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What Does a Roofing Material Warranty Cover?
Are you getting a new roof soon, or did you just have one installed? One of the most important things to understand as a homeowner is what protections come with your roof through warranties.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we’ve helped homeowners across Jefferson, Ashtabula, and Northeast Ohio understand roofing warranties for over 30 years. Whether it’s your first roof replacement or an upgrade, knowing how a roofing material warranty works is key to protecting your investment.
This article will answer the following questions:
- What does a roofing material warranty cover?
- How long does a roofing material warranty last?
- How can you get an enhanced roofing warranty for asphalt shingles?
- What can void a roofing material warranty?
- Are there other warranties to consider with roofing materials?
What Does a Roofing Material Warranty Cover?
A roofing material warranty is provided by the manufacturer to protect against defective materials or components. Coverage varies depending on the type of roofing material.
- Asphalt Shingles: Standard warranties cover defects, but architectural and luxury shingles can qualify for enhanced warranties.
- Metal Roofs: Warranties typically cover paint or finish (like Kynar 500 on steel standing seam roofs) rather than the metal itself.
- Synthetic Shingles: These come with a manufacturer’s material warranty, which varies by brand. For example, DaVinci synthetic slate shingles offer a limited lifetime warranty that’s non-prorated for the first 10 years.
- Natural Materials: Cedar shake and slate rarely come with a material warranty, so you rely mostly on workmanship warranties.
How Long Does a Roofing Material Warranty Last?
The lifespan of a roofing material warranty depends on the type of roofing:
- 3-tab asphalt shingles: Typically a 25-year limited warranty
- Architectural & luxury asphalt shingles: Usually a 30-year prorated warranty, with the potential for a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty
- Metal roofing: Varies by manufacturer; steel standing seam roofs often come with a 30-year finish warranty
- Synthetic shingles: Warranty length varies; some brands offer limited lifetime warranties
How to Get an Enhanced Warranty for Asphalt Shingles
To qualify for an enhanced warranty:
- All roofing components must come from the same manufacturer.
- Installation must be completed by a certified roofing contractor.
- The roof must be registered with the manufacturer after installation.
Enhanced warranties cover the entire roof system and may include protection against installation errors if your contractor holds the highest certifications. They are also transferable once, which adds value when selling your home.
What Can Void a Roofing Material Warranty?
Even the best warranties can be voided if:
- Your roof was improperly installed
- Attic ventilation is inadequate
- Manufacturer installation guidelines were not followed
If this happens, you may only have your workmanship warranty from the roofing contractor to rely on. That’s why it’s critical to hire a company with a strong installation track record and manufacturer certifications—like S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC.
Are There Other Warranties to Consider?
Many roofing materials come with additional warranties beyond defects:
- Wind resistance warranties
- Algae resistance warranties
For example:
- CertainTeed Landmark shingles: 15-year wind and 25-year algae warranty
- GAF Timberline HDZ shingles: 15-year wind and 25-year algae warranty
- Tamko Titan XT shingles: 15-year wind and 10-year algae warranty
These warranties vary by manufacturer, so always discuss the full package with your roofer.
Why Hiring the Right Roofing Company Matters
A material warranty protects your investment, but improper installation can void it. Hiring a certified, experienced roofing contractor ensures your roof is installed correctly, giving your warranty true value.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we specialize in residential roofing throughout Northeast Ohio, providing professional installation and guidance to protect your home and your warranty.
For tips on choosing the right contractor, check out: 9 Tips for Hiring a Great Roofing Contractor.
