A new roof usually comes with two separate warranties. One covers the shingles or other materials and comes from the manufacturer. The other covers the installation and comes from your contractor. Each has its own length, its own exclusions and its own rules for claims and transfers. Read both before you sign.
TL;DR
- Manufacturer warranties cover product defects. Contractor warranties cover installation errors.
- "Lifetime" usually means as long as the original owner owns the home. It does not mean the life of the roof.
- Prorated coverage shrinks every year. Ask what you would actually receive in year 8 or year 15.
- Hail, high wind and other storm damage are generally excluded from manufacturer warranties. Homeowners insurance handles those.
- Transfers to a buyer often have deadlines and conditions. Check them before you list the house.
Table of Contents
- Two warranties, two jobs
- Manufacturer warranties: what they cover
- Workmanship warranties: what they cover
- Side by side
- What can void or limit a roof warranty
- Storm damage: what warranties do not cover
- Can you transfer a roof warranty?
- Our view on roofing warranties
- Questions to ask before you sign
- How to make a warranty claim
- What a Wisconsin roof costs, and where the warranty fits
- Roofing help in Southeast Wisconsin
- FAQ
- Sources
Two warranties, two jobs
Roof failures have two basic causes: a defective product or a mistake during installation. The two warranties match those causes.
The Federal Trade Commission describes a warranty as a promise to stand behind a product. It tells buyers to check the length, coverage, remedy, limitations and claim process. It also tells them to check whether labor costs are covered. That last point matters on a roof, because labor is often the largest part of a repair bill.
The Better Business Bureau advises that a roofing contract should state the warranty's length and what it covers, such as workmanship or water leakage. Do this before work begins. A warranty promised out loud is hard to enforce later.
Manufacturer warranties: what they cover
A manufacturer warranty covers defects that happen in the making of the product. CertainTeed describes it as coverage for problems in the manufacturing process. If a batch of shingles fails early because of how it was made, this is the warranty that applies.
It does not cover mistakes made on your roof. Poor nailing, bad flashing and blocked ventilation are installation problems. They fall under the contractor's warranty, or under no warranty at all.
What "lifetime" means
The word sounds simple. It is not. CertainTeed defines a limited lifetime warranty as coverage for as long as the individual homeowner owns the home. That is not the life of the house and not the life of the shingles. When you sell, the terms may change for the next owner. See the transfer section below.
Prorated and non-prorated coverage
Prorated coverage loses value over time. CertainTeed explains that the value falls until it reaches zero at the end of the warranty period. Its example is a 10-year policy with 20% of value remaining in year eight.
Here is a plain example. Say a roofing material fails in year 8 of a 10-year prorated warranty. The manufacturer owes you a fraction of the material cost, not a full replacement. Non-prorated coverage pays the full covered amount during its non-prorated window. Always ask how long that window lasts.
GAF's Daniel McLaughlin warns that the biggest risk for homeowners is not understanding the wording. He singles out labor versus workmanship and prorated versus non-prorated coverage. Both pairs are worth a direct question to your contractor.
Enhanced and system warranties
Some manufacturers offer upgraded warranties when a certified contractor installs a full roof system. These can add labor coverage, longer non-prorated periods, or coverage for the matched components. Eligibility depends on the contractor's certification and on using the manufacturer's listed products together. Ask your contractor which upgrade tier your project qualifies for and get that tier named in the contract.
Workmanship warranties: what they cover
A workmanship warranty is the contractor's promise that the installation is sound. CertainTeed notes that it is issued and controlled by the contractor, not by the product maker. It covers defective installation.
Length varies a lot. CertainTeed says workmanship warranties commonly run one or two years. Some contractors offer longer terms. The length is a promise from that company only, so it is worth exactly what the company is worth. Ask how long the company has been in business and whether the owner is still on site.
The same CertainTeed page says these warranties generally exclude abuse, changes made by someone other than the contractor, improper use or maintenance, and normal wear and tear.
