What does a “Lifetime Warranty” shingle really mean?
A “Lifetime Warranty” on shingles typically refers to the duration of time that the original homeowner owns the house where the shingles are installed. However, it’s important to note that the term “Lifetime Warranty” doesn’t necessarily mean the entire lifespan of the homeowner but rather a specified period, often determined by the manufacturer.
The actual terms and conditions of a Lifetime Warranty can vary between different manufacturers and products, so it’s crucial to carefully read and understand the warranty documentation provided by the shingle manufacturer. In the context of roofing shingles, a Lifetime Warranty often covers defects in materials.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Coverage Period: The warranty may cover the shingles for as long as the original homeowner lives in the house, but it could have limitations or exclusions.
- Prorated vs. Non-Prorated: Some warranties are prorated, meaning that the coverage decreases over time, while others offer non-prorated coverage for the full duration. Prorated warranties may cover a higher percentage of costs in the earlier years.
- Transferability: Check whether the warranty is transferable to subsequent homeowners. Some warranties may be transferable only during a specific timeframe, and others may not be transferable at all.
- Installation Requirements: Warranties often have specific requirements for installation. Non-compliance with these requirements may void the warranty.
- Exclusions: Read the warranty to understand what is specifically covered and what is excluded. Common exclusions may include damage caused by natural disasters, improper installation, or lack of proper maintenance.
It’s advisable to work with reputable roofing contractors and choose well-established manufacturers to ensure that the Lifetime Warranty is backed by a company with a history of honoring their warranty commitments. If you have any questions or concerns about the warranty, don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturer or installer for clarification.
GAF Limited Lifetime Shingle Warranty Comparison
GAF SHINGLE & ACCESSORY LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DETAILS | GAF ROOFING SYSTEM LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DETAILS | SYSTEM PLUS LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DETAILS | SILVER PLEDGE LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DETAILS | GOLDEN PLEDGE LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DETAILS | |
Eligibility Requirements | None! Great coverage accompanies purchase of the product. | Installation of GAF Shingles + At Least 3 Qualifying Accessory Products* | Installation of GAF Shingles + At Least 3 Qualifying Accessory Products* Installed by GAF Certified or Master Elite Roofing Contractor** | Installation of GAF Shingles + At Least 4 Qualifying Accessory Products* Installed by GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor** | Installation of GAF Shingles + At Least 5 Qualifying Accessory Products* Installed by GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor** |
Warranty Term for GAF Shingles | Lifetime*** | Lifetime*** | Lifetime*** | Lifetime*** | Lifetime*** |
Smart Choice Protection Period**** | 10 Years | 10 Years | 50 Years | 50 Years | 50 Years |
Algae Warranty Term | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles 25 Years for StainGuard Plus-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles 25 Years for StainGuard Plus-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles 25 Years for StainGuard Plus-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles 25 Years for StainGuard Plus-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles | 10 Years for StainGuard-Labeled Shingles 25 Years for StainGuard Plus-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles |
Wind Warranty Term | 15 Years | 15 Years | 15 Years | 15 Years | 15 Years |
Maximum Wind Speed Coverage | 130 mph with Special Installation**** | Non-LayerLock-labeled shingles: 130 mph with Special Installation**** LayerLock-labeled shingles: WINDPROVEN Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation! **** Requires installation of LayerLock-labeled shingles (4 nails per shingle) + At Least 4 Qualifying Accessory Products* including Starter Strip Shingles (Eaves & Rakes), Ridge Cap Shingles, Roof Deck Protection and choice of Attic Ventilation or Leak Barrier. | Non-LayerLock-labeled shingles: 130 mph with Special Installation**** LayerLock-labeled shingles: WINDPROVEN Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation! **** Requires installation of LayerLock-labeled shingles (4 nails per shingle) + At Least 4 Qualifying Accessory Products* including Starter Strip Shingles (Eaves & Rakes), Ridge Cap Shingles, Roof Deck Protection and choice of Attic Ventilation or Leak Barrier. | Non-LayerLock-labeled shingles: 130 mph with Special Installation**** LayerLock-labeled shingles: WINDPROVEN Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation! **** Requires installation of LayerLock-labeled shingles (4 nails per shingle) + At Least 4 Qualifying Accessory Products* including Starter Strip Shingles (Eaves & Rakes), Ridge Cap Shingles, Roof Deck Protection and choice of Attic Ventilation or Leak Barrier. | Non-LayerLock-labeled shingles: 130 mph with Special Installation**** LayerLock-labeled shingles: WINDPROVEN Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation! **** Requires installation of LayerLock-labeled shingles (4 nails per shingle) + At Least 4 Qualifying Accessory Products* including Starter Strip Shingles (Eaves & Rakes), Ridge Cap Shingles, Roof Deck Protection and choice of Attic Ventilation or Leak Barrier. |
