Understanding Roof Warranties: What Most Homeowners Miss
Brandon Fletcher
S&B Roofing & Exteriors
The Warranty Maze: A Homeowner's Guide
When you get a new roof, you'll typically receive two types of warranties. Understanding what each covers — and what they don't — can save you thousands down the road.
Manufacturer Warranty
This covers defects in the roofing material itself. Key things to know:
What it typically covers:
Manufacturing defects in shingles
Premature granule loss
Cracking or splitting due to material failure
Wind damage up to specified speeds
What it typically doesn't cover:
Damage from improper installation
Storm damage (that's what insurance is for)
Normal wear and tear
Damage from walking on the roof
Damage from other contractors working on the roof
Duration varies: Standard manufacturer warranties range from 25 years to lifetime, but the "lifetime" label is misleading. Most have prorated coverage after the first 10-15 years, meaning the manufacturer pays a decreasing percentage over time.
Enhanced Manufacturer Warranties
Top manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning offer enhanced warranties that are significantly better:
GAF Golden Pledge — 50-year non-prorated material warranty + 25-year workmanship warranty. Only available through GAF Master Elite contractors (we're one of them).
These enhanced warranties require the contractor to be factory-certified and follow specific installation procedures. This is why choosing a certified contractor matters so much.
Workmanship Warranty
This is the contractor's guarantee that they installed the roof properly. This is where most homeowners get burned.
What to watch for:
How long is the workmanship warranty? (Industry standard is 1-5 years; top contractors offer 10-25 years)
Is it in writing? (Verbal promises mean nothing)
Is the contractor likely to be in business when you need to make a claim?
Does the warranty transfer to a new owner if you sell?
Warranty-Voiding Mistakes
Your warranty can be voided if:
**Improper ventilation** — Most manufacturers require specific ventilation ratios
**Unauthorized repairs** — Having another contractor work on your roof may void the original warranty
**Pressure washing** — Never pressure wash asphalt shingles
**Satellite dish installation** — Penetrations without proper flashing can void coverage
**Failure to maintain** — Some warranties require periodic maintenance
The S&B Warranty Promise
We provide:
10-year workmanship warranty — on all standard installations
25-year workmanship warranty — through GAF Golden Pledge (available on all GAF installations)
Written warranty documentation — provided at completion
Transferable coverage — that adds value if you sell
Responsive claims process — if something goes wrong, we fix it
Questions about your current warranty? We're happy to review it for you at no cost. Understanding your coverage is the first step to protecting your investment.
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