Understanding Roofing Warranties: What Homeowners Should Know
A roof warranty is worth what it covers. Most homeowners learn the limits when they file a claim. This post explains the two kinds of roof warranty, what each one covers, what voids them and what to ask before you sign.
Two Warranties, Two Different Promises
The manufacturer warranty covers the roofing materials. The shingle maker backs it. It pays when a product fails because of a manufacturing defect.
The workmanship warranty covers the installation. Your roofing contractor backs it. It pays when a leak or failure traces back to how the roof went on.
The two do not overlap. A defective shingle falls under the manufacturer. A flashing detail installed wrong falls under your contractor. A workmanship warranty is only as strong as the company behind it, so ask how the company handles a claim before you sign.
What a Manufacturer Warranty Covers
Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the shingles themselves. Basic coverage includes the materials only. Enhanced tiers add other roof system components and sometimes labor. Enhanced tiers require installation by a certified contractor.
Three terms matter most.
Prorated coverage. Many warranties pay in full for an initial period, then pay a shrinking share each year after. Ask when proration starts.
“Lifetime” coverage. Lifetime rarely means the life of your roof. The fine print sets the real terms and time limits.
Algae resistance. Some shingles carry limited coverage against algae stains for a set number of years.
What Roof Warranties Do Not Cover
Most roof warranties exclude these causes.
Storm and hail damage. Hail is the most common roof loss in Austin. Most manufacturer warranties exclude it. Homeowners insurance covers sudden storm damage instead. If a storm damages a roof under warranty, you file with your insurer, not the manufacturer. See our Hail Damage page and insurance claim process.
Wear and tear. Normal aging from sun and heat does not qualify.
Poor maintenance. Clogged valleys, overhanging branches and ignored leaks give the manufacturer a reason to deny a claim.
Unauthorized repairs or alterations. A repair by an uncertified contractor or a do-it-yourself fix gives the manufacturer a reason to deny coverage.
What Voids a Roof Warranty
Three installation choices cause most denials.
Installing over existing layers. An overlay voids most manufacturer warranties. We tear off every roof to bare decking. See what happens on tear-off day.
Inadequate attic ventilation. Trapped heat cooks shingles from below. Manufacturers deny claims on roofs with poor ventilation. We assess ventilation on every inspection.
Installation outside manufacturer specifications. Nail placement, underlayment and flashing details all follow written specs. A roof that misses them loses coverage. Read how to tell if your roof was installed correctly.
Can the Warranty Transfer When You Sell?
Some manufacturer warranties transfer to a new owner. Rules, limits and fees vary by manufacturer and tier. Ask for the transfer terms in writing. A transferable warranty gives a buyer one more reason to trust your roof.
Seven Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Which warranty do I receive and who backs it?
- How many years does the workmanship warranty run and what does it cover?
- Is the manufacturer coverage prorated and when does proration start?
- Does the warranty transfer if I sell?
- What voids it?
- Who do I call to file a claim?
- Will you register the warranty and give me a copy?
Get every answer in writing. For more questions to ask any roofer, read our guide to questions to ask a roofer before hiring.
How We Handle Warranties
We are GAF Certified and Owens Corning Preferred. Those certifications require us to meet manufacturer installation standards that qualify your roof for the full manufacturer warranty. We install over bare decking after a full tear-off. We photograph every stage through CompanyCam. You receive a direct link to your photo timeline at completion. The timeline gives you a record of how your roof went on. Ask us for the warranty terms in writing before you sign. See everything included on our roof replacement page.
“A warranty only helps if you know what it says. Keep the paperwork and your photo timeline in the same folder. When something goes wrong in year twelve, you will want both.”
Jake Mullin, Owner, RoofsOnly.com
Roofing Warranty Questions From Austin Homeowners
Does a roof warranty cover hail damage?
Most manufacturer warranties exclude hail and wind damage from storms. Homeowners insurance covers sudden storm damage. See our insurance claim process.
What is the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty?
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials. A workmanship warranty covers mistakes in the installation. The manufacturer backs the first. Your contractor backs the second.
What does a lifetime roof warranty mean?
Lifetime rarely means the life of your roof. The fine print sets time limits. Many warranties pay a shrinking share after an initial period. Ask for the full terms in writing.
Can I transfer my roof warranty when I sell my house?
Some warranties transfer to a new owner. Rules and fees vary by manufacturer and tier. Ask for the transfer terms before you sign.
What voids a roof warranty?
Installing over existing layers, poor attic ventilation, installation outside manufacturer specifications and unauthorized repairs void most warranties. Neglected maintenance gives a manufacturer grounds to deny a claim.
Do I need to register my roof warranty?
Enhanced manufacturer warranties usually require registration by the certified contractor. Ask your contractor to confirm registration and give you a copy.
Get Your Warranty Questions Answered
Schedule a free roof inspection or call (512) 746-7090. We walk your roof, photograph every finding and explain your warranty options before you sign anything. We serve Austin, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, Kyle, Buda and surrounding communities. Read more in our Austin roofing FAQ and our guide to the lifecycle of a roof.
