A roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, but the warranty that comes with it can be just as vital as the shingles themselves. Understanding what’s covered, what’s not, and what’s buried in fine print can save you from headaches down the line.
Warranty Terms Are More Important Than Length
It’s easy to assume that a longer warranty means better protection. But once you start reading the actual document, the length of the warranty doesn’t tell you nearly enough.
A 30-year warranty sounds great on paper, but what’s written underneath that headline may only cover the shingles but not the labor, removal, and other materials around the roofing system. The warranty might even include prorating clauses that lower the value every year.
You also need to consider the practical implications of a warranty’s coverage. For instance, if your shingles fail in year 12 and your warranty drops coverage after year 10, that 30-year claim won’t be as reassuring.
Similarly, you could incur unexpected expenses if the warranty only replaces materials but doesn’t include the cost of tearing off damaged roofing or reinstalling everything. This understanding helps you make financially savvy decisions about your roof’s protection.
Difference Between Manufacturer and Workmanship Warranties
A new roof typically comes with two types of warranties: One covers the product itself, and the other covers the installation.
These are separate for a reason. A manufacturer can back the quality of their materials, but they don’t control how your contractor installs them. If something fails because the shingles were nailed incorrectly or the flashing was sealed poorly, the manufacturer’s warranty won’t apply. That’s where the artistry warranty matters.
Your installer should stand behind the work with their own coverage. That might mean five, 10, or even 20 years, depending on the contractor. It should be in writing and clearly explain what’s covered. You want to know whether the warranty includes leaks, incorrect installation, or damage caused by improper handling of materials. It should also state how to submit a claim and what the process looks like.
If your roof has a problem, you need to know whether it was a product defect or an artistry issue. Without clear warranties for both, you could get stuck in a loop of blame between the manufacturer and the installer.
Watch for Prorated Coverage and Transfer Limits
Some warranties look great at first, but as you read through, you’ll notice the protection slowly disappears. That’s called prorated coverage. Instead of covering the full cost of a roof replacement, the warranty reduces what it pays based on how long the materials have been on your roof. For instance, by year 10, you might only get half the value. By year 20, you could get almost nothing.
Another detail is whether the warranty transfers if you sell your home. Some warranties only allow one transfer, and some reduce the coverage or length once that transfer happens. That part matters if you plan to sell your house within the next decade. A transferrable warranty can add value to your home, but only if the new owner still gets usable protection.
What Voided Warranties Look Like
Plenty of warranties look good until you realize how easily they can be voided.
It might be something as simple as using a product that’s not part of the approved roofing system. Maybe the underlayment didn’t match the required brand, or the ventilation didn’t meet minimum specs. These technicalities can cancel the warranty even if the roof was installed carefully.
Another common issue is roof maintenance. Some warranties include fine print that requires homeowners to schedule inspections or perform regular upkeep. If you don’t document that maintenance, the warranty could be void when you go to file a claim. That clause often surprises people who thought their warranty would stand no matter what.
Furthermore, if you try to fix a problem yourself or hire someone who’s not certified under the warranty program, you might lose coverage altogether. Before you assume your roof is protected, check what is necessary maintenance and who’s allowed to work on it.
Why Full System Warranties Offer Better Coverage
It’s tempting to piece together roofing materials based on price or convenience. One type of underlayment, a different brand of flashing, and some leftover ridge caps from another job might seem harmless.
But when you mix components, you might be giving up the chance at full system coverage. Many manufacturers only offer their strongest warranties when you use all their approved materials together, installed to their specifications.
A full system warranty typically means you get one document that covers everything, from the shingles to the vents and the starter strips. This comprehensive coverage simplifies things if something goes wrong since you’re not trying to patch together different policies or point fingers. And if the system was installed by a certified contractor, you might qualify for extended protection or upgraded coverage that includes both materials and labor.
It doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive brand. It just means that a matched system gives you better control over warranty strength and fewer gaps in protection.
How to Read a Warranty
Some warranties were written to confuse you. The legal language, long paragraphs, and vague phrases might make it hard to tell what’s really being offered. But there are a few ways to make sense of it without needing legal training.
Start with the coverage period. Look for how many years of full coverage you get before any reductions kick in. Then, find the exclusions. This section will list what isn’t covered, which is just as important as what is. Watch for things like hail damage, improper ventilation, or installation outside of the manufacturer’s specs.
Next, look for how to submit a claim. A good warranty will tell you who to call, what paperwork to provide, and how the decision will be made. Finally, find the section about transferability and limitations. That’s where you’ll see whether the warranty stays with the house or ends when you sell.
Value of a Warranty You Can Use
A warranty isn’t useful if it’s impossible to claim. You want one that feels like a safety net, not a maze. That’s why clarity matters more than promises. A strong warranty is there to back up the materials and the workmanship, not create more work for you. And when your installer believes in the warranty they offer, it usually means they believe in the work they do.
Understand Your Roof Warranty
At Schmidt Roofing, in Burnsville, MN, we’ve seen how a solid warranty can protect your peace of mind just as much as your home. In addition to roofing services, we offer siding, windows, doors, gutters, insulation, and custom sheet metal fabrication for residential and commercial properties.
If you’re ready to make sure your next roof comes with real backup, talk with our team today. Contact us here!
