What is a GAF Certified Roofer—And Why Should I Care?

Getting a new roof is a big deal. It’s expensive. And if you hire the wrong local roof repair contractors, poor workmanship can become a major headache down the line.

But choosing a trustworthy, reputable roofer doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, there’s one thing to look for that practically guarantees a solid choice—and a dependable roof over your head.

So if you’re looking for roofing contractors in Lancaster, PA, this article’s for you. 

Give it a quick skim to learn the quickest way to vet roofing contractors, what to look for in a roofer when it’s time for a shingle roof replacement, and one of the most reliable signs of quality workmanship when it’s time to replace your old, worn-out roof.

Let’s get you the roof you deserve. ↓

What is a GAF Certified Contractor?

In need of roof replacement services? Search for a GAF certified roofer—especially if you’re installing a shingle roof. Here’s why.

GAF certified contractors are all vetted and authorized by GAF—North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. To become GAF certified, roofers must adhere to strict licensing, insurance, and reputation standards. And only by doing so are these companies able to offer enhanced GAF shingle warranties.

All GAF certified contractors have:

• Valid state licensing (where required)
• At least $1 million in general liability insurance
• Statutory limits of workers’ comp insurance
• Good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
• A “Good” credit rating and clean banking record

Not only are GAF certified contractors maintaining basic financial, insurance, and reputation securities, they’re also able to offer you greater warranty coverage when installing GAF products.

So when researching roofing companies in Lancaster, look for the GAF logo on their site—and consider it a shorthand for “you’re protected.”

Why Should I Care if My Roofer is GAF Certified?

Shingle roof repair and replacement contractors are a dime a dozen in southeastern PA. But that doesn’t mean they all offer a similar product or service.

Here’s why you focus on GAF certified contractors:

• No Installation Risk: GAF certified contractors undergo annual evaluations and training on shingle nailing, flashing, and ventilation standards.
• Extended Warranty Protection: Only certified contractors can offer advanced warranty protection on GAF shingles, labor, and workmanship (more below).
• Financial Accountability: GAF certified roofers are vetted, insured businesses with long-term reputations to uphold—rather than fly-by-night contractors who may disappear at the first leak.

If you need shingle installation or roofing repair in Lancaster, GAF certified is a no-brainer.

Why Does GAF Certify Contractors—What’s in it for Them? 

While GAF certified installations offer homeowners superior protection and peace of mind, GAF benefits from the arrangement, as well.

Here’s what’s in it for GAF:

• Brand Reputation: Shingles fail when poorly installed. By training roofers, GAF prevents bad installations that might hurt their name as North America’s largest roofing manufacturer.
• Product Sales: To offer the highest warranties, GAF certified roofers exclusively install complete GAF roofing systems (shingles, vents, underlayment), rather than mixing brands.
• Reduced Risk: Vetting contractors for proper insurance, licensing, and clean track records minimizes GAF's risk when backing long-term workmanship warranties.

How Many Roofers are GAF Certified Each Year?

While GAF does not publish exact annual application numbers, GAF claims that only about 7% of roofers in North America qualify for even their lowest certification teir—with that number dropping to less than 2% for their Master Elite tier.

In other words, GAF certified contractors are within the top 7% of roofers in all of North America.

What Are GAF’s Certifications—And What Does That Mean for Me?

GAF currently offers three basic certifications—each with its own product and workmanship coverage provided directly from the manufacturer.

• GAF Certified™: Baseline tier for roofers meeting core licensing, insurance, and training requirements. This allows them to offer GAF’s System Plus® Limited Warranty on products and installations.
• GAF Certified Plus™: More stringent and frequent evaluations, advanced training compliance, and verified reputation grant roofers the ability to offer enhanced warranties like GAF’s Silver Pledge®.
• GAF Master Elite®: Only the top 2% of roofers nationwide are Master Elite, as this requires 7+ years in business and strict installation adherence to offer GAF’s Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty.

What is Covered with GAF Certified Warranties?

GAF offers four unique warranty bundles—each dependent on your local contractor’s certification tier with GAF.

1. Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty (Standard)

• Coverage: Basic manufacturing defects on shingles and accessories.
• Duration: Lifetime coverage for shingle defects (prorated after 10 years).
• Labor: Labor costs to repair/replace covered for first 10 years.
• Workmanship: No workmanship coverage for installation error.
• Requirements: Standard warranty automatic with any GAF shingle purchase.

2. System Plus Limited Warranty

• Coverage: Full roofing system covered against manufacturing defects.
• Duration: 50-year non-prorated material coverage on most lifetime shingles.
• Labor: Full installation labor costs (teardown/installation) for defects.
• Workmanship: No workmanship coverage for installation error.
• Requirements: Installed by a GAF Certified contractor using a lifetime shingle and at least 3 qualifying GAF accessories.

3. Silver Pledge Limited Warranty

• Coverage: Comprehensive system manufacturing defect protection plus contractor workmanship coverage.
• Duration: 50-year non-prorated material defect coverage.
• Labor: Covers full material and installation labor costs, including tear-off and disposal for covered manufacturing defects. 
• Workmanship: Covers workmanship mistakes made by the installer for 10 years.
• Requirements: Must be installed by a GAF Certified Plus® or Master Elite® Contractor with Silver Pledge coverage.

4. Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty

• Coverage: Protects entire roofing system for life.
• Duration: 50-year non-prorated material defects.
• Labor: Full tear-off, disposal, and replacement labor.
• Workmanship: Covers misapplication of GAF products and flashings, even if the original contractor goes out of business for 20–25+ years.
• Requirements: Exclusive to GAF Master Elite® Contractors, and includes an independent post-installation inspection by GAF.

Get a New Roof From a GAF Certified Plus Roofer in 4 Days!

If you’re wondering about the condition of your roof, our owner is ready to assess your current roofing system, provide a free, detailed estimate, and then—if needed—get your new roof installed in under a week.

We’re an Amish contractor that’s GAF Silver Pledge Certified Plus—meaning you get 50-year non-prorated material coverage, labor costs covered for manufacturer defects, and Edge View Roofing’s own 20-Year Workmanship Warranty.

So schedule your free assessment today. Because you deserve a solid roof over your head—fast.

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Edge View Roofing has stood on over 3,000 roofs in Chester County and neighboring communities since 2014. All installations are backed by 50-year non-prorated material coverage, our full 20-Year Workmanship Warranty, and the assurance that comes from working with GAF Silver Pledge Certified roofers. Reach out for your free assessment today!