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This warranty type can sound confusing if you aren’t familiar with the nuances of shingle manufacturers. A 50-year lifetime warranty on a roof that will only last a fraction of that number doesn’t make sense, does it?
Shingle manufacturers use this tactic to make the warranty seem more valuable, and appealing to homeowners. More appeal = more business, right? The truth is, your lifetime shingle warranty isn't built to last forever - it only covers your roof during its lifespan. The average shingle roof doesn't last more than 15-20 years, which is why many contractors will offer a 25-year warranty instead.
So while the idea of a lifetime roof warranty sounds fantastic in retrospect, it’s misleading. You'll find that different roofing companies have varying opinions on this one, but as long as you understand the true meaning of a lifetime warranty (only covers the lifespan of the roof itself), you'll know what you're walking into.
Let's say you choose not to opt for the “lifetime” option but still want coverage for decades to come. Manufacturers still offer killer warranties that'll suit your needs. In fact, RoofCrafters only works with brands we truly believe in and know provide the best coverage, like GAF and CertainTeed.
**When it comes to safeguarding your home with reliable shingles, GAF stands out as a trustworthy choice. GAF shingle warranties offer more than just protection; they provide peace of mind. With a legacy spanning decades, GAF ensures that their shingles not only meet high standards but also come backed by solid warranty coverage. It's not just about materials; it's about the confidence that your roof will weather the storm. Explore GAF shingle warranties for a roofing solution that's built to last.**
Most roofing shingles usually have what's called a basic limited lifetime warranty, which, as we discussed, is a “promise” from the company. But here's the catch: this "lifetime" deal often means you're covered only while you own your home. What you get protected for depends on how they define "limited," and this can change depending on the company:
Usually, the warranty only covers the cost of faulty materials, meaning you'll have to pay for any work needed to take off the bad shingles and put on new ones. During the first few years, the company replaces faulty shingles for free. After that, they’ll offer something called prorated coverage. That means if shingles go bad during this time, the company might just pay part of the cost for new shingles or give you a smaller amount of new ones.
These warranties only cover factory issues – problems that came about when the shingles were made. They don't cover complications that happen because the shingles were put on the wrong way or any other parts, like underlayment or flashing. Sometimes, these other parts have their own warranties against problems.
So, when it comes down to it, while the warranty might seem like a lot, it won’t cover everything that could go wrong with your roof.
The person who puts up your roof – the contractor – is vital in determining how well your roof lasts. Great roofers stand by their work with something called a workmanship warranty. This warranty can last for at least ten years, but will last up to 25 years depending on your roofer. A solid workmanship warranty should protect you if something goes wrong due to contractor error no matter how long the warranty lasts.
To offer an example, RoofCrafters is a GAF Master Elite Contractor. Less than 2% of roofers hold this title because it requires rigorous work and training to prove our “elite” status. Through GAF, we offer a 25-year workmanship warranty (if we install their shingles along with five qualifying GAF products.) Installation errors result in a whopping 80% of roof leaks, so companies who hold this title and offer the accompanying warranty must earn it like we have. However, if mistakes occur during your roof replacement, we're responsible for making it right thanks to the warranty you chose.
Roof manufacturers understand the way a roof is installed affects how long it lasts. They want homeowners to feel good about their roofs, so they offer extra warranty options if you get your new roof installed by a certified contractor who follows all the rules for setting up the roof.
These extended warranties cost more and require you to get a whole set of roofing supplies, like particular barriers, vents, and other parts, installed along with the roof. The best warranties from these big companies cover several features, except for some parts like flashing, wood, and fasteners. They can last for a long time, sometimes up to 50 years, and they usually pay for fixing mistakes made when the roof was set up, which includes work and taking off the old materials.
This warranty type is only available through the manufacturer and is mainly used for commercial properties, but we thought we'd give it a quick mention. Considered the Cadillac of manufacturer’s warranties, it provides the home or business owner with the satisfaction of having the manufacturer take full responsibility for the repair or replacement of a defective roof, no matter how much damage it endures. An NDL warranty only covers damage caused by defective material or faulty installation - not storm damage or other acts of nature.
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Like homeowner's insurance, roof warranties also have rules about what they won’t cover or issues that can cancel the warranty for roof shingles. Here's a short list:
1. Damage to your house or items inside it
2. Damage from water that doesn’t move
3. Big natural events like earthquakes, storms, or lightning
4. Damage from fires
5. Fixing damages without permission
6. Not taking care of your roof properly
7. Not setting up the attic correctly
8. Cleaning the roof the wrong way
9. Putting up solar panels or satellite dishes wrong
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Your eligibility for transferring a roof warranty is dependent on several factors. Before anything else, the warranty from the company that made your roof needs to say it can be transferred to a new owner. That means if you sell your house while the warranty is still valid, the next owner can have it. But, there will be rules for how long you can do this. For example, it may be free to transfer for the first 10 years, but after that, the coverage will be less for the next owner. Also, you or the new owner should expect to pay a small fee, usually around $200.00 or less, to transfer the warranty.
As we touched on above, the length of your roof warranty depends on which one you’ve chosen- they’re all different. For example, your basic asphalt shingle roof lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years, so the material warranty for those usually ranges between 15 and 25 years of coverage. A manufacturer who poses a longer warranty for their materials shows they really believe in their product and expect it to last as long as it is intended.
How your contract is worded is essential. While the bold print may read “30 years” or “lifetime”, the fine print could indicate that the actual warranted value of the roof is reduced by 80% and drops 2% every year. Other exclusions include problems like deterioration of underlayment, caulking, and/or flashing. A huge issue commonly overlooked is misapplication. If your contractor installs the roof incorrectly, some manufacturers will void the material warranty altogether.
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What are some things you can do to make sure you're choosing the right company?
1. Check their reputation and how long they’ve been in business.
2. Never hesitate to also ask for references and speak with customers who have had their roofs replaced by them.
3. Digging deep into negative reviews and experiences will help you weed out bad fits for your roofing project.
