Categories: Uncategorized

GAF Master Elite vs. GAF Certified: What’s the Difference?


The venerable roofing materials company General Aniline and Film (GAF) has provided US roofers with top-quality materials since 1886. To improve the performance of their roofing materials, they offer various certifications to roofers who complete manufacturer-designed training in the proper installation of their products. Two of these certifications – Certified and Master Elite – set apart roofers who have undergone GAF training and exams.

What Is GAF Certified?

The three percent of North American roofers who earned GAF certification did so by completing a GAF training program and exam. This entry-level certification confirms the craftmanship and roofing skills of the individual. To qualify for the training, the roofer must offer evidence of their experience, superb reputation and trustworthiness. After passing the training ethical qualifications, the roofer completes coursework and an exam in the following GAF-specific topics:

  • Installation processes
  • Troubleshooting roofing
  • Roof warranties
  • Using modern roofing technologies.

After completion of this process, the roofer agrees to offer free roof inspections. When a GAF Certified roofer installs a roof, that roof receives a 25-year workmanship warranty.

Types of GAF Certification

The entry-level GAF certification offers roofers the opportunity to earn certification for the type of roofing they typically install. These include:

  • Steep Sloped GAF Certification – Steep sloped roofing represents the most common type of residential roof installed in the US. A roofer can earn either the Authorized Homebuilder, GAF Certified, or Master Elite options.
  • Low Slope GAF Certification – For the most common type of US commercial roof, the low slope roof, GAF also offers certifications. A roofer may qualify for GAF Master Select or GAF Master.
  • Solar – GAF also produces solar roofing and offers training so roofers can become GAF Certified in installing its energy-efficient, solar products. These roofers earn the designation GAF Solar Elite.

When you read the words “GAF Certified,” it means the roofer earned at least the lowest level of certification in their specialty –  Authorized Homebuilder, Master Select, or Solar Elite.

What Is Master Elite?

The Master Elite designation indicates that the roofer earned the top-level GAF certification for residential roofing. In the US, only three percent of roofers earned this certification. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, 158,800 individuals held the job of a roofer, meaning about 4,764 of those roofers earned the Master Elite certification.

Advantages of Hiring a GAF-Certified Roofer

Roofers who earn these certifications offer the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, a limited lifetime warranty that includes 50 years of non-prorated coverage. They also offer a 25-year workmanship warranty. Since only the GAF-certified roofers can offer the 25-year warranty, GAF makes it worth the effort to find and hire one of them.

Contact Adamson Roofing Company

Contact GAF Master Elite Certified roofer, Adamson Roofing Company, today. Rely on their more than 10 years of experience and manufacturer training to provide you with a lasting, reliable roof.

David Barnett

Recent Posts

What Is the GAF Lifetime Roofing System?

Choosing the right roofing system for your home can impact its curb appeal and resilience…

5 months ago

Pros and Cons of Using GAF Shingles

It is no doubt that GAF is the most famous brand in the roofing industry.…

12 months ago

Is a GAF Master Elite Contractor Expensive?

The roofing industry is full of incompetent and unprofessional roofers. Many companies undertake roofing projects…

12 months ago

How to Extend the Life of Your GAF Shingle Roof

One of the most important parts of your home is the roof. Getting a well-done,…

1 year ago

Why It’s Important to Secure a Good Roofing Warranty

How much does your roof mean to you? What measures have you taken to ensure…

1 year ago

Why Homeowners Love GAF Timberline HDZ® Shingles

When building a home, many things can be substituted, and others can't. One of the…

1 year ago