When you're in the process of designing or constructing a new building, commercial certifications for roofing contractors might not be top of mind. However, when it comes time to book a professional roofer to finish off and protect your project, selecting the right person for the job involves more than asking for references. Commercial roofing certifications can help make your decision easier.
Roofing manufacturers often have different certification levels—some requiring specialized training, insurance, and licensing—that can help customers determine the quality of a contractor's work and hire a reputable roofer. A manufacturer's designation helps guarantee that the contractor you choose has been vetted to meet the requirements for quality control.
Here's what you need to know about the redesigned commercial roofing certifications GAF offers.
How Contractors Gain Commercial Roofing Certifications
GAF Commercial now offers an exceptionally competitive, exclusive, and rewarding Commercial Roofing Certification Program. It ensures that contractors* can provide service, whether installing, repairing, or replacing a roof.
Commercial applicants must meet certain criteria to be certified. For instance, they must have a roofing license if their state requires it, which usually involves completing educational programs. To become certified, they must also be insured—carrying general liability, auto, and workers' compensation insurance.
Other factors are required to reach various levels of certification, such as the contractor's years of roofing experience and credit rating. Company history and overall standing with the Better Business Bureau all play a role in determining the warranty/guarantee coverage commercial roofing professionals can offer clients on qualifying GAF roofing systems.
Benefits of GAF Certification
A GAF Commercial Certification is a reliable indicator that a selected contractor has an excellent relationship with the manufacturer and can be trusted to bring the quality workmanship, access to extensive training, and professional experience to help ensure quality installation—as well as access to GAF-backed guarantees you want to protect your investment and long-term reliability of your roof.
These individuals can also take advantage of the GAF Commercial Roofing Contractors Toolkit, which offers valuable insights and resources.
Most importantly, unlike some manufacturers that automatically renew contractor certifications each year, GAF Commercial reviews each certification annually. This process includes evaluation of inspection ratings, claim history, responsiveness, and reputation within their local market. This can help you rest assured that the roofer you select for your project is continually evaluated to ensure they meet the high standards of GAF.
GAF Commercial Certification Levels**
GAF offers tiered levels of certified partnerships, which help encourage and reward commercial roofing contractors who maintain excellent qualifications, abilities, reputations, and a shared commitment to excellence in the commercial roofing industry.
Whether you need a sensitive restoration or highly specified cold-storage or hybrid installation, energy-efficient new construction or cost-effective recover application, small local retail location or national distribution warehouse, you can find a commercial contractor certified by GAF who specializes in your project needs.
GAF Certified™ Commercial Contractor
GAF Certified™ Commercial Contractors can offer the GAF Integrated System Limited Warranty and System Pledge™ Roof Guarantee. They are required to be properly insured and licensed (in states where required) to become certified. They also have access to industry-leading training through GAF CARE programs.
GAF GoldElite™ Commercial Contractor
GAF GoldElite™ Commercial Contractors can offer the GAF Diamond Pledge™ NDL Roof Guarantee with a coverage term up to 25 years for qualifying systems. To become certified, this certification requires proper insurance and licensing, a strong reputation for quality, and a commitment to understanding the latest technology and installation methods. These individuals also get private CARE training opportunities.
GAF PlatinumElite™ Commercial Contractor
GAF PlatinumElite™ Commercial Contractors are held to some of the industry's highest standards. Evaluated and approved unanimously by GAF Field and Sales leadership annually, less than 10% of GAF Commercial Contractors qualify. This process includes evaluation of inspection ratings, claim history, responsiveness, and reputation within their local market. GAF PlatinumElite™ Commercial Contractors can offer the GAF Diamond Pledge™ NDL Roof Guarantee with a coverage term up to 35 years for qualifying systems as well as the WellRoof® Guarantee Extension.
GAF CoatingsPro™ Liquid-Applied Roofing Contractor
GAF CoatingsPro™ Liquid Applied Roofing Contractors focus on coatings and liquid membranes, and can offer the Liquid-Applied Emerald Pledge™ Limited Warranty for qualified systems.
GAF CoatingsPro™+ Liquid Applied Roofing Contractor
GAF CoatingsPro™+ Liquid Applied Roofing Contractors focus on coatings and liquid membranes, and can offer the Liquid-Applied Emerald Pledge™ Limited Warranty and Diamond Pledge™ NDL Roof Guarantee. To become certified, this designation requires proper insurance and licensing, a strong reputation for quality, and a commitment to understanding the latest technology and installation methods.
GAF Commercial Chairman's Circle
The GAF Commercial Chairman's Circle recognizes an elite group of contractors who demonstrate an unparalleled commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
Ensuring the Quality Your Commercial Project Requires
Selecting a roofing contractor with a GAF Commercial Certification can help ensure your project's roof is properly installed and you have access to GAF-backed guarantees. Learn about the NEW GAF Commercial Certifications and how they can help you identify contractors for your next commercial project.
* Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties or guarantees, which require the use of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use available at GAF.com.
** Eligibility requirements, terms and restrictions apply. For complete coverage and restrictions, visit gaf.com/warranties and click on links provided for full warranty/guarantee documents. For qualifying products, visit gaf.com/lrs.
This blog contains information created by a variety of sources, including internal and third-party writers. The opinions and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of GAF. The content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute financial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, or professional design advice as to any particular project. GAF does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the information. In no event shall GAF be held responsible or liable for errors or omissions in the content or for the results, damages or losses caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on the content. Consult a design professional to ensure the suitability or code compliance of a particular roofing system for any particular structure.
