Your roof is not the kind of project you want to take a chance on. A new roof can cost thousands of dollars, and the contractor you choose can affect every part of the project, from the materials used and the installation quality to the warranty options available to you after the job is complete. That is why homeowners should pay close attention to the qualifications of any contractor they hire.
One qualification you may come across while comparing roofers is GAF certification. GAF is one of the largest roofing manufacturers in North America, and it has a contractor certification program. The program has multiple levels, and each level has different requirements a contractor must meet.
Higher certification levels can also provide homeowners with access to stronger GAF-backed warranty options when a contractor installs a qualifying roofing system.
How can you find out what a GAF-certified roofer has to offer? GAF has a system for checking its certified contractors. Before you sign a roofing contract, take a few minutes to check each contractor’s GAF certification status and state license so you know who you are hiring and what to expect.
Start With GAF’s Verification Tool
GAF makes it fairly easy to check whether a roofer is actually part of its certification program. On GAF’s verification page, you can search by the contractor’s name or business name. You can also enter your ZIP code to find a certified roofer in your area.
If you are checking a roofer you have already contacted, use the business name shown on your estimate or other paperwork. Once you find the company, open its GAF profile and look under Distinctions. This is where GAF displays the contractor’s certification level. You may also see a President’s Club award listed separately if the contractor has earned it.
Make a note of the certification level listed. GAF currently has three certification levels: GAF Certified™, GAF Certified Plus™, and GAF Master Elite®. The level listed on a contractor’s profile tells you what GAF requirements that company has met and which GAF benefits may be available for your project.
Match the Level to the Warranty You Expect
Only contractors certified by GAF can offer its enhanced warranties on qualifying roofing systems, and the warranty options available depend on the contractor’s certification level.
- Certified contractors can offer the System Plus® Limited Warranty.
- Certified Plus contractors can also offer the Silver Pledge™ Limited Warranty.
- Master Elite contractors can offer enhanced options, including the Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty.
Only about 2% of roofers in North America are Master Elite contractors. That distinction can be useful when you compare estimates, but the certification level is only part of the picture. The warranty attached to your particular roof is what you ultimately want to understand.
Your contractor should be able to tell you which GAF warranty applies to your project and what requirements must be met for that warranty. Ask for those details as part of the estimate. The contractor should also handle the warranty registration and provide you with the completed warranty documentation after the installation.
GAF’s enhanced warranties have specific product and installation requirements. A detailed estimate should identify the shingles, underlayment, and other major roofing products to give you a clear record of what the contractor plans to install and make it easier to confirm that the proposed roof system matches the warranty they offered.
Confirm the License and Insurance Behind the Badge
GAF states that certified contractors must be insured and licensed in the state where their principal place of business is located, when required.1
Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) makes it easy to check a contractor’s license online. Search the contractor’s name or business, then look for an active license and the S280 Roofing Contractor classification. That tells you the contractor holds the state classification used for roofing work.
Insurance is another important check. Ask the contractor for a current certificate of insurance so you can confirm that the coverage is in place. You don’t need to sort through the policy yourself; the goal is simply to make sure the contractor can provide proof of current coverage.
These checks take only a few minutes, but they give you a better picture of the company you are considering. A valid Utah license and current insurance provide another layer of protection for your roofing project.
Compare the Estimates, Too
Once you have verified a contractor’s GAF certification, Utah license, and insurance, the next step is to look closely at what each is offering.
Start with the estimates. A lower estimate for roof replacement may look attractive, but price alone does not tell you what you are getting. Compare the materials listed, the scope of the work, removal and disposal of the old roof, flashing, ventilation, underlayment, and any other work included in the proposal. You also want to know whether the estimate includes a workmanship warranty in addition to any materials warranty.
The payment terms can also vary from one contractor to another. How much money does each ask for upfront, and when do you owe the remaining balance? Roofing companies with payment plans allow you to spread the cost of the project over time.
If financing is important to you, compare the available terms, including the interest rate, loan term, fees, and total amount you will pay. The lowest upfront price may not be the one that works best for your financial situation.
A good estimate should leave you with a clear understanding of what the contractor plans to do, what materials they will use, what the project will cost, and what you can expect after the roof is complete. Once you put those details side by side, you can make a more informed choice.
Before You Choose Your Ogden Roofer
You do not need to become a roofing expert to choose the right roofer. A few minutes of research can tell you whether a contractor’s GAF certification checks out, whether the company holds the right Utah license, and whether it carries current insurance.
From there, take a close look at the estimates. The best choice may not be the lowest price. Look at what each contractor includes, which warranty applies to your roof, what payment or financing options are available, and what you can expect once the work begins.
By the time you sign a contract, you should feel confident about the company you chose and understand what you are paying for. That extra bit of homework can give you greater confidence that your Ogden home is in good hands.
Sources:
1https://www.gaf.com/en-us/m/easy-to-find-roofer