A “lifetime roof warranty”?
It sounds great. But what exactly does that actually mean?
Warranties can be notoriously difficult to get a grasp of. Not just because there is so much information to take in, but also because of fancy wording like “lifetime warranty”. Which doesn’t tell you very much about what’s being offered.
It’s always helpful to have a roof warranty, but there are a few important things to know before you sign a warranty contract.
Here, we’ll go over how to understand your roof warranty and how to avoid getting caught in a blame game between your roofing company and your shingle manufacturer.
What Do Roofing Warranties Typically Cover (and What Don’t They Include)?
Most manufacturer warranties only cover materials, not labor or workmanship. Even when you see terms like “limited lifetime,” this usually means the manufacturer will replace defective shingles for as long as you own the home. The maximum timeframe is typically 50 years.
For example, a 50-year warranty on GAF HDZ shingles only covers manufacturing defects, not natural wear and tear, storm damage, or improper installation. In coastal areas like Myrtle Beach, most roofs still need replacement every 18–22 years regardless of their warranty length. This is because the warranty length does not refer to the projected longevity of your roof.
What’s Typically Not Covered in Roof Warranties?
Not all roofing warranties offer the same protection. And some include surprising exclusions that may leave homeowners unprotected. Here's what to watch for in the fine print:
1. Labor Costs May Not Be Covered
- Many manufacturers only cover the cost of replacement shingles but not the labor to install them.
2. Coverage Is Often Pro-Rated
- Most warranties depreciate over time. For example, if your shingles fail in year 15 of a 30-year pro-rated warranty, you may only be reimbursed for 50% of the material cost.
3. Warranty Tiers Offer Different Protection Levels
- Brands like GAF offer multiple warranty tiers (e.g., Systems Plus, Silver Pledge, Golden Pledge). Only the higher-tier options include workmanship and labor coverage. To learn more details about GAF's warranties, check out the link below!
4. Storm Damage May Be Excluded
- Some warranties explicitly exclude damage caused by high winds, hail, or other weather events even if the product fails.
5. Improper Installation or Ventilation May Void Coverage
- If your roof wasn’t installed to manufacturer specs, or lacks proper ventilation, your warranty may be voided regardless of material performance.
Even worse, frequent denials are often based on alleged improper installation, which can leave homeowners stuck between a contractor and manufacturer, both deflecting blame.
How Long Does the Roofing Warranty Claims Process Take? And Why Can It Be So Stressful?
Most homeowners don’t realize how long warranty claims can take. The process often includes:
- The contractor reporting the issue.
- The manufacturer requesting photos or samples.
- An inspector evaluating the problem.
- Internal approval or denial by a centralized claims department, potentially located in another state.
This process can take 4–8 weeks (or more), all while your roof continues to leak or degrade. Some cases drag on for months, especially if you do not include your roofer in this process.
We’ve seen it ourselves. There have been situations where the sealant strips failed to bond, causing shingles to blow off with moderate winds, shortly after installation. In those cases, manufacturers were slow to respond. Often relying on a centralized 1-800 claims number with little urgency or personal involvement.
The Blame Game: Who's Actually Liable for Your Roof Warranty?
Many homeowners get caught in the middle:
- The manufacturer says it's an installation issue.
- The contractor says it's a product defect.
- The homeowner is left footing the bill.
Even worse, if your roofer goes out of business (a sadly common trend), their workmanship warranty becomes worthless, no matter what it promised at the time of your roof estimate.
Why Is It Important to Act Quickly on a Workmanship Warranty Claim?
Some brands, like GAF and Owens Corning, now offer dual coverage options. For instance, with GAF’s Silver Pledge warranty, your roofer covers the first two years of workmanship issues, then passes the responsibility to GAF.
And while this seems like progress, it still involves third-party handoffs, unclear timelines, and the same slow claim departments. Not to mention the fact that workmanship issues typically show up within the first few rainstorms, so it’s absolutely necessary to act quickly before interior parts of your home are damaged.
How Can Manufacturer Roofing Warranties Leave Homeowners at Risk?
While the process drags out, roofs continue to deteriorate.
This leads to:
- Worsening roof damage
- Growing out-of-pocket costs
- Emotional stress and confusion over who to call
- Delays that can extend months or more
Homeowners are often left waiting on a decision from someone in another state. Likely from a person who’s never seen their roof or met them in person. For the manufacturer, it’s not a personal matter; it’s just another claim number with their bottom-line in mind.
What Questions Should You Ask Before You Sign a Roof Warranty Agreement?
A strong warranty starts with a strong conversation. Here are questions every homeowner should ask:
- Is the warranty provided by your company or the manufacturer?
- If I have a leak, who do I call?
- What does this warranty cover: materials, labor, workmanship, or all three?
- What are the common scenarios that would trigger a claim?
- What’s the typical timeline for resolving a claim?
- Will I receive a written certificate or documentation?
And be cautious: there are salespeople who might promise anything to close the deal. Ask to speak to someone on the service or warranty team, not just a salesperson.
Why Does Linta Roofing Offer Its Own In-House Workmanship Warranty?
To give homeowners better control, faster service, and real accountability, we’ve turned away from this model. Instead, we now offer in-house workmanship warranties to all of our customers.
This means:
- Faster response times: No waiting on out-of-state reps or 1-800 numbers. You call us and we show up.
- Total accountability: No finger-pointing between third parties.
- Longer Terms: We now offer longer warranty terms, so you know your investment in a new roof is protected.
We still honor material warranties through trusted brands like GAF, but we now own the workmanship side completely. If your roof leaks due to workmanship, we’ll fix it. No delays, no deflections.
FAQs About Roof Warranties
What isn’t covered by most roof warranties?
Excluded items often include:
- Storm or wind damage, normal wear and tear, or acts of nature.
- Faulty installation or poor ventilation (if improperly installed).
- Repairs done by anyone other than the original or certified installer.
- Lack of routine maintenance (ex. clogged gutters, neglect)
How does prorated coverage work?
Prorated warranties gradually reduce the amount payable over time. For example, after several years, you may receive only a percentage of the costs (ex. half after year 15 of a 30‑year warranty). Non‑prorated coverage applies only during the initial warranty period, often the first 5–10 years.
What are common causes for a manufacturer warranty being voided?
Warranties can be nullified if:
- Your roof isn’t installed by a certified or approved contractor
- Unauthorized repairs or modifications are made
- Attic ventilation is inadequate
- Maintenance requirements aren’t followed
- The warranty isn’t registered promptly after installation
Do Roof Warranties Always Equal Protection?
A new roof is known for being a costly aspect of home maintenance. Which is why we always stress the importance of having a roof warranty.
However, in the wrong hands, warranties can give a false sense of security.
To truly protect your home:
- Ask the hard questions.
- Understand the process behind the promise.
- Choose a contractor who stands behind their work, not one who will pass the issue back and forth for months.
At Linta Roofing, your name, your home, and your story matter. You’re not a claim number. You’re our neighbor, and we’ll treat you that way. So, if you find that you have additional questions about our warranties, or roof warranties in general, give us a call. We’re happy to clear up any confusion you may be facing so that you can enjoy a beautiful new roof and peace of mind.
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