Roofing Warranties Explained: Manufacturer vs. Workmanship Coverage

Your contractor says your new roof has a "lifetime warranty."

Five years later, shingles are curling. You file a claim.

The manufacturer sends a pro-rated check for $2,400. Your roof replacement costs $15,000. You're confused and angry.

Here's what roofing warranties actually cover—and what they don't.

Two Types of Warranties

Every roof replacement in Richmond comes with two separate warranties.

Manufacturer's warranty: Covers defects in the roofing materials (shingles, underlayment, flashings).

Workmanship warranty: Covers installation errors and labor defects.

They're separate. Different terms. Different coverage. Different claim processes.

Most homeowner frustration comes from confusing the two.

Manufacturer Warranties: The Details

The shingle manufacturer (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, etc.) warranties their product against defects.

Standard Material Warranty

Covers:

• Manufacturing defects (granule loss, premature cracking, blistering)
• Material failure due to product defect
• Replacement shingles (not labor to install them)

Does NOT cover:

• Installation errors
• Storm damage (wind, hail)
• Normal wear and tear
• Algae growth (unless algae-resistant shingles)
• Damage from foot traffic
• Ventilation-related failures
• Acts of God

Duration: Varies by product

• Basic 3-tab shingles: 20-25 years
• Architectural shingles: 25-30 years (some "limited lifetime")
• Designer shingles: 30-50 years (some "limited lifetime")

The "lifetime" trick: "Lifetime" means the shingles' expected lifespan, not your lifetime. For most asphalt shingles, that's 25-40 years. Read the fine print.

Pro-Rated vs. Non-Pro-Rated Coverage

This is where homeowners get burned.

Non-pro-rated period (first 10-15 years):

If defective shingles fail during this period, the manufacturer replaces the shingles at 100% of current cost.

Example: Shingles fail in year 8. Manufacturer provides replacement shingles at no cost. But you still pay labor (typically $3,000-6,000).

Pro-rated period (after 10-15 years):

Manufacturer's coverage decreases based on shingle age.

Example calculation:

• Shingles fail in year 18 of a 30-year warranty
• Years used: 18
• Remaining coverage: (30-18)/30 = 40%
• Replacement shingles cost: $6,000
• Manufacturer pays: $2,400
• You pay: $3,600 for materials + labor ($3,000-6,000)
• Total your cost: $6,600-9,600

Many homeowners think: "I have a 30-year warranty. This should be free."

Reality: You're paying 60-80% of a full replacement in year 18.

Enhanced Warranties (GAF System Plus, Owens Corning Platinum Protection)

Manufacturers offer upgraded warranties if contractors meet certain requirements.

GAF System Plus (requires Master Elite contractor):

• Non-pro-rated coverage extended to 50 years
• Covers labor for first 25 years
• Covers tear-off and disposal
• Must use GAF shingles, underlayment, ridge cap, and starter shingles

Owens Corning Platinum Protection:

• 50-year non-pro-rated shingle coverage
• 25-year workmanship coverage (through contractor)
• Must use Owens Corning products throughout system

CertainTeed SureStart Plus:

• 10-year 100% replacement coverage (shingles and labor)
• Must use CertainTeed system products
• Contractor must be SELECT ShingleMaster

Our take: Enhanced warranties have real value IF the contractor is qualified. They cover labor, which standard warranties don't. But they require system products (everything from one manufacturer), which limits options and may increase cost.

Cost premium for system warranties: Typically $1,200-2,500 more than standard warranty.

Workmanship Warranties: The Critical One

Your contractor's workmanship warranty covers installation errors.

Covers:

• Leaks from improper installation
• Blown-off shingles from incorrect nailing
• Flashing failures
• Ice and water shield errors
• Ventilation problems from improper installation

Does NOT cover:

• Storm damage
• Manufacturer defects
• Normal wear and tear
• Damage you cause (walking on roof, pressure washing)

Standard contractor warranty in Richmond: 5-10 years

Quality contractors: 10-15 years

Enhanced system warranties: 25 years (through manufacturer programs)

Why Workmanship Warranty Matters More

95% of roof failures are installation problems, not material defects.

Common installation failures we fix:

• Improperly nailed shingles (nails too high, driven crooked)
• Inadequate ice and water shield
• Poor flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents
• Missed or improperly installed starter shingles
• Insufficient ventilation
• Improper valley installation

All of these are workmanship issues. Manufacturer warranties don't cover them.

Your contractor's workmanship warranty is your protection.

Red Flag: Short Workmanship Warranties

Contractor offers 1-2 year workmanship warranty?

That's a problem. Most installation defects appear in years 3-7.

