Econo Roofing Blog
Roofing warranty comparison. Owens Corning vs. GAF vs. CertainTeed.
Last updated March 31, 2026
Three makers. Many warranty tiers each. Very unique coverage depending on your contractor. This guide compares every tier side by side so you know exactly what you are getting before you sign.
Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed make about 80% of the asphalt shingles on U.S. homes. All three offer tiered warranty programs. Your coverage depends on which contractor installs the roof. The same shingle, on the same day, on the same roof, can carry very different warranty terms. The contractor’s certification level decides which tier you get.
The hidden gap in standard warranties.
On the surface, having both a manufacturer warranty and a contractor workmanship warranty seems like complete coverage. In practice, a standard package leaves a gap that can leave homeowners financially exposed. A standard manufacturer warranty is voided by improper installation, and since over 80% of roof failures trace back to installation errors, this is the single largest risk in any reroof.
A standard contractor workmanship warranty is also only as good as the contractor’s longevity. If your installer closes shop in year 4 of a 5-year workmanship guarantee, that warranty disappears with them. Manufacturer-backed system warranties — available only through elite-certified contractors like Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, GAF Master Elite, and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster — are the only warranties in the industry that cover both material defects and workmanship under a single plan backed by the manufacturer, not the local installer.
Three types of roofing warranties.
Before comparing makers, understand the three warranty types that apply to every roof replacement:
Covers defects in the roofing product itself: premature granule loss, delamination, cracking, or failure to perform as rated. Issued by the maker (Owens Corning, GAF, or CertainTeed). Duration and terms vary by tier.
Covers install errors: bad flashing, wrong nail spots, weak seals at vents. The contractor issues this. At top tiers, the maker also backs the work. Most roof failures in the first 10 years come from install — so this is your key warranty early on.
The top-tier warranty programs from each maker combine material and workmanship coverage into a single full package. These are only available through the maker's highest-certified contractors and usually require install of a complete roofing system (not just shingles).
Owens Corning warranty tiers.
Owens Corning's warranty program is tied directly to contractor certification level. Three tiers are available:
Standard limited warranty.
Available through: Any contractor
Material coverage: Limited lifetime on shingles, prorated after year 10
Workmanship: None from maker
Labor costs: Not covered
Transferable: Limited transferability
Preferred Protection warranty.
Available through: OC Preferred contractors
Material coverage: Limited lifetime, reduced proration schedule
Workmanship: 1-year maker-backed
Labor costs: Included for first year
Transferable: Yes, within coverage period
Platinum Protection warranty (50-year).
Available through: OC Platinum Preferred contractors only
Material coverage: Lifetime, non-prorated for 50 years
Workmanship: 25 years maker-backed
Labor costs: Fully covered for qualifying claims
Transferable: Yes, full transferability
Econo Roofing is the only Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractor in Stanislaus and Merced County. This is the top 1% of OC contractors nationwide,, the only way to access Platinum Cover coverage in our service area.
GAF warranty tiers.
GAF offers four warranty levels, each needing a higher contractor certification:
Standard limited warranty.
Available through: Any contractor
Material coverage: Limited lifetime, prorated
Workmanship: None
Labor costs: Not covered
System Plus warranty.
Available through: GAF Certified contractors
Material coverage: Limited lifetime with reduced proration
Workmanship: 2 years
Requirement: Must install 3+ qualifying GAF products
Labor costs: Covered for 2 years
Silver Pledge warranty.
Available through: GAF Master Elite contractors
Material coverage: Limited lifetime, non-prorated for first 10 years
Workmanship: 10 years maker-backed
Requirement: Complete GAF roofing system
Labor costs: Covered for 10 years
Golden Pledge warranty.
Available through: GAF Master Elite contractors only
Material coverage: 50 years non-prorated
Workmanship: 25 years maker-backed
Wind warranty: WindProtector coverage available (up to 130 mph)
Labor costs: Fully covered
Transferable: Yes
Econo Roofing holds GAF Master Elite status, which is about 3% of all roofing contractors nationally. For a detailed breakdown, see our GAF Golden Pledge vs. Silver Pledge comparison.
