Support Local Businesses.

Why to Hire a GAF Master Elite Certified Contractor

A.W. Ross | February 17, 2010

When it comes to home improvements and repairs, certain aspects the average homeowner simply isn’t equipped to handle himself. Generally speaking, any project involving plumbing, HVAC systems, or precise construction-related skill requires the help of an outside company or contactor. While some exterior work can be tackled by homeowners who are fairly handy, roof replacement is one thing that is usually reserved for the professionals.

It’s easy to see why so many homeowners prefer to leave roof installation to the experts. A new roof can be a fairly significant and costly investment; therefore, most people would be wise to do what it takes to ensure that their roofs are installed correctly from the get-go. Additionally, roof installation is a potentially complex and dangerous venture, and one that most homeowners wouldn’t even dream of handling themselves, regardless of the potential savings.

While the decision to hire a team of professionals for roof installation might be a no-brainer in the minds of most homeowners, it can be difficult for many to determine which local roofing company or contractor is bound to do the best job. A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a business that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area, since 1979, and according to him, one good way to ensure that a roofing company is qualified to do the job is to check for a GAF Master Elite certification.

GAF Materials Corporation is North America’s largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing materials. Homeowners might recognize GAF as the inventors of the Timberline shingle, which is the top-selling architectural shingle in some areas. In order to enforce a higher standard of installation for its top-of-the-line products, GAF implemented a roofer certification program for contractors and companies in the industry. Since GAF will only award certifications to those who have achieved the highest level of competency and skill, only the top 2% of all roofing contractors have managed to qualify as Master Elite.

In order to become a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, one must be fully licensed within his given state to perform this type of work, and also carry the necessary insurance. Additionally, one must acquire and maintain a solid reputation for providing quality roofing services in order to achieve this particular rank. Finally, to become Master Elite, a roofing contractor must undergo supplementary professional training in order to sharpen his skills and perfect his technique.

There are two good reasons why homeowners should consider hiring roofing contractors who are GAF Master Elite certified. For starters, the GAF Master Elite certification is a clear indication that the individual or company in question has the ability to do its job well. Since one cannot obtain a Master Elite certification without going through the proper training, anyone who holds this honor within the roofing industry is bound to truly know what he’s doing. Additionally, since GAF requires that all candidates for Master Elite certification hold clean, dependable reputations, anyone who holds this particular credential is bound to be someone who is honest and responsible – qualities that can translate into better craftsmanship as well as timeliness during the roof installation process.

The second reason homeowners should choose GAF Master Elite Certified roofing contractors is that this type of company-backed certification allows eligible contractors to offer certain warranties that others cannot. Until somewhat recently, no roofing manufacturers provided coverage against contractor error. In an effort to stand behind its products and certification program, GAF implemented the Golden Pledge Ltd. Warranty, which is only available through GAF Master Elite contractors. This warranty not only protects a customer against poor workmanship during the roof installation process, it also entitles him to an independent GAF inspection once his new roof is in place – a fact that many homeowners are bound to find appealing.

If you’re looking to have a new roof installed but aren’t sure which contractors or companies to trust, then start by finding the ones who are GAF Master Elite certified. Most contractors who are GAF Master Elite certified tend to do a good job of making this fact known. So in many cases, you can obtain this information by visiting the business’s primary place of operation and looking for its physical certification. You can also go to the GAF website to see if the roofing contractor you’re looking to hire is GAF Master Elite certified.

Remember, a new roof is a huge investment. So when it comes to installation, you’d be wise to hire only the very best. By choosing a contractor or company with a GAF Master Elite certification, you’ll be giving yourself an added dose of reassurance that your house is in for a job well done.

About A.W. Ross

Author Name

A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a company that has been proudly serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979. A firm believer in proper home maintenance and improvement, Ross feels that the proper exterior components of a home such as roofing, siding, and windows can truly add to its value and appeal.

Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding

(315) 294-9203 2700 Monroe Rd.
Charlotte,NC 28205
Visit Website

Find roofers

Locate Nearby roofers, Today!

What People Are Saying.

1 Comment

  1. I was wondering if this certification mattered, thanks for showing me the light. I will definitely be checking for this when I hire my roofing contractor.

    Mendel Potok – September 28, 2010 , 11:21 AM

Leave a comment