Installation is where most roofs fail. That is why we put the workmanship warranty first when we talk with homeowners. A strong shingle on a poor install is a weak roof.
Side by side
| Feature | Manufacturer warranty | Workmanship warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | The product maker | Your contractor |
| What it covers | Defects in the product | Installation errors |
| Typical length | Decades, often with conditions | Often one or two years, longer with some contractors |
| Common limits | Prorating, exclusions, registration | Exclusions for abuse, outside changes, wear |
| Who handles claims | The manufacturer | The contractor |
| Transfer | Set by the manufacturer's terms | Set by the contract |
What can void or limit a roof warranty
A warranty is a contract. Break its conditions and coverage can shrink or end. These are the usual causes.
- Improper installation. GAF's asphaltic roofing limited warranty excludes leaks from improper workmanship or conditions not following its published instructions. That wording applies to products installed after October 1, 2020.
- Lack of maintenance. The same document excludes leaks caused by lack of roof maintenance.
- Unauthorized changes. Adding solar mounts, vents or satellite dishes through the roof can create disputes if the work is done by someone else and a leak follows.
- Missed registration. The FTC tells buyers to check whether registration is required. Some roof warranties need registration within a set period after installation.
- Missing paperwork. Without the contract, invoice and warranty certificate, a claim is hard to prove.
Maintenance is part of the deal
Keep gutters clear, remove debris, and look for lifted shingles after storms. A fall maintenance checklist for homeowners is a good prompt for the yearly routine. Take dated photos when you do it. They help if a claim ever turns on the question of upkeep.
Algae streaks are another case. They are mostly cosmetic, but some manufacturers address them separately. Our guide to roof algae prevention explains how to protect shingles and warranty standing.
Poor attic ventilation shortens roof life in Wisconsin and can create warranty disputes. Read how ventilation affects Wisconsin roof lifespan.
Storm damage: what warranties do not cover
Most homeowners assume a warranty covers hail. It usually does not.
GAF's limited warranty excludes leaks caused by unusual weather and natural disasters. That includes wind over 55 miles per hour, hail, floods, hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes and earthquakes. GAF's storm-damage technical bulletin says extraordinary weather damage is specifically excluded from its limited warranties. Some products carry wind coverage exceptions, so read the exact wording for your shingle.
In practice:
- Hail and wind damage go through your homeowners insurance claim.
- Manufacturing defects go through the manufacturer warranty.
- Installation leaks go through the contractor warranty.
Southeast Wisconsin sees hail, high winds and heavy snow, so the insurance path is the one most of our customers use. If a claim is denied, our 30-day plan to reverse a denied roof claim lays out the steps. Roof age affects payouts too. Read how to prove roof age with a contractor checklist. Depreciation is a separate issue, covered in contractor documents that unlock recoverable depreciation.
Can you transfer a roof warranty?
Often yes, with conditions. Transfer terms are set by each manufacturer and each contractor, so there is no single rule.
CertainTeed states that its SureStart protection may be transferred to a later owner at no cost during the SureStart period. Coverage continues only for the remaining warranty duration. This is one manufacturer's program. Do not assume another brand works the same way.
To prepare for a sale:
- Find the document. Locate the warranty certificate, contract and final invoice.
- Read the transfer clause. Look for deadlines, written notice, forms and fees. Some warranties allow only one transfer.
- Notify in writing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Keep proof of what you sent.
- Check what changes. A lifetime warranty held by an original owner may turn into a shorter fixed term for the buyer.
- Ask about the workmanship warranty. Contractor warranties may not transfer at all unless the contract says so.
A documented, transferable warranty is a selling point. Buyers and their inspectors ask about roof age and coverage. You can learn what to expect from shingles in our asphalt shingle lifespan guide.
For a longer walk through labor, tear-off, proration and transfer questions, see our guide to roofing warranty types.
Our view on roofing warranties
We have been owner-operated for over 25 years. In that time we have formed a clear opinion. Most roof failures trace back to poor workmanship, not bad materials. That changes how we think about warranties.
