Roofing warranties

Most leaks in the first years of a roof's life are installation problems, not material defects — which means the workmanship warranty is the one that usually matters. Its length is set by the contractor and varies enormously. Ask for the number, in writing, in the contract.

Manufacturer terms are set by the manufacturer and change over time, so we won't summarize anyone's specific terms here. Ask for the actual warranty document for the exact product going on your roof, and read the exclusions section first. That is where the real content is.

Common ways coverage gets weakened, in general terms, include installation that departs from the manufacturer's written instructions, inadequate attic ventilation, layering new shingles over old, and later work by others (satellite dishes, solar mounts, coatings) that penetrates or alters the roof. Confirm the specifics against your own documents rather than assuming.

Finally, ask about transfer. Some coverage can be transferred to a buyer, often with conditions and a time limit. If you might sell, that detail is worth knowing before you choose the product and the installer.

How to choose

Get all three documents before final payment

Manufacturer warranty for the exact product, the contractor's written workmanship warranty, and any extended system registration confirmation.

Read the exclusions first

The exclusions section tells you what the warranty actually is. Marketing pages tell you what it sounds like.

Check the workmanship term length

This varies from a year to a couple of decades depending on the contractor. It is negotiable and it should be in the contract.

Protect it after installation

Later penetrations and coatings applied by other trades can affect coverage. Check the documents before you let anyone mount anything to the roof.

Keep the paperwork with the house

Registration confirmations, invoices and photos. Transfers usually require proof of the original installation.