When investing in a new roof, the material, appearance, and cost are often front and center—but what about the warranty? Roofing warranties are one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of any roofing project. Knowing how to read and understand yours can make all the difference when issues arise down the road.
At Grand Rising Exteriors, we believe in full transparency and protection for our homeowners. That’s why we provide not only a manufacturer’s product warranty, but also our own workmanship warranty based on the materials installed—so you’re covered from the shingles down to the labor.
Let’s break down how to understand a roofing warranty, what’s covered (and what’s not), and why it all matters.
Understanding the Two Main Types of Roofing Warranties
When reviewing a roofing warranty, it’s important to know there are typically two separate layers of protection involved: the manufacturer’s product warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. While both are essential, they cover very different aspects of your roofing system. Let’s break each one down in more detail.
🔨 1. Manufacturer’s Product Warranty
This type of warranty is issued by the manufacturer of the roofing materials—such as Atlas or Owens Corning—and it specifically covers defects in the shingles or roofing products themselves. That means if the shingles were manufactured incorrectly, contain material flaws, or break down earlier than they should under normal weather conditions, the manufacturer may replace or reimburse for those materials.
Key Features to Know:
- Coverage Duration: Most architectural shingles offer limited lifetime coverage, with non-prorated protection lasting anywhere from 10–20 years before depreciation kicks in. Atlas, for example, offers up to 50 years of product protection depending on the product line.
- System Requirements: To access the full benefits of the warranty, manufacturers usually require that a complete roofing system is installed using their approved components—such as underlayment, ridge vents, starter shingles, and ice & water shield. Piecing together products from multiple brands may void the full warranty.
- Limitations: Manufacturer warranties do not cover installation-related issues. If your roof leaks due to poor workmanship, flashing errors, improper ventilation, or incorrect fastening, you’ll be on your own unless you also have a strong workmanship warranty in place.
- Transferability: Many product warranties are transferable to one subsequent homeowner, but only if done within a certain timeframe (often 60–90 days after sale). Transferred warranties may reduce in coverage or term length depending on the manufacturer’s terms.
📌 Pro Tip: Ask your contractor to register your manufacturer warranty after the job is completed to ensure you receive full coverage. Grand Rising Exteriors can handle this for you when requested.
🧰 2. Contractor’s Workmanship Warranty
The workmanship warranty is issued by the contractor who installs your roof, not the manufacturer. It guarantees the quality of labor and installation practices used during your project. If your new roof fails due to incorrect installation—like improper shingle alignment, poor nailing patterns, faulty flashing, or skipped code-required steps—this warranty protects you.
At Grand Rising Exteriors, we take our commitment to quality seriously. That’s why we provide a workmanship warranty based on the type of materials installed:
- Atlas shingles – Covered by a 10-year Workmanship Warranty
- All other shingle brands – Covered by a 5-year Workmanship Warranty
This means that if any problem arises due to how your roof was installed—rather than the materials themselves—we’ll correct it at no cost to you within the warranty period.
Why Our Workmanship Warranty Matters:
- We follow all local building codes and manufacturer installation specifications.
- We document your project thoroughly so you have a clear record of the materials used and scope of work completed.
- Our crews are trained, vetted, and held to high standards to ensure consistent, code-compliant installations.
Important Note:
Workmanship warranties do not cover problems caused by outside forces, such as severe storms, fallen trees, or structural changes made by others. That’s why it’s important to maintain homeowner’s insurance and schedule periodic roof inspections to catch issues early.
In short, your manufacturer’s warranty protects you from defective materials, while the workmanship warranty protects you from installation mistakes. Together, they provide a powerful safety net—if you understand the terms and choose the right contractor.
❗ What Most Warranties Don’t Cover
Roofing warranties aren’t catch-alls, and knowing the exclusions can save you frustration later. Most warranties (including ours and those from manufacturers) typically exclude:
- Neglect or lack of maintenance (e.g., clogged gutters, failing to address small leaks)
- Damage from natural disasters like hailstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or fires
- Gale force winds exceeding 60 mph or higher
- Acts of God and unexpected environmental conditions
- Alterations or repairs made by someone other than the original installer
- Improper ventilation or structural issues unrelated to the roofing system
That’s why it’s crucial to have your roof regularly inspected and maintained to keep your warranty valid.
🏡 Why Roofing Warranties Matter
A roofing warranty isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a layer of protection that adds value, peace of mind, and future flexibility. Here’s why it’s important:
📆 Financial Protection – Should defects or installation issues arise, a valid warranty can save you thousands in repair or replacement costs.
🚨 Transferability – Many warranties (including ours) can transfer to the new owner if you sell your home. This can add value to your property and be a strong selling point.
🛎️ Peace of Mind – A strong warranty ensures you’re not left dealing with costly surprises or out-of-pocket repairs for problems that shouldn’t be your fault.
🔢 Proof of Quality – A warranty-backed installation means your contractor is confident in the work and materials provided.
🏠 Let Grand Rising Exteriors Help You Protect Your Investment
We don’t just install roofs—we install confidence. With premium materials like Atlas shingles, backed by a manufacturer’s system warranty, and our own 5- or 10-year workmanship warranty depending on the product installed, your home is protected on all fronts.
