What Your Roof Warranty Covers & 5 Options To Consider

Understanding your roof warranty is crucial for protecting one of your home’s most important investments. A comprehensive roof warranty provides peace of mind and financial protection against unexpected repairs or replacements. This guide will walk you through what typical roof warranties cover, the different types available, and five specific warranty options worth considering for your home.

Whether you’re installing a new roof or evaluating your current coverage, knowing the ins and outs of roof warranty protection helps you make informed decisions about your home’s future.

This article covers:

• What’s not covered by most roof warranties warranties
• Five top roof warranty options to consider
• How to maximize your warranty coverage

🤔 What’s Not Covered by Most Roof Warranties

Understanding warranty exclusions is essential to avoid surprises when you need coverage the most. Common exclusions often include storm damage, such as hail, wind, and severe weather, which usually require separate insurance claims. Normal wear and tear, like gradual aging or weathering, is also not covered under most warranties. Additionally, improper maintenance—such as neglecting regular roof care—can void your warranty, leaving you unprotected when issues arise.

Other exclusions include damage caused by other trades, such as HVAC installation or satellite contractors, as well as structural problems like foundation settling or structural defects. To protect yourself, always read your warranty terms carefully to understand the specific exclusions, requirements, and steps necessary to maintain coverage.

Types of Roof Warranties Available

Different warranty types offer varying levels of protection and peace of mind. Here’s what you need to know about each option:

• Standard Material Warranties: Cover manufacturing defects but often exclude labor costs, meaning you’ll need to pay for installation labor when replacing defective materials.
• Enhanced Material Warranties: Offer broader coverage, including labor costs for replacements, providing better long-term protection at a higher upfront cost.
• System Warranties: Cover roofing components as an integrated system when using materials from the same manufacturer, offering comprehensive protection.
• Extended Warranties: Provide longer coverage or additional features, usually requiring certified installation by approved contractors.

👉 5 Top Roof Warranty Options to Consider

Choosing the right roof warranty can save you from unexpected repair costs and provide long-term peace of mind. It ensures your investment is protected against defects or damage over time..

1. GAF Master Elite Warranty

The GAF Master Elite Warranty is one of the most comprehensive in the roofing industry, offering exceptional protection for property owners. It provides up to 50 years of material coverage, ensuring that your investment is safeguarded for decades. Additionally, it includes workmanship warranty options of up to 25 years, giving you peace of mind that your roof has been expertly installed. The warranty also offers system warranty coverage when GAF materials are used throughout the project, which enhances the overall durability and longevity of your roof. For those planning to sell their property in the future, the transferable warranty benefits add resale value by giving potential buyers added assurance. To participate in the GAF Master Elite program, contractors must meet stringent certification standards, ensuring that only highly skilled professionals are trusted for installation and service.

2. Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Warranty

The Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Warranty offers extensive protection designed to meet the needs of homeowners seeking a reliable and durable roofing system. With a limited lifetime material warranty, you are covered for as long as you own your home, protecting against defects in materials. The warranty also includes up to 25 years of workmanship coverage, ensuring that any mistakes made during installation are corrected at no additional cost to you. For a fully integrated roofing system, this warranty provides system coverage for all Owens Corning components used in your project, ensuring they work seamlessly together for maximum performance. Additionally, the unique WindGuard warranty protects your roof against wind damage, which is especially valuable in areas prone to severe weather. To qualify for this warranty, your roof must be installed by a Platinum Preferred Contractor who undergoes ongoing training to maintain cutting-edge knowledge and skills.

3. CertainTeed Integrity Roof System Warranty

The CertainTeed Integrity Roof System Warranty is tailored for homeowners who want comprehensive coverage for their entire roof system. With 50 years of material coverage, this warranty ensures lasting protection against defects that could compromise your roof’s performance. The SureStart extended warranty protection goes even further by covering labor and materials in the initial period, giving you extra security right after installation. To maximize protection, this warranty requires the use of CertainTeed materials throughout the entire roofing system, ensuring that all components are designed to function optimally together. Another standout feature of this warranty is its transferability, which allows homeowners to pass the benefits on to new owners if the property is sold—an attractive feature for increasing your home’s resale value. By using CertainTeed-certified contractors, you can be confident in a professional installation that meets the highest industry standards.

