What Your Roof Warranty Covers and How to Keep It

 

Updated 11/7/2025

When investing in a new roof, homeowners focus on materials, colors, and pricing. But they often overlook one of the most crucial protections: the roof warranty.

This oversight leads to costly surprises. You may discover that the gap in your warranty leaves you responsible for thousands of dollars in repairs!  

Equity Roofing has helped homeowners across Central Pennsylvania, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan. As Platinum Preferred Contractors with Owens Corning, we've seen these warranty issues firsthand.

We ensure our customers understand their warranties completely. But what about everyone else? We created this simple guide so homeowners don't have to research alone.

This article breaks down roof warranties into easy-to-understand sections. With our guide, you'll make the best decision for your situation.

Table of Contents: 

• What Is a Roof Warranty?
• Roof Warranties: Three Main Types
• What's Covered by My Roof Warranty?
• How Long Does a Roof Warranty Last?
• Three Ways You Can Void Your Roof Warranty
• How to File a Roof Warranty Claim
• Roof Warranty Transfers With Home Sales 
• Common Red Flags for Roof Warranties
• Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

By the end, you'll be equipped to make a confident, informed decision, with no surprises down the road.

What Is a Roof Warranty?

A roof warranty is your safety net, protecting both your home and your wallet. It can also boost your home's resale value. But not all warranties are equal. Homeowners need to understand what they're actually getting.

Why it Matters:

• Financial protection from costly repairs: Roof repairs can cost thousands of dollars.
• Transferable warranties: This can add value when selling your home. 
• Confidence in quality: The best manufacturers and contractors stand behind their work.

What Types of Roof Warranties Are There, and Which One Do You Need?

There are three common types of roof warranties that help homeowners.

1. Manufacturer Warranty

A manufacturer's warranty covers problems with roofing materials. This includes early cracking, blistering, or color fading. 

2. Workmanship Warranty

Roofing contractors can offer a workmanship warranty that covers mistakes made during installation. This is where contractor credibility becomes crucial.

3. System Warranty or Extended Warranty

System warranties are awarded when homeowners use a certain number of manufacturer parts. The level of protection can grow based on your contractor's status.

Extended warranties are not something that a roofer can buy from a manufacturer. They are exclusive to their top contractors.

What's Covered by my Roof Warranty?

Your roofing coverage depends on what warranty your roof has. Most manufacturers offer a warranty that is included at no extra cost. 

Manufacturer Warranty Covers:

• Defective shingles (cracking, color changes, early damage)
• Material problems (when proper branded parts are used)
• Specific parts (if part of a registered system)

Workmanship Warranty Covers:

• Installation errors such as poor flashing, incorrectly-nailed shingles, or leaking pipe boots
• Interior damage protection (not all roofing companies offer this)

Neither warranty covers storm damage. This goes through homeowner's insurance.

How Long Does a Roof Warranty Last?

Your manufacturer's shingle warranty length depends on the manufacturer, materials, and contractor status.

The warranty will either be:

• Prorated (coverage gets smaller over time)
• Non-prorated (coverage stays at 100%)

Manufacturer Warranty Coverage Duration for Asphalt Shingles

Manufacturer	Basic/Non-prorated	Extended/Non-prorated Warranty
Owens Corning	Up to 10 years	Up to 50 years with Platinum Preferred contractor
GAF Timberline Shingles	Up to 10 years	Up to 50 years with Master Elite® contractor
CertainTeed	Up to 10 years	Up to 50 years with SELECT ShingleMaster™
TAMKO	Up to 10 years	Up to 50 years with Pro Diamond contractor
Atlas	Up to 10 years	Up to 50 years with Pro+ Select contractor

Manufacturer Warranty Coverage Duration for Metal Roofs

Metal roof warranties are often standardized and focus on the paint finish. Contractor status has little impact on residential metal roofing.

Manufacturer	Standard Metal Roofing Screw	Pro Z Fasteners	Paint Finish Warranty Non-prorated
Premex with AkzoNobel Paint	Up to 20 years	Up to 50 years	Up to 40 years
Kyfus with Sherwin-Williams Paint	Up to 20 years	Up to 50 years	Up to 10 years

Workmanship Warranty Coverage Duration for Asphalt Shingles

Manufacturer	Basic Workmanship Warranty	Top-tier Workmanship Warranty
Owens Corning	Up to 10 years with Preferred contractor	Lifetime (prorated after 25 years) with Platinum Preferred contractor
GAF Timberline Shingles	Up to 10 years with Certified Plus contractor	Up to 25 years with Master Elite® contractor
CertainTeed	No basic level of workmanship coverage	Up to 25 years with SELECT ShingleMaster™
TAMKO	Up to 10 years with Pro Platinum contractor	Up to 25 years with Pro Diamond contractor
Atlas	None	None

Note: Top-tier contractors often offer workmanship warranties backed by the manufacturer. This means you're still covered even if the roofer goes out of business.

Watch out for unclear terms like "limited lifetime warranty." Always ask what "lifetime" really means. Some lifetime warranties only apply to the first homeowner. Others have big reductions after 10-15 years.

