A new roof is a significant investment, and understanding the warranties that protect this investment is crucial for homeowners. However, roofing warranties can be complex, with various coverage types, limitations, and requirements. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about roof warranties to ensure you're adequately protected.
Types of Roofing Warranties
Roofing warranties typically fall into three main categories:
1. Manufacturer's Material Warranty
This is the most basic warranty type, covering defects in the roofing materials themselves.
- Coverage: Defective materials only
- Duration: Typically 20-50 years for asphalt shingles, 30-lifetime for metal roofing
- Provided by: The manufacturer of the roofing materials
- Limitations: Usually prorated after a certain period, meaning coverage decreases over time
Example: If your shingles develop cracks or blisters due to manufacturing defects, the material warranty would cover replacement materials, but not labor costs for installation.
2. Workmanship Warranty
This warranty covers problems arising from improper installation rather than the materials themselves.
- Coverage: Installation errors and workmanship issues
- Duration: Typically 1-10 years, depending on the contractor
- Provided by: The roofing contractor who installed your roof
- Limitations: Only valid if the contractor remains in business
Example: If your roof leaks due to improperly installed flashing or incorrect nail placement, the workmanship warranty would cover both materials and labor to fix the issue.
3. Extended or System Warranties
These premium warranties cover both materials and installation when certified contractors install complete roofing systems.
- Coverage: Both material defects and installation errors
- Duration: Often 25 years to lifetime, non-prorated
- Provided by: Manufacturers, but requires installation by their certified contractors
- Limitations: Requires use of the manufacturer's complete roofing system
Example: GAF's Golden Pledge warranty or Owens Corning's Platinum Protection warranty cover both materials and workmanship for extended periods when installed by their certified contractors.
What's Typically Covered
While coverage varies by warranty type and provider, here's what you can generally expect to be covered:
Material Warranties Typically Cover:
- Manufacturing defects in roofing materials
- Premature deterioration not caused by external factors
- Material replacement costs (often prorated)
- Some color fading beyond normal weathering
Workmanship Warranties Typically Cover:
- Leaks resulting from installation errors
- Improper flashing installation
- Incorrect nail placement or quantity
- Labor and materials to correct installation problems
Extended/System Warranties May Additionally Cover:
- Full system protection (shingles, underlayment, starter strips, etc.)
- Non-prorated coverage for longer periods
- Tear-off and disposal costs for defective materials
- Transferability to a new homeowner (usually once)
What's Typically NOT Covered
Understanding exclusions is just as important as knowing what's covered. Most roofing warranties do NOT cover:
- Acts of Nature: Damage from storms, hail, winds exceeding specified speeds, lightning, floods, earthquakes
- Poor Maintenance: Issues arising from homeowner neglect or failure to perform routine maintenance
- Unauthorized Modifications: Changes, repairs, or additions to the roof not performed by authorized contractors
- Improper Ventilation: Damage resulting from inadequate attic or roof ventilation
- Consequential Damages: Interior damage to your home or belongings resulting from roof failure
- Normal Wear and Tear: Expected aging and weathering of roofing materials
- Aesthetic Issues: Minor color variations or normal granule loss
Warranty Registration and Maintenance Requirements
To keep your warranty valid, you'll typically need to:
- Register Your Warranty: Complete and submit registration forms within a specified timeframe (usually 30-90 days after installation)
- Maintain Documentation: Keep copies of your contract, warranty certificates, and proof of registration
- Perform Regular Maintenance: Many warranties require documented regular roof maintenance
- Use Approved Contractors: For repairs or modifications, use contractors approved by the warranty provider
- Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensure attic and roof ventilation meets manufacturer specifications
Failure to meet these requirements can void your warranty, so it's essential to understand and follow them carefully.
Warranty Transferability
If you sell your home, you may be able to transfer the roof warranty to the new owner, but there are typically limitations:
- Many warranties allow only one transfer during the warranty period
- Transfers usually must occur within a specific timeframe after the sale (often 30-60 days)
- There may be a transfer fee (typically $50-$250)
- The warranty period may be reduced upon transfer
- Proper documentation and notification to the manufacturer are required
A transferable warranty can be a valuable selling point when listing your home, potentially increasing its market value.
How to File a Warranty Claim
If you experience a problem with your roof that you believe is covered by warranty, follow these steps:
- Document the Issue: Take clear photos of the problem areas
- Review Your Warranty: Confirm the issue appears to be covered
- Contact Your Contractor: For workmanship issues, start with your original installer
- Notify the Manufacturer: For material defects, contact the manufacturer's warranty department
- Schedule an Inspection: Most warranty claims require professional assessment
- Provide Documentation: Be prepared to show proof of purchase, warranty registration, and maintenance records
- Follow the Process: Complete all required forms and follow the specified claim procedure
Act promptly when you notice issues, as many warranties require notification within a specific timeframe (often 30 days) of discovering a problem.
Comparing Warranty Options
When selecting a new roof, consider these warranty comparisons:
Standard Manufacturer Warranty vs. Extended Warranty
| Feature | Standard Warranty | Extended/System Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included with materials | Additional cost (typically $1-4 per square foot) |
| Coverage Duration | 20-30 years, often prorated | 25 years to lifetime, non-prorated |
| Labor Included | Usually not | Yes |
| Tear-off Costs | Not covered | Often covered |
| Transferability | Limited or none | Usually one transfer allowed |
Contractor Selection Impact on Warranties
| Contractor Type | Available Warranties | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Non-certified Contractor | Basic manufacturer material warranty only | Materials only, no workmanship |
| Certified Contractor | Enhanced manufacturer warranties + workmanship | Materials + installation for extended periods |
| Master/Elite Certified | Premium system warranties | Comprehensive coverage, longest terms |
Red Flags in Warranty Terms
Be cautious of these warning signs in roofing warranties:
- Excessive Exclusions: Warranties that list numerous scenarios not covered
- Severe Proration: Coverage that decreases dramatically after just a few years
- Vague Language: Terms like "at our discretion" without clear criteria
- Unreasonable Maintenance Requirements: Demands for excessive or costly regular maintenance
- Limited Complaint Windows: Very short timeframes for reporting issues
- High Transfer Fees: Excessive charges to transfer the warranty to a new homeowner
Enhancing Your Roof Warranty Protection
Consider these strategies to maximize your warranty coverage:
- Choose Certified Contractors: Select installers who can offer enhanced manufacturer warranties
- Consider Homeowner's Insurance Supplements: Some insurance policies can cover gaps in warranty protection
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all roof work, inspections, and maintenance
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Have your roof professionally inspected every 2-3 years
- Address Issues Promptly: Don't wait to report or repair problems
Conclusion
A roof warranty is only as good as its terms and the company standing behind it. Taking time to understand your warranty options before installation can save significant stress and expense later. The best warranty combines quality materials, expert installation, and clear, comprehensive coverage terms.
At Multi-Bee 360 Roofing System, we offer industry-leading warranty options and will help you understand exactly what protection you're receiving with your new roof. As certified installers for major manufacturers, we can provide enhanced warranty options not available through non-certified contractors.
Contact us today to discuss your roofing project and learn more about the warranty options that will best protect your investment for decades to come.
