GAF Master Elite Status Earned by Top 3% of U.S. Roofers

Only 3% of Contractors Qualify – How One Roofer Earned GAF Master Elite Certification

North Charleston, United States – May 8, 2026 / Big Bear Roofing /

GAF has confirmed that Big Bear Roofing has officially earned GAF Master Elite roofing certification, a designation held by fewer than 3% of roofing contractors across the United States. The achievement positions the company among a narrow group of contractors authorized to offer the full scope of GAF warranty protection to residential and commercial clients in North Charleston, SC and Raleigh, NC.

A Certification Tied to Strict Industry Standards

GAF, one of North America’s largest roofing manufacturers, does not award Master Elite status based on tenure or volume alone. Contractors must demonstrate valid licensing, adequate insurance, a commitment to ongoing training, and a proven track record of customer satisfaction. The result is a contractor network that represents a small fraction of the industry and is held to a higher standard of accountability than the general market.

For clients working with Big Bear Roofing, the certification signals that installations are performed by technicians trained directly in GAF specifications. It also means the company is authorized to offer the GAF Golden Pledge warranty – a lifetime, factory-backed protection plan that covers both materials and workmanship. That dual coverage is significant because most standard warranties address materials only, leaving homeowners exposed to labor costs in the event of installation-related issues.

What the Golden Pledge Warranty Means for Homeowners and Businesses

The Golden Pledge warranty is GAF’s highest-tier protection offering and is available exclusively through Master Elite certified contractors. It includes a lifetime limited warranty on qualifying shingles, up to 25 years of workmanship coverage, and a non-prorated period during which GAF – not the contractor – backs the claim. This factory-direct accountability structure protects clients even in scenarios where a contractor is no longer in business.

For commercial property owners and residential clients in the Carolinas, this represents a measurable shift in long-term risk management. Roof replacement is among the most significant capital investments a property owner makes, and warranty terms directly affect asset value and insurance considerations.

“Earning GAF Master Elite roofing status is something we worked toward deliberately,” said Matt Longo, Owner of Big Bear Roofing. “Fewer than 3% of contractors in the country qualify, and what that means practically for our clients is access to the Golden Pledge warranty – a lifetime, factory-backed guarantee that GAF stands behind directly. That kind of accountability is what we want attached to every roof we install.”

Expanded Coverage Across Two Markets

Big Bear Roofing operates across two active service regions. The North Charleston, SC office is reachable at (843) 544-9775, serving residential and commercial clients throughout the greater Charleston area. The Raleigh, NC office handles the Triangle region and can be contacted at (919) 607-6898.

The dual-market presence means the GAF Master Elite certification and its associated warranty benefits are now accessible to a combined client base spanning two of the Southeast’s faster-growing metro areas. Both offices operate under the same certification standards, and the Golden Pledge warranty applies uniformly across qualifying installations in each region.

Clients seeking documentation of the certification, warranty terms, or installation eligibility are encouraged to contact the office nearest to their property directly.

About Big Bear Roofing

Big Bear Roofing is a GAF Master Elite certified roofing contractor serving residential and commercial clients in North Charleston, SC and Raleigh, NC. The company is authorized to offer the GAF Golden Pledge warranty on qualifying installations and holds the licensing, insurance, and training credentials required to maintain that certification. North Charleston clients may call (843) 544-9775 and Raleigh clients may call (919) 607-6898.

Learn more at Big Bear Roofing