What Does a Roof Warranty Cover? (2024 Guide)

December 19, 2023

When it comes to protecting your home and investment, understanding your roof warranty is crucial. Roof warranties come in various forms and can differ significantly from one manufacturer or contractor to another. In this 2024 guide for homeowners, we’ll explore what roof warranties typically cover, helping you make informed decisions about your roofing needs.

Ready to upgrade to a new roof?

Not sure about your warranty opportunities?

Here’s what you’ll find in this article:

• Benefits of roof warranties for you and your home
• 5 aspects of what roof warranties typically cover
• 3 key types of roof warranties

Keep reading to learn more about what roof warranties cover and how snagging the right warranty for your roof can bring you many benefits down the road!

Why Roof Warranties Matter

Before we delve into the specifics of roof warranties, let’s discuss why they are essential:

• Peace of Mind: A solid roof warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that you’re protected in case of unexpected issues.
• Investment Protection: Your home is a significant investment, and a warranty helps safeguard it by covering potential roof-related expenses.
• Quality Assurance: Warranties often reflect the manufacturer’s or contractor’s confidence in the quality of their work or products.
• Resale Value: A transferable warranty can boost your home’s resale value, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

Now, let’s break down the 5 aspects of what roof warranties typically cover.

1. Material Warranty

Material warranties are provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials (shingles, tiles, etc.). They cover defects in the materials themselves.

• What’s Covered: Material warranties typically cover defects such as premature granule loss, shingle cracking, curling, or blistering. They may also include protection against algae or mold growth.
• Duration: Material warranties can range from 10 to 50 years or more, depending on the type and quality of the roofing materials.

2. Workmanship Warranty

Workmanship warranties are provided by the roofing contractor and cover the installation and labor.

• What’s Covered: Workmanship warranties typically cover issues related to improper installation, such as leaks, flashing problems, and other installation errors.
• Duration: Workmanship warranties typically range from one to ten years. Some contractors offer longer warranties as a testament to their confidence in their work.

3. Roof System Warranty

Roof system warranties provide comprehensive coverage, often combining material and workmanship warranties.

• What’s Covered: Roof system warranties cover both material defects and installation errors. They offer a more holistic approach to roof protection.
• Duration: The duration of roof system warranties can vary widely, ranging from 10 to 30 years or more.

4. No-Dollar-Limit (NDL) Warranty

NDL warranties provide more comprehensive protection by specifying that the manufacturer or contractor will cover all costs related to warranty repairs, including materials and labor.

• What’s Covered: NDL warranties cover a wide range of issues, including material defects, installation errors, and consequential damages to your home’s interior.
• Duration: NDL warranties can have varying durations, often ranging from 10 to 30 years or more.

5. Prorated vs. Non-Prorated Warranty

Prorated warranties decrease in value over time, while non-prorated (full) warranties maintain their coverage level throughout the warranty period.

• What’s Covered: Prorated warranties may reduce the amount of coverage as the years go by. Non-prorated warranties offer consistent coverage.
• Duration: Both prorated and non-prorated warranties can vary in duration, depending on the specific warranty terms.

3 Types of Roof Warranties 📜

Below, we’ll go over 3 key types of roof warranties.

1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty

This warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves and is provided by the manufacturer.

2. Workmanship Warranty

Offered by the roofing contractor, this warranty covers issues related to the installation and labor.

3. Extended Material Warranty

Some manufacturers offer extended material warranties that provide longer coverage than their standard warranties.

Roof Warranty Considerations 📋

• Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the warranty terms, including what’s covered and any exclusions.
• Transferability: Check if the warranty is transferable if you sell your home. A transferable warranty can be a valuable selling point.
• Maintenance Requirements: Some warranties require regular roof maintenance to remain valid. Ensure you understand and comply with these requirements.
• Documentation: Keep thorough records of your roofing project, including invoices, receipts, and any warranty-related documents.
• Professional Installation: Choose a reputable roofing contractor with experience in installing the specific roofing materials you’ve selected. Proper installation is key to warranty coverage.

Protecting Your Roof and Investment 🔒

Understanding what your roof warranty covers is essential for protecting your home and investment. Whether it’s a material warranty, workmanship warranty, or a comprehensive roof system warranty, knowing your coverage can give you peace of mind and save you from unexpected expenses.

Be sure to review the warranty terms carefully, perform regular roof maintenance, and choose a professional roofing contractor to ensure your warranty remains valid and your roof remains in top condition. With the right knowledge, you can confidently tackle any roofing issues that may arise.

Get in touch with our X’pert roofing team at Roof X today for all your roofing needs. We’ll make sure your home is in top-notch shape with a solid roof over your head. Let’s get the ball rollin’ on your next roofing project!