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How to Read a Roofing Warranty
As a new homeowner, understanding roofing warranties is essential for protecting your investment. A roofing warranty is your first line of defense against costly repairs caused by defective materials or installation errors. But what does a roofing warranty cover, and what are its limitations?
What Are Roofing Warranties, and Why Do You Need Them?
Roofing warranties protect you by guaranteeing a certain level of performance from both the roofing materials and the installation workmanship. However, not all warranties are created equal.
When installing a new roof, it’s essential to understand the two warranties that typically accompany it: the roofing material warranty and the workmanship warranty. The material warranty—often referred to as a roof shingle warranty—is provided by roofing manufacturers and covers defects in the materials, such as shingles or underlayment.
The workmanship warranty, provided by your contractor, covers any mistakes made during the installation process. Together, these warranties help protect your roof and investment—just make sure to read the terms carefully so you know what’s covered and for how long.
Most roofing systems come with two roofing warranties:
Manufacturer Material Warranty – This warranty, provided by the roofing manufacturer, covers defects in the roofing materials, like shingles and underlayment.
Contractors’ Workmanship Warranty – This warranty, provided by the roofing contractor, covers errors made during the installation process.
Together, these warranties protect your roof and investment, so it’s necessary to read the terms carefully to understand what’s covered and for how long.
Standard Roofing Warranty Types
Manufacturer Materials WarrantyThis warranty covers the roofing materials, including roof shingles, underlayment, and accessories, as well as the labor and materials used in their installation. Manufacturer warranties vary widely, from basic limited lifetime warranties to extended ones that cover the complete roof system.
- Some manufacturers offer prorated warranties, where coverage decreases over time, while others provide non-prorated options with more consistent benefits.
- Want the best warranty? Look for an upgraded or extended warranty, which offers greater protection.
You can explore detailed warranty options from manufacturers like CertainTeed, Angi, and GAF.
Roofing Contractors Workmanship Warranty
This warranty covers labor or installation errors that might cause leaks or failures. Your safeguard against poor installation, covering issues like:
- Flashing or ventilation mistakes
- Incorrect shingle placement
- Faulty fasteners or decking errors
Workmanship warranties typically last 1–10 years, providing essential protection, even with the best materials.
What to Expect from Standard Warranties
- Material Coverage
Manufacturer warranties typically focus on replacing defective materials, such as roof shingles, due to factory flaws. - Limited Lifetime Coverage
Limited lifetime may sound comprehensive. However, it usually means that coverage diminishes over time. After the initial complete coverage period (typically 10 years), the warranty may transition to a prorated system, covering only a portion of the material cost. - Labor and Removal Not Covered
Most standard roofing warranties do not cover labor costs for removing damaged materials or installing replacements, which often surprises homeowners when they file a claim.
What Does a Roofing Contractor's Warranty Cover?
- Leaks from poor installation.
- Errors with flashings or valleys.
- Roof repairs are required due to labor-related problems.
Importance of Understanding the Terms
- Read the Fine Print
Always check what is covered. The best roofing warranty is the one you fully understand and comprehend. - Know Your Rights
Be aware of actions that might void your warranty, such as improper maintenance or unauthorized repairs. - Document Everything
Save all paperwork—including product purchase records, installation contracts, and written warranties. If issues arise, this documentation is vital for processing a warranty claim.
How to Protect Your Warranty
Your warranty is only as strong as your ability to keep it valid. Ensure you’re fully covered:
- Register the warranty, if required by the manufacturer.
- Schedule periodic inspections.
- Document all service and maintenance.
- Use certified professionals for roof repairs.
- Avoid unauthorized alterations or upgrades.
Keeping your paperwork and timelines in check will help when you need to file a warranty claim.
How Long Do Roofing Warranties Last?
- Manufacturer Warranties: 20–50 years or advertised as lifetime coverage, although this is often limited to a specific period.
- Roofing Workmanship Warranties: Typically range from 1 to 10 years.
Some roofing companies offer extended options, allowing you to bundle both labor and materials under a single plan. This can simplify future claims and add peace of mind.
Is an Extended Manufacturer Warranty Worth It?
Upgrading to an extended manufacturer warranty can provide broader protection, including coverage for accessories, underlayments, and even labor costs.
This added coverage can be especially valuable if you want comprehensive protection for your roofing project without the guesswork.
For example:
- GAF’s Lifetime Roofing System
- CertainTeed’s SureStart Plus Program
Protect Your Home with Blessed Roof: Trusted by Homeowners
Understanding your roofing warranties—from the manufacturer’s materials warranty to the contractor’s workmanship warranty—can help you avoid unexpected issues. Be sure to read the fine print, safeguard your investment, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
When it comes to roofing, you can trust Blessed Roof for expertise, integrity, and peace of mind at every step.
What Our Customers Say:
“These guys are fantastic! They were by far the most professional, the most timely, the most communicative, and did an incredible job.”
— Michael Crowley
