Roof Warranties Explained

Every new roof comes with two separate warranties: manufacturer (material defects) and contractor (installation errors). Most homeowners assume a "50-year warranty" means 50 years of free coverage—it doesn't. Understanding proration, exclusions, and how to keep warranties valid saves thousands when problems arise. Here's what warranties actually cover and what they don't.

You need both warranties for complete protection. For cost planning, see our Cost Guide.

Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the roofing material itself—shingles that crack prematurely, granules that shed abnormally, metal that rusts due to coating failure. But here's the catch: material defects are rare (under 1% of roofs), warranties are heavily prorated, and they don't cover labor (the expensive part of repairs).

What's Covered

• Manufacturing defects: Shingles that crack from internal flaws, granules that don't adhere properly, metal panels with coating defects, tiles with structural weakness from manufacturing.
• Premature aging: If materials fail significantly before expected lifespan due to manufacturing issues (not wear and tear), manufacturer may honor warranty.
• Replacement materials: Most warranties cover replacement materials only—you pay full labor costs to remove and reinstall. Some premium warranties cover labor.

What's NOT Covered

• Installation errors: Shingles that blow off from poor nailing, leaks from improper flashing, failure from inadequate underlayment—all installation issues, not material defects.
• Storm damage: Wind, hail, falling trees, debris impact. File insurance claims, not warranty claims, for storm damage.
• Improper ventilation: Premature failure from heat buildup voids most manufacturer warranties. Proper ventilation is a warranty requirement.
• Algae/moss growth: Aesthetic issue, not a defect. Manufacturers don't cover discoloration from organic growth (though some offer algae-resistant shingles with limited cosmetic coverage).
• Normal wear: Materials aging as expected isn't a defect. A 25-year shingle showing wear at year 20 is normal, not warrantable.

Proration: The Hidden Cost

Most manufacturer warranties are prorated after 10-15 years. If your shingles fail in year 20 of a 30-year warranty, manufacturer covers 33% of material cost (10 years remaining ÷ 30 year warranty). You pay 67% of materials plus 100% of labor.

Example: Shingles fail in year 18 of 30-year warranty. Replacement materials cost $4,000, labor costs $3,500. Manufacturer covers $1,600 (40% of materials). You pay $2,400 (materials) + $3,500 (labor) = $5,900 out-of-pocket for a "warrantied" repair.

This is why material warranties sound better than they are. Compare warranty structures when choosing roofing materials.

Contractor workmanship warranties cover installation errors—improper nailing, flashing mistakes, valley issues, inadequate underlayment. This is the warranty you'll actually use, because installation errors show up within 1-5 years. Material defects (covered by manufacturer) are far rarer.

What's Covered

• Installation errors: Shingles that blow off from improper nailing, leaks from poor flashing, valleys that channel water incorrectly, inadequate underlayment causing leaks.
• Labor & materials: Most workmanship warranties cover both labor and materials to fix installation errors. This is the valuable part—labor is expensive.
• Leak repairs: If leaks result from installation errors (not storm damage or material defects), contractor fixes them under warranty.

What's NOT Covered

• Material defects: If shingles crack from manufacturing defects, that's the manufacturer's problem, not the contractor's.
• Storm damage: Wind/hail damage isn't an installation error. File insurance claims.
• Homeowner-caused damage: Walking on roof improperly, pressure washing (voids warranty), unauthorized repairs by other contractors.
• Issues from other trades: If your HVAC guy causes roof damage, that's on them, not your roofer.

Warranty Length Matters

1-year workmanship warranties are a red flag—quality contractors stand behind their work for 5-10 years minimum. Installation errors often don't manifest until the first heavy rain or wind event. A 1-year warranty means you're on your own after year one.

What to ask: "How long is your workmanship warranty, and does it cover both labor and materials?" Expect 5-10 years from quality contractors. Anything less is a warning sign. Check installation timelines and processes to understand when errors appear.

Warranty exclusions are where manufacturers and contractors protect themselves. Some exclusions are legitimate (poor ventilation does cause premature failure). Others feel like gotchas. Know what voids coverage before you need to make a claim.

Inadequate Ventilation

The #1 warranty void. Manufacturers require proper intake/exhaust ventilation—usually 1 square foot of ventilation per 150 square feet of attic space. Without it, heat buildup ages shingles faster, causes cracking, and warps decking. This isn't a sneaky exclusion—it's legitimate engineering. Fix ventilation before installing a new roof, or your warranty is void from day one.

Overlay Installation

Installing new shingles over old (overlay) voids nearly all manufacturer warranties. It's explicitly excluded in warranty terms because overlay hides deck damage, adds weight that stresses materials, and prevents proper adhesion. Quality contractors refuse overlay work—it's a Band-Aid that voids protection.

Non-Certified Installers

Some premium warranties (GAF Golden Pledge, CertainTeed SureStart Plus) require installation by factory-certified contractors. Using non-certified installers voids enhanced coverage. Standard warranties don't require certification, but enhanced warranties do. Ask before hiring.

Pressure Washing

High-pressure washing strips granules from shingles, exposing the asphalt layer and accelerating aging. Most manufacturers explicitly void warranties if damage results from pressure washing. Use low-pressure cleaning or chemical treatments for algae removal—never high-pressure on shingles.

Unauthorized Repairs

If you hire a different contractor to repair a workmanship-warrantied roof, the original contractor's warranty is void. They won't stand behind someone else's work. Same goes for DIY repairs. Document everything if you must use another contractor due to original contractor going out of business or refusing service.

Poor Maintenance

Neglecting basic maintenance—clearing debris, removing moss, cleaning gutters—can void warranties if neglect causes failure. Warranties assume reasonable upkeep. A roof that fails from years of accumulated moss and clogged gutters isn't a manufacturing or installation defect.

Planning to sell within 5-10 years? Transferable warranties add value to your home and give buyers peace of mind. Here's how warranty transfers work and what to ask for.

Material Warranty Transfers

Most manufacturer warranties are transferable once, usually with registration and a $25-$100 transfer fee. But transferred warranties often have reduced terms—a 30-year warranty might transfer with only 10-15 years remaining for the new owner. Read the fine print.

How to transfer: Register warranty with manufacturer within 60-90 days of installation. At sale, notify manufacturer, pay transfer fee, provide new owner with documentation. Some manufacturers require original installation certificate (keep it with home records).

Workmanship Warranty Transfers

Contractor workmanship warranties are rarely transferable, or transfer at heavily reduced terms. A 10-year warranty might become 1-2 years for new owners. This is a negotiating point with contractors—ask for fully transferable workmanship warranties if you plan to sell soon. Some contractors charge extra for transferability.

Resale Value Impact

A new roof with strong transferable warranties can increase home value $5,000-$15,000, especially in competitive markets. Buyers see it as one less worry. Document warranties, keep installation certificates, and include warranty info in listing materials. For cost-benefit analysis, see our Cost Guide.