Why contractors do this:

• They're not confident in their work
• They don't plan to be in business long-term
• They're lowballing and cutting corners

Our recommendation: Minimum 10-year workmanship warranty. Anything less is a red flag.

What's Actually Covered: Real Scenarios

Scenario 1: Shingles Blow Off in Windstorm (Year 3)

Cause: Could be installation error (improper nailing) or extreme wind event.

If installation error: Workmanship warranty covers repair at no cost.

If wind speed exceeded rating (130+ mph): Neither warranty covers it. This is storm damage—file insurance claim.

Who determines cause: Contractor inspects first. If they deny workmanship warranty, hire independent inspector.

Common outcome: Most shingle blow-off is installation error. Quality contractors fix it under warranty.

Scenario 2: Granule Loss and Bald Spots (Year 5)

Cause: Likely manufacturing defect.

Coverage: Manufacturer warranty (still in non-pro-rated period).

What you get: Replacement shingles at no cost. Labor to install them is your cost.

Cost to you: $500-2,000 for labor, depending on extent.

Note: Contractor may cover labor under workmanship warranty if they believe installation contributed to failure (poor ventilation causing excessive heat).

Scenario 3: Leak Around Chimney Flashing (Year 7)

Cause: Flashing installation error or degraded sealant.

Coverage: Workmanship warranty (if within contractor's warranty period).

What you get: Free repair including labor.

Important: Document the leak immediately. Water damage to interior is NOT covered by roofing warranty. That's a homeowners insurance claim.

Scenario 4: Curling Shingles (Year 18)

Cause: Could be aging, poor ventilation, or material defect.

If material defect: Manufacturer warranty covers pro-rated cost (example above: you pay 60% of materials + 100% of labor).

If poor ventilation: Not covered. Improper ventilation voids most warranties.

If normal aging: Not covered. Shingles at year 18 of 25-year lifespan are nearing end of life.

Common outcome: Homeowner pays for full replacement unless defect is proven and contractor advocates with manufacturer.

Scenario 5: Algae Staining (Year 10)

If non-algae-resistant shingles: Not covered. Algae is environmental, not a defect.

If algae-resistant shingles with "StainGuard" or similar: May be covered for 10-25 years depending on product. Manufacturer usually pro-rates coverage.

What you get: Replacement shingles (pro-rated). Labor is your cost.

Prevention: Algae-resistant shingles or zinc strips. Cheaper than warranty claims.

How to File a Warranty Claim

Step 1: Contact Your Contractor First

Always start with the contractor who installed the roof.

They need to:

• Inspect the problem
• Determine if it's workmanship or material defect
• Document the issue
• Start warranty claim process

Do NOT contact the manufacturer first. They'll tell you to go through your contractor anyway.

Step 2: Document Everything

Take photos:

• Overall roof condition
• Close-ups of problem areas
• Date-stamped images

Keep records:

• Original installation contract
• Warranty certificates
• Payment receipts
• Maintenance records (if any)

Why this matters: Warranty claims require proof of proper installation and maintenance. Missing documentation can void claims.

Step 3: Contractor Files Manufacturer Claim (If Applicable)

If the issue is a material defect, your contractor files a claim with the manufacturer on your behalf.

Manufacturer sends inspector (in some cases) or reviews photos and documentation.

Timeline: 2-6 weeks for claim decision.

Common outcomes:

• Approved: Manufacturer provides replacement materials
• Denied: Deemed installation error, storm damage, or normal wear
• Partial: Pro-rated coverage applied

Step 4: Schedule Repair

If workmanship warranty: Contractor schedules repair at their cost.

If manufacturer warranty (approved): Contractor orders replacement materials. You pay labor.

If denied: You pay full cost or escalate the dispute.

Common Warranty Exclusions (The Fine Print)

Read your warranty. These exclusions void most warranties:

Improper Ventilation

Requirement: 1 sq ft of ventilation per 150 sq ft of attic space, balanced intake and exhaust.

If inadequate: Warranty void.

How they verify: Contractor documents ventilation at installation. If you had problems and ventilation is poor, claim denied.

Walking on the Roof

Exclusion: Damage from foot traffic voids warranty.

Reality: Necessary inspections and maintenance shouldn't void warranty. Excessive foot traffic (Christmas lights, satellite dishes, frequent access) can.

Improper Maintenance

Examples that void warranties:

• Pressure washing shingles
• Using harsh chemicals
• Ignoring known leaks
• Failure to remove debris

What's required: Keep gutters clean, remove debris, address issues promptly.

Structural Movement

Settling, foundation shifts, or structural issues that affect the roof void most warranties.

Installation Over More Than One Layer

Building codes in Virginia generally prohibit installing new shingles over more than one existing layer.

