Roofing Warranty Information
Two different warranties cover two different failures. Knowing which is which is the difference between a covered claim and an expensive surprise.
Get a Free Roof InspectionNearly every roofing company advertises a warranty, and almost none explain what it covers. There are two distinct types, they cover different failures, and a roof can be fully warranted against one while being unprotected against the other.
The two types
| Workmanship warranty | Manufacturer warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Your roofing contractor | The material manufacturer |
| What it covers | Installation errors — improper nailing, flashing, or sealing | Defects in the shingles or roofing material itself |
| Typical failure it addresses | A leak at a poorly flashed chimney | Shingles failing prematurely despite correct installation |
| Only as good as | The company still being in business | The installation meeting manufacturer specification |
The point most homeowners miss: a manufacturer warranty generally requires installation to manufacturer specification. Wrong nail placement, wrong nail count, or missing components can void material coverage entirely — which means a bargain installation can cost you the warranty you paid for in the materials.
Why "lifetime" needs reading
"Lifetime" in roofing rarely means what it sounds like. It usually refers to the expected service life of the material as defined by the manufacturer, and coverage is typically prorated — declining substantially after an initial full-coverage period. A claim in year twenty may return a small fraction of replacement cost. Always ask how long full, non-prorated coverage lasts.
What typically voids a roofing warranty
- Installation outside manufacturer specification — the most common cause
- Inadequate attic ventilation — many manufacturers require it, and it's frequently overlooked
- Unauthorized repairs or alterations by another contractor
- Layering new shingles over old, where the manufacturer prohibits it
- Pressure washing, which strips protective granules
- Storm damage — that's an insurance matter, not a warranty matter
- Neglected maintenance, such as blocked drainage causing damage
What to ask before you sign
- Is the workmanship warranty in writing, and for how long?
- How long is the manufacturer's full coverage before proration begins?
- Does the warranty transfer if I sell the home, and is there a fee or deadline for the transfer?
- Will the installation meet manufacturer specification so material coverage stays valid?
- Is ventilation being addressed as part of the job?
- What specifically is excluded?
Transferability matters more than people think
A transferable warranty is a selling point when you list the home, and buyers' inspectors ask about it. Transfers frequently carry a time limit — often a narrow window after the sale — and a fee. Worth knowing at installation rather than at closing.
Our approach
We back our work with workmanship and material warranties, install to manufacturer specification so material coverage stays intact, and put the terms in writing in the proposal rather than describing them verbally. For the specific terms that would apply to your roof and the materials you choose, ask us during your free inspection — the answer depends on the system being installed.
See the materials guide for how material choice affects coverage, or the insurance guide for storm damage, which warranties don't cover.
Get the warranty terms in writing
Every proposal spells out what's covered, for how long, and what's excluded — before you commit to anything.
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