Understanding Roofing Warranties: What You Need to Know

Roofing Warranties Explained

A new roof is a major investment. While it’s easy to focus on shingle color and style, don’t overlook your warranty coverage—it matters just as much.

Roofing warranties can sound complicated, but they really break down into three main types:

• A standard manufacturer’s warranty covering the roofing materials 
• A workmanship warranty from your contractor covering installation errors 
• An extended manufacturer’s warranty combining product and workmanship coverage 

Here’s what each means for you.

Most shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty—usually meaning coverage for as long as you own your home. But here’s what’s actually covered:

• Defective materials: The warranty mainly covers product defects from the factory. 
• Initial period: For the first few years, you get full replacement shingles and labor to install them (but typically not tear-off or disposal). 
• Prorated period: After the initial years, coverage drops, and you’ll get only part of the replacement cost. 

Important to know: these warranties don’t cover installation mistakes, improper ventilation, or other roofing components like flashing and underlayment (which may have their own separate warranties).

A roof is only as good as its installation. That’s where a workmanship warranty comes in. Offered by your contractor, this warranty covers problems caused by incorrect installation.

What it usually covers:

• Labor and materials to fix installation-related issues 
• Often, damage to your home’s interior or belongings if those issues lead to leaks 

What it doesn’t cover:

• Storm and impact damage 
• Ice dams and water backup 
• Damage from later alterations or heavy foot traffic 
• Falling tree limbs and debris
   

Tip: Choose a contractor with a strong track record and solid reputation—not just a flashy warranty.

Top manufacturers know proper installation affects product performance. That’s why many offer extended warranties—if your roof is installed by a certified contractor and you use their full roofing system.

What you typically get:

• Coverage for most system components (except wood decking, flashing, fasteners) 
• Longer, non-prorated coverage (often up to 50 years) for defective materials including labor 
• Workmanship coverage for installation errors, including tear-off and disposal (often lifetime, sometimes with prorating after a certain period)
   

Extended warranties do cost more but they can provide peace of mind and better protection.