Investing in a new roof is a significant undertaking for any homeowner, as it involves substantial costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. So, it’s only natural that homeowners seek assurance and protection for their investment. 

That’s where roof warranties come into play. Roof warranties come in three primary forms – standard materials warranties, workmanship warranties, and extended manufacturer’s warranties.

Understanding these warranties is crucial because they are a safety net for potential issues. Hence, this article will delve into the specifics of these different types of roof warranties, and we’ll shed light on their duration, coverage details, and limitations. 

 

How Many Different Roof Warranties Exist?

There are three main roof warranties to consider: standard materials (manufacturers’) warranties, workmanship warranties, and extended materials (manufacturers’) warranties. 

These warranties offer varying degrees of coverage, but it’s crucial to delve into the details. For instance, assuming a “lifetime” warranty covers the entire repair costs during your home’s lifespan is a common misconception.

To navigate this, we’ll explore each type in detail.

Material-Only/Standard Manufacturer Warranty

Regarding roof warranties, one common type is the “Material-Only/Standard Manufacturer Warranty,” which is often associated with asphalt shingles. 

This warranty protects homeowners from product defects affecting performance during the specified period. The specified period is usually a lifetime or a limited lifetime ranging from 25 to 50 years.

However, it’s essential to grasp the limitations of this warranty. This warranty won’t cover roofing components from other manufacturers, workmanship defects resulting from improper installation, or damages caused by external elements like hail, wind, or ice. 

Additionally, most warranties of this kind are non-transferable between owners.

Most times, a standard manufacturer’s warranty is common with asphalt shingles. They often signify a basic limited lifetime coverage – note that terms vary across manufacturers. 

You should also note that lifetime warranties may not mean coverage for the entire duration you own your home. The degree of protection varies, and costs beyond defective materials become the homeowner’s responsibility.

During the initial years, defective shingles, including labor, may be replaced at no cost. Yet, as time progresses, the coverage becomes divided. 

Notably, standard manufacturer warranties only cover factory defects; installation mistakes or issues with other components installed by your roofer may not fall under this warranty but could be covered by specific product manufacturers. 

 

Material And Labor/Workmanship Extended Manufacturer Warranty

Manufacturers often provide an optional extended warranty for homeowners seeking prolonged value and peace of mind for their new roof. This warranty is known as the “Material And Labor/Workmanship Extended Manufacturer Warranty.” 

The warranties are usually exclusive to authorized contractors certified to install the roof according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

While these extended warranties incur additional costs, they offer valuable benefits. The most comprehensive options cover defective materials without cost division. 

Therefore, it extends labor cost coverage for replacements or repairs for up to five decades. Unlike standard warranties, these encompass all roof system components, excluding fasteners, wood decking, and flashing.

Furthermore, they provide workmanship coverage in case of installation errors, often with a lifetime term and prorated coverage after a set number of years. This comprehensive coverage includes labor, removal, and disposal costs.

Overall, these warranties grant coverage for both material and labor, depending on how well homeowners adhere to specific installation conditions. Hiring a manufacturer-certified installer often triggers the labor warranty. 

 

Labor/Workmanship-Only Roofing Contractor Warranty

Some roofing companies offer a valuable assurance known as the “Labor/Workmanship-Only Roofing Contractor Warranty.” Though not commonly provided, this warranty becomes a distinguishing factor for roofers committed to exceptional workmanship. 

It covers issues arising from errors made during installation or replacement at no cost to the homeowner and, in rare cases, even for roof repairs.

When selecting a roofing contractor, the quality of materials and workmanship significantly influences your roof’s performance. Look for a company offering a workmanship warranty to testify to their confidence in each installation job. 

These warranties vary, with some offering lifetime coverage and others shorter terms. You must read the fine print. 

The roofing contractor should be able to offer protection against material failures due to improper installation or worker error. They should also be able to cover the materials and labor costs for repairs.

While workmanship warranties address problems arising from installation, certain issues fall outside their responsibility. Examples include water damage from ice dams, foot traffic harm, high winds, storms, impact damage, leaks due to wind-driven debris, falling tree limbs, and damage resulting from post-installation alterations.

 

How Long Do Roof Warranties Last?

The duration of roof replacement warranties hinges on various factors, encompassing manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Manufacturer warranties, tailored to the roofing material, often span 25-30 years for asphalt shingles, with prorated coverage.

In contrast, a metal roof may boast a warranty of forty years or more. Contractor warranties generally last 2 to 25 years, with some offering lifetime coverage. So, when choosing a roofing contractor, ask for a written explanation detailing the coverage duration and its limitations.

 

Conclusion

As you navigate the available warranty choices, remember the importance of choosing a reputable roofing contractor. Shoreline Roofing offers quality workmanship and customer satisfaction that stands out enough to be a reliable choice. Trust us for roofing solutions that stand the test of time.