When you purchase a new shingle roof, the roofing shingles generally come with a manufacturer’s limited warranty. However, it is important to understand what that warranty actually covers and why a higher level roofing warranty can increase the total cost of a roofing project.
A Standard Shingle Warranty
When shingles are installed on your home, the manufacturer provides warranty coverage for the shingles according to its specific warranty terms and conditions.
This basic coverage is generally intended to protect against certain manufacturing defects in the roofing materials. It does not automatically mean that the manufacturer will cover every roof leak, installation problem, storm damage, or roofing issue.
For example, a manufacturer’s product warranty may cover the shingles if they have a qualifying manufacturing defect, but it may not cover problems caused by improper installation, inadequate ventilation, roof structure issues, or other conditions excluded by the warranty.
The exact coverage depends on the manufacturer, shingle product, installation requirements, and warranty selected.
What Is a Higher Level or Extended Roofing Warranty?
Some roofing manufacturers offer enhanced or extended warranty programs that provide broader coverage than the standard product warranty.
These warranties can require the installation of a complete roofing system using multiple qualifying products from the same manufacturer.
Depending on the manufacturer and warranty level, qualifying products may include:
-
- Shingles
- Starter shingles
- Ridge cap shingles
- Leak barrier or ice-and-water protection
- Roof deck protection or underlayment
- Attic ventilation products
This is why a homeowner should not assume that simply purchasing a shingle advertised with a long warranty automatically provides the highest level of roofing-system coverage.
Why Can a 50-Year Warranty Cost More?
A higher level warranty can cost more because the roofing system may need to be installed using additional qualifying products and specific installation requirements.
For example, instead of selecting individual materials from different manufacturers based only on price, a homeowner may choose to install a coordinated roofing system from one manufacturer so the project can qualify for an enhanced warranty.
That can increase the cost of the roofing estimate because the contractor may need to use:
More qualifying roofing products + additional manufacturer requirements
The additional cost is therefore not simply a fee for a piece of paper. The roofing system itself may need to be upgraded to meet the manufacturer’s warranty requirements.
The Warranty Can Affect Your Roofing Estimate
When comparing two roofing estimates, it is important to compare what is actually included in each roofing system.
One contractor may provide a basic shingle installation using the manufacturer’s standard warranty.
Another contractor may provide a complete manufacturer-approved roofing system designed to qualify for an enhanced warranty.
The two estimates may therefore have different prices even if both contractors are installing shingles.
A higher priced estimate does not necessarily mean the contractor is charging more for the same work. The difference may come from the shingle product, roofing accessories, installation requirements, and warranty level included in the proposal.
Is the 50-Year Warranty Free?
Not necessarily.
Some standard manufacturer warranties are included with the purchase of qualifying products, while enhanced warranty programs may require additional qualifying products, specific installation requirements, and an eligible certified contractor. Some enhanced warranties may also involve additional costs.
For this reason, homeowners should ask their roofing contractor:
What warranty is included in my estimate?
Is it the standard manufacturer warranty or an enhanced roofing-system warranty?
What products are required to qualify for the enhanced warranty?
Are all of the products from the same manufacturer?
Is there an additional cost to qualify for the enhanced warranty?
What exactly does the warranty cover—and what is excluded?
A Long Warranty Does Not Mean Everything Is Covered for 50 Years
This is one of the most important things for homeowners to understand.
A “50-year warranty” does not necessarily mean that every part of the roof will be fully covered for 50 years.
Manufacturers can have different warranty periods for different types of coverage, including manufacturing defects, algae, wind, workmanship, and other conditions. Coverage may also change after a specified non-prorated protection period.
The actual warranty document provided by the manufacturer controls the coverage.
Ask What You Are Paying For
When reviewing a roofing estimate, don’t look only at the final price.
Ask what roofing materials are being installed, which manufacturer is providing the warranty, what level of warranty is included, what qualifying products are being used, and whether the price includes the additional materials and requirements needed for enhanced warranty coverage.