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:
What it typically doesn't cover:
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:
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:
Warranty-Voiding Mistakes
Your warranty can be voided if:
Questions About Your Roof's Warranty?
S&B is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. If you have questions about the manufacturer warranty on your roof system, ask during your free inspection and we will walk you through it.
