Roof Warranty Terms 101

Roof Warranty Terms 101: Understanding What’s Covered & What’s Not in Your Roof Warranty

When investing in a new roof for your home, one of the most important—but often overlooked—factors that are helpful to understand is the warranty for your roof. A roof warranty can give you peace of mind, but only if you know what it actually covers. Not all warranties are created equal, and understanding the terms can help you avoid costly surprises down the road.

In this post, we’ll break down the basics of roof warranties, the differences between types, and what’s typically included—and not included—in the fine print.

Types of Roof Warranties

There are generally two main types of warranties associated with roofing systems:

1. Manufacturer’s Warranty

This covers the roofing materials themselves—such as shingles, metal panels, or underlayment. If the materials are defective and fail prematurely due to a manufacturing error, the manufacturer may cover replacement or reimbursement costs.

Key things to know:

• Most standard manufacturer warranties range from 20 to 50 years.
  
• Many only cover the cost of materials—not labor or disposal.
  
• “Lifetime” warranties often come with conditions and may be prorated after a certain number of years.
  

2. Workmanship Warranty

Offered by your roofing contractor, this warranty covers the quality of the installation. Even top-of-the-line materials can fail if installed incorrectly, so this warranty is crucial.

Key things to know:

• Workmanship warranties typically last anywhere from 1 to 25 years.
  
• Coverage varies greatly between contractors.
  
• Some contractors also offer extended warranties backed by manufacturers if they’re certified installers (e.g., GAF Master Elite or Owens Corning Preferred Contractors – good news, we are both of those!).
  

What’s Typically Covered

Whether it’s a material or workmanship warranty, most policies include coverage for:

• Premature material failure: If shingles curl, crack, or delaminate far sooner than expected.
  
• Installation errors: Like misaligned shingles, improper flashing, or poor sealing (only if covered by a workmanship warranty).
  
• Wind damage: Often covered up to a certain speed (e.g., 110 mph), provided proper installation and fasteners were used.
  
• Manufacturer defects: Such as faulty adhesive strips or inconsistent granule coverage.
  

What’s Not Covered

Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing what is covered. Common exclusions include:

• Improper installation: If you hire an unlicensed or non-certified contractor, the manufacturer’s warranty may be void.
  
• Storm damage: Hail, heavy winds beyond the warranty’s rated speed, fallen trees, and other acts of nature are typically not covered unless you purchase a separate storm warranty.
  
• Neglect or lack of maintenance: Issues that arise from clogged gutters, moss buildup, or debris accumulation usually aren’t covered.
  
• Alterations and roof penetrations: Adding solar panels, skylights, or satellite dishes may void your warranty if not done properly.
  
• Transfer limitations: Some warranties are not transferable to new homeowners, or they may reduce in length or coverage when transferred.
  

How to Protect Your Warranty

To get the most out of your roof warranty:

• Keep records. Save copies of your contract, warranty certificate, and any communication with your roofer or manufacturer.
  
• Schedule inspections. Regular roof inspections can catch minor issues before they become warranty-voiding problems.
  
• Use certified contractors. Many enhanced warranties are only available when using factory-certified installers.
  
• Register your warranty. Some manufacturers require registration within a specific time frame after installation.
  

Final Thoughts

A roof is a major investment, and a warranty is your safety net—if you understand it. Always read the terms carefully, ask your contractor to explain any unclear language, and make sure you’re clear on who is responsible for what. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not can help you make informed decisions, avoid costly repairs, and keep your home protected for decades to come.