Posted on by Marcus Peterson
When you invest in a new roof, you’re not just protecting your home: you’re making a long-term investment in its value, safety, and durability. That’s why choosing the right roofing system and warranty matters. Among the most comprehensive options in the industry is the GAF Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty, available exclusively through GAF Master Elite® contractors.
Different Types of Roof Warranties
A standard roof warranty typically comes in two forms: manufacturer warranties (for materials) and contractor/workmanship warranties (for installation).
Manufacturer's (Material) Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty (sometimes referred to as a material warranty) is the most common type of roof warranty, covering most materials you purchase including shingles. Standard shingles typically come with a 20-to-30-year warranty, so if these products show signs of defects, including cracking, splitting, or deteriorating prematurely, the warranty may cover the cost of replacement materials.
A manufacturer’s warranty does not cover material defects that result from improper installation, storm damage, poor ventilation or structural issues with the roof deck, or normal wear and tear over time.
Contractor's (Workmanship) Warranty
The contractor’s warranty (sometimes referred to as the workmanship warranty) is offered by the roofing contractor who installs your roof and covers errors made during installation. An installation coverage warranty protects your roof investment from faulty workmanship, such as misaligned shingles, poor flashing, or improper nailing. Contractors’ warranties usually last from 1 to 10 years, depending on the contractor, and they may cover labor costs for repairs or replacements due to workmanship errors.
A contractor’s warranty does not cover roofing material defects (these would be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty), storm- or weather-related damage, damage caused by lack of maintenance like gutter cleaning, and issues that arise after major modifications to the roof.
What’s Covered with a GAF Golden Pledge® Roof Warranty?
If you want full protection covering materials, labor, workmanship, tear-off, and disposal, you’ll need an upgraded system warranty like the GAF Golden Pledge®
The Golden Pledge® Warranty is GAF’s top-tier roofing warranty, offering unmatched protection when you install a full GAF roofing system. It combines extended coverage, robust workmanship protection, and peace of mind—all backed by North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.
Unlike basic warranties, the Golden Pledge® isn’t just about the shingles. It covers the entire roofing system (GAF Lifetime Shingles, roof deck protection, ice & water shield, starter strip shingles, ridge cap shingles, proper ventilation) and installation workmanship, which is often where other warranties fall short.
Here’s what you can expect from the Golden Pledge®:
50-Year Coverage on Materials
Covers 100% of material defects for up to 50 years (for qualifying Lifetime shingles), providing full replacement cost (materials and labor) if the shingles fail due to a manufacturer defect.
25-Year Workmanship Coverage
Covers 100% of installation-related issues for up to 25 years, depending on the contractor. If you select a GAF UHDZ roof system, the coverage extends to 30 years! This includes problems caused by improper installation. Even if the contractor is no longer in business, you're still protected!
Tear-Off and Disposal
If your roof needs to be replaced under warranty, GAF covers the cost of tearing off the old roof and disposing of materials. That’s a major expense most basic warranties don’t include.
Transferable Warranty
The Golden Pledge® Warranty is fully transferable one time within the first 20 years. That’s a strong selling point if you plan to sell your home: it increases buyer confidence and adds value. Not all standard manufacturer and contractor warranties are transferable.
What’s Not Covered by GAF’s Golden Pledge® Warranty?
Like any warranty, there are limits. GAF’s Golden Pledge® Warranty does not cover storm damage, improper maintenance or roof modifications after installation, and non-GAF products used in the system. Interior damage (such as a ceiling stain) is not covered by the Golden Pledge® Warranty, but this may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance instead.
The Golden Pledge® Warranty Requires a GAF Master Elite® Contractor
The GAF Golden Pledge® Warranty is one of the most comprehensive warranties in the roofing industry, offering decades of protection and confidence in your investment.
To qualify for a Golden Pledge® Warranty, your roof must be installed by a GAF Master Elite® Contractor, a designation earned by only about 2% of all roofing contractors in North America. Go4Roof partners with GAF Master Elite Contractor® SJ Winn Construction to install all the roofs we quote.
- GAF Master Elite® contractors are:
- Fully licensed and insured
- Factory-certified by GAF
- Known for ongoing training and high standards
- Authorized to offer the Golden Pledge® Warranty
This ensures that your roof is installed to the highest standards and gives GAF the confidence to stand behind it for decades.
Try Our Instant Roof Quote Tool
If you're considering a new roof and want to make sure it lasts, try Go4Roof’s innovative roof price estimate tool to get an accurate quote for a full GAF roofing system that’s thousands of dollars less than other local competitors. Then, if you decide to lock in your quote, you can feel confident that you’re getting the best price, level of workmanship, and warranty in the industry.