A new roof comes with two kinds of warranty. The shingle maker's warranty covers defects in the shingles. The roofer's workmanship warranty covers how the roof was put on. Ours is 5 years on our workmanship, plus the shingle maker's warranty on materials.
What is the difference between the two?
| Manufacturer warranty | Workmanship warranty | |
|---|---|---|
| Who gives it | The shingle maker | The roofing company |
| What it covers | Defects in the shingles | Problems from how the roof was installed |
| How long | Often called "lifetime," with full coverage for the early years | Set by the roofer. Ours is 5 years |
| Example | Shingles that were made wrong | A leak from flashing that was put on wrong |
| Covers labor? | Usually only for a short early period, if at all | Yes, for the roofer's own work |
What does a manufacturer warranty cover?
It covers the materials. If the shingles were made wrong, the maker stands behind them.
Here is what the big brands say about their standard warranty:
- GAF Timberline: a "Lifetime" limited warranty for the original owner of a single-family home. Full coverage for the first 10 years. After that, it is prorated, which means it pays less as the roof ages. GAF says tear-off, disposal, and workmanship are not covered.
- Owens Corning: a limited lifetime warranty with 10 years of full coverage. It does not cover workmanship.
- CertainTeed: its SureStart period covers materials and labor at 100 percent for 3, 5, or 10 years, depending on the product.
Wind and algae coverage are often separate, with their own years. Read the maker's current terms for your exact shingle.
Does "lifetime" mean forever?
No. "Lifetime" is the name of a limited warranty. It is usually prorated after the early years, and it covers defects, not wear from weather. It does not mean the roof will last forever. Our post on how long a roof lasts in North Carolina covers real roof life.
What does a workmanship warranty cover?
In general, a workmanship warranty covers problems caused by the install. That is the part the shingle maker does not cover.
Most roof problems in the first years come from the install, not the shingles. A shingle maker can only stand behind a shingle that was put on the right way.
CertainTeed notes that roofer workmanship warranties typically run one to five years. Ours is 5 years. We put it in writing.
We also do one more thing. After the first big rain, we come back and check your new roof. Free.
What can void or limit a roof warranty?
The shingle makers list a few common ones:
- Not following the install instructions. Wrong nailing or a missing starter strip can cut wind coverage.
- Poor attic airflow. GAF says a roof without enough attic ventilation is not covered.
- Mixing brands. Some coverage depends on the brand's own parts. For example, Owens Corning's algae coverage drops from 25 to 10 years without its ridge caps.
- Hail. GAF says hail damage is not covered, even on its impact-rated shingles.
- Selling the house. Some warranties can move to a new owner, but there are deadlines. Owens Corning, for example, asks for the transfer within 60 days after the sale.
What questions should you ask a roofer about warranty?
- How many years is your workmanship warranty?
- Is it in writing?
- What does it cover, and what does it not cover?
- Which shingle are you using, and what is its warranty?
- Who registers the shingle warranty, if it needs to be registered?
- Do you follow the maker's install instructions, including nailing and starter strip?
A good roofer answers all six without fuss.
How does our warranty work?
- 5 years on our workmanship.
- Plus the shingle maker's warranty on materials. We usually install GAF Timberline shingles, and also Owens Corning.
- A free check after the first big rain.
Want the details for your roof? Book a free roof inspection. A roofer gets on your roof and texts you photos and video. If you need a new roof, you get an exact price and the warranty terms in writing. Read more about our roof replacement process, or compare GAF vs Owens Corning vs CertainTeed.
Common questions
What warranty do you give on a new roof?
5 years on our workmanship, plus the shingle maker's warranty on materials.
What is the difference between a workmanship and a manufacturer warranty?
The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the shingles. The workmanship warranty covers problems from how the roof was installed.
Does a lifetime shingle warranty cover everything forever?
No. It is a limited warranty. It covers defects, is usually prorated after the early years, and does not cover the install.
What can void a shingle warranty?
Common ones are not following the install instructions, poor attic airflow, and mixing brands of parts. Some makers also say hail damage is not covered.
