Warranties are one of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of a roofing project. A new roof is a major investment, and the warranty coverage you receive determines how well you’re protected if something goes wrong down the road. Here’s what you should expect and what to look out for.
There are two distinct types of warranties that come with a properly installed roof: the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty.
The manufacturer’s warranty covers the roofing materials themselves — the shingles, underlayment, and other products used on your roof. Premium shingle lines from companies like Owens Corning and GAF typically carry warranties of 30 to 50 years, and some offer lifetime coverage. These warranties protect against defects in the materials, not installation errors. Read the fine print — many manufacturer warranties are prorated, meaning coverage decreases over time.
The workmanship warranty, also called a labor warranty, covers the installation itself. This is the contractor’s promise that if the roof leaks or fails because of how it was installed — not because of a material defect — they will come back and make it right. Workmanship warranties vary widely: some contractors offer one year, others five years, and the best offer lifetime coverage.
Always get both warranties in writing before the project begins. Verbal promises don’t protect you.
A few things to watch for: some low-price contractors offer no labor warranty at all. Others offer a “lifetime” warranty that’s tied to the company’s existence — if they go out of business, the warranty disappears with them.
At GenSun Roofing, we provide a lifetime labor warranty on every project, backed by our 35 years in business and our commitment to standing behind our work long after the crew has left. Combined with the manufacturer warranties on Owens Corning and GAF products, you’re covered from every angle.
A roof is supposed to protect your home. Make sure your warranty protects your investment.
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