How Your Roof Really Works: Roofing Systems 101

You know it’s time to replace your roof. Those leak stains on the ceiling can’t be ignored any longer, and you’ve found a trusted contractor to work with. All that’s left is choosing between a shingle or metal roof; then you can pick a date and be done, right?  

In reality, replacing a roof isn’t so simple. You’re doing more than just buying shingles or metal panels; you’re investing in a roofing system. Most homeowners don’t realize how their roofing system can impact their warranty level until they’re left fronting the labor bill years later. 

Homeowners who aren’t informed of their roof system won’t fully understand their quote or warranty coverage. Equity Roofing has helped thousands of homeowners across Central PA and Northern Indiana. We strive to be as transparent as possible with our clients and educate them on their roof's warranty. We created this guide to help you understand exactly what you're paying for. 

In this article, you’ll learn exactly what parts make up a roofing system, how they affect your warranty, and how to make sure you’re covered. 

We’ll cover the following topics: 

• What Is a Roofing System?
• Major Components of a Roofing System
• Does a Roofing System Need to Come From the Same Manufacturer?
• How to Verify Off-Brand Roof Parts
• Can I Choose the Parts in My Roofing System?
• How Roofing Grade Tiers Affect Your Warranty (With Brand Comparisons)
• The Difference Between System Warranties and Material Warranties
• 4 Warning Signs Your Roof Warranty is Void
• Roofing Contract Checklist for Homeowners

What Is a Roofing System?

A roofing system combines multiple components that work together to protect your home. These parts function as an integrated system and come in various quality levels.

Types of Roofing Systems

• Shingle roofing systems
• Metal roofing systems (exposed fastener vs. standing seam)
• Manufacturer-approved systems vs. standard best practice systems

Major Components of a Roofing System

As a homeowner, it's essential to understand the components that comprise your roof. This ensures you know what to look for when reviewing potential roofing contracts! 

Shingle Roofing System Components

1. Trims - Drip edge and other perimeter protection
2. Underlayments - Ice and water shield, synthetic underlayment
3. Shingles - The visible protective layer
4. Ventilation - Ridge vents, soffit vents for airflow
5. Flashing and Penetrations - Sealing around chimneys, vents, roof-to-wall connections

Metal Roofing System Components

While metal roof systems share some component similarities with shingle systems, there are notable differences between them. Shingle roofs rely on overlapping layers to shed water and prevent leaks, while metal roofs are engineered for watertight performance through interlocking panels and precision-sealed flashing.

Exposed Fastener Systems

1. Trims - Drip edge and other perimeter protection
2. Lath or furring strips - For proper attachment
3. Underlayment - Ice and water shield (when applicable), synthetic underlayment
4. Metal panels - The visible protective layer
5. Ventilation system - Ridge vents, soffit vents for airflow
6. Flashing and penetrations - Sealing around chimneys, vents, roof-to-wall connections

Standing Seam Systems

A Standing Seam system for a metal roof is similar to its Exposed Fastener counterpart but without furring strips or exposed fasteners. Due to the characteristics of Standing Seam panels, they require a solid surface to lay over. Furring strips would be visible through thinner panels. 

Does a Roofing System Need to Come From the Same Manufacturer?

It is possible to mix and match parts from different manufacturers, and in fact, sometimes necessary. However, there are important guidelines to consider when combining different brands for a roof. 

Manufacturer System Benefits

Warranty Protection
You should always verify that your roof follows the manufacturer's criteria for warranty coverage. Sometimes, manufacturers allow other brands in their roofing systems, but often, most or all parts must be from them to assure quality. 

Off-brand components must meet local building codes and third-party testing standards.

Accountability
When homeowners use one manufacturer for their entire roofing system, they have a single source for performance. This makes it easier to resolve any material issues instead of dealing with multiple brands for different parts.

How to Verify Off-Brand Roof Parts

Homeowners can verify that off-brand roofing components meet local building codes and third-party testing standards through the following methods: 

1. Ask for Product Data Sheets (PDS) or Technical Specifications

Every legitimate roofing product should come with documentation showing:

• ASTM or UL testing certifications
• Material performance ratings
• Manufacturer’s name and contact info

If the contractor can’t provide this, it’s a red flag.

2. Look for Third-Party Testing Certifications

Reputable products will carry certifications like:

• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
• FM Global, Miami-Dade, or ICC-ES

These indicate that the product has been independently tested for criteria such as fire resistance, wind uplift, and impact resistance. 

• Call your local building department (or check their website) to ask:
  • “Does [product name] meet the code requirements in [your city/town]?”
  • “Are there any pre-approved materials lists?”

• Off-brand products should carry a written warranty from the manufacturer. 

A lack of warranty or unclear terms is a sign that the product may not meet industry standards.

