Understanding Your New Roof Warranty: How Long Does It Last?

Investing in a new roof is a significant decision, that is not inexpensive, which means that one of the most critical aspects to consider for a new roof is the warranty.

A roof warranty is more than just a piece of paper; it’s a promise that your investment is protected. This might include errors in installation that later cause major damage to product used that doesn’t last as it should. But how long does a roof warranty last, and what should you know to make the most of it?

Let’s break it down.

Types of Roof Warranties

Before delving into duration, it’s essential to understand the two primary types of roof warranties:

1. Manufacturer’s Warranty:

   • Covers defects in roofing materials.

   • Ensures that the materials will perform as advertised.

   • The warranty period can vary from 5 to 30 years, but the average is 20 years. 
     

2. Workmanship Warranty:

   • Issued by the contractor who installs your roof.

   • Covers issues resulting from installation errors.

   • Duration typically ranges from 1 to 10 years but varies widely based on the contractor.
     

However, there may be more options for the warranty under these two types.

How Much Do Roof Warranties Cost? What You Should Know.

According to the experts at One Source Construction, the cost of a roof warranty depends on the type of warranty, the length of the warranty, and the type of roof (materials, etc.): 

• No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty

A NDL is a type of manufacturer warranty for a roof that covers the full cost of repairs or replacements for any defects in materials or workmanship, regardless of the total repair cost. This essentially means there is no cap on how much the manufacturer will pay to fix a problem with the roof within the warranty period.

A typical roof replacement project with an NDL warranty costs around $17–$20 per square foot. A 20-year NDL warranty usually costs about $1 more per square foot than a 15-year NDL warranty. 

• Extended warranty

An extended warranty for a roof is a more comprehensive warranty than a standard manufacturer's warranty, offering longer coverage and protection for a wider range of components:

Covering the total cost of replacing the entire roof, including underlayment, flashing and ventilation.

They can last 50 years or more, compared to standard warranties of only 10 years.

While the extended warranty costs more (up to $3,000) and is based on total square footage of the home, it can increase the value of the home through transferability.

However, there are requirements including the roof being installed by a certified contractor and using materials from a single manufacturer.

• Manufacturer's warranty

A manufacturer's warranty typically covers defects in the materials, but it doesn't usually cover poor installation, maintenance, or weather damage. And while it will cover cost of materials to replace, it may not cover labor. To get both is typically more expensive.

Many warranties are prorated after a certain number of years, meaning the manufacturer pays out less as time goes by, so it’s important to read the fine print.

Different roofing materials have different warranties. For example, a steel standing seam metal roof's warranty is actually a paint warranty. 

You must register your warranty with the manufacturer to qualify for coverage. 

• Enhanced manufacturer's warranty

An enhanced manufacturer's warranty is a type of extended warranty offered by a roofing material manufacturer that provides comprehensive coverage, and a longer warranty period compared to a standard warranty, typically including,

• protection against both defective materials and improper installation by a certified contractor means the manufacturer may be responsible for replacing the entire roof system
  

• essentially covers the full replacement cost of the entire roof system if a component fails
  

• to qualify, the entire roof must be installed using only products from that manufacturer and installed by a contractor certified by the manufacturer to ensure proper installation practices 

How Long Do Roof Warranties Typically Last?

The duration of a roof warranty depends on several factors, including the type of warranty and the roofing material. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Asphalt Shingles:

   • Standard warranty: 20 to 30 years.

   • Premium shingles: Up to 50 years.
     

2. Metal Roofs:

   • Manufacturer’s warranty: 30 to 50 years.

   • Workmanship warranty: Often 2 to 10 years.
     

3. Slate and Tile Roofs:

   • Manufacturer’s warranty: 50 years or more.

   • Workmanship warranty: Typically 5 to 10 years.
     

4. Flat Roofs (EPDM, TPO, PVC):

   • Manufacturer’s warranty: 10 to 30 years.

   • Workmanship warranty: Varies, usually 5 to 10 years.

Factors That Can Affect Warranty Duration

While some of these may seem obvious, some might not consider these factors that could affect warranty duration.

1. Material Quality:

   • Higher-quality materials often come with longer warranties.
     

2. Contractor Reputation:

   • Established contractors may offer extended workmanship warranties due to their confidence in their work. Those who are certified by the materials manufacturer can create confidence in their services.
     

3. Installation Quality:

   • Proper installation can enhance the lifespan of your roof and uphold warranty validity.
     

4. Environmental Conditions:

   • Harsh climates may reduce the effective lifespan of roofing materials, even under warranty.

What Voids a Roof Warranty? Understanding what can void your warranty is crucial:

• Poor maintenance or neglect.

• Unauthorized repairs or modifications, like adding skylights.

• Installation of non-approved accessories that cause damage.

• Failure to register the warranty, if required.
  

Tips for Maximizing Your Roof Warranty

1. Choose Quality Materials:

   • Opt for roofing materials with a longer lifespan and comprehensive warranty.
     

2. Hire a Certified Contractor:

   • Look for contractors certified by the manufacturer to ensure proper installation or those who have a great reputation and work with reputable materials.

     
     

3. Maintain Your Roof:

   1. Schedule regular inspections and cleanings to prevent avoidable issues. Often small fixes and patches can save money in the short term so you can plan for the long term.

   
   

4. Understand the Fine Print:

   • Read the warranty document thoroughly to know what is covered and any required actions on your part.

Roof Insurance

Most insurance companies offer either roof repair (a percentage of expense) or roof replacement coverage (total cost of replacement). Policies don't always cover all types of roof damage, so it's essential to know what yours covers. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what roof damage might be covered under it.

Conclusion

A roof warranty is a vital part of protecting the investment in your home. While they can be a selling point for contractors, they don't cover everything, so it’s important that you select the best warranty for you and your home. Understanding its duration and terms can save you from unexpected expenses down the road. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, clarify details of the warranty, and work with a reputable contractor to ensure your new roof provides peace of mind for years to come.