A Guide To Long-Term Roof Protection
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the many choices when starting a home improvement project? Especially when it’s about protecting your investment for the long term.
We get it—your roof is a major investment that requires a substantial financial commitment. It’s crucial to understand what you’re paying for when replacing a roof. This decision often hinges on three essential factors:
- The quality of materials used.
- The level of craftsmanship provided.
- The warranty is offered.
Understanding these key elements ensures you’re making a smart investment in your home’s future
At Shumaker Roofing, we’ve teamed up with top shingle manufacturers to deliver quality roofing solutions. For more than 75 years, we’ve built roofs using the finest materials, expert craftsmanship, and backed by exceptional warranties. Our extensive experience with roofing warranties has been a key part of our success, giving us deep insight into the details and fine print. Now, we’re eager to share that knowledge with you.
We’re here to break down the details of manufacturer-backed material and labor warranties. By the end of this article, you’ll understand the key differences between various warranty types and gain valuable insight into choosing one that fits your needs. Whether you’re curious about the benefits of a full warranty or want to know exactly what it covers, you’ve come to the right place.
Now, let’s explore the world of lifetime asphalt shingle roof warranties together.
Basics Guide to Lifetime Roof Warranties
A lifetime roof warranty acts like insurance for your roof, safeguarding against unexpected issues. These warranties are designed to offer peace of mind by covering manufacturing defects and potential workmanship problems. While manufacturers provide warranties for the roofing materials, workmanship warranties are not always included by them.
Roof warranties generally fall into two main categories:
- Material Warranties: These protect against defects in the roofing material itself.
- Workmanship Warranties: These cover issues related to the installation of your roof.
Understanding the difference between these warranties allows you to make more informed choices when it comes to replacing or maintaining your roof.
Understanding Material Warranties: What They Mean for Your Asphalt Shingle Roof
The materials warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer of the shingles you choose. This means that the company that produces the roofing materials will be responsible for the material warranty, not the roofing contractor who installs your roof.
It’s similar to a car warranty. For example, if you own a Chevy Camaro under warranty and it breaks down, you wouldn’t take it to a Ford dealership for repairs. Chevy, as the manufacturer, is responsible for the warranty, whether it’s a bumper-to-bumper or a 60,000-mile coverage. The same principle applies to your roof—the manufacturer, not the installer, handles the warranty for the materials used.
As long as the warranty period is still active, the manufacturer is responsible for making any necessary repairs. Roofing material warranties operate similarly. So, if you’ve been comparing different shingles and trying to choose the right brand, you might be wondering, “What does a lifetime warranty actually mean for me?”
Understanding the Details of Shingle Warranties: A Guide to Prorated and Non-Prorated Coverage
Most manufacturers’ lifetime warranties typically only cover the replacement of the shingles. This applies if they become defective, lose their durability, or begin to fail before the warranty period expires.
In most cases, shingle manufacturers offer 100% coverage for the first 10 years, known as a non-prorated warranty. However, this standard material warranty does not include coverage for poor workmanship.
If your roofer installs shingles incorrectly, the manufacturer’s shingle warranty won’t cover the contractor’s faulty workmanship. This is a common misunderstanding but it is crucial to know.
The non-prorated part of a material warranty ensures the manufacturer is fully responsible for replacing or repairing defective materials. They cover 100 percent of both materials and labor for defective shingles within the first 10 years. Once the 10-year mark passes, the warranty switches to a prorated one.
A prorated material warranty, typically part of a lifetime warranty, is calculated after 10 years. From this point, the manufacturer covers only the cost of defective materials, not labor. The prorated value depends on how many years of life you got from the shingles, based on a 50-year lifespan. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this shorter 10-year non-prorated period.
Choosing Certified Roofing Experts: Advantages of Extended Warranties and Professional Expertise
Choose a roofing company certified by leading manufacturers that offer extended warranties! These contractors can provide a 50-year non-prorated warranty on lifetime shingles. This certification is how top shingle manufacturers recognize and support local roofing companies delivering high-quality work in the community.
Local roofing contractors are required to maintain active insurance policies and ensure all licenses are kept current. They must also stay in good standing by paying their supply bills promptly. Additionally, they commit to providing their roofing installers with ongoing training each year. This benefits both parties—you receive a longer, non-prorated warranty period, while the roofing contractors gain more experience and advanced training. It’s truly a win-win situation for everyone involved.
