Congratulations! You’ve made a wonderful investment in a new roof to protect and beautify your home. Depending on the roofing material chosen, you should enjoy your roof for many years. A roofing warranty protects that investment. But many homeowners don’t understand roofing warranties—what they cost, cover and exclude.
Types of roofing warranties
Warranties vary in cost and coverage, depending on the roofing materials (slate, tile, copper, wood, or asphalt shingles) and the party issuing the warranty (manufacturer or roofing contractor).
Three main types of roofing warranties are available, which are a standard manufacturer’s warranty, extended manufacturer’s warranty, and a workmanship warranty. Here is a look at how they break down for comparison:
Standard manufacturer’s warranty covers the products you purchase – this is usually a basic lifetime warranty (standard in the industry), for as long as you own your property.
- The term “limited” may mean different things to different manufacturers (and roofing materials). It is a warranty against factory defects—not an issue related to installation (workmanship) of the roof or other components that are installed as part of a roofing installation.
- In general, this warranty only covers the cost of replacing defective materials (no labor related to that work to remove, dispose, and replace).
- The full cost of replacing defective product might be covered for a few years with a prorated coverage option after that. That means that any necessary material replacements will not be fully covered after the initial period.
- This warranty might also include labor costs for installing the replacement shingles but excludes the tear-off and disposal of any defective materials.
Workmanship warranty is from your roofing contractor and covers the installation. A workmanship warranty shows that your roofer stands by the work performed by its team.
- The length of time for coverage varies between roofers. Look for a professional roofing company that offers a lifetime warranty.
- This type of warranty protects the property owner against material failures that result from worker error (such as breakage or improper installation).
- A contractor workmanship warranty covers labor and materials associated with making necessary repairs. Some warranties cover damage to your home’s interior or personal property if related to poor roof installation.
- Workmanship warranties do not cover weather-related damage or natural disasters, nor alterations to the roof after installation was completed.
- Slate Roof Professionals offers an excellent warranty that you can read about here.
Extended manufacturer’s warranty combines the contractor workmanship and expanded products coverage.
- This warranty is usually offered when the new roof has been installed by an authorized roofing contractor that is certified to install the roofing system. That infers that the contractor knows and follows the manufacturer’s installation specifications.
- There is an additional cost for an extended manufacturer’s warranty because it is more comprehensive than the basic one. The most extensive ones cover other components related to the roofing system (such as underlayment, soffit and ridge vents, and ice and water barriers).
- The coverage period to repair or replace defective materials is long—in some cases, up to 50 years.
- Workmanship associated with installation errors is covered.
Other roofing warranty issues to consider
Remember, warranties may look similar but can differ slightly between manufacturers (and contractors). As with all contracts, make sure to read the entire warranty and ask questions so you fully understand your roofing warranty.
Your warranty must factor in the materials and your new roof’s expected normal lifespan. For example, a slate roof can last 100 years or longer while a typical asphalt shingle roof may need replacement after 25 years.
If you’re considering an upgrade to an extended manufacturer’s warranty, ask about the price and exact coverage (labor, materials, time period). Also, be sure your roofing warranty is registered with the manufacturer to ensure proper coverage if it’s ever needed.
Slate Roof Professionals roofing warranty
We offer a 10-year warranty that begins upon completion of your roof installation. It combines a workmanship warranty with a manufacturer’s warranty in that it covers the costs a) associated with repairing roof leaks resulting from errors in workmanship, b) slipping of the roofing membrane or base flashing, or c) deterioration of the membrane resulting from usual and ordinary effects.
This warranty does not include damage from natural disasters, ponded or freezing water or ice back-up, structural movement, certain construction matters, and changes in the building’s original principal usage. Read our full roof warranty here.