Franciscus Roofing

A roof warranty is a written promise that protects homeowners from certain problems after a new roof is installed. It is an important part of any roofing project, but many people are not sure what it actually covers.

Not all warranties are the same. Some come from the manufacturer of the roofing materials, while others are provided by the contractor who installs the roof.

Understanding the basic types of coverage and how long they last can help homeowners know what to expect if something goes wrong later.

What Is A Typical Roof Warranty

A standard roof warranty is a document that guarantees protection against defects in roofing materials or installation errors. Most new roofs come with at least one type of warranty, though coverage details vary widely.

The most common roof warranty is the manufacturer’s material warranty, which typically lasts 25-30 years for asphalt shingles. This basic warranty covers only manufacturing defects in the shingles themselves, not labor costs or installation problems.

For example, if your shingles crack or fail prematurely because of a manufacturing flaw, the warranty might provide replacement materials but not pay for the work to install them.

Typical warranties become prorated over time, meaning the coverage value decreases as your roof ages. A 30-year warranty doesn’t guarantee 30 years of full replacement value – it often provides diminishing coverage after the first few years.

Types Of Roofing Warranties Explained

Most new roofs come with multiple warranty types that protect different aspects of your roofing system. Understanding these different warranties helps clarify what’s covered if problems develop.

The three main types of roofing warranties are:

• Manufacturer material warranties: Cover defects in the roofing products
• Contractor workmanship warranties: Cover installation errors
• Extended or enhanced warranties: Combine and expand both types of coverage

Each warranty serves a specific purpose and offers different levels of protection for your roof investment.

1. Manufacturer Material Warranty

The manufacturer material warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. This is the most basic warranty that comes with any new roof.

This warranty typically covers:

• Manufacturing defects: Problems that occur during the production of the materials
• Premature failure: Materials that deteriorate faster than their expected lifespan
• Material integrity: Issues like premature cracking, blistering, or granule loss on shingles

Most asphalt shingle warranties last 20-50 years, with 30 years being the industry standard. However, these warranties usually have significant limitations. They typically don’t cover labor costs for replacing defective materials, and coverage often decreases over time through proration.

Manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed offer different tiers of material warranties, with premium options providing longer coverage periods for their higher-end products.

2. Contractor Roof Warranty For Workmanship

A workmanship warranty covers problems caused by improper installation rather than defective materials. This warranty comes from your roofing contractor, not the manufacturer.

Workmanship warranties typically cover issues like:

• Improper nailing: Shingles that blow off because they weren’t secured correctly
• Flashing errors: Water leaks around chimneys, vents, or walls due to poorly installed flashing
• Underlayment mistakes: Problems caused by incorrect installation of the water barrier beneath your shingles

The length of workmanship warranties varies significantly between contractors, typically ranging from 1-10 years. Quality contractors often offer 5-year workmanship warranty roofing coverage at minimum, with some providing 10 years or more.

Remember that a workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it. If your contractor goes out of business, your workmanship warranty becomes worthless.

3. Extended Or Enhanced Coverage

Enhanced warranties combine material and workmanship coverage into a comprehensive protection package. These premium warranties are typically offered by manufacturers but require installation by their certified contractors.

Enhanced warranties often include:

• Non-prorated coverage: Full replacement value for a longer initial period
• Workmanship coverage: Protection against installation errors
• System coverage: Warranty for all roofing components, not just shingles
• Transferability: The ability to transfer warranty coverage to a new homeowner

To qualify for an enhanced warranty, you typically need to install a complete roofing system from one manufacturer, using their authorized contractor. This might include specific underlayment, starter shingles, hip and ridge caps, and ventilation components.

These warranties can add $200-$500 to your project cost but provide significantly better protection than standard warranties.

What Does A New Roof Warranty Cover

Understanding exactly what your new roof warranty covers helps prevent surprises if you ever need to file a claim. Different warranties cover different aspects of your roof system.

Here’s a comparison of what each warranty typically covers:

Warranty Type	What’s Covered	Typical Duration	Common Exclusions
Manufacturer Material	Defective shingles or materials	20-50 years	Installation errors, storm damage, normal wear
Contractor Workmanship	Installation mistakes	1-10 years	Material defects, weather damage, maintenance issues
Enhanced/Extended	Complete system protection	25-50 years	Unauthorized repairs, poor maintenance, extreme weather

Most material warranties cover only the cost of replacement materials, not labor. They also typically exclude damage from:

• Improper installation or ventilation
• Storms, hail, or high winds (beyond specified limits)
• Tree damage or impact from falling objects
• Modifications after installation
• Failure to perform regular maintenance

Workmanship warranties specifically cover problems resulting from installation errors but won’t cover material defects or storm damage. These warranties are limited to issues directly caused by the installer’s work.

Enhanced warranties provide the most comprehensive coverage but still have exclusions. Even the best roof warranty doesn’t cover damage from extreme weather events, which is typically covered by homeowner’s insurance instead.

How Long Are Roof Warranties And Why It Matters

The duration of your roof warranty depends on the type of warranty and roofing materials used. Understanding these timeframes helps set realistic expectations about your long-term protection.

Asphalt shingle warranties typically range from 25-30 years, with premium architectural shingles sometimes offering 50-year or “lifetime” coverage. Metal roof warranties often extend 30-50 years, reflecting their greater durability.

Workmanship warranties from contractors generally last 1-10 years, with 5 years being fairly standard in the industry. Higher-quality contractors may offer longer workmanship guarantees.