How Much Do Roof Warranties Cost? 

While standard-level roof warranties typically come at no additional cost, the more protection your warranty offers, the more expensive it will be. Most manufacturers do not list the price of their warranties online. 

As a Platinum Preferred Contractor, however, Equity Roofing can give the inside scoop for Owens Corning. Below, we break down the average cost ranges for their four different levels of protection. 

Owens Corning
Shingle Roof System Warranty Overview

Warranty Level	Owens Corning Parts Required	Contractor Certification Required	Cost Per Square	Example Roof: 2,000-2,900 sq ft
Standard	3*	None	None, this is included	None, this is included
System Protection	3*	Platinum or Preferred Contractor	$5-7 per square	$100-203
Preferred Protection	4*	Platinum or Preferred Contractor	$11-14 per square	$220-$406
Platinum Protection	4*	Platinum Contractor	$18-22 per square	$360-$638

* Refer to the official Owens Corning Warranty Overview for details and exclusions

Three Ways You Can Void Your Roof Warranty

There are more ways to void a roof warranty than most homeowners realize. Here's what to avoid:

Material-Related Voids

• Adding a second layer of shingles (even if the code allows it)
• Mixing branded and non-branded components can cancel manufacturer coverage
• Insufficient branded components: Using fewer than four branded components in your roofing system

Installation and Maintenance Voids

• Unauthorized repairs or DIY fixes
• Installing solar panels or satellite dishes the wrong way 
• Poor ventilation
• Overhanging tree branches or clogged gutters
• Nailing into shingles (for decorations, signs, or holiday lights)

Even clogged gutters or algae and moss buildup can result in a denied claim.

Documentation Voids

• Not registering your warranty within 60 days of installation can void it
• Missing proper installation paperwork when filing claims

How to File a Roof Warranty Claim

When filing a roof warranty claim, start by calling your contractor. They will handle most or all of the claim process. If they're not available, you can contact the manufacturer directly.

Your Contractor Should Handle:

• Inspection and records (photos, video, leftover materials)
• Contacting the manufacturer for you
• Submitting all paperwork and required materials
• Repair planning if the claim is approved

The Claims Process in Four Steps

1. Contact your contractor as soon as you notice a problem. 
2. The manufacturer may request materials (like two shingles) for testing.
3. Companies usually process claims in 3-5 weeks.
4. Approved repairs are planned through your contractor.

Roof Warranty Claim Denials: 3 Common Problems to Avoid

Unresponsive Contractors

Companies may be slow to respond after installation. They focus on current projects.

Wrong Problem Classification

Problems blamed on the manufacturer may be related to workmanship. Installation issues are not covered under a Manufacturer's Warranty claim.

Invalid Claims

Often due to missing paperwork or wrong registration.

Good contractors manage inspections and warranty claims at no cost. But there may be a charge for extra services needed.

Can You Transfer a Roof Warranty If You Sell Your Home?

Most roof warranties can be transferred once. This can be a big selling point for your home. It gives you an edge in the real estate market.

Roof Warranty Transfer Requirements:

• Timing: Must be completed within 60 days of sale
• Fee: Usually $50–$100
• Registration: Proper records are important 
• Contractor Help: Good contractors will handle re-registration with the manufacturer

What Are the Warning Signs of a Bad Roof Warranty?

Always check contractor credentials through the manufacturer's website. Contractors can claim to have elite status when they don't. If your contractor isn't certified, your extended warranty may be invalid from day one.

Documentation Standards

Quality contractors use documentation systems to support warranty claims. Some contractors use systems like CompanyCam to document projects with 100–300 photos. This transparency supports future warranty claims. Claims that don't have enough records may result in a denial.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Unclear warranty language (like "limited lifetime" without details)
• Too many exclusions (like flashing, ventilation, and common materials)
• Short workmanship periods (5 years or less)
• Can't verify elite status (should be on manufacturer's website)
• Few records (contractors should provide at least 100 photos during installation)
• No explanation about records or claims process
• Poor online reviews (watch for negative reviews about claims or workmanship)
• Won't provide written warranty details (never sign an unclear contract)

What Questions Should You Ask a Contractor About Warranties Before Signing?

Look for honesty with your roofer. They should be willing to discuss their warranties, record process, and claims process. Before signing, ask your contractor these questions:

• "How do you handle warranty claims and repairs?"
• "Can you show me proof of your manufacturer certification?"
• "What paperwork do you provide for warranty purposes?"
• "How do you handle warranty transfers when homeowners sell?"
• "What's your average response time for warranty issues?"

Protect Your Roof and Your Wallet

Understanding roof warranties protects one of your biggest investments. A good warranty can save you thousands in repairs and unnecessary stress.

Choose a contractor who does excellent work and stands behind it. This includes proper paperwork, quick service, and clear warranty processes. Your roof is too important to leave to chance.

Start your contractor research with our top 10 roofers list for 2025. These lists include those serving Central Pennsylvania, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan, who meet at least four out of five of our Golden Standards. A free checklist of these criteria is available to rate roofers in other service areas.

Be prepared before starting your roof replacement. Your future self will thank you!