The two main types of roof warranty

The most important thing to understand about roof warranties is that there are two distinct types covering two different things. The manufacturer warranty comes from the company that made the roofing materials and covers defects in those materials. The workmanship warranty comes from the contractor who installed the roof and covers the quality of the installation. These are separate warranties from separate parties covering different aspects of your roof.

The manufacturer warranty

The manufacturer warranty covers the roofing materials themselves against defects. If the shingles or other materials have a manufacturing defect that causes them to fail prematurely, the manufacturer warranty is what addresses that. Manufacturer warranties have terms that vary by product and manufacturer, including different coverage periods and conditions.

The workmanship warranty

The workmanship warranty covers the contractor's installation. Even with perfect materials, a roof can have problems if it's installed poorly, and the workmanship warranty addresses installation-related issues. This warranty comes from your contractor, and its terms vary by company, including different coverage periods and what's covered.

Why the Distinction Matters: Roof Warranties

The distinction between manufacturer and workmanship warranties matters because it determines who addresses a given problem. If a roof problem stems from a material defect, that's a manufacturer warranty matter. If it stems from poor installation, that's a workmanship warranty matter.

What warranties typically don't cover

It's important to understand what roof warranties typically don't cover:

• Damage from external causes like storms, hail, and wind (insurance matters)
• Damage from lack of maintenance or neglect
• Specific exclusions and limitations defined in the terms

Registering and transferring warranties

Some manufacturer warranties require registration to be fully valid or to unlock enhanced coverage. Transferability is another consideration — some warranties can be transferred to a subsequent owner if you sell the home, while others are not transferable.

Keeping your warranty documentation

Both the manufacturer warranty information and your written workmanship warranty should be kept in your records. This matters because, if a warranty issue arises, you'll need the documentation to pursue coverage.