Quick answer
Most new roofs come with two warranties. The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the roofing materials. The contractor's workmanship warranty covers mistakes in how the roof was installed. They have different lengths, conditions and exclusions, and either can be voided by things like improper repairs or missed registration, so read both written warranties before you sign.
Two warranties, two different promises
When a roofer mentions a warranty, it's fair to ask, "Which one?" A new roof usually comes with two separate warranties from two different companies, and they cover different things:
- The manufacturer's material warranty covers defects in the shingles, tile or other products themselves.
- The contractor's workmanship warranty covers problems caused by how the roof was installed.
This matters because most roof problems in the first years aren't material defects. They're installation issues: flashing that wasn't set right, nails in the wrong place, a valley that wasn't built to shed water. A long material warranty doesn't help much if the problem is workmanship and the workmanship coverage is thin.
A warranty also isn't insurance. It covers defects and installation mistakes, not wind, hail, falling branches or other damage from outside events. Those are usually a homeowners insurance question.
So when you're comparing bids, look at both warranties, in writing, side by side. Our guide to comparing roofing estimates covers the other line items to check.
Manufacturer material warranties
Roofing manufacturers warrant their products against manufacturing defects for a set period. The details vary a lot by brand and product line, but a few ideas show up in most of them:
- Prorated vs non-prorated coverage. Many warranties offer fuller coverage early on, then reduce what they'll pay as the roof ages. Check when that shift happens.
- Materials only vs materials and labor. Some basic warranties cover replacement materials but not the labor to install them.
- Enhanced or system warranties. Some manufacturers offer stronger coverage when the roof uses their matching components, like underlayment, starter strips and ridge caps, and may require the installer to meet their program requirements.
- Specific exclusions. Wind coverage often has a stated speed limit and may depend on installation method. Damage from storms, impact or lack of maintenance is usually not a "defect."
Wind is worth a close look here in the High Desert, where gusts can be strong. Ask what wind rating applies and what installation it requires. Our post on wind and your roof explains why it matters.
Contractor workmanship warranties
A workmanship warranty is the contractor's promise to fix problems caused by their installation. It's only as good as two things: what it says in writing, and whether the contractor is still around and willing to honor it.
When you read one, look for:
- How long it lasts, stated plainly
- What it covers, such as leaks caused by installation, flashing and fastening
- What it excludes, like storm damage or work done by others later
- How to make a claim, and how quickly they respond
- Whether it transfers if you sell the house
A contractor who oversees their own crews and plans to be in the area for years has every reason to stand behind the work. That's one reason to verify a license with the CSLB and learn a bit about who you're hiring.
Also ask how the two warranties work together. If a leak shows up, who do you call first? A good contractor will come out, figure out whether it's a material issue or an installation issue, and help you through the manufacturer's process if it turns out to be the product.
What can void a roof warranty
Warranties come with conditions, and it's surprisingly easy to lose coverage without realizing it. Common things that can void or limit a warranty include:
- Improper installation that doesn't follow the manufacturer's instructions
- Not registering the warranty when registration is required
- Repairs or changes by someone else, such as a later patch job or new penetrations
- Installing over an old roof when the product requires a clean deck
- Poor attic ventilation, which some manufacturers treat as a condition of coverage
- Neglect, like leaving debris to pile up in valleys
- Add-ons installed by others, such as satellite dishes or panel mounts, that cut into the roof
Before anyone mounts equipment or makes a repair on a newer roof, check your written warranty and call the contractor who installed it. A quick question can save your coverage.
Registration and transferring a warranty
Some manufacturer warranties need to be registered after installation, and some enhanced warranties only apply once registration is complete. Ask who handles registration, when it happens, and how you'll receive proof.
Keep a simple roof file with:
- The signed contract and final invoice
- The manufacturer's warranty and registration confirmation
- The contractor's written workmanship warranty
- The permit and final inspection sign-off
- Photos of the finished roof
If you sell the house, transferability can matter to a buyer. Many warranties can be transferred once, sometimes with a notice or fee, and coverage may change after the transfer. Check the terms in writing so you can answer a buyer's questions with confidence.
If you're buying a home with a fairly new roof, ask the seller for the same file. Knowing who installed the roof, when, and what warranties came with it can save you a lot of guesswork later.
A note on tile roofs
Tile roofs add a wrinkle. Concrete and clay tile can last for decades, but the underlayment beneath it typically needs replacement much sooner, often around 20 to 25 years as a general guide. A long tile warranty doesn't mean the whole roof system is covered for that long.
Ask how the underlayment, flashing and battens are covered separately from the tile. If your tile roof is leaking even though the tiles look fine, the underlayment is the usual suspect. Our posts on why tile roofs leak and tile lift and relay explain what's going on and how it's fixed. You can also learn more on our tile roofing page.
How Ocelot Roofing can help
At Ocelot Roofing, we install proven roofing products from established manufacturers, and we walk you through the warranty options before you sign. You'll know what the manufacturer covers, what we cover, and what you need to do to keep that coverage in place.
Every estimate is free, itemized and comes with no obligation. Manny Torres, the owner, oversees every project from start to finish, so there's one accountable person behind the work and the warranty.
Have a question about your current roof's warranty or a new one? Request your free estimate or call (866) 837-3311.
Common questions
Does a roof warranty cover storm or wind damage?
Usually not in the way people expect. Manufacturer warranties cover product defects and may include limited wind coverage up to a stated speed, while storm damage is generally a homeowners insurance matter. Check your written warranty and your insurance policy to see which applies.
Will a roof repair by another company void my warranty?
It can. Many warranties exclude or limit coverage when someone other than the original installer alters the roof. Before hiring anyone for a repair on a newer roof, read your warranty terms and contact the original contractor first.
What's the difference between a prorated and non-prorated roof warranty?
A non-prorated warranty pays the full covered amount for a defect during its term. A prorated warranty reduces what it pays as the roof ages. Many manufacturer warranties start non-prorated and switch to prorated after a set number of years, so check when that happens.
About the author
Manny Torres, Owner, Ocelot Roofing
Manny Torres owns Ocelot Roofing and personally oversees every project from estimate to final cleanup. Ocelot Roofing is part of Verde Home Design Inc., a third-generation family business based in Hesperia, CA.
