What are the types of roof warranties and what do they cover?

A roof is an expensive investment , which can make repairs a scary prospect. Fortunately, there are three main types of roof warranties that can cover everything from manufacturing defects to installation-related issues. If you're wondering what roof repairs cost , the right warranty may cover damages if something happens, but they aren't necessarily as straightforward as they look at first glance. 

Here's a closer look at what you need to know about each type of warranty in more detail.

Standard manufacturer warranties

Most major roofing brands now offer "limited lifetime" coverage on many asphalt shingles, but that doesn't mean your roof is covered forever. For example, GAF's Lifetime Limited Warranty covers manufacturing defects for as long as the original owner owns the home, provided the roof is installed by a certified contractor and meets the company's accessory requirements, according to GAF. "Limited lifetime" coverage generally translates to about 25 to 50 years for materials, depending on the product line and the climate, according to Angi .

Standard manufacturer warranties usually cover only the cost of replacing faulty materials. If any shingles are defective, the manufacturer will replace them, but typically nothing more. Shawn Mery, owner of Heritage Builders in New Jersey, told Yahoo Local that a basic warranty can last anywhere from five to 30 years, depending on the brand. The catch is that the manufacturer usually pays only for the cost of the materials, leaving you to handle labor and disposal. Some manufacturers offer labor coverage upgrades for a small additional fee, so ask about those options before signing your warranty paperwork.

For the first few years after your new roof's installation, the manufacturer will cover the full replacement cost — and perhaps even the labor. After that initial period, the warranty may become prorated. That means coverage decreases over time, so an older roof may only qualify for part of the replacement cost. In areas with extreme heat or frequent storms, shingles can wear faster, which may shorten the effective coverage period even under a long-term warranty. If a problem arises later, the company may only pay for a portion of the shingles or give you fewer replacements than you need.

A standard warranty only covers problems that arise from the factory, such as shingles that weren't manufactured correctly. The warranty won't cover shingles that fail early due to improper installation, ice and water shields, or problems with underlayment, flashing, or ventilation. Mery told us those products might have separate warranties, so you should ask your contractor. In short, a manufacturer's warranty protects against production flaws, not wear, weather or workmanship.

Workmanship warranties

When choosing a roofing company to repair or replace your roof, always ask about the workmanship warranty. These warranties cover problems that result from installation mistakes, said Casey Moore, project manager at Indianapolis Roofing LLC in Indianapolis, Ind.

"The length of these warranties varies from one company to the next, with some warranties expiring after five years and others giving you lifetime coverage, depending on the contractor's certification with the manufacturer," Moore said.

Moore advises reading the fine print of any workmanship warranty, since a good one usually covers the cost of labor and materials to fix mistakes. Mery added that contractors should also cover any interior damage caused by faulty installation.

Workmanship warranties don't cover issues that aren't the roofing company's fault, such as:

• Damage from storms, strong winds or hail

• Water leaks resulting from ice dams (build-ups of ice in your gutters)

• Problems caused by someone "messing" with your roof after the contractors finish

• Issues caused by people walking on the roof

• Leaks resulting from a tree branch or other debris impacting your roof

A solid workmanship warranty is a plus, but Moore said a contractor's reputation is more important. In addition to considering the workmanship warranty's length, look into how long the company has been in business and how happy prior customers are with their work.

Extended manufacturer warranties

Sometimes, you may see an option for an extended manufacturer's warranty. Mery said these optional warranties, which cost extra, are tied to contractor certification. A GAF Master Elite warranty lasts for 30 years due to the certification, for example. The roofing company incurs additional costs to register the warranty. 

"A top-tier workmanship warranty with GAF requires you to be in business for at least seven years, be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and follow strict manufacturer substitution requirements," Mery told us. Companies must also adhere to rules around the type of underlayment used and the number of nails per shingle, along with following local building codes and having the proper insurance policy. "It's also common for a representative from the shingle company to conduct an unannounced visit to an installation and watch the process to make sure the team is doing everything correctly," he added.

The caveat? A contractor specifically authorized and certified by the shingle manufacturer must install your entire roofing system. You'll also pay more for this warranty — up to $3000 more, according to Angi . However, unless you're installing a slate, metal or other high-end roof, you probably won't need this extra protection.

Get the right roofing warranty for peace of mind

Roofing companies and shingle manufacturers define "lifetime" differently. The average lifespan of an asphalt roof is 15 to 20 years, according to Home Advisor . The materials you choose and the contractor's certification level may extend that lifetime definition to 30, 40 or even 50 years.

Ideally, aim for at least 10 years of protection from installation errors. Moore told us mistakes often become apparent within the first eight to 12 months after a roof is installed. Read the fine print, too. Some manufacturer warranties have a non-prorated period of 25+ years, which means the coverage won't lose value over time, Moore said. If a manufacturer's warranty is prorated, it should ideally go for 20% or more of the roof's expected lifespan (five years for a 25-year lifetime) before the amount covered decreases.

Once you've agreed to the contract and the roof is installed, there's one final step left: activating your warranty. Mery said that roofing companies generally handle the registration by submitting the documentation once you've made your final payment. Expect the process to take about one or two weeks.

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