The Importance of Workmanship Warranties in Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Most roof failures happen because of installation errors. It’s true—poor workmanship is the leading cause of roof leaks and failures, not the materials themselves. When the craftsmanship is flawed, the roof is more likely to fail. This is why labor warranties are the most crucial part of your roof warranty.
Workmanship warranties cover any defects or errors in installation that result in leaks or premature roof failure. This part of the warranty is provided by the roofing company you choose. The duration of the workmanship warranty is determined by the local roofer and may vary based on their discretion.
Most contractors typically offer a workmanship warranty ranging from 2 to 5 years. This warranty ensures protection against any issues related to their craftsmanship on an asphalt shingle installation. However, the length and terms of the warranty will ultimately depend on the roofing contractor you select for your project.
The issue with this type of warranty is that it’s only valid as long as the roofing company remains in business. If they don’t answer your call when you have a leak or roof issue, and they don’t show up to fix it, the warranty is practically useless. At Shumaker Roofing, we’re proud to have been in the roofing industry for 75 years, providing reliable service. You can trust that we’ll be here to support you for a lifetime, ensuring your roof is taken care of whenever you need us.
Guaranteeing Dependability: Selecting a Roofing Contractor with Manufacturer-Supported Workmanship Warranties
It’s no secret that the roofing industry is highly competitive. According to the Small Business Association, over 85% of roofing contractors shut down within their first three years. Even more surprising, over 90% close their doors before hitting the five-year mark.
You definitely don’t want a workmanship warranty from a company that might not be around to honor it. So, how do you avoid hiring a contractor who could disappear while holding responsibility for the most crucial part of your home’s protection?
Leading shingle manufacturers offer Select and Master Elite installer programs, which enable roofing contractors to provide you with a workmanship warranty supported by the manufacturer. If the contractor you hired goes out of business or relocates, it won’t affect your warranty. Since the manufacturer holds the workmanship warranty, you’re still covered regardless of the contractor’s status.
For instance, think about the Chevy Camaro. Imagine you found a great deal and bought it at a dealership in Bluffton, South Carolina. Later, you move to Tampa, Florida, and your car is still covered by the bumper-to-bumper 60,000-mile warranty. When you arrive in Tampa, your Camaro suddenly has an issue.
Even though you purchased the car in Bluffton, all you need to do is take it to a Chevy dealership in Tampa. They’ll repair it under the manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty. Asphalt shingle workmanship warranties work the same way. The key is to hire a contractor who is certified and authorized to offer these manufacturer-backed roof warranties.
The leading two shingle manufacturers offer a 25-year workmanship warranty to cover leaks or faulty installation. GAF provides the Golden Pledge Warranty, while CertainTeed offers the SureStart 5-Star Warranty. You can explore GAF’s warranty options here and CertainTeed’s warranty details here. Both warranties ensure long-term protection for your roofing investment.
Understanding the Exclusions: What Your Roof Warranty Doesn’t Cover
Similar to homeowner’s insurance policies, roof warranties come with limitations and exclusions. Here are some common issues that aren’t covered by a roof warranty:
- Damage to the structure or personal belongings inside your home.
- Damage caused by standing water.
- Natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, lightning, and storm damage.
- Fire damage.
- Repairs were made without proper authorization.
- Negligence or failure to maintain the roof.
- Poor attic ventilation.
- Improper installation of solar panels or satellite dishes.
It’s important to understand these exclusions to avoid surprises when filing a claim under your roof warranty.
Moving Forward: Selecting the Ideal Local Roofing Expert for Your Project
After reading this article, you should now understand the difference between a material roof warranty and a workmanship roof warranty, whether it’s offered by a roofing contractor or a leading manufacturer.
To assist you in identifying a qualified local roofing contractor, we’ve put together a helpful checklist. Additionally, we’ve included key questions along with their answers, so you’ll be well-prepared when interviewing potential roofing contractors before making your decision.
If you’re ready to move forward with your roofing project, one of our expert roofing estimators at Shumaker Roofing can visit your location to review material options and roof warranties with you. Simply click this to schedule your inspection, and we look forward to assisting you soon!
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the different types of roof warranties—material and workmanship—is crucial when investing in a new roof. A comprehensive warranty offers long-term protection for your home, ensuring coverage for both material defects and installation errors. By selecting a certified roofing contractor, you can access extended warranty options backed by leading manufacturers, providing peace of mind for years to come. At Shumaker Roofing, we prioritize high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and reliable warranties to safeguard your investment. Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule an inspection and explore your roofing options with confidence.
