Posted on Friday, July 11th, 2025 at 9:00 am
A warranty is a promise. It means you have options for resolving your situation when something goes wrong. Sometimes, that means a repair or replacement when a specific product does not perform or live up to intended standards. However, some warranties have time limits and exceptions, making understanding roofing warranties and your available options more challenging.
As a homeowner, you need to understand your roofing warranty and what it covers. Failing to understand the specifics of a roofing warranty can cause complications and setbacks if you need crucial repairs or replacements covered. It’s time to pull out your paperwork and review the basics of roofing warranties.
Why Roofing Warranties Matter
A roof is a sizable investment. A roofing warranty offers peace of mind and helps you to protect that investment. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t understand what a typical warranty covers.
A roofing warranty matters because it helps protect your expensive investment from defects and potential roofing issues. Issues with materials or defects in roofing products can cause structural issues and damage, jeopardizing your safety. If problems occur, you won’t have to face the prospect of expensive financial repairs alone, saving you money.
Roofing warranties can also increase your home’s value. Purchasing a home is a long-term investment, and potential buyers feel more confident with a valid roof warranty attached. It means they won’t feel stuck with expensive repairs if something goes wrong when they move in.
A roofing warranty gives homeowners an added layer of protection against the unpredictable. It helps cover unexpected repairs or roofing expenses when needed, so you don’t have to spend more money out of pocket.
What’s Typically Covered by a Roofing Warranty?
Not all roofing warranties are the same. Manufacturing warranties help cover material defects, which occur when roofing materials don’t meet quality standards and fail after installation. Manufacturing flaws can include granule loss, curling, shrinking, and blistering. Defects like these can lead to leaks, structural damage, and premature wear on other materials.
Contractor’s warranties are different. These warranties may be offered by a roofing professional or contractor. They tend to cover workmanship and ensure proper installation procedures are followed.
Check the language of your warranty for specifics. Many warranties vary from contractor to contractor and manufacturer to manufacturer. Most warranties do not cover issues that come from storm damage, poor or inadequate maintenance, or wear and tear. A warranty may be void if a homeowner attempts to make unauthorized repairs or alterations to a roof or roofing product.
Depending on the type of warranty, most contracts cover roofing issues such as:
Material Defects
Manufacturer warranties usually cover defects in roofing materials, which are flaws created during manufacturing. These include issues like cracked shingles, faulty tiles, or damaged underlayment. Depending on the product, warranty coverage can last 20 to 50 years.
Algae or Stain Resistance
Some product manufacturers offer limited coverage for algae growth or dark roof stains.
This warranty is most associated with shingle products.
Workmanship Errors or Improper Installation
Many roofing contractors offer a workmanship warranty, covering mistakes made during installation. If inadequate installation techniques cause leaks or damage, repairs may be covered.
Lifetime Coverage
Some companies offer a “lifetime” roofing warranty, but read the fine print. Lifetime does not necessarily mean the lifespan of the roof. There may be specific time limits attached.
Tips for Choosing a Roofing Warranty That’s Worth It
After making a significant investment in your home, you want to protect that investment. A roofing warranty can help you do that, but only if you choose a worthwhile warranty. Some warranties are fluff and lack the meaningful substance that will protect you when you need it most. Before you sign on the dotted line, review your options carefully. To find a warranty that’s worth it, consider the following:
Understand What Type of Warranty You Are Getting
What are you signing up for? Is it a manufacturer’s, contractor’s, or both? Read all the documents provided and ask questions. Before deciding, you want to understand what you are getting and what the warranty covers.
Review the Length of the Warranty
A worthwhile warranty that protects your roof should offer long-term protection. The longer the coverage, the more protection you have. Review the warranty length and evaluate your options. A 20-year warranty can be more valuable than a five-year or limited warranty.
Is the Warranty Transferable?
If you aren’t living in your forever home, ask if the warranty is transferable. A transferable warranty can help protect new homeowners if you decide to sell, increasing the value of your home and its sellability.
Choose a Trusted Roofing Professional
If you want a high-quality warranty, look for a reputable roofing contractor. Professional, licensed roofers offer more reliable workmanship warranties because they care about customer satisfaction. They are also more likely to get referrals from good word of mouth. Trusted roofing experts also work with first-rate materials, which may offer better manufacturers’ warranties than low-quality products.
Read the Fine Print
Always read the fine print because warranty details can vary significantly between companies. Look for exclusions such as improper maintenance, extreme weather, or unauthorized repairs.
Ask questions if you don’t understand or are confused by your warranty. Reputable roofing professionals will outline your options and answer your questions. It is part of offering good customer service and ensuring you are cared for.
Talk to the Texas Residential Roofing Experts at RoofsOnly.com Today
At RoofsOnly.com, we want you to feel confident in your roofing choices. As a family-owned and operated full-service roofing company, that means putting you first. We always take the time to answer your questions and help you make wise roofing decisions that align with your goals and budget. Warranties can help protect your home and investment and cover needed repairs at no cost, and we want you to understand your options.
Are you ready to explore your endless roofing options? Contact us today to request a free inspection and discover why we are a top-rated Texas roofing company.
Related Posts:
