Roofing Warranties Explained

A warranty is not a single promise. On a roof replacement, you are usually looking at least two different kinds of coverage: the manufacturer’s warranty on the product, and the installer’s warranty on the workmanship.

Manufacturer warranty

This typically covers defects in the roofing product itself. Coverage can depend on the product line, whether the installer is a registered contractor for that brand, and whether the system was installed to the manufacturer’s requirements.

Ask which product is being used and what registration, if any, is required after the job.

Workmanship warranty

This is the installer’s promise about how the roof was put on. Leaks caused by installation details, flashing work, or poor workmanship are often in this category, not the manufacturer’s.

Length, transferability, and exclusions vary. Get this in writing and ask what would void it.

What to compare on paper

• What is covered, and what is excluded.
• How long each warranty lasts.
• Whether the warranty transfers if you sell the home.
• Who you call first if there is a problem.
• Whether a specific product registration is required.