What Is GAF Master Elite®?
It's the Highest Certification a Roofing Contractor Can Earn
GAF (General Aniline & Film) is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. They make the shingles, underlayment, ventilation, and accessories that go on 1 in 4 American homes.
GAF Master Elite® is their top-tier contractor certification—reserved for contractors who meet strict standards for licensing and insurance, reputation and reviews, training and expertise, financial stability, and commitment to quality.
Only 3% of roofing contractors in the U.S. qualify.
K&D Roofing earned GAF Master Elite status in 2020 and has maintained it every year since. That puts us in the top 2–3% nationwide.
What It Takes to Earn Master Elite Status
The Requirements Are Rigorous—Only 3% of Contractors Qualify
Proper Licensing & Insurance
Valid contractor license, general liability insurance ($1M+ coverage), and workers' compensation insurance for all employees. 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
Crews complete GAF installation training, owner/lead installers pass GAF certification exams, and the company maintains ongoing education to stay current with new products and techniques.
Financial Stability
GAF audits finances to ensure the contractor can stay in business and honor long-term warranties. This includes submitting tax returns, financial statements, and proof of liquidity.
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
Access to GAF's Best Warranties—The Ones Regular Roofers Can't Offer
| Warranty Feature | Standard Warranty (Any Roofer) | Master Elite Warranty (K&D) |
|---|---|---|
| Shingle Material Coverage | 25–50 years (prorated) | 25–50 years (prorated) |
| Labor Coverage | 1 year (or none) | 10–25 years (paid by GAF) |
| Workmanship Coverage | Not covered | 10–25 years (paid by GAF) |
| Tear-Off Coverage | Not covered | ✓ Covered (up to $1,000) |
| Deck Repair Coverage | Not covered | ✓ Covered (up to $1,000) |
| Wind Coverage | Limited (110 mph) | 130 mph (no max claim) |
| Algae Stain Coverage | 10 years | 25 years (StainGuard®) |
| Transferability | Not transferable | ✓ Fully transferable to new owner |
| Who Pays for Repairs? | You (out of pocket) | GAF (direct payment to contractor) |
Shingle Material Coverage
Any Roofer
25–50 years (prorated)
K&D (Master Elite)
25–50 years (prorated)
Labor Coverage
Any Roofer
1 year (or none)
K&D (Master Elite)
10–25 years (paid by GAF)
Workmanship Coverage
Any Roofer
Not covered
K&D (Master Elite)
10–25 years (paid by GAF)
Tear-Off Coverage
Any Roofer
Not covered
K&D (Master Elite)
✓ Covered (up to $1,000)
Deck Repair Coverage
Any Roofer
Not covered
K&D (Master Elite)
✓ Covered (up to $1,000)
Wind Coverage
Any Roofer
Limited (110 mph)
K&D (Master Elite)
130 mph (no max claim)
Algae Stain Coverage
Any Roofer
10 years
K&D (Master Elite)
25 years (StainGuard®)
Transferability
Any Roofer
Not transferable
K&D (Master Elite)
✓ Fully transferable to new owner
Who Pays for Repairs?
Any Roofer
You (out of pocket)
K&D (Master Elite)
GAF (direct payment to contractor)
System Plus™
Enhanced Protection
10-year labor coverage
- ✓10-year workmanship coverage
- ✓$1,000 tear-off/disposal allowance
- ✓$1,000 roof deck repair allowance
- ✓25-year StainGuard® algae protection
- ✓130 mph wind coverage
- ✓Fully transferable
Silver Pledge™
Premium Protection
25-year labor coverage
- ✓25-year workmanship coverage
- ✓$2,500 tear-off/disposal allowance
- ✓$2,500 roof deck repair allowance
- ✓25-year StainGuard® algae protection
- ✓130 mph wind coverage
- ✓Fully transferable
Golden Pledge®
Ultimate Lifetime Protection
Lifetime shingle coverage + 25-year labor
- ✓Lifetime shingle (non-prorated 50 years)
- ✓25-year workmanship coverage
- ✓$5,000 tear-off/disposal allowance
- ✓$5,000 roof deck repair allowance
- ✓WindProven™ 130 mph coverage
- ✓Smart Choice® protection
Why Labor Coverage Matters
Most Roofs Don't Fail Because of Bad Shingles—They Fail Because of Bad Installation
Shingle manufacturers offer 25–50 year warranties on materials. That sounds great—until you realize 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.
With a GAF Master Elite warranty, GAF pays for labor. If your roof leaks due to installation error, GAF sends a check to the contractor to fix it—you pay nothing.
K&D's Master Elite Training & Standards
Our Crews 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 → "we only cover materials, not labor"
- ✗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
- ✓GAF assigns a replacement contractor and pays for repairs
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 is both a GAF Master Elite contractor and a FORTIFIED Representative™—one of the only contractors in the Triangle with both designations.
What that gets you:
- ✓GAF Master Elite warranties (10–25 years of labor coverage)
- ✓FORTIFIED engineering (scientifically proven to survive hurricanes)
- ✓Insurance discounts ($500–$1,500/year saved)
- ✓Resale value (both certifications transfer to new owners)
This is the highest level of roof protection available in North Carolina.
Learn More About FORTIFIED Roofing →GAF Master Elite FAQs
Can any roofer install GAF shingles?
Yes—but only Master Elite contractors can offer the premium warranties. Regular roofers can buy GAF shingles at a supply house and install them. But they're limited to basic material warranties (no labor coverage, no tear-off/deck repair, limited wind protection).
What if K&D goes out of business? Is my warranty still valid?
Yes—GAF backs the warranty. If K&D (or any Master Elite contractor) goes out of business, GAF assigns a replacement contractor to honor the labor coverage. You're protected.
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. But here's the bonus: GAF's 130 mph wind coverage (part of Master Elite warranties) covers blow-offs caused by wind up to 130 mph. If your shingles blow off in a storm under 130 mph, GAF pays to replace them—no insurance claim needed.
Can I transfer the warranty if I sell my home?
Yes—one time, fully transferable. GAF Master Elite warranties transfer to the next homeowner. This is a huge selling point. Buyers love knowing they're getting a roof with 10–25 years of remaining labor coverage.
How long does a GAF roof last?
25–50 years, depending on shingle type: Timberline HDZ® (standard): 30–40 years | Timberline UHDZ® (ultra HD): 35–45 years | Grand Sequoia® (designer): 40–50 years. With proper maintenance, GAF roofs regularly outlast their rated lifespan.
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