Roofing Warranty Types

A roofing warranty is a written promise about the performance of roofing materials or work, with stated remedies if a covered problem occurs. Warranties differ widely in what they cover, for how long and under what conditions, so the written terms matter more than the headline length. Two main types exist, and many roofs have both.

Manufacturer warranties

• Material (product) warranty. Covers defects in the manufacturer's product, such as premature failure due to manufacturing faults. It usually does not cover installation errors, storm damage beyond the product's rating, or damage from other trades.
• Enhanced or system warranty. Offered when a set of the manufacturer's components is installed together, often by a contractor the manufacturer has credentialed. These may add some labour or workmanship coverage.
• Commercial membrane warranties. For low-slope systems, manufacturers may issue warranties after an inspection of the completed roof, with coverage limits defined in the document.

Long or "lifetime" material warranties are commonly limited and may be prorated, meaning the value of coverage decreases over time after an initial period. A lifetime warranty usually describes how long a claim may be made, not a statement that the product will last that long, and the definition of "lifetime" is set in the document itself, for example the period of ownership by the original purchaser.

Workmanship warranties

A workmanship warranty is given by the roofing contractor and covers errors in installation, such as faulty flashing or nailing. Its value depends on the contractor remaining in business. Terms are set by the contractor and by local consumer law.

Common conditions

• Installation according to the manufacturer's instructions, including nailing patterns.
• Approved ventilation and compatible components; for example, some building departments note that shingles not approved for unvented attics may lose warranty coverage.
• Registration within a set period and proof of purchase.
• Maintenance and prompt reporting of problems.
• Transferability rules for later owners, which often limit coverage or require notice.

Legal background

Statutory and implied warranties may exist alongside written ones. In the United States, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written consumer product warranties. Other countries have their own consumer protection laws.