How do you file a GAF roof warranty claim?

A manufacturer warranty and a homeowners policy cover different problems. A GAF shingle warranty addresses manufacturing defects in its products. Storm damage from hail or wind goes to your insurer, and installation mistakes go to the contractor who installed the roof. Knowing which one you have saves weeks.

Steps for a GAF warranty claim

1. Find your warranty. The warranty version in effect when your roof was installed governs the claim. Look for the certificate or registration your contractor provided, plus the invoice showing the install date.
2. Notify GAF promptly. The standard shingle warranty asks owners to report a problem within 30 days of noticing it, through the claim channels listed in the warranty.
3. Prove the basics. You will be asked to show when the shingles were installed and that you owned the house then, or that the warranty was properly transferred to you.
4. Supply evidence. GAF may request photos and shingle samples for testing, sent at your expense.
5. Hold off on repairs. Repairing or replacing the shingles before GAF evaluates the claim can lead to denial. If a leak cannot wait, tell the claims examiner and keep photos and samples of the original problem.

What to expect

After any early full coverage period, standard warranties are typically prorated, and labor, tear off, and disposal may not be included. Enhanced system warranties registered by certified contractors can add more coverage, so check which one you have. If you bought the house, a standard GAF warranty can be transferred only once, and the new owner must notify GAF in writing within one year of the sale.

Granule loss or cracking that appears right after a storm may be storm damage rather than a defect, which is an insurance question instead. Robust Roofing is GAF certified, and its warranty page explains how manufacturer and workmanship coverage fit together.