While comparing prices and understanding different shingle brands is important when looking at residential roofing companies, installation quality matters just as much. One question to ask is whether the contractor holds any manufacturer certifications, and if so, what that certification actually means.
Manufacturer programs can have specific requirements for contractors, including licensing, insurance, training, workmanship standards, and experience. Some certifications also allow contractors to offer enhanced manufacturer warranties on qualifying roofing systems.
GAF’s President’s Club recognition is one of the most prestigious certifications for roofers, and very few contractors in Utah hold it. Understanding what that recognition represents can help you determine whether the contractor’s experience and expertise fit your roofing needs.
What is the GAF President’s Club?
GAF, one of North America’s largest roofing materials manufacturers, certifies roofing contractors through a tiered system, and each tier requires a different level of screening and training. Master Elite® status is the highest certification GAF offers, and it goes to roughly the top 2% of roofing contractors nationwide.
The President’s Club is even more exclusive. GAF reserves this recognition for a small group of Master Elite® contractors who consistently perform at the top of the program year after year. Customer satisfaction and adherence to GAF’s installation standards both factor into that ranking.
In addition, contractors have to apply for and earn it again each year. This means that if a contractor is currently a President’s Club member, they’re not just benefiting from a reputation they established long ago. They are actively maintaining high standards.
Why Roofing Certifications Matter
These certification levels reflect real differences in a roofing contractor’s training and manufacturer oversight. A contractor at the Master Elite® or President’s Club level is not only approved to sell a product but also vetted for licensing, insurance, and the quality of past roof installations.
The quality of the installation can have just as much impact on a roof’s performance as the shingles themselves. That makes the contractor you choose an important part of the equation. A nailing pattern that doesn’t match the shingle’s specifications, improperly installed flashing, or ventilation that doesn’t meet code can all affect how well a roof performs, regardless of the quality of the materials.
Certification can also affect what a contractor can offer. Higher certification tiers may require additional training and qualifications, and some give contractors access to enhanced manufacturer warranties. When comparing prices, consider those differences alongside the bottom-line cost.
The difference may not be obvious right away. Installation quality often shows its value over time, as proper fastening, flashing, and ventilation help the roofing materials perform as intended throughout their expected lifespan.
Why Installation Quality Is Important in Ogden’s Climate
Ogden roofs experience significant seasonal stress with hot, dry summers followed by heavy snow and repeated freeze-thaw cycles through the winter. They all put more strain on a roof than milder climates do, which means installation quality can be the difference between a sturdy roof that lasts for years and one that may need repairs in a few years.
Those seasonal changes make proper installation especially important in Ogden. Flashing, underlayment, ventilation, and shingle fastening all play a role in how well a roofing system handles moisture and temperature changes. A manufacturer-certified contractor has completed the training and met specific requirements for working with that manufacturer’s products, giving homeowners another factor to consider when choosing an installer.
How a GAF-Certified Contractor Can Save You Money
The most tangible benefit of working with a President’s Club contractor is access to GAF’s strongest warranty tiers. These enhanced warranties cover both materials and workmanship, and some can even offer you extended workmanship coverage of up to 40 years, a level of protection most roofing companies cannot offer at all.
A standard material warranty only protects you against defective shingles. A workmanship warranty backed by the manufacturer covers installation errors that cause problems for your roof later.
Because GAF actively monitors this certification annually, contractors who fall behind on training or accumulate customer complaints can lose their status, along with the extended warranty access tied to it. Since the manufacturer of your roof’s shingles and other materials is also accountable for your roof’s quality, you can feel confident in your roofer’s capabilities.
How to Verify a Contractor’s Certification
When getting a free roofing estimate, here are a few questions you should ask your contractor:
- What certification level do you currently hold? Your roofer should be able to show documentation.
- How long have you maintained that status? Often, a single year says less than a multi-year track record.
- What warranty tier does this specific project qualify for? Certification doesn’t always translate into the same coverage on every job.
- Can I verify your standing through the manufacturer’s contractor locator? This way, you can check yourself rather than relying on the contractor’s own claim.
Because GAF publishes a contractor locator on their website, confirming your roofer’s confirmation should only take a few minutes.
Choosing the Right Residential Roofing Company in Ogden
Before you commit to a project, make sure you confirm your residential roofing company’s certification level. It costs nothing to ask, and the answer can help you understand the level of quality and accountability you can expect from your finished roof.
BigHorn Roofing holds GAF Master Elite® status and is currently Utah’s only GAF 3-Star President’s Club contractor. That distinction gives you access to certified installers and warranty tiers that most companies cannot match. Before choosing a roofer for your next project, ask what certification level they actually hold. It tells you far more about what to expect than the shingle brand ever will.