Tear-Off | Not covered | Not covered | Covered (when necessary) | Covered (when necessary) | Covered (when necessary) |
Disposal | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | Covered (when necessary) | Covered (when necessary) |
Workmanship | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered | 10 Years | 25 Years 30 Years – Timberline® UHDZ™ |
Qualifying Shingles: Timberline® HDZ™ Shingles, Timberline HD® Shingles, Timberline® HDZ™ RS+ Shingles, Timberline® HDZ™ RS Shingles, Timberline® NS Shingles, Timberline® AH Shingles, Timberline® AS II Shingles, Timberline® CS Shingles, Timberline® UHDZ™ Shingles
* GAF Accessory Products covered under this limited warranty include: GAF Ridge Cap Shingles, GAF Starter Strip Shingles, GAF Leak Barrier Products, GAF Roof Deck Protection Products, and GAF Attic Ventilation Products. For a complete list of qualifying GAF products visit gaf.com/LRS. This limited warranty does not cover low-slope membranes. See gaf.com for a copy of the limited warranties covering those products.
** Contractors enrolled in GAF factory certified contractor programs are independent contractors, not employees or agents of GAF.
*** Definition of Lifetime: The word “Lifetime” means as long as you, the original owner(s) [or the second owner(s) if coverage was properly transferred during the Smart Choice Protection Period], own the property where the shingles and/or accessories are installed. The Lifetime warranty is applicable only to shingles and accessories installed on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals. For any other type of owner or building, such as a corporation, governmental entity, religious entity, condominium or homeowner association, school, apartment building, office building, or multi-use structure, the length of the warranty is 40 years.
**** Special Installation: Your GAF LayerLock-labeled Shingles will be covered up to the maximum wind speed above ONLY if installed using 4 nails per shingle and you have GAF Starter Strip Products installed at the eaves and rakes. Special Installation for all other GAF Shingles requires use of 6 nails per shingle and GAF Starter Strip Products installed at the eaves and rakes. Your GAF Ridge Cap Shingles will be covered up to the maximum wind speed above ONLY if your ridge cap shingles are installed in strict accordance with the “Maximum Wind Speed Coverage Under Limited Warranty” section of the applicable ridge cap shingle application instructions. For installations not eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, Maximum Wind Speed Coverage is 130mph with Special Installation or 110mph without Special Installation.
*****For installations not eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, Maximum Wind Speed Coverage is 130mph with Special Installation or 110mph without Special Installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Customers tell us the most confusing part of buying a roof is choosing a warranty. So here’s our answers to some of the most popular questions.
Which GAF Warranty should I choose?
All GAF roofing shingles and qualifying accessories (the “GAF Products”) come with the great coverage provided by the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, and you don’t need to do anything at all to get it. In the event you experience a problem with your GAF Products caused by a manufacturing defect, this warranty is a great start. See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
Does my GAF warranty need to be registered?
Neither the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty nor the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty require registration. Simply hold on to your proof of purchase (such as your contract with your installer, or invoice from roofing supply store or retail store where you purchased the GAF Products), which will need to be provided to GAF in the unlikely event you experience a problem with your GAF Products during the warranty term and need to file a claim. Enhanced warranties (such as the System Plus Limited Warranty, Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranty) do require registration, but your GAF Certified Contractor will take care of that. If you purchase an enhanced warranty from a GAF Certified Contractor and do not receive a copy of your warranty and registration within 60 days after the installation is complete, call GAF at 1-877-423-7663.