The length of a warranty matters because:

• Longer coverage periods: Provide protection through more of your roof’s expected lifespan
• Non-prorated periods: Determine how long you receive full replacement value
• Transferability windows: Affect how long you can transfer the warranty to a new owner

Most “lifetime” warranties define “lifetime” as the period you own your home, with coverage often limited to 50 years maximum. After the initial non-prorated period (typically 10 years), coverage value usually decreases annually.

What Voids A Roof Warranty

Knowing what can void your roof warranty helps you maintain valid coverage throughout your roof’s lifespan. Several common factors can nullify your warranty protection.

Improper installation is a leading cause of voided warranties. If your roof isn’t installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, your material warranty may be invalidated immediately. This is why choosing a certified contractor is crucial for warranty protection.

Inadequate ventilation can also void your warranty. Most manufacturers require proper attic ventilation to prevent heat and moisture buildup that can damage shingles. If your roof fails due to poor ventilation, your claim may be denied.

Other common warranty-voiding factors include:

• Unauthorized repairs: Having work done by non-approved contractors
• Improper maintenance: Neglecting regular roof care and inspections
• Installing new roofing over old layers: Rather than complete removal
• Satellite dish installation: Or other penetrations not properly sealed
• Pressure washing: Which can damage shingle granules

Always read your warranty documents carefully to understand the specific maintenance requirements and exclusions that apply to your roof.

Do Home Warranties Cover Roof Issues

Home warranties and roof warranties are different types of protection with distinct coverage areas. Understanding these differences helps homeowners know where to turn when roof problems occur.

A home warranty is a service contract that covers repairs to major home systems and appliances. While some home warranties include limited roof coverage, this protection is typically restricted to leak repairs only, not full replacement or material defects.

Most home warranty roof coverage:

• Covers only leaks: Not structural issues or material failures
• Has coverage limits: Often capped at $500-$1,500 per contract term
• Excludes pre-existing conditions: Only covers problems that develop after the warranty begins
• Doesn’t cover known exclusions: Such as improperly installed materials or structural issues

If you’re wondering “does home warranty cover roof” problems, the answer is generally “partially.” Home warranties might help with minor leak repairs but won’t replace a failing roof or cover manufacturing defects in your shingles.

For comprehensive roof protection, dedicated roofing warranties from manufacturers and contractors provide much more specific and extensive coverage than general home warranties.

How To Protect Your Warranty On Roof Shingles

Maintaining your roof warranty requires following specific guidelines and practices. Taking these steps helps ensure your warranty remains valid if you ever need to file a claim.

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

Professional roof inspections help identify potential problems before they cause serious damage. Most manufacturers recommend inspections:

• After major storms or high winds
• At least once annually
• When you notice potential issues like water stains or missing shingles

Having documentation of regular inspections can strengthen your position if you need to file a warranty claim. Professional inspectors can also identify warranty-covered issues that might not be obvious to homeowners.

2. Use Certified Contractors

Many manufacturers require that certified contractors install or repair their products for the warranty to remain valid. These contractors have completed specialized training on proper installation techniques for specific roofing systems.

When selecting a contractor for installation or repairs:

• Verify certification: Ask for proof of manufacturer certification
• Check references: Speak with previous customers about their experience
• Review credentials: Ensure they’re properly licensed and insured

Using non-certified contractors for repairs or modifications could void your manufacturer’s warranty, even if the original installation was done correctly.

3. Keep Detailed Records

Maintaining complete records of your roof installation and maintenance helps support warranty claims if problems arise. Important documents to keep include:

• Original contract and warranty certificates
• Proof of warranty registration
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Receipts for any repairs or modifications
• Photos of your roof before and after installation

Store these documents in a safe, accessible location so you can easily reference them if warranty issues develop.

Partner With A Trusted Local Expert

Franciscus Roofing has provided quality roofing services to Northeast Ohio homeowners for over 25 years. Their experienced team understands the importance of proper installation for maintaining valid roof warranties.

As a certified installer for major manufacturers, Franciscus Roofing can offer enhanced warranty options that provide more comprehensive coverage than standard warranties. Their workmanship warranty also reflects their confidence in their installation quality.

For homeowners considering a new roof, understanding available warranty options is an important part of the decision process. A roof replacement warranty from a reputable contractor provides additional peace of mind beyond manufacturer guarantees.

To learn more about roofing warranty options or schedule a free roof inspection, visit Franciscus Roofing.

FAQs About Roof Warranty Protection

How much does a roof warranty cost?

Standard manufacturer warranties are included with your roofing materials, while enhanced warranties typically cost $200-$500 extra depending on your roof size and coverage level.

Is my roof warranty transferable to a new owner?

Most standard manufacturer warranties allow one transfer to a new homeowner within 2-5 years of installation, usually requiring formal notification and possibly a transfer fee.

Do roof warranties cover storm damage?

Most roof warranties specifically exclude damage from severe weather events, as these are typically covered by homeowner’s insurance rather than manufacturer or workmanship warranties.

What is the difference between prorated and non-prorated warranty coverage?

Non-prorated coverage provides full replacement value regardless of roof age, while prorated coverage reduces the reimbursement amount based on how long the roof has been installed.

How do I file a roof warranty claim?

Contact your roofing contractor first to document the issue, then submit a formal claim to the manufacturer with photos, installation date, and warranty information as required by your specific warranty terms.