GAF provides some of the most competitive warranties on the market for their roofing materials. However, if you’re looking to fix roof damage and want to file a claim using your GAF warranty, there are several things you need to consider. Your roof damage claim will require certain things like documents, shingle samples, proper claim information, and more. In addition, you’ll need to know whether or not your shingles or other accessories qualify for coverage! To help you get started on filing your claim, here’s what you need to know about filing a claim under a GAF warranty.
Not All Roof Materials Will Qualify
Unfortunately, GAF doesn’t cover all accessories, or even shingles under certain circumstances with their warranty. Some exclusions include the following.
Improper Installation
If the shingles were installed incorrectly, GAF may not cover any damages that occur. Before filing a claim, ensure that your roof was properly installed to begin with. Working with a GAF certified contractor can often guarantee proper installation and, as a result, coverage under the warranty.
Non-GAF Products
Using non-GAF products on your roofing system may void any existing warranties. Only GAF accessories or products should be used in combination with their roofing materials for maximum effectiveness and coverage. Combining different GAF products and accessories gives you access to better warranties, like the GAF Roofing System and System Plus Limited Warranty.
Not Original Owner
If you’re not the original owner of the property or didn’t have your roofing warranty properly transferred, this could hinder your ability to us the GAF warranty. GAF allows one transfer to a new owner, provided they notify GAF within 60 days of the sale. Before damage strikes, check to see if the warranty has been transferred to your ownership.
Wind Damage
Not all shingles or accessories are covered under the same warranty for storm damage. For example, while Timberline shingles may be covered for wind up to 130mph, Grand Sequoia shingles may only have coverage up to 110mph. Knowing your specific product’s limits can save you from filing a claim that wouldn’t qualify. The easiest way to know the ins and outs of your specific warranty is to take a quick look at your protection plan or ask for help from your roofing contractor.
How to File a Claim
If you have damages that should be covered under GAF’s warranty, it’s important to file a claim as soon as possible. Here are the steps to filing your roof damage claim.
Submit Proper Documents
Once the damage occurs, take pictures and gather any necessary documents such as your original warranty certificate and proof of purchase. Fortunately, a proof of purchase is all you need to qualify for GAF’s Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty. Other documents you’ll need include:
- Photos of the damage
- Proof of the installation date of your shingles or accessories (contractors invoice)
- Proof of homeownership at the time of the roof installation, or proper transfer of the GAF warranty
Submit Roof Shingle Samples
In addition to these documents, GAF also requires shingle samples from the damaged area to be submitted for inspection. To gather these shingle samples, it’s crucial to hire a reputable roofing contractor to properly remove and package them. You’ll need to arrange for these samples to be submitted to GAF’s laboratory for testing. These two, full-sized roofing shingle samples will be tested for manufacturing defects and to determine if they were properly installed.
If there is snow covering your roof, don’t worry. GAF gives you 9 months from the start of filing your warranty claim to provide them with the samples. However, the sooner you file a claim and submit the required documents, the quicker GAF can process and resolve your claim.
Submit Online
By far the easiest way to submit a warranty claim is online. Simply visit GAF’s website and fill out the online form with your contact information, information about the type of building that is damaged, information about ownership of the building, and the type of damage that occurred. Once you fill out this online form, you can check on the status of your claim by calling GAF’s claim line at 800-458-1860.
Navigate Your Claim With Ease
We know that it can be tough to submit a roof damage claim without help, which is why 5280 Storm Team is here to lend a hand! Our roofing contractors provide roofing replacement in Frederick , CO, as well as roofing repairs, solar services, exterior paint, gutter repairs, and so much more! From Fort Collins to Colorado Springs, we’re your one-stop shop for all things exterior. Call us today for a free inspection and for help navigating the warranty claim process. Let us help you get your roof back in top shape!
