12-15 years ago), I had a Certainteed Master Installer Certificate. It was pretty much a joke - lots of good info in the book for someone that's never shingled before, but nothing that a guy that's been on the roof for a year shouldn't know inside and out. Nobody seemed to give a crap that I had it, so I never renewed.

      View Imagehttp://grantlogan.net/

       

      I'm wearing Mr. T's pants.

      1. Piffin | Jul 12, 2007 12:42am | #7

        I was a GAF way back when.
        Had to be insured and licensed where required, sit through a day or two of classes, let a comapny rep inspect your first job after that, submit a pile of paperwork, etc,etc,etc,I was getting listed with J_M too, but decided to get out of roofing before following up on all the foo-foo 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

  5. bobbys | Jul 12, 2007 02:30am | #8

    One guy told me he had his 7 year old daughter take some of these tests and pass to be grand master poo paas but at least the guy took the time to read it.

    1. rsquared | Jul 12, 2007 01:38pm | #9

      Maybe I could hire her.

      So the general consensus is that it's largely a marketing ploy and the GAF "certification" and warranty deal shouldn't be the deciding factor.  Still, I don't see a downside as long as the roofer is solid.  It seems like it gives me at least marginally more protection against defect and workmanship issues - we're replacing Certainteed Horizon shingles, so I can appreciate the idea of a non-prorated warranty.  Do any of the roofers have recent experience with the GAF warranty program?

      One additional twist that caught my eye - the "super-duper" warranty option ("Golden Pledge") includes a post-installation roofing inspection by a GAF rep and 20-yr workmanship warranty (100% replacement, removal and installation costs covered) backed by GAF, not the roofer.  I think there's about a $250 upcharge for that option.  Generally I avoid paying extra for an "extended warranty," but extra peace-of-mind with a $9,000 roof is a bigger deal than a $100 microwave.  Am I just a sucker for a sales pitch?

      Here's a link to the warranty info if anyone's interested.

      http://www.gaf.com/General/GafMain.asp?Silo=RES1&WS=GAF

       

      1. Piffin | Jul 12, 2007 02:24pm | #10

        I think that extra inspection fee would be worthwhile,especially if the roofer knows the company is going to be checking his work for this purpose. He'll be making darn sure to do it right because that can jeopardize his certification for future jobs if he botches things. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      2. FastEddie | Jul 12, 2007 03:29pm | #11

        I would pay the $250 extra if the post-install inspection were truly done by a GAF employee.  And if the final payment tothe installer were dependent on passing that inspection.

        Or should that be "final payment to the installer was dependent" ?

        "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

        "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

        Edited 7/12/2007 8:30 am ET by FastEddie

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Two Ways to Test Windows

New devices showcased at the Builders' Show make it easy to measure glass performance, u-factor, SHGC, window thickness, and more.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Midcentury Home for a Modern Family
  • The New Old Colonial
  • Modern and Minimal in the Woods
  • Bryce Hollingsworth, Dry-Stone Waller

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
    • A Practical Perfect Wall
    • Landscape Lighting Essentials
    • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data