What Is GAF Master Elite®?
GAF (General Aniline & Film) is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. They make the shingles, underlayment, ventilation, and accessories. 1 in 4 homes in the U.S. are protected by a GAF roof.
GAF Master Elite® certification is reserved for contractors who meet strict standards for licensing and insurance, reputation and reviews, training and expertise, and commitment to quality.
K&D Roofing earned GAF Master Elite status in 2020 and has maintained it every year since.
What It Takes to Earn Master Elite Status
Proper Licensing & Insurance
Valid contractor license and general liability insurance ($1M+ coverage). GAF verifies these credentials annually to protect homeowners.
Proven Customer Satisfaction
Consistent positive reviews, low complaint ratio with BBB, and demonstrated commitment to resolving issues. Master Elite contractors must maintain high customer satisfaction ratings.
Factory Training & Certifications
Vetted, insured installers complete GAF installation training, lead installers pass GAF certification exams, and K&D Roofing maintains ongoing education to stay current with new products and techniques.
Annual Recertification
Master Elite isn't permanent—you have to re-earn it every year. GAF reviews performance, complaints, insurance coverage, and training compliance to ensure continued excellence.
What Master Elite Gets You
| Warranty Feature | Standard Warranty (Any Roofer) | Master Elite Warranty (K&D) |
|---|---|---|
| Shingle Material Coverage | Lifetime on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals; 40 years for any other owner or building. Non-prorated during the Smart Choice Protection Period (10 Years). | Lifetime on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals; 40 years for any other owner or building. Non-prorated during the Smart Choice Protection Period (50 Years on the System Plus, Silver Pledge, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranties). |
| Labor Coverage | GAF will pay the full reasonable cost of labor to install the replacement GAF Products during the Smart Choice Protection Period (10 Years). After the Smart Choice Protection Period, labor is no longer covered. | GAF will pay the full reasonable cost of labor to install the replacement GAF Products during the Smart Choice Protection Period (50 Years on the System Plus, Silver Pledge, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranties). After the Smart Choice Protection Period, labor is no longer covered. |
| Workmanship Coverage | Not covered | System Plus: Not covered. Silver Pledge: 10 Years - Timberline® NS, Timberline HDZ® & Timberline HDZ® RS; 15 Years - Timberline® AS II & Timberline UHDZ®. Golden Pledge: Lifetime; 25 Years Non-Prorated - Timberline HDZ® & Timberline HDZ® RS; 30 Years Non-Prorated - Timberline® AS II & Timberline UHDZ®. |
| Tear-Off | Not covered | Covered (when necessary) |
| Disposal | Not covered | Covered (when necessary) |
| Wind Coverage | Wind Limited Warranty Term: 15 Years. Maximum Wind Speed Coverage: 130 mph with Special Installation. | Wind Limited Warranty Term: 15 Years. System Plus and Silver Pledge: Non-LayerLock-labeled shingles: 130 mph with Special Installation; LayerLock-labeled shingles: WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation. Golden Pledge: LayerLock-labeled shingles: WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation. |
| Algae Stain Coverage | 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 | System Plus and Silver Pledge: 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. Golden Pledge: 25 Years for StainGuard Plus™-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles; 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles. |
| Who Pays for Repairs? | During the Smart Choice Protection Period, GAF provides replacement GAF Products and pays you the full reasonable cost of labor. After that, labor is not covered. | On Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge, GAF will arrange to have your roof repaired or, at its sole option, provide you with replacement GAF Products and reimburse you for the full reasonable cost of labor and other materials. |
Shingle Material Coverage
Any Roofer
Lifetime on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals; 40 years for any other owner or building. Non-prorated during the Smart Choice Protection Period (10 Years).
K&D (Master Elite)
Lifetime on a single-family detached residence owned by individuals; 40 years for any other owner or building. Non-prorated during the Smart Choice Protection Period (50 Years on the System Plus, Silver Pledge, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranties).
Labor Coverage
Any Roofer
GAF will pay the full reasonable cost of labor to install the replacement GAF Products during the Smart Choice Protection Period (10 Years). After the Smart Choice Protection Period, labor is no longer covered.
K&D (Master Elite)
GAF will pay the full reasonable cost of labor to install the replacement GAF Products during the Smart Choice Protection Period (50 Years on the System Plus, Silver Pledge, and Golden Pledge Limited Warranties). After the Smart Choice Protection Period, labor is no longer covered.
Workmanship Coverage
Any Roofer
Not covered
K&D (Master Elite)
System Plus: Not covered. Silver Pledge: 10 Years - Timberline® NS, Timberline HDZ® & Timberline HDZ® RS; 15 Years - Timberline® AS II & Timberline UHDZ®. Golden Pledge: Lifetime; 25 Years Non-Prorated - Timberline HDZ® & Timberline HDZ® RS; 30 Years Non-Prorated - Timberline® AS II & Timberline UHDZ®.
Tear-Off
Any Roofer
Not covered
K&D (Master Elite)
Covered (when necessary)
Disposal
Any Roofer
Not covered
K&D (Master Elite)
Covered (when necessary)
Wind Coverage
Any Roofer
Wind Limited Warranty Term: 15 Years. Maximum Wind Speed Coverage: 130 mph with Special Installation.
K&D (Master Elite)
Wind Limited Warranty Term: 15 Years. System Plus and Silver Pledge: Non-LayerLock-labeled shingles: 130 mph with Special Installation; LayerLock-labeled shingles: WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation. Golden Pledge: LayerLock-labeled shingles: WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation.
Algae Stain Coverage
Any Roofer
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
K&D (Master Elite)
System Plus and Silver Pledge: 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. Golden Pledge: 25 Years for StainGuard Plus™-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles; 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles.