CertainTeed warranty tiers.
CertainTeed's warranty system also ties coverage to contractor certification, with four primary tiers:
Standard limited warranty.
Available through: Any contractor
Material coverage: Limited lifetime, prorated
Workmanship: None from maker
Labor costs: Not covered
SureStart warranty.
Available through: CertainTeed credentialed contractors
Material coverage: Non-prorated for first 10 years, then prorated
Workmanship: None from maker
Labor costs: Covered for first 10 years only
4-Star SureStart warranty.
Available through: CertainTeed ShingleMaster contractors
Material coverage: Non-prorated for first 15 years
Workmanship: 15 years maker-backed
Requirement: 3+ qualifying CertainTeed Integrity Roof System products
Labor costs: Covered for 15 years
5-Star SureStart Plus warranty.
Available through: CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractors only
Material coverage: Non-prorated for first 25 years, then prorated
Workmanship: 25 years maker-backed
Requirement: 4+ qualifying CertainTeed Integrity Roof System products
Labor costs: Fully covered for 25 years
Transferable: Yes
Econo Roofing holds CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster status, making us qualified to register the 5-Star SureStart Plus warranty. See our certifications page for records.
We'll walk you through the warranty tiers for each maker and help you choose the best coverage for your home and budget. No obligation.
Get a Free Estimate →Head-to-head warranty comparison table.
This table compares the top warranty tiers from each maker. These are the warranties available through Econo Roofing:
| Feature | OC Platinum Protection | GAF Golden Pledge | CT 5-Star SureStart Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contractor required | Platinum Preferred | Master Elite | SELECT ShingleMaster |
| Material coverage | Lifetime (50 yr non-prorated) | 50 yr non-prorated | 25 yr non-prorated, then prorated |
| Workmanship coverage | 25 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Labor costs covered | Yes, full | Yes, full | Yes, for 25 years |
| Prorated after | 50 years | 50 years | 25 years |
| Wind coverage | Up to 130 mph (with TruDefinition) | Up to 130 mph (WindProtector) | Up to 110 mph (varies by product) |
| Transferable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| System requirement | Full OC Total Protection system | Complete GAF Lifetime system | 4+ CT Integrity Roof System products |
| Econo Roofing certified | Yes | Yes | Yes |
What voids a roofing warranty.
All three makers share similar warranty exclusions. If any of the following conditions are present, your warranty claim can be denied regardless of which maker or tier you selected:
Bad install. If the roof was not put on to the maker's spec, the warranty is void. That covers wrong nail spacing, bad flashing, or the wrong starter strips. This is why your contractor's cert level matters.
Weak attic vents. Every major maker has minimum vent rules to keep your warranty live. In Central Valley summers, attics often top 150°F. That makes this the #1 reason warranties get voided. Bad vents wear out shingles faster than the warranty was built for.
Unauthorized repairs or penetrations. If a non-qualified party performs work on the roof after install (satellite dish installers, HVAC contractors, solar panel crews without roofing credentials), the warranty may be voided in the affected area. All roof penetrations should be performed or supervised by the original roofing contractor.
Installation over existing layers. Enhanced warranty tiers from all three makers require complete tear-off of existing roofing. Overlay installs (layering new shingles over old) usually limit you to the base warranty only.
Non-approved components. Using underlayment, ice and water shield, or starter strips from a unique maker may void the enhanced warranty. All three makers require their own branded system components for the top warranty tiers.
Neglected maintenance. Allowing obvious damage to persist (cracked vent boots, separated flashing, built up debris blocking drainage) and then filing a warranty claim for resulting interior damage is usually excluded. Regular roof maintenance protects both your roof and your warranty.
Why contractor certification matters.
The warranty tier you receive is determined by one factor: your contractor's certification level with the maker. A homeowner cannot independently buy or upgrade to a higher warranty tier. The contractor's status is the gate.
Each maker has strict rules for their top certification:
Owens Corning Platinum Preferred needs steady training, customer satisfaction monitoring, proper insurance, and a proven install track record. Only the top 1% of OC contractors nationwide hold this certification.
