Roofer used a different underlayment than the GAF one in the contract. What the owner can do

GAF's warranty comparison sets the counts. Its Roofing System Limited Warranty and the System Plus warranty require GAF shingles plus at least three qualifying GAF accessories. Silver Pledge needs at least four and Golden Pledge at least five. The qualifying accessories are ridge cap shingles, starter strip shingles, leak barrier, roof deck protection, which is GAF's term for underlayment, and attic ventilation.

The upper tiers also depend on who installs the roof. Any of GAF's three contractor levels (Certified, Certified Plus, Master Elite) can sell System Plus. Silver Pledge takes one of the top two, and Golden Pledge only the top one, Master Elite. The certified contractor registers the warranty, and GAF tells owners to call 1-877-423-7663 if the warranty paperwork has not arrived two months (60 days) after installation. GAF's public materials do not say how it treats a roof where its underlayment covers only part of the deck.

So the first questions are which warranty the contract promised and how many other GAF accessories are on the roof. Photograph the off-brand rolls or wrappers, keep the contract and invoices, and ask the roofer for the GAF registration in writing. The owner can ask for a redo with the specified product, a credit, or written confirmation from GAF of the coverage it will issue.

The Federal Trade Commission advises homeowners to hold back the last payment until the job is finished and they are happy with it. It suggests trying to settle the problem with the contractor first, following calls with a certified letter sent with a return receipt, and keeping copies. If that fails, the FTC lists state attorneys general, local consumer offices, home builders associations and dispute resolution programs.