Where can I find a complete list of GAF Shingles and Qualifying GAF Accessories eligible for a Lifetime limited warranty?
For a complete list of GAF Shingles and Qualifying GAF Accessories which are eligible for a Lifetime limited warranty, visit gaf.com/LRS.
What are the benefits of the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty?
When you install a GAF Roofing System (defined as GAF Lifetime Shingles plus at least 3 Qualifying Accessories), you are automatically eligible for the coverage provided by the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty – which provides the same great coverage as the GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, but adds Lifetime coverage on your Qualifying Accessory Products. Depending on what products you install, you may also be eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What are the benefits of the System Plus Limited Warranty?
The System Plus Limited Warranty provides all of the same coverage available in the GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty, but the Smart Choice Protection Period is extended from 10 years to 50 years, and tear-off is included (when necessary). See System Plus Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What are the benefits of the Silver Pledge Limited Warranty?
The Silver Pledge Limited Warranty provides all of the same coverage available in the System Plus Limited Warranty, but also offers 10 years of workmanship coverage and disposal (when necessary). See Silver Pledge Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What are the benefits of the Golden Pledge Limited Warranty?
The Golden Pledge Limited Warranty provides all of the same coverage available in the Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, but the workmanship coverage lasts for 20, 25, or 30 years (depending on the type of shingles you choose to install). See Golden Pledge Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What do you mean by “Lifetime Limited Warranty”?
The word “Lifetime” refers to the length of coverage provided by your GAF warranty and means as long as you, the original owner(s) [or the second owner(s) if coverage was properly transferred during the Smart Choice Protection Period], own the property where the shingles and/or accessories are installed. The Lifetime limited warranty is applicable only to shingles and accessories installed on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals. For any other type of owner or building, such as a corporation, governmental entity, religious entity, condominium or homeowner association, school, apartment building, office building, or multi-use structure, the length of the warranty is 40 years.
What do you mean by “Smart Choice Protection Period”?
The Smart Choice Protection Period refers to the crucial period of time following installation of the GAF Products during which the coverage provided for in your GAF warranty is non-prorated. After the Smart Choice Protection Period, the remedy provided for in your GAF Warranty may be different than that provided for during the Smart Choice Protection Period, and any remedy will be reduced to reflect the use you have received from your GAF Products. The amount of use will be calculated by dividing the number of months which have elapsed since installation to the date of claim by the number of months in the warranty term. For a Lifetime limited warranty, the number of months in the warranty term is deemed to be 600 for years 11-40 of the warranty term. For years 41 and beyond of a Lifetime warranty, GAF’s contribution is 20%. For example, if you make a claim for Lifetime shingles after they have been installed for 25 years (or 300 months), your settlement will be reduced by 300/600, or 50%.
What coverage is available for defects in the GAF Products?
In the event that GAF approves your warranty claim for a manufacturing defect during the Smart Choice Protection Period, GAF will provide you with replacement GAF Products and will pay you the full reasonable cost of labor to install the replacement GAF Products. After the Smart Choice Protection Period, labor is no longer covered and the amount of replacement GAF Products will be reduced to reflect the use you have received from your GAF Products from the date of installation to the date of claim.
What coverage is available for workmanship?
The Golden Pledge Limited Warranty and Silver Pledge Limited Warranty both offer coverage for misapplication of your GAF Products and flashings at valleys, dormers, chimneys, and plumbing vents (“Covered Flashings”). This coverage is also commonly referred to as “workmanship” coverage, and these warranties are only available through GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractors. For a list of GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractors in your area, please visit our contractor locator.
In the event that GAF determines there is an application error which falls within the scope of the coverage provided for in the Golden Pledge or Silver Pledge Limited Warranty, GAF will arrange to have your roof repaired or, at its sole option, will provide you with replacement GAF Products and reimburse you for the full reasonable cost of labor and other materials to repair your roof, including Covered Flashings. See Golden Pledge Limited Warranty and Silver Pledge Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What coverage is available for algae?