GAF Master Elite needs licensing, insurance, a proven reputation, and ongoing commitment to expert training. About 3% of all roofing contractors in the U.S. qualify.
CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster needs finish of CertainTeed's Master Shingle Applicator training, credentialing exams, and kept good standing with the maker.
Econo Roofing holds all three top certs: OC Platinum Preferred, GAF Master Elite, and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster. No other contractor in the Central Valley holds all three. So you can pick any major maker and still get their best warranty tier.
Prorated vs. non-prorated. The real difference.
The warranty duration number on a shingle package can be misleading without understanding whether coverage is prorated or non-prorated:
After the first few years, the maker pays out less each year. A 30-year prorated warranty that starts prorating at year 10 might cover 50% at year 15. By year 25 it covers only 10-15%. The warranty still lasts 30 years on paper. But its real cash value drops fast. That’s why non-prorated coverage is worth the upgrade.
The manufacturer pays for all parts and labor for the full term. If your shingles fail in year 22 of a 25-year non-prorated warranty, you get full replacement value at today’s prices. Top-tier warranties from all three makers — OC Platinum Cover, GAF Golden Pledge, CertainTeed 5-Star — are non-prorated. That’s the gold standard.
Transferability. Protecting your resale value.
A transferable warranty is a real asset when selling your home. A buyer who knows the roof carries 20+ years of remaining non-prorated warranty coverage from a major maker has one fewer concern during negotiations.
Transfer rules vary by maker:
Owens Corning: Platinum Cover is transferable. Transfer must be requested within 60 days of the property sale. A transfer fee may apply. Coverage for the new owner may be adjusted (usually reduced to non-prorated for a shorter period).
GAF: Golden Pledge is transferable. Transfer must be completed within 60 days. The new owner usually receives the remaining coverage with some changes to the workmanship term.
CertainTeed: 5-Star SureStart Plus is transferable. Transfer rules include notification within a set period and possible fee. Coverage terms may be adjusted for the new owner.
Standard and base-tier warranties from all three makers may not be transferable at all. If resale value matters (and in Central Valley real estate markets, it should), selecting a transferable top-tier warranty is a strategic investment.
GAF Silver Pledge warranty explained.
The GAF Silver Pledge warranty is GAF's mid-tier enhanced warranty, available only through GAF Master Elite contractors (the top 2% of GAF-certified roofers nationwide). It pairs the standard 50-year material defect coverage with a 25-year workmanship warranty backed directly by GAF, not just by your contractor.
What GAF Silver Pledge covers:
- 50-year material defect coverage on lifetime shingles, non-prorated for the first 10 years.
- 25-year workmanship coverage backed by GAF (not just the installer) — if your Master Elite contractor goes out of business, GAF still honors the install workmanship claim.
- Tear-off and disposal coverage if a covered failure requires replacement.
- Full GAF system requirement — underlayment, starter, ridge cap, and leak barrier must all be GAF-branded.
How to qualify for Silver Pledge: Your contractor must be a GAF Master Elite (not just a certified GAF installer), and the roof must be installed using a complete GAF-branded system. The contractor registers the warranty with GAF on your behalf at completion. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, Econo Roofing can register Silver Pledge directly.
Silver Pledge vs Golden Pledge: The Golden Pledge is the top-tier GAF warranty and adds a stronger 25-year non-prorated workmanship term plus a GAF site inspection. Silver Pledge is a strong fit when you want manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage at a lower system cost than Golden Pledge. See our Golden vs Silver comparison for the full side-by-side.
CertainTeed 5-Star warranty explained.
The CertainTeed 5-Star warranty (officially the SureStart Plus 5-Star) is CertainTeed's most comprehensive enhanced warranty. It is available only through SELECT ShingleMaster contractors — CertainTeed's highest credential, held by less than 1% of roofing companies.
What CertainTeed 5-Star covers:
- Lifetime / 50-year material defect coverage on Landmark, Presidential, and other lifetime shingles.
- 25-year SureStart workmanship coverage backed directly by CertainTeed.
