Roofing Warranties

What Is Roofing Warranties?

Every roof carries two distinct warranties, and most warranty disappointment comes from conflating them. The manufacturer warranty covers the product — shingles that fail from manufacturing defect — typically as a limited lifetime term on architectural shingles, with a strong early period (often the first ten years) and prorated coverage after; it excludes installation errors, storm damage, and commonly conditions coverage on proper attic ventilation and installation to specification. The workmanship warranty covers the installation and comes from the contractor — leaks from flashing, nailing, or detailing mistakes — and it is only as good as the company's longevity, which is one concrete argument for established local contractors over post-storm transients. Two upgrades exist: manufacturer-certified installers can register enhanced system warranties that add workmanship coverage backed by the manufacturer, contingent on using the full branded component system; and warranty transfer to a home buyer is usually possible once, within a registration window. Storm damage is neither warranty's job — that is what insurance is for.

Important Distinction

Note: A 'lifetime' shingle warranty covers manufacturing defects in the product, not installation errors or storm damage: most real-world roof failures are workmanship or weather, which the manufacturer warranty explicitly does not cover.

Also Known As

These are the search terms and phrases that commonly refer to this topic, so you can find it however you describe it.