Who Pays for Repairs?
Any Roofer
During the Smart Choice Protection Period, GAF provides replacement GAF Products and pays you the full reasonable cost of labor. After that, labor is not covered.
K&D (Master Elite)
On Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge, GAF will arrange to have your roof repaired or, at its sole option, provide you with replacement GAF Products and reimburse you for the full reasonable cost of labor and other materials.
System Plus™
Enhanced Protection
Workmanship: Not covered
- ✓Smart Choice Protection Period: 50 Years
- ✓Tear-off: Covered (when necessary)
- ✓Disposal: Covered (when necessary)
- ✓Algae: 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 Limited Warranty Term: 15 Years
Silver Pledge™
Premium Protection
Workmanship: 10 Years - Timberline® NS, Timberline HDZ® & Timberline HDZ® RS; 15 Years - Timberline® AS II & Timberline UHDZ®
- ✓Smart Choice Protection Period: 50 Years
- ✓Tear-off: Covered (when necessary)
- ✓Disposal: Covered (when necessary)
- ✓Algae: 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 Limited Warranty Term: 15 Years
Golden Pledge®
Ultimate Lifetime Protection
Workmanship: Lifetime; 25 Years Non-Prorated - Timberline HDZ® & Timberline HDZ® RS; 30 Years Non-Prorated - Timberline® AS II & Timberline UHDZ®
- ✓Limited Warranty Term for GAF Shingles: Lifetime
- ✓Smart Choice Protection Period: 50 Years
- ✓Tear-off: Covered (when necessary)
- ✓Disposal: Covered (when necessary)
- ✓Algae: 25 Years for StainGuard Plus™-Labeled Shingles and Ridge Cap Shingles; 30 Years for StainGuard Plus PRO™-Labeled Shingles
- ✓Wind Limited Warranty Term: 15 Years
- ✓LayerLock-labeled shingles: WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty: No maximum wind speed limitation
Why Labor Coverage Matters
Most Roofs Don't Fail Because of Bad Shingles—They Fail Because of Bad Installation
Most roof problems aren't caused by defective shingles. They're caused by improper nailing, missing or incorrect underlayment, poor flashing, or inadequate ventilation.
None of that is covered by a standard shingle warranty. You're on the hook for labor costs—which can be $5,000–$15,000 to fix.
K&D's Master Elite Training & Standards
Installers Are Factory-Trained on GAF Products
GAF Certified Installers
Our lead installers have completed GAF's factory training programs on proper installation techniques, product specs, and warranty requirements.
Ongoing Education
GAF releases new products and updates every year. We attend GAF training sessions annually to stay current.
Adherence to GAF Specifications
We follow GAF's installation manuals to the letter—nailing patterns, underlayment requirements, flashing details, ventilation ratios. No shortcuts.
Quality Control Inspections
Todd inspects every K&D roof before final sign-off. If it doesn't meet GAF specs, we fix it before you pay.
Warranty Registration
We register your GAF warranty immediately after install. You get your certificate within 2–4 weeks. No chasing us down for paperwork.
The Master Elite Accountability Difference
If We Screw Up, GAF Holds Us Accountable
Regular Roofer:
- ✗You call the roofer → they ignore you
- ✗You call GAF → installation errors (workmanship) are not covered. Workmanship is not covered on the Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty. In the event that GAF approves your limited 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.
- ✗You're stuck paying someone else to fix it
Master Elite Contractor (K&D):
- ✓You call K&D → we fix it (covered under labor warranty)
- ✓If we don't respond → you call GAF
- ✓On Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge, GAF arranges the repair or reimburses the full reasonable cost of labor and other materials
GAF has a financial stake in making sure we do the job right. They audit us. They track complaints. They pull certifications if we don't maintain standards. That's accountability.
Master Elite + FORTIFIED = The Ultimate Roof
K&D Roofing is both a GAF Master Elite contractor and certified to install a FORTIFIED Roof™.
What that gets you:
- ✓Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty, which Master Elite® contractors can offer on qualifying roofs.
- ✓FORTIFIED engineering (an IBHS standard tested for high winds)
- ✓Insurance discounts ($500–$1,500/year saved)
- ✓Resale value (both certifications transfer to new owners)
GAF Master Elite FAQs
Can any roofer install GAF shingles?
Yes. GAF Certified contractors can offer the System Plus Limited Warranty. Certified Plus contractors can offer System Plus and Silver Pledge. Master Elite contractors can offer those and the Golden Pledge Limited Warranty. A non-certified installation is the Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, or the Roofing System Limited Warranty when Timberline shingles are installed with at least 3 qualifying accessory products. Workmanship is not covered. During the 10-year Smart Choice Protection Period, GAF pays the full reasonable cost of labor to install replacement GAF Products. Tear-off and disposal are not covered.
What happens to my warranty if my roofing contractor goes out of business?
If GAF determines there is an application error within Silver Pledge or Golden Pledge coverage, GAF will arrange to have your roof repaired or, at its sole option, provide you with replacement GAF Products and reimburse you for the full reasonable cost of labor and other materials.
Does the warranty cover storm damage?
No—that's what your homeowner's insurance is for. The GAF warranty covers manufacturing defects and installation defects.
Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?
To transfer a GAF Warranty, email ccp@gaf.com with your name, address, and the date you purchased the property. GAF will need a copy of your deed or other proof of the date the property changed hands.
How long does a GAF roof last?
Limited Warranty Term for GAF Shingles: Lifetime (40 years for any other type of owner or building).
Your Roof Won't Fix Itself.
No gimmicks. Just honest roofing from a local company that's been here since 2017.
Share the property address
Inspection and photos
A line-item estimate before work starts
Build, cleanup, and a punch list