4. IKO Shield Pro Plus Warranty

The IKO Shield Pro Plus Warranty is designed to deliver reliable performance and protection for homeowners. Offering 25 years of combined material and workmanship coverage, this warranty ensures that both the quality of the materials and the installation are protected. The system warranty provides added peace of mind by covering all qualifying roofing components used in the project, ensuring they work together seamlessly to enhance performance. The algae resistance warranty offers additional protection, helping to keep your roof looking clean and free of discoloration caused by algae growth, which is particularly useful in damp or humid climates. Additionally, the wind warranty coverage protects against damage caused by high winds, ensuring your roof remains secure during severe weather events. To qualify for this warranty, installation must be completed by IKO Pro contractors who have undergone specialized training to deliver expert craftsmanship and ensure compliance with warranty requirements.

5. Malarkey Legacy Warranty

The Malarkey Legacy Warranty sets itself apart by offering long-lasting protection while emphasizing sustainability and high performance. The lifetime limited material warranty provides coverage for your roof’s materials for as long as you own your home, guarding against defects and ensuring durability. Workmanship coverage of up to 25 years adds another layer of reassurance by covering potential installation issues. The system warranty benefits ensure that all Malarkey components used in your roofing project are covered, creating a cohesive and reliable system. A unique feature of the Legacy Warranty is the Scotchgard Protector warranty, which shields your roof from algae growth, keeping it free of stains and maintaining its appearance over time. Malarkey also places a strong emphasis on sustainable practices, ensuring their roofing systems are environmentally friendly and built with a focus on long-term performance. This warranty is available exclusively through certified contractors who meet Malarkey’s rigorous standards for training and expertise.

🛠️ How to Maximize Your Roof Warranty Coverage

Getting the most from your roof warranty requires proactive planning and maintenance:

Choose Quality Materials

Investing in high-quality roofing materials is essential for the longevity and durability of your roof. Opt for materials from reputable manufacturers known for their reliability and performance. While premium materials may come with a higher upfront cost, they often include longer warranty periods and better protection against harsh weather conditions, leaks, and general wear and tear. These materials provide peace of mind, knowing your roof will stand the test of time and require fewer repairs in the long run.

Hire Certified Contractors

Always hire contractors who are certified by the manufacturer of your chosen roofing materials. These contractors have undergone specialized training and understand the proper techniques for installation, ensuring your roof is installed to the highest standard. Additionally, certified contractors can often offer enhanced warranty options that are not available through non-certified installers. This not only guarantees a professional installation but also protects your investment by reducing the risk of installation-related issues.

Follow Maintenance Requirements

Roof warranties typically come with maintenance requirements to ensure coverage remains valid. Regular upkeep, such as annual inspections, cleaning, and addressing minor issues like loose shingles or small leaks, can help extend the life of your roof and prevent costly repairs. Ignoring maintenance may void your warranty, leaving you unprotected when issues arise. By staying proactive with maintenance, you can catch potential problems early and keep your warranty intact.

Keep Detailed Records

Maintaining detailed records of your roof installation, maintenance, and any repairs is crucial for ensuring a smooth warranty claim process. Keep copies of invoices, inspection reports, and correspondence with contractors, as well as photos of your roof at different stages. In the event you need to file a claim, this documentation serves as proof of compliance with warranty conditions and can expedite the approval process. Organized records can save you time and stress down the road.

Register Your Warranty

After your roof has been installed, make sure to complete the warranty registration with the manufacturer promptly. Some warranties require registration within a specific timeframe, and failing to do so may result in losing your coverage. Carefully read the warranty instructions and provide all necessary information, such as the contractor’s details and the date of installation. Registering your warranty ensures that your coverage is officially activated and ready to protect your investment.

🏠 Protecting Your Investment with Professional Installation

When it comes to your roof warranty, trust is everything—and at ROOF TIGER, we earn that trust every step of the way. Our team combines expert craftsmanship, premium materials, and in-depth knowledge of warranty requirements to deliver a roof that’s built to last.

We don’t just install a roof; we provide peace of mind by ensuring your warranty is valid and ready when you need it most. Ready to protect your home and your investment? Contact ROOF TIGER today for a free consultation and let us show you why we’re the roofing team you can count on.