Investing in a new roof is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your home. As you gather quotes and compare options, the term “warranty” will come up frequently. But did you know that a new roof actually comes with two separate warranties?
Understanding the difference between them is crucial. These two guarantees protect different aspects of your roof, and knowing what they cover can save you from major headaches and expenses down the road. Let’s break them down.
1. The Manufacturer’s Warranty (Product Protection)
The manufacturer’s warranty is provided by the company that produced the shingles and other roofing components (e.g., GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed). This warranty protects you against defects in the products themselves.
Think of it like the warranty on a new car. The auto manufacturer guarantees that the engine won’t fail or the transmission won’t break due to a factory defect. They are warranting the parts they made. Similarly, a shingle manufacturer guarantees their product against flaws in its design or composition. It’s a promise that the shingles themselves will perform as expected.
- What It Covers: Issues like widespread granule loss, thermal splitting, or blistering that result from a manufacturing defect.
- Typical Term: Many brands offer a “Limited Lifetime” warranty. It’s important to understand this “lifetime” usually applies to the original homeowner and often becomes prorated after an initial period. This means the coverage value decreases over time.
- The Crucial Catch: A manufacturer’s warranty is only valid if the roofing materials are installed according to the manufacturer’s strict guidelines. If a contractor cuts corners or installs the product incorrectly, they can void this valuable protection entirely.
Many manufacturers also offer a non-prorated period at the beginning of the warranty’s life, where they will cover 100% of material and labor costs for any defective products.
2. The Workmanship Warranty (Installation Protection)
The workmanship warranty (also called an installation warranty) is provided directly by your roofing contractor. This is their guarantee on the quality of their labor.
Continuing our car analogy, if the dealership mechanic fails to tighten a hose properly during a repair and it causes a leak, the dealership is responsible for fixing their mistake—not the car manufacturer. The same principle applies to roofing. This warranty covers the skill of the installer.
- What It Covers: Leaks and other issues caused by installation mistakes. This can include anything from improper nailing, incorrectly installed flashing around chimneys and skylights, poor ventilation, or faulty shingle alignment.
- The Provider: Your chosen roofing company. The length and comprehensiveness of this warranty are a direct reflection of the contractor’s confidence in their own team and techniques. Their duration vary in length.
- Why It Matters: This is your first line of defense. The vast majority of roof leaks and premature failures are not due to faulty shingles, but to installation errors. A strong workmanship warranty is a sign of a reputable and trustworthy roofer.
Why This Distinction is So Important
Imagine your new roof starts leaking. Who is responsible?
- If the leak is caused by a roofer who didn’t seal the flashing correctly, you’ll file a claim against the workmanship warranty.
- If the shingles across your entire roof start to crack and fail years early due to a production flaw, you’ll file a claim against the manufacturer’s warranty.
This is why hiring a manufacturer-certified installer is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do. All major shingle manufacturers have certification programs (like GAF’s Master Elite or CertainTeed’s ShingleMaster™). These contractors are factory-trained to install the products correctly, ensuring your manufacturer’s warranty is fully valid.
Furthermore, certified contractors can often offer special, enhanced warranties that bundle material and workmanship coverage together for longer periods, giving you a single, powerful source of protection.
Your Final Checklist
When you’re ready to hire a roofer, don’t just look at the final price. Empower yourself by asking these questions:
- For the Workmanship Warranty: “What does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?”
- For the Manufacturer’s Warranty: “Which product line are you quoting, and what are the terms of its manufacturer warranty? Are you certified to install it?”
- For Enhanced Warranties: “As a certified installer, are there any enhanced or extended warranty options you can offer me?”
A great roof is a system of quality products and skilled installation. By ensuring you have a strong warranty for both, you can be confident your investment is protected for decades to come.