- Non-prorated for the full coverage period — full replacement value, not depreciated payouts.
- Tear-off, disposal, and labor included in the replacement claim.
- Transferable once to the next homeowner with the remaining coverage intact (notice typically required within 60 days of sale).
How to qualify for CertainTeed 5-Star: The roof must be installed by a SELECT ShingleMaster contractor using a complete CertainTeed Integrity Roof System (shingles, underlayment, starter, hip and ridge, and ventilation all CertainTeed-approved). The SELECT ShingleMaster registers the warranty within 30 days of completion. For more, read The 5-Star Advantage.
What does “non-prorated” mean in roofing warranties?
In plain language: a non-prorated roofing warranty pays the full replacement value of your roof for the entire warranty term. A prorated warranty pays a shrinking percentage of replacement cost as the roof ages.
How prorated coverage actually plays out:
- Year 1–10: A typical prorated warranty pays 100% of replacement.
- Year 11: Coverage drops to roughly 80% — you eat 20% of the replacement bill.
- Year 15: Coverage often drops to 50%. On a $25,000 roof, you would pay $12,500 out of pocket.
- Year 25+: Many prorated warranties cover only 10–20% of replacement, or zero.
Why “non-prorated” matters: Roofs almost always fail later in life, not in year 2. A prorated warranty looks generous on paper but pays the least exactly when you need it most. A non-prorated warranty (like GAF Golden Pledge, CertainTeed 5-Star, or Owens Corning Platinum Protection) keeps paying full replacement value for the entire coverage period — including labor, tear-off, and disposal.
Quick rule of thumb: If a contractor advertises a long warranty but won’t put “non-prorated” in writing, the second half of that warranty is mostly marketing. Always ask for the prorate schedule in the warranty document before you sign.
Frequently asked questions.
Which roofing manufacturer offers the best warranty?
All three major makers offer strong top-tier warranties. The best one for you depends on which certified contractor lays your roof. OC Platinum Protection, GAF Golden Pledge, and CertainTeed 5-Star all give non-prorated coverage with labor included. Econo Roofing holds the top tier with all three: OC Platinum Preferred, GAF Master Elite, and CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster.
What is the difference between a prorated and non-prorated roofing warranty?
A prorated warranty reduces the payout over time. By year 15 of a 30-year prorated warranty, coverage may be worth 50% of replacement cost. A non-prorated warranty maintains full replacement value for the entire coverage period. Top-tier warranties from all three makers are non-prorated.
Can I transfer my roofing warranty when I sell my home?
Yes, most enhanced maker warranties are transferable. OC Platinum Protection, GAF Golden Pledge, and CertainTeed 5-Star can all be transferred, usually within 60 days of the sale. Standard warranties may not transfer. Confirm transfer terms before choosing your warranty tier.
Do all roofing contractors offer the same warranty?
No. Your warranty tier depends entirely on your contractor's certification level. Only OC Platinum Preferred contractors can register Platinum Protection. Only GAF Master Elite contractors can register Golden Pledge. Only CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractors can register 5-Star. Econo Roofing holds all three top certifications.
What does a workmanship warranty cover that a manufacturer warranty does not?
A maker warranty covers material defects. A workmanship warranty covers install errors: improper flashing, incorrect nailing, inadequate sealing. Since most early roof failures are install-related, the workmanship warranty is often more important than the material warranty.
What voids a roofing warranty?
Common exclusions include: install by an uncertified contractor, installing over existing shingles, inadequate attic ventilation, unauthorized repairs or penetrations, non-approved components, and neglected maintenance. Poor ventilation is the most common exclusion in the Central Valley.
How long do roofing workmanship warranties last?
Workmanship warranty length varies by contractor. Budget contractors may offer 1-2 years. Top-certified contractors offer 25 years of maker-backed workmanship coverage. The warranty is only as reliable as the company behind it. Econo Roofing has been in steady operation since 1996.
Is a 50-year roofing warranty worth it?
Only if it is non-prorated and includes labor. A prorated 50-year warranty may cover just 10-15% of costs by year 30. Non-prorated 50-year warranties from OC (Platinum Protection) and GAF (Golden Pledge) maintain full coverage value and include labor. These are only available through top-tier certified contractors.
