The Two Warranties You Get With a New Roof
1. Manufacturer Warranty (Covers the Materials)
The shingle, tile, or metal manufacturer warrants their product against defects. If the material itself fails prematurely (not weather/damage related), the manufacturer covers replacement materials.
Typical lengths:
- 3-tab shingles: 20-25 years
- Architectural shingles: 25-30 years
- Premium shingles (TAMKO Titan XT): 30-year or lifetime
- Metal roofing: 25-50 years on paint, longer on substrate
- Tile: 50+ years
2. Workmanship Warranty (Covers the Installation)
Even the best shingle fails if installed wrong. Workmanship warranty covers installation defects things like improper nailing, bad flashing work, incorrect underlayment, leaks from install errors.
Typical lengths:
- Industry average: 1-5 years
- Our standard: written on every job, ranges 5-10 years based on system
- Premium system installations: up to system-long warranty
What Warranties DON'T Cover
Both types have exclusions. Common ones:
- Storm damage, hail, wind above rated speed
- Fallen trees and debris impact
- Damage from walking on the roof
- Issues from poor attic ventilation
- Damage from third-party work (solar, satellite, etc)
- Acts of God / natural disasters (usually insurance territory)
- Neglect and deferred maintenance
The Fine Print That Matters
Pro-Rated vs Full Replacement
Many manufacturer warranties are pro-rated after a certain point. Year 1-10: full replacement of materials. Year 11-30: declining coverage based on remaining warranty period. Read the fine print.
Labor Isn't Always Covered
The manufacturer pays for the replacement shingles but who pays for the labor to install them? Sometimes neither warranty covers labor after a certain year. We write our workmanship warranty to cover labor for the warranty period, but manufacturer warranties often don't.
Transferability
Most manufacturer warranties transfer to one subsequent homeowner if the home is sold. After that, warranty voids. This means a buyer of a 5-year-old roof gets the remainder but a second sale in year 10 voids it entirely.
Registration Requirements
Some manufacturer warranties require registration within a specific timeframe after installation. If you forget, you're on reduced warranty. We handle warranty registration as part of every install.
System Warranties (Premium Option)
Some manufacturers offer "system warranties" when you install their complete system their underlayment, their flashings, their shingles, installed by a certified contractor. These warranties are stronger, longer, and often include labor.
For homeowners who want maximum warranty protection, we can install system-warranty products. Ask when you call.
How to File a Warranty Claim
- Contact us first (352) 696-8989. We triage the issue.
- If it's workmanship: we repair at no charge within warranty period.
- If it's material defect: we coordinate with the manufacturer, gather required photos/samples, file the claim.
- If it's storm damage or exclusion: we help you understand options (insurance, repair).
Customers are rarely left to fight the manufacturer alone that's part of working with a local licensed contractor.
Warranty Tips
- Keep copies of all warranty paperwork (physical + digital)
- Register warranties within the required timeframe
- Don't let unauthorized contractors work on your roof (voids warranties)
- Maintain attic ventilation (poor ventilation voids most warranties)
- Document the roof annually with photos (easy insurance/warranty reference)
- If your home sells, transfer the warranty to the new buyer