How Long Are Roof Warranties?

If you’re planning to purchase a new roof, you have a lot to think about. What materials will you use—asphalt shingles, metal, or something else? What color will look best on your home? When should you move forward with the installation?

With all this to consider, it may be tempting to overlook the roofing warranty, but that would be a mistake. A warranty can give you peace of mind and save you money if something goes wrong.

Before taking the plunge, take a deep breath and do your research to find answers to basic questions, such as “How long are roof warranties?” Most roof warranties range from 20 to 50 years, although this varies depending on the type of roofing and other factors.  

Ask your roofing contractor about the warranty they offer. Then, look it over carefully to ensure you are getting the best protection for your investment.

Keep reading for a detailed primer on roof warranties and how long they typically last. 

What is a Roof Warranty?

When you purchase a new car, it’s a significant investment, and most manufacturers offer a warranty to help you feel more at ease with your purchase.

The warranty provides some sort of guarantee that the car will work as expected. If not, the manufacturer promises at least some assistance in performing the necessary repairs. How much assistance you’ll receive will vary from vehicle to vehicle and from manufacturer to manufacturer.

You’re facing a similar situation when purchasing a new roof—you’re making a significant investment that you expect will last a long time. To help you feel at ease about your purchase, most roofing companies and roofing materials manufacturers will offer some sort of guarantee in the form of a roof warranty.

In general, that warranty is a promise given by the roofing company and/or the materials manufacturer that if something goes wrong in a certain limited amount of time, your roof will be repaired or replaced at either a reduced cost or no cost at all.

Beware, however, as warranties can vary widely depending on who offers them. You should take your time to thoroughly review the warranty before deciding to move forward with a particular contractor or roofing company.

3 Different Types of Roof Warranties

There are three general types of warranties for roofs. Below, we explore each one and what it tends to offer.

1. Workmanship Warranty

The company or contractor who installs your roof should offer a workmanship warranty. This protects you against failures caused by worker errors or improper installation techniques.

In general, this type of warranty covers the cost of labor and any materials needed to make repairs because of installation problems. It lasts for two to 10 years, with the industry average being 10 years.

Ask specifically about this type of warranty, so you can be sure you’re covered. It should include easy-to-understand verbiage about what is and what is not covered and for how long.

2. Manufacturer’s Warranty

Unlike a workmanship warranty, a manufacturer’s warranty is provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials. It typically guarantees those materials against defects or failures for a certain amount of time.

If the materials do not perform as advertised, or if something goes wrong prematurely because of a materials defect, the manufacturer will pay for a repair or replacement.

Today’s roofing materials are more durable than they were decades ago, so homeowners can expect the manufacturer’s warranty to last a while. Most asphalt shingle manufacturers offer 10- to 20-year warranties, while metal roof manufacturers usually provide longer-term protection, sometimes up to 50 years.

Though this warranty is important to review, defects in roofing materials are rare. Usually, if you’re going to have a problem with your roof, it will be because of poor installation, maintenance issues, or severe weather damage.

3. Extended Warranty

If you’re looking for additional peace of mind, you may want to consider purchasing an extended warranty. Just as you may purchase one of these to cover vehicle repairs, you can do the same for roof repairs.

These types of warranties cost more, but they provide more comprehensive coverage. For example, they may offer a full replacement if a significant component fails. They will stay in effect longer than the standard warranty, guaranteeing the materials and the installation for an additional number of years (often up to 50 years).

Because the manufacturer is taking responsibility for the installation, there may be additional requirements for this type of warranty.

You may be expected to work with certified contractors selected from an authorized list, for instance, as the manufacturer can rely on these contractors to properly perform the installation. You may also be required to install specific components, such as leak barriers, venting, and underlayment.

What Roof Warranties Don’t Cover

It’s important to understand that while roof warranties can give you peace of mind, they aren’t likely to cover everything that may go wrong.