Does Econo Roofing offer warranties from all three major manufacturers?
Yes. We hold OC Platinum Preferred, GAF Master Elite, and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster certifications. We can register the highest warranty tier from all three: Platinum Protection (OC), Golden Pledge (GAF), and 5-Star SureStart Plus (CertainTeed). No other Central Valley contractor holds all three.
What happens to my warranty if my roofing contractor goes out of business?
Your maker warranty remains valid since it is issued by the maker. However, your workmanship warranty is only enforceable if the contractor still exists. This is why contractor longevity matters. Econo Roofing has operated always since 1996 with 30 years of standing behind our workmanship guarantee.
What is the difference between a “lifetime” and a “limited lifetime” warranty?
In roofing, “lifetime” almost always means as long as the original homeowner owns the property — not the lifetime of the home. “Limited” refers to the specific exclusions, prorated periods, and coverage caps written into the warranty document. Always read the limitations section before assuming “lifetime” means unlimited coverage.
How can I verify a roofing contractor’s certification?
Check the manufacturer’s official contractor locator. Owens Corning, GAF, and CertainTeed each publish online tools to verify Platinum Preferred, Master Elite, and SELECT ShingleMaster status. You should also verify the contractor’s California license at cslb.ca.gov. Econo Roofing’s license number is 749551.
What is the process for filing a roofing warranty claim?
For a workmanship claim, contact your installing contractor directly. For a material defect claim, contact the manufacturer through their warranty portal or claims line. With a manufacturer-backed system warranty (Platinum Protection, Golden Pledge, 5-Star SureStart Plus), the process is streamlined — the manufacturer covers both materials and installation under one claim. Your elite-certified contractor handles the registration upfront and can guide you through any claim that arises.
What does the GAF Silver Pledge warranty cover?
The GAF Silver Pledge covers 50 years of material defects on lifetime shingles plus 25 years of workmanship coverage backed by GAF, not just the contractor. It also covers tear-off and disposal if a covered failure requires replacement. The roof must be installed by a GAF Master Elite contractor using a complete GAF-branded system.
What is the difference between GAF Silver Pledge and GAF Golden Pledge?
Both require a GAF Master Elite contractor and a complete GAF system. Golden Pledge is the top tier: it adds a longer non-prorated coverage period, a GAF site inspection of the install, and stronger workmanship terms. Silver Pledge is the mid-tier choice with 25-year manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage at a lower system cost.
What does the CertainTeed 5-Star warranty cover?
The CertainTeed 5-Star (SureStart Plus) covers lifetime material defects on Landmark, Presidential and other lifetime shingles, plus 25 years of SureStart workmanship coverage backed directly by CertainTeed. It is non-prorated for the full coverage period and includes tear-off, disposal, and labor on a covered claim. It is available only through SELECT ShingleMaster contractors.
How do I qualify for a CertainTeed 5-Star warranty?
Three requirements: 1) the contractor must be a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster (the top tier, held by less than 1% of roofers); 2) the roof must use a complete CertainTeed Integrity Roof System — shingles, underlayment, starter, hip and ridge, and ventilation all CertainTeed-approved; 3) the SELECT ShingleMaster must register the warranty with CertainTeed within 30 days of completion.
What does “non-prorated” mean on a roofing warranty?
Non-prorated means the manufacturer pays the full replacement value of your roof for the entire warranty term, not a shrinking percentage as the roof ages. A prorated warranty might pay 100% in year 5 but only 50% in year 15 and 10% in year 25. Top-tier warranties (GAF Golden Pledge, CertainTeed 5-Star, OC Platinum Protection) are non-prorated for the full coverage period.
Related posts.
The two-warranty system every homeowner needs to understand before signing a roofing contract.
What separates these two GAF warranty tiers, what each covers, and which one you should choose.
The difference between the warranty number on the package, the actual dollar value of your coverage over time.
Related Reading
CertainTeed 5-Star Warranty Advantage · OC Platinum vs. System Protection
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