Roofing Warranties Explained
Understanding manufacturer warranties vs workmanship warranties
Learn more about roofing protection and services:
When you invest in a new roof, you're actually protected by two separate warranties: a manufacturer's material warranty covering the roofing products themselves, and a contractor's workmanship warranty covering the quality of installation. Understanding the difference between these warranties—and what each covers—is essential to protecting your investment.
At SoCal Wholesale Roofing, we provide industry-leading coverage under both warranty types, ensuring your roof is protected for decades to come.
Two Types of Roofing Warranties
Manufacturer Warranty
Issued by the roofing material manufacturer (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Malarkey, etc.) to cover defects in the materials themselves.
Example: Shingles cracking, granule loss, premature deterioration due to manufacturing defects
Workmanship Warranty
Issued by the roofing contractor (us) to cover installation errors and workmanship quality.
Example: Leaks due to improper flashing, shingles installed incorrectly, ventilation issues caused during installation
Manufacturer Material Warranties
Manufacturer warranties are provided directly by the company that made your roofing materials. These warranties cover defects in the product itself—not installation errors.
Typical Coverage Terms
"Limited Lifetime" Warranties:
Most architectural asphalt shingles come with "limited lifetime" warranties—typically meaning 50 years for the original homeowner, transferable for 10-20 years to subsequent owners.
Pro-Rated Coverage:
After an initial "full coverage" period (usually 10-15 years), warranties become pro-rated based on the age of the roof. Older roofs receive reduced reimbursement.
Wind Warranty Periods:
Separate coverage for wind damage (typically 10-15 years) with specific wind speed ratings (e.g., 110 mph, 130 mph).
What's Covered
- Manufacturing defects causing premature shingle failure
- Excessive granule loss not caused by normal weathering
- Material deterioration faster than expected lifespan
- Algae growth (if algae-resistant shingles were installed)
- Wind damage up to rated wind speeds during coverage period
What's NOT Covered
- Installation errors or poor workmanship
- Leaks caused by improper flashing, underlayment, or ventilation
- Damage from falling objects, hail, fire, or other external causes
- Normal wear and tear, weathering, and aging
- Structural issues with the roof deck or building
- Improper maintenance or alterations by homeowner
Contractor Workmanship Warranties
A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation and any issues caused by installation errors. This is where your contractor's reputation and experience matter most.
Our 10-Year Workmanship Warranty
At SoCal Wholesale Roofing, we stand behind every installation with a 10-year workmanship warranty—significantly longer than the industry standard of 1-2 years. This demonstrates our confidence in our installation experience since 1991.
What Our Workmanship Warranty Covers:
- Leaks caused by installation errors
- Improper flashing installation around chimneys, vents, skylights
- Shingles not properly aligned, secured, or sealed
- Ventilation issues caused during installation
- Underlayment or ice/water barrier installation errors
- Valley installation problems causing water intrusion
- Drip edge, starter strip, or ridge cap installation issues
Important Note: Most roofing problems that occur within the first 10 years are caused by installation errors, not material defects. This is why a strong workmanship warranty is often more valuable than a manufacturer's warranty for the first decade of your roof's life.
Warranty Comparison: What Gets Covered Where?
| Issue | Manufacturer Warranty | Workmanship Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles blowing off in wind | Maybe (if wind speed exceeds rating) | |
| Leak around chimney flashing | ||
| Shingles cracking prematurely | Only if caused by installation | |
| Valley leak causing water damage | ||
| Excessive granule loss | ||
| Algae growth (with algae-resistant shingles) | ||
| Improper ventilation causing shingle damage |
How to Protect Your Warranty Coverage
Keep All Documentation
Save your contract, invoices, warranty certificates, product data sheets, and inspection reports. You'll need these to file claims.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Annual roof inspections, gutter cleaning, and prompt repairs of minor damage prevent warranty-voiding neglect.
Don't Do DIY Repairs
Homeowner modifications or repairs performed by unlicensed contractors can void both manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
Report Issues Promptly
If you notice leaks, missing shingles, or other problems, contact us immediately. Delayed reporting can lead to warranty denials.
Protected by Industry-Leading Warranties
Get the peace of mind that comes with a 10-year workmanship warranty backed by roofing experience since 1991, plus full manufacturer material warranties on premium roofing products.