Most warranties do not, for example, cover roof damage from severe weather, such as heavy snowfall, hail, and lightning strikes, unless you request it in your extended warranty.

One type of warranty will not cover another, either. A manufacturer’s warranty, for example, can be voided if the materials are not installed correctly. An installation warranty, on the other hand, will not cover problems unrelated to the craftsmanship or quality of the installation.

Finally, an extended warranty is unlikely to cover the roofing system if certain components aren’t installed as specified in the warranty.

In general, the following are not covered by roofing warranties:

• Severe weather damage (unless you specify it in your extended warranty)
• Alterations made after the installation
• Changes or repairs made by a different roofing company or contractor (including DIY roof repair)

The following may also void your current warranty:

• Inadequate attic ventilation (which can shorten your roof’s lifespan)
• Pressure washing your roof
• Poor maintenance (failing to clear off debris, clean gutters, and address minor issues promptly)

Different Warranties for Different Types of Roofs

Your roofing warranty will vary depending on the materials you use. A warranty for a 3-tab shingle roof, for instance, will be shorter than one for architectural shingles since architectural shingles are more durable.

Similarly, a warranty for a metal roof will last longer than one for an asphalt shingle roof.

At Erie Home, we offer industry-leading warranties on both our asphalt shingle and metal roofs. Our asphalt roofs come with a 30-year limited lifetime transferable warranty that protects against any manufacturing or installation defects that result in water penetration.

Our metal roofs come with a 50-year, limited lifetime transferable warranty, which guarantees that your roof is protected against any manufacturing or installation defects.

Why Roofing Warranties Are Important

When choosing your roofing contractor, it’s important to carefully review the warranty they’re offering, as it can help protect your investment. A warranty helps mitigate the risks of installing a new roof while protecting your home’s value.

It can also give you peace of mind knowing if something goes wrong, you’re not out a bunch more money.

Bottom line: Never proceed with a contractor that either doesn’t offer a warranty at all or offers one that fails to provide the value you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the usual warranty on a new roof?

The average roof warranty consists of two parts: workmanship and materials. Companies typically warranty the workmanship for 10 years, and manufacturers typically warranty the roofing materials for 10 to 30 years.

Is a roof warranty worth it?

Yes, a roof warranty is both necessary and important. Make sure you review the warranty carefully and ask questions so you know for sure what is covered and what is not. Comparing warranties between roofing companies is a critical step before hiring a roofing contractor.

Do roofs have lifetime warranties?

A lifetime warranty is typically offered by the manufacturer of the materials. As long as you own the property where the roof is located, the materials come under your warranty coverage. A lifetime warranty, however, doesn’t provide full coverage for the entirety of your roof’s life.

Instead, this type of warranty typically covers the replacement of the materials if they become defective, lose their integrity, or start to fail before the stated warranty period ends.

In most cases, the non-prorated warranty period for shingles roofs is 10 years. That means for 10 years, if something goes wrong with the materials, the manufacturer will be 100 percent responsible for repairing or replacing them, and they will cover both labor and materials costs.

After the 10-year or non-prorated period is over, the warranty changes to a prorated warranty. This is the part of the lifetime warranty that is calculated from the 10-year mark. During that time, the manufacturer will be responsible for the cost of the materials only (not the labor) at a prorated rate.

Some contractors may also offer a lifetime workmanship warranty. These types of warranties typically cover roof leaks and other installation problems until the roofing materials fail. Ask your contractor what they may offer in terms of this type of warranty.

Does walking on a roof void the warranty?

If you damage your shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials by walking on the roof, your warranty may be void.

Are extended roofing warranties worth it?

Whether an extended warranty is worth it depends on your personal preference, but it should be noted that extended warranties offer more coverage than standard warranties.

Consider how long your regular warranty lasts, what the extended warranty covers, and whether you think the extra costs are justified. If you’re going to live in your home for a long time and can afford the extended warranty, it may be worthwhile purchasing it.