Algae warranty coverage is available in all GAF warranties covering shingles and accessories. All StainGuard Plus™-labeled shingles, ridge cap shingles and StarterMatch® starter strip shingles carry a 25-year limited warranty and 10-year non-prorated period against algae discoloration caused by blue-green algae. All StainGuard®-labeled shingles carry a 10-year limited warranty and 1-year non-prorated period. There is no coverage for algae discoloration for any other GAF Accessory Products. Your StainGuard Plus™-labeled shingles, ridge cap shingles and starter strips may be eligible for a 15-year non-prorated period if you purchase an enhanced warranty through a GAF certified-contractor. The remedy provided in the event of a claim is the reasonable cost of commercially cleaning your shingles, ridge cap shingles, or StarterMatch® starter strip shingles, or at GAF’s sole option, replacing the discolored shingles, ridge cap shingles, or StarterMatch® starter strip shingles. See applicable warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What coverage is available for wind damage?
Wind Warranty coverage is available in all GAF warranties covering shingles and accessories. Wind Warranty coverage on GAF shingles and ridge cap shingles lasts for 15 years. There is no wind warranty coverage for any other GAF Accessory Products. Maximum wind speed coverage depends on the type of shingles or ridge cap shingles installed on your roof, as well as the installation method. The remedy provided in the event of a claim is reimbursement for the reasonable costs of replacing blown-off shingles or damaged shingles or ridge cap shingles and hand-sealing any unsealed shingles or ridge cap shingles. See applicable warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What do I need to do in order to get the “Wind Proven Limited Wind Warranty” and what exactly does it cover?
The WindProven Limited Wind Warranty is an industry-first: 15-year limited wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. In order to qualify for WindProven Limited Wind Warranty coverage, you must install GAF LayerLock-labeled shingles and at least four (4) qualifying GAF Accessory Products, including GAF Ridge Cap Shingles, GAF Starter Strip Shingles, and a GAF Roof Deck Protection Product, plus your choice of either a GAF Leak Barrier Product or GAF Attic Ventilation Product. Visit gaf.com/LRS for a complete list of qualifying GAF Shingles and Accessory Products.
The WindProven Limited Wind Warranty provides coverage for your LayerLock-labeled shingles ONLY. The WindProven Limited Wind Warranty does not cover any GAF Accessory Products. The remedy provided in the event of a claim is reimbursement for the reasonable costs of replacing blown-off or damaged shingles and hand-sealing any unsealed shingles. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.
What is NOT covered by my GAF Warranty?
Any conditions resulting from anything other than an inherent manufacturing defect in the GAF Products (or their Misapplication if you have a Golden Pledge or Silver Pledge Limited Warranty) are NOT covered. This includes, but is not limited to, failure to install adequate ventilation. Please be sure to discuss ventilation with your roofing contractor prior to the installation of your new roof.
How can I get a GAF enhanced warranty?
GAF enhanced warranties are only available through GAF certified roofing contractors. GAF Certified Contractors can offer the System Plus Limited Warranty. GAF Master Elite Contractors can offer all GAF enhanced warranties, including the Silver Pledge Limited Warranty and Golden Pledge Limited Warranty. To find a GAF certified contractor in your area, please visit our contractor locator.
How do I transfer my GAF Warranty?
The easiest way to transfer your GAF Warranty is by sending an email to ccp@gaf.com clearly stating your name, your address, and the date you purchased the property. GAF might request a copy of your deed or other documentary proof of the date the property changed hands. If you have questions, or prefer not to send this information via email, you can call GAF at 1-877-423-7663.
How can I file a warranty claim?
The easiest way to open a claim is online at gaf.com/contact. You may also call GAF at 1-800-458-1860, email warrantyclaims@gaf.com, or send a notice in writing to: GAF, Warranty Claims Department, 1 Campus Drive, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
How can I check the status of my warranty claim?
The easiest way to check the status of your claim is online at gaf.com/contact. You may also call GAF at 1-800-458-1860, email warrantyclaims@gaf.com, or send a notice in writing to: GAF, Warranty Claims Department, 1 Campus Drive, Parsippany, NJ 07054.
Where can I find more information about the Timberline Class Action Settlement?
GAF settled various class action lawsuits that alleged premature cracking of certain Timberline® Shingles produced between 1998 – 2009. For more information about the settlement, please visit www.roofsettlement.com or call 1-866-759-6518. You may also send an email to classactionclaims@gaf.com.