If contractor installed over two layers: Warranty likely void.

Non-System Products

Enhanced system warranties (GAF System Plus, etc.) require all components from one manufacturer.

If you mixed: GAF shingles with Owens Corning underlayment, system warranty is void. You revert to standard warranty.

Transferability: What Happens When You Sell

Most roofing warranties are transferable to new homeowners.

Standard manufacturer warranties: Automatically transfer. New owner gets remaining coverage (often reduced to 10 years max).

Enhanced system warranties: Transfer with registration and fee ($50-200 typically).

Workmanship warranties: Transfer if contractor allows. Not all do. Check before selling.

Why this matters for sellers: Transferable warranty is a selling point. "Roof replaced 2023, 20+ years of warranty remaining" adds value.

Process:

1. Provide warranty documentation to buyer at closing
2. Notify manufacturer of ownership change (for enhanced warranties)
3. Pay transfer fee (if applicable)
4. New owner receives updated warranty certificate

Maintaining Your Warranty

Annual inspections: Not required but smart. Catch problems early.

Clean gutters: Twice yearly minimum. Clogged gutters can cause water backup and void warranty.

Remove debris: Branches, leaves, moss. Don't let organic material accumulate.

Address leaks immediately: Delaying repairs can void warranty for resulting damage.

Keep records: Save all documentation—installation contract, warranty certificates, inspection reports, repair invoices.

Don't DIY repairs: Warranty-covered work must be done by qualified contractors. Your patch job might void the warranty.

GAF vs. Owens Corning vs. CertainTeed: Warranty Differences

GAF

Standard warranty:

• 25-50 years material (depending on product)
• 10-year non-pro-rated on many lines
• 10-year algae protection (some products)

System Plus (Master Elite contractors):

• 50-year non-pro-rated shingle
• 25-year labor coverage
• Tear-off and disposal coverage

Our take: GAF has the most contractor network (Master Elite designation). Claims process is straightforward.

Owens Corning

Standard warranty:

• 25-50 years material
• Limited lifetime on premium lines
• 10-25 year algae protection

Platinum Protection:

• 50-year non-pro-rated shingle
• 25-year workmanship (through Platinum contractors)
• Full tear-off coverage

Our take: Owens Corning warranties are competitive. SureNail technology (better wind resistance) is a nice feature.

CertainTeed

Standard warranty:

• 25-50 years material
• StreakFighter algae resistance (10-15 years)

SureStart Plus (SELECT ShingleMaster contractors):

• 10-year 100% replacement (shingles and labor)
• 50-year non-pro-rated shingle after year 10

Our take: CertainTeed's 10-year full replacement is unique. Strong value if you want maximum protection in early years.

Real Richmond Warranty Claim

Home: 2,100 sq ft in Chesterfield, GAF Timberline HDZ installed 2019

Problem: Multiple shingles with granule loss and blistering, year 6 (2025)

Contractor inspection: Determined manufacturing defect (blistering pattern consistent across multiple shingles from same lot).

Claim process:

1. Contractor documented issue with photos
2. Filed claim with GAF (3-week response)
3. GAF approved claim, sent replacement shingles (42 bundles)
4. Contractor installed at labor-only cost

Homeowner cost: $1,800 for labor (removal of affected shingles, installation of replacements, disposal)

Covered by warranty: $2,400 in replacement shingles

Total repair cost if no warranty: $4,200

Timeline: 6 weeks from problem discovered to repair complete

Homeowner quote: "I was frustrated I had to pay anything, but the contractor explained the warranty clearly. At least I didn't pay full price."

Bottom Line

Manufacturer warranties protect against defective materials but rarely cover labor. Pro-rating after 10-15 years means you pay most of the cost.

Workmanship warranties protect against installation errors. This is usually the more important coverage since 95% of failures are installation-related.

Lifetime warranties sound great but check the fine print. Most are pro-rated and limited to product lifespan (25-40 years).

Enhanced system warranties (GAF System Plus, Owens Corning Platinum) offer real value—they cover labor. Worth the premium if you're staying long-term.

Choose contractors with long workmanship warranties (10+ years). Short warranties are a red flag.

Maintain documentation and follow warranty requirements (proper ventilation, maintenance, prompt repairs). Missing paperwork or neglect can void coverage.

Warranties aren't insurance policies. They're protection against defects and errors. Read them. Understand them. Maintain them.

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Questions about warranties on your roof replacement? Schedule a free consultation — we explain all warranty options in detail and provide written warranty commitments.

Call: (804) 238-7837

Related Reading:

• 10 Critical Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
• How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Richmond, VA?
• Architectural Shingles vs. Designer Shingles