5. Do a Quick Online Check

Look up the product name and see if it’s listed on:

• UL Product iQ
• ICC Evaluation Service
• The manufacturer's website for certification details

• If you're unsure about your off-brand roofing components, ask a building inspector or another roofer to review the product info. 

Transparency, documentation, and certifications are the key indicators for qualifying roof system components. If a roofer can't back up an off-brand product with tangible proof of performance and code compliance, it's best to push back or look elsewhere.

Can I Choose the Parts in My Roofing System?

While you should most certainly be aware of what’s in your roofing system, how in-depth you want to be with its customization is entirely up to you. Homeowners can choose the brand and quality grade of their roofing system to reflect the level of warranty coverage they want. 

Top 10 Roofing Brands for Pennsylvania

Top 10 Roofing Brands for Indiana

How Roofing Grade Tiers Affect Your Warranty (With Brand Comparisons)

Most manufacturers offer multiple tiers of each component. For this article, we will be limiting our example to two companies: Owens Corning and Atlas Roofing. 

For full transparency, Equity Roofing is a Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning. We are highlighting these companies because we genuinely recommend their product to our friends and family. In our experience, these manufacturers offer reliable system warranties and responsive warranty service.

Owens Corning
Contractor Certification Warranty Comparison

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

Atlas Roofing
Contractor Certification Warranty Comparison

*Refer to the official Atlas Roofing Warranty Overview for details and exclusions

The Difference Between System Warranties and Material Warranties

Most manufacturers back their products with a material warranty. Homeowners often confuse this with a full warranty for their roof. In reality, standard material warranties only cover the replacement of the material, not labor or any additional costs. 

Manufacturers' warranties also only take effect if there is a manufacturing defect. They do not cover issues caused by workmanship. In other words, if your roofer makes a mistake while installing your roof, the resulting damage isn’t covered. 

System warranties offer more complete coverage, including labor, materials, and disposal costs. These warranties are often transferable at least once to a new homeowner. 

Think of a roofing material warranty like a limited parts warranty on a car. If your engine fails, the warranty might cover the cost of the engine itself but not the labor, towing, or other parts. Similarly, material warranties only cover the cost of their product, not removal, installation, or other parts. You might only receive $2,000 toward a $15,000 roof replacement.

4 Warning Signs Your Roof Warranty is Void

Many homeowners are unaware that their new roof won’t qualify for a system warranty. Contractors may not explain the difference, so homeowners need to be aware of what to look out for. 

Signs That Your Roof Won’t Qualify for a System Warranty: 

• Mismatched underlayment brands
• Substandard component grades
• Missing system components
• Mixed brands or product lines 

Image Credit: Barricade Building Products

Roofing Contract Checklist for Homeowners 

Always verify that all components are specifically listed in your roofing contract. You should know exactly what products are being installed and by which brand. Confirm with your roofer that you have all the components needed for your desired warranty level. 

Reputable contractors will design systems that meet your warranty goals. Standard warranties offer reasonable protection, but homeowners should know everything included. 

CHECKLIST FOR SHINGLE ROOF CONTRACTS (Free PDF Download):

1. Are the following components listed by name and brand?

• Trims - Drip edge and other perimeter protection
• Underlayments - Ice and water shield, synthetic underlayment
• Shingles - The visible protective layer
• Ventilation - Ridge vents, soffit vents for airflow
• Flashing and Penetrations - Sealing around chimneys, vents, roof-to-wall connections

• Yes
• No - confirm which products are from different brands, and if this voids your roof system warranty 

• Yes
• No - have your roofer confirm which roof system warranty you qualify for and what needs to change if it does not currently qualify

• Yes
• No - refer to our guide on how to verify your contractor’s certification status

CHECKLIST FOR METAL ROOF CONTRACTS (Free PDF Download):

• Trims - Drip edge and other perimeter protection 
• Lath or furring strips for proper attachment - Not included in Standing Seam
• Underlayment - Ice and water shield (when applicable), synthetic underlayment
• Metal panels - The visible protective layer
• Ventilation system - Ridge vents, soffit vents for airflow
• Flashing and Penetrations - Sealing around chimneys, vents, roof-to-wall connections

• Yes
• No - have your roofer confirm which roof system warranty you qualify for and what needs to change if it does not currently qualify.

Getting the Best Roof for Your Home

By now, you understand that your roof is more than just shingles or metal panels. It's a system that directly affects your warranty. You know the difference between a material warranty and a system warranty, and how to qualify for each tier. No matter what company you work with, you’re ready to review their contract with a checklist in hand. 

At Equity Roofing, we believe you deserve full clarity and zero surprises. Our team always takes the time to explain what’s included in your roofing system and what level of warranty protection it qualifies for. Reach out to schedule a free consultation for your roof. 

That said, we always recommend that homeowners explore multiple options for their roofs. Get started with our list of the 10 Best Roofing Companies in Central PA, Northern Indiana, and Southern Michigan! 

An informed homeowner makes confident decisions. We’re here to help you get there.