Roof Warranty Guide: What's Covered?

A roof warranty sounds straightforward, but the details matter enormously. Here's what every homeowner needs to know.

Two Types of Warranties

Manufacturer Warranty

Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. If a shingle is defective from the factory, the manufacturer will cover replacement materials. However, most manufacturer warranties do NOT cover labor costs for removal and reinstallation.

Workmanship Warranty

Covers the contractor's installation quality. If a leak occurs because of improper installation — not a material defect — the workmanship warranty protects you. This is where CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ credentialing becomes critical.

What Typically Voids a Warranty

Improper ventilation — Most manufacturers require balanced attic ventilation

Unauthorized repairs — Having a different contractor work on your roof

Power washing — Can void warranties on many shingle types

Adding satellite dishes or solar panels without proper protocol

Not maintaining your roof — Some warranties require periodic inspections

What to Look For

1. Length of coverage — for both materials and workmanship 2. Transferability — Can you transfer the warranty to a new owner if you sell? 3. Prorated vs. non-prorated — Prorated warranties decrease in value over time 4. What's excluded — Read the fine print carefully 5. Claims process — How easy is it to actually file a claim?

The Gold Standard

CertainTeed's SureStart Plus™ warranty, available through ShingleMaster credentialed contractors, offers comprehensive material and workmanship coverage. It's one of the strongest warranty programs in the residential roofing industry.

Peak Exteriors is a CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ credentialed contractor. Learn more about our coverage options.