“Lifetime warranty” sounds like the roof is covered forever, no matter what. In reality, most roofs come with two separate warranties that cover very different things, and the fine print decides what happens when something goes wrong. Understanding your roof warranty before you sign helps you pick the right roofer and avoid the mistakes that can quietly void your coverage.
The two warranties on every roof
When you replace a roof, you typically get:
- A manufacturer’s warranty from the shingle company. It covers defects in the materials themselves, like shingles that crack, curl or lose granules early because of how they were made.
- A workmanship warranty from the roofing contractor. It covers mistakes in the installation, like poor nailing, bad flashing or a missed step that leads to a leak.
Here’s the catch: most roof problems in the first several years come from installation, not bad shingles. That makes the contractor’s workmanship warranty just as important as the name on the shingle bundle.
What a manufacturer’s warranty usually covers
Most architectural shingles today carry a “limited lifetime” warranty. Limited is the key word. These warranties usually cover material defects, and the coverage is often full for an initial period and then prorated, meaning it pays a shrinking share as the roof ages. Many standard warranties cover the shingles only, not the labor to tear off and replace them.
Shingle makers also offer upgraded system warranties that can add labor coverage and longer full-coverage periods. These usually require a certified installer and a full system of that brand’s components: underlayment, starter, ridge cap and ventilation.
What a workmanship warranty covers
A workmanship warranty is the roofer’s promise about their own work. If a leak comes from flashing they installed, or shingles blow off because of improper nailing, they come back and fix it. Lengths vary a lot, from one year to ten or more, and some contractors offer none at all. Always get it in writing, with the length and what’s covered.
A workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it. A ten-year promise from a crew that won’t be around in three years doesn’t help you. Look for a roofer with a long local track record.
Want a roof that’s backed in writing?
Every T&M Roofing replacement comes with a 10-year labor warranty on top of the manufacturer’s coverage, written into your quote before work starts.
Get a Free Estimate or call (313) 600-4538
Common ways homeowners void a roof warranty
- Poor attic ventilation. Shingle makers require proper intake and exhaust. Trapped heat and moisture can void coverage. Our guide to roof ventilation explains why.
- Layering over old shingles when the manufacturer’s rules don’t allow it.
- Unapproved repairs or add-ons, like satellite dishes, solar or skylights installed by someone who didn’t seal them properly.
- Not registering the warranty when the manufacturer requires it.
- Neglect, such as letting debris pile up or ignoring damage after a storm.
Can you transfer a roof warranty when you sell?
Often, yes. Many manufacturer warranties allow one transfer to a new owner, sometimes with a time limit for notifying the manufacturer and sometimes with reduced coverage. A transferable warranty can be a real selling point, so keep your paperwork, invoice and registration together and hand them to the buyer.
Questions to ask about warranties before you sign
- Which manufacturer warranty does this roof qualify for, and do you register it for me?
- How long is your workmanship warranty, and what does it cover?
- Does the warranty cover labor, or just materials?
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell the house?
- What would void it?
Frequently asked questions
What does a lifetime roof warranty really mean?
Usually it means a limited warranty on the shingles against manufacturing defects, with full coverage for an initial period and prorated coverage after that. It rarely means unlimited coverage for every problem.
Does homeowners insurance replace a roof warranty?
No. Insurance covers sudden damage like hail or wind. Warranties cover defects in materials or installation. They work side by side.
How long should a roofing workmanship warranty be?
There’s no single standard, but several years at minimum is reasonable for a full replacement. T&M Roofing offers 10 years on labor.
Who do I call if my roof leaks under warranty?
Start with the contractor who installed it. They can tell whether it’s an installation issue they’ll fix or a material defect to file with the manufacturer.
T&M Roofing installs warranty-backed roofs for homeowners in Detroit, Warren, Canton and across Metro Detroit. See how our roof replacement works, or call (313) 600-4538 for a free inspection.
Helpful outside resources: National Roofing Contractors Association – consumer information · U.S. Department of Energy – Consumer Guide to Durable Attics