A long manufacturer warranty is worth having, but it covers the product. It will not fix a roof that was installed badly. So we put the quality of the install first and treat the warranty as a back-up. We supervise installations, document the work, and give homeowners the paperwork they need later.
We work with premium brands such as Malarkey shingles and LP SmartSide, which come with extensive warranties. We still tell homeowners to read the terms, not the headline. Ask the questions in this guide of any contractor, including us.
We also give honest repair versus replace advice. A warranty should not push you into a roof you do not need yet. Our guide on when a Wisconsin roof is done explains how we decide.
— Heather
Questions to ask before you sign
Use this list with every contractor you interview.
- Which manufacturer warranty applies to my roof, and which tier?
- Does the warranty cover labor and tear-off, or only materials?
- Is any part prorated, and from which year?
- How long is your workmanship warranty, and is it in the contract?
- What registration is needed, and who files it?
- Can the warranty transfer to a buyer? What are the deadlines and fees?
- Who do I call for a claim, and how quickly do you respond?
- What would void the coverage on my specific roof?
The FTC says to save the written warranty and receipt. It also says to check covered parts, exclusions, duration, the claims contact, labor coverage and registration. Keep a digital copy and a paper copy. Store them with your home records.
How to make a warranty claim
- Stop the damage. Place a tarp or call for emergency repair. Keep receipts.
- Photograph everything. Include the date, the location and the cause if known.
- Read the warranty. Confirm the problem is covered and the period is still open.
- Contact the right party. Installation problems go to the contractor. Product defects go to the manufacturer.
- Put it in writing. The FTC advises that for a home defect claim you follow the warranty instructions, put the request in writing and keep proof of delivery. Keep records of calls and letters.
- Escalate if needed. If the seller does not fix it, the FTC says to write to the manufacturer and send the letter by certified mail with a return receipt.
What a Wisconsin roof costs, and where the warranty fits
Our published range for roof replacement is $7,500 to $18,000. Where you land depends on size, pitch, material and the warranty tier. A higher tier can add cost for certified installation and matched components. We see it as paying for coverage that has to be backed by a careful install. See our roof replacement cost guide for Wisconsin for the factors in detail.
Roofing help in Southeast Wisconsin
We install and repair roofs in Dodge, Washington, Fond du Lac and Ozaukee counties. That includes asphalt shingles, standing seam metal, synthetic slate, cedar shake and TPO flat roofing. We also help homeowners with insurance claims after storms.
Have a roof you want checked, or a warranty you want reviewed? See our roofing services. If you think hail hit your roof, ask for a free hail damage roof inspection.
FAQ
Does a roof warranty cover hail damage?
Usually not. Manufacturer warranties commonly exclude hail, high winds and other extraordinary weather. Hail damage normally goes through homeowners insurance. Check the exact wording for your product, since some carry wind coverage exceptions.
Is a roof warranty transferable to a new owner?
Some are, and the terms differ by manufacturer and contract. Transfers can require written notice, a deadline or a fee. Coverage usually continues only for the remaining period. Read the transfer clause before you list the home.
What is the difference between a manufacturer and a workmanship warranty?
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing product. A workmanship warranty covers installation errors and comes from the contractor. You want both, and you should know the length of each.
What does a prorated roof warranty mean?
The coverage value drops over time until it reaches zero. In one manufacturer's example, a 10-year policy has 20% of its value left in year eight. Ask what you would receive in each year.
Sources
- Warranties | Consumer Advice (FTC)
- Warranties for New Homes | Consumer Advice (FTC)
- BBB Tip: Roofing contractors
- Understanding Roof Warranties (CertainTeed)
- Roofing 101: Worry-Free Warranties (CertainTeed)
- Interested in a Roof Warranty? Here's What to Know (GAF)
- Limited Warranty on GAF Asphaltic Roofing Materials
- TAB-R-126 Replacement of Storm Damaged Shingles (GAF)
- A Fall Maintenance Checklist For Homeowners