Roof Warranties Explained
Contents
Roof Warranties Explained
Roof warranties provide property owners with protection and peace of mind by covering certain types of defects or failures in roofing systems. Understanding the different types of roofing warranties helps ensure you know what is covered, for how long, and what responsibilities fall on the building owner versus the contractor or manufacturer.[1]
Warranties are particularly important in both Residential Roofing and Commercial Roofing projects due to the significant investment involved and the expected lifespan of modern Roofing Materials.
Types of Roof Warranties
1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty
- Covers defects in roofing materials such as shingles, membranes, or tiles[2]
- Common with brands offering Asphalt Shingles, TPO Roofing, EPDM Roofing, or Metal Roofing
- Typically lasts 10–50 years depending on the product[3]
- Does not cover improper installation or external damage (e.g. weather, foot traffic)[2]
2. Workmanship Warranty
- Issued by the roofing contractor
- Covers errors in installation or labor
- Duration ranges from 1 to 10 years, depending on contractor[4]
- May be voided if materials are altered or if improper maintenance occurs
3. Full System Warranty
- Offered by some manufacturers or through certified contractors
- Covers both labor and materials when installed as a complete system[2]
- Often requires all products (underlayment, flashing, shingles) to be from the same brand[3]
- Must be installed by a certified contractor[2]
4. NDL (No Dollar Limit) Warranty
- Common in Commercial Roofing projects[5]
- Ensures full coverage of repair or replacement costs, regardless of the extent of the damage
- Requires strict installation and inspection protocols[5]
5. Extended or Lifetime Warranty
- Available for premium systems or as an upgrade
- May require regular Roof Inspection and Maintenance to stay valid
- Terms and conditions vary significantly by manufacturer — under U.S. federal warranty law the written terms, not the marketing label, define what is covered[6]
What’s Typically Covered
- Material defects (cracking, blistering, granule loss)[2]
- Premature aging or degradation
- Installation errors (if included in warranty type)
- Specific system components such as membranes, insulation, or flashing[5]
What’s Not Usually Covered
- Storm damage or acts of nature — these are normally a matter for your property insurance, not the warranty[7]
- Poor maintenance or neglect
- Unauthorized alterations
- Ponding water on Flat Roofs
- Improper Roof Ventilation or insulation[2]
Tips for Managing Roofing Warranties
- Always request a copy of all warranties in writing[1]
- Register your warranty with the manufacturer if required[8]
- Perform regular inspections to stay compliant
- Keep records of all roofing work and maintenance
- Hire certified contractors for installation and repairs[4]
Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor
- What type of warranty is included?
- Who backs the warranty—manufacturer or contractor?
- What are the coverage limits and duration?
- Are there any exclusions or conditions?
- Is the warranty transferable to a new owner?[3]
Sources
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Warranties consumer guide (read the written warranty; what it covers, for how long, and what you must do to keep it in force).
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Owens Corning — Roofing Warranties (limited lifetime shingle warranty covering manufacturing defects, non-prorated period, System Protection and Platinum Protection tiers requiring Preferred or Platinum contractors, ventilation requirements, transferability).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 CertainTeed — Residential Roofing Warranties (lifetime limited warranty, SureStart PLUS extended coverage requiring credentialed installers, transfer terms).
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 National Roofing Contractors Association — consumer guidance on roofing contracts, contractor selection and warranties; see also NRCA Technical resources.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Carlisle SynTec Systems — Warranties (commercial single-ply system warranties, including no-dollar-limit (NDL) coverage that requires authorized applicators and manufacturer inspections).
- ↑ U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, 15 U.S.C. Chapter 50: "full" vs. "limited" warranties, required disclosure of terms, and pre-sale availability of warranty documents).
- ↑ Insurance Information Institute — Which disasters are covered by homeowners insurance? (wind, hail, fire, lightning, weight of ice and snow and falling objects are insured perils; damage from lack of maintenance is not).
- ↑ Malarkey Roofing Products — Warranties (registration requirements, premium coverage tiers and installation conditions).