As a company whose motto is, "We protect what matters most," GAF pays special tribute to those who protect us: our military. To thank them for their dedicated service to our nation and the many sacrifices they make throughout their careers, GAF created the Roofs for Troops rebate program.
This program provides 250 $ to eligible active U.S. military members, honorably discharged veterans, and retirees who install qualifying GAF roofing systems on their homes and purchase an Enhanced Warranty. Since the program's launch in 2015, Roofs for Troops has serviced 51 976 veterans and paid out 12 994 000 $ in rebates.
But what does this impact look like on an individual basis?
GAF Certified™ Contractors Are a Crucial Part of Roofs for Troops' Success
Brandon Ford, part-owner of Retro Roofers in Woodstock, Georgia, has been in the roofing industry for 20 years and has since completed more than 150 roofs for homeowners who have benefited from the GAF Roofs for Troops program.
"What we love about this program is that we see many people deployed who had to leave their spouse at home to deal with things, including getting the roof done. When things go wrong, they need all the help they can get," says Brandon.
"My granddad was a war veteran, and I know a lot of people in the military. One of our part-owners is a military veteran. So, anything we can do to help give back to the military community that's done so much for us is always a good thing," says Brandon.
Brandon sees the impact the GAF Roofs for Troops program has on homeowners once the job is complete and they have a brand-new, state-of-the-art roof.
"It definitely makes a difference. With their rebate, these active service members or veterans can get an upgrade for something or use that money to pay for something else. And they're always so appreciative, every single time," he says.
Most recently, Brandon's crew worked on a job where a tree fell on a military member's house on New Year's Day. As they were cutting down the tree and tarping the roof, Brandon learned the tree had fallen on the room belonging to the service member's father-in-law, who had recently passed away.
"I said, 'Look, I know you've got more important things going on, but when this roof gets redone, we're going to put a GAF shingle on it, and it's going to qualify for the GAF Roofs for Troops rebate; all you have to do is send over your invoice. And he couldn't believe it. Little things mean so much to people when they're going through a rough time," he says.
Brandon adds that, when choosing suppliers, roofing contractors want to collaborate with companies that support the community.
"For us, a key point in partnering with GAF was the Roofs for Troops rebate. We work with military people often, and we wanted to offer that benefit to our customers. It's not about us; it's about our veterans-that's really important to us," he explains.
Making an Impact and Supporting Those Who Need It Most
One of the veterans impacted by the GAF Roofs for Troops rebate is retired Army Sergeant Steven Harlan, whose roof was damaged by a severe hailstorm last May. As a proud veteran from a military family—his father was in the Navy, and his son also served—Steve makes a point to deal with companies that show their respect to those who served their country by offering military discounts.
"There are a lot of retired military in Georgia, and when I purchase things, I'll ask if they give a military discount," says Steven, who served for 17 years.
"I'll always get several quotes when I need to do something for the house, and if the quotes are close, I'm going to give my business to the person who offers a military discount, because I feel they appreciate the military. It's hard for me to understand why a company wouldn't give a military member a discount. It shows you appreciate the sacrifice we make."
Steve didn't know about the GAF Roofs for Troops program before he began researching local contractors in his area, and he was pleased to learn about the initiative.
"I benefited from the rebate and appreciated the 250 $" he says.
How to Apply for the GAF Roofs for Troops Rebate
To apply for the GAF Roofs for Troops rebate, military homeowners first need to complete the online rebate claim form.
A qualifying GAF roofing system includes GAF asphaltic roofing shingles and a required number of qualifying GAF accessory products, which varies based on which Enhanced Warranty is selected. Qualifying GAF accessory products include ridge cap shingles, attic ventilation, starter strip shingles, roof deck protection, and leak barrier. The roofing system must also be installed by a GAF Certified™ contractor, a GAF Certified Plus™ contractor, or a GAF Master Elite® Contractor.
To learn more information about the program, eligibility requirements, and qualifying GAF Enhanced Warranties, visit https://www.gafroofsfortroops.com/. You can reach them directly at custserv@gafroofsfortroops.com or 1-855-433-8959.
