Ever wondered what your roofing warranty entails? Or how to read your roof warranty? Well, keep reading our roofing warranty guide to learn everything you need to know. So, when you apply for your roof insurance claim, you know what roof damage is covered and what is not.
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What Is a Roof Warranty
A roofing warranty is your formal guarantee that your roof installation should last at least a certain number of years. So, in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as fallen trees or storms, your roof damage repair costs are covered.
If a natural catastrophe causes roof damage, roof repairs fall under your homeowner’s insurance policy. So, if you live in an area susceptible to natural disasters, it would be beneficial to upgrade your roof warranty protection. Plus, there are two types of roofing warranties: the manufacturer’s roofing warranty and the contractor’s roofing warranty.
What Is a Roof Manufacturer Warranty
A manufacturer roof warranty covers your roofing materials such as roof shingles and roof flashing. Plus, most roof manufacturer policies last up to 30 years, while some roofing companies offer 50 years to lifetime coverage.
Moreover, you may find that most roofing companies in Northern Virginia offer standard and premium warranties. However, extended or premium roof warranties, past a specific date, offer weaker long-term benefits.
What Does a Manufacturer’s Roof Warranty Cover?
A manufacturer’s roof warranty coverage varies from one roofing company to another. So, you must read the fine print carefully and ask your roofing contractor any questions you may have regarding it. As such, damaged shingle roof replacement costs are often covered by the manufacturer’s roof warranty.
Manufacturer Warranty Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to a manufacturer’s warranty coverage. So, that includes the following:
Poor Roof Maintenance
Poor roof maintenance will void your roofing warranty. So, if you fail to clean your gutters regularly, any roof water damage will not be covered.
Poor Roof Installation
Poor roof installation is also not covered by a manufacturer’s roof warranty. Therefore, you must have a contractor roof warranty that does cover bad roof or shingle installation.
Extreme Weather
Lastly, shingle roof damage caused by tornadoes or hurricanes won’t be covered by your manufacturer roofing warranty. Otherwise, cracked shingles outside such conditions should be replaced at no cost.
What Is a Contractor Roof Warranty
Also known as a workmanship roof warranty, a contractor roof warranty covers your roof installation. As such, your roofing contractor must offer a contractor warranty like Michael & Son Roofing. Also, a contractor roofing warranty ensures that your roofing company is trustworthy and reliable.
What Does a Contractor’s Roof Warranty Cover
Your roofing contractor warranty terms can vary. So, you must carefully read through your terms before signing any paperwork. Plus, make sure you go over the fine print with your Virginia roofer before any roofing work is done.
Roofing contractor warranties cover improper roof installation or badly fitted roofing shingles that lead to roof leaks or roof damage. However, there are two main exceptions:
- Natural Disasters
- Foot Traffic
How to Protect Your Roof Warranty
Learning how to protect your roof warranty and keeping it valid is essential to avoid costly roof repairs. So, here’s how to keep your roofing warranty from being voided with 4 simple steps.
1- Routine Roof Inspections
Annual or bi-annual roof inspections with your roofing contractor ensure that no roof damage remains hidden. Therefore, any early signs of roof leaks, damaged roof shingles, or damaged flashing will be detected and addressed early on. Plus, our local roofers in Virginia recommend regular roof maintenance to keep your roof in its optimal health.
2- Build a Relationship with Your Roofing Contractor
Building a long-term relationship with your roofing contractor makes it easier for them to work with your roof. As such, most roofing warranties will be void if another contractor alters the original roofer’s workmanship.
3- Register Your Warranty
You must always register your warranty directly with the manufacturer. So, ask your roofer to submit your policy if you are extending your warranty or applying for a premium version.
4- Read the Fine Print
You must understand every line in your warranty policy. So, make sure your roofing contractor explains every tiny detail. Plus, you must verify that the shingle manufacturer has your contractor verified to offer you a policy.
Why Are Roofing Warranties Important
Your roofing warranty can help you offset costly roof replacement costs in Northern Virginia. Depending on your area, roof size, and roof type, you can save thousands of dollars on roofing services and repairs. So, here’s a summary of the roofing warranty types you will encounter:
| Warranty Type | Typical Duration | What is Covered | Proration | Transferability | Who Backs It / Requirements |
| Contractor Warranty | Up to 25+ years | Roof installation errors, flashing damage, and poor shingle placement. | Covers 100% of the roof repair costs | Often non-transferable; sometimes transferable for a fee. | The hired roofing contractor. Voids if you attempt DIY or unapproved repairs. |
| Standard Manufacturer | 10 to 50 years (“Limited Lifetime”) | Defects in the actual roofing materials (roof shingles, underlayment, roof flashing). | Yes. Full roof replacement early on. But coverage shrinks significantly after 10–15 years. | Rarely transferable to new homeowners. | The material manufacturer. Only covers roofing material costs. |
Your Roof Warranty with Michael & Son Roofing
Michael & Son Roofing offers complete roofing services that include roof repairs and roof replacements. Plus, after every roofing project, our roofers provide comprehensive contractor roofing warranties to ensure professional workmanship. Lastly, you can find our contact details below:
- 5730 General Washington Dr Ste D, Alexandria, VA 22312
- Tel: 703-596-3703
Get a Comprehensive Roof Warranty Today!
Call now for a FREE roof inspection
Roof Warranty – FAQs
What is a normal roof warranty in Northern Virginia?
A standard manufacturer’s roof warranty covering your roofing materials can last between 10 and 30 years. Plus, some warranties offer 50 years up to a lifetime.
Do I get a warranty for a new roof?
Yes! Your roofing contractor should offer a contractor warranty that covers roof installation. So, make sure you ask them about all the details before signing a contract.
How do I find my roof warranty?
To find your roof warranty, you must check your paperwork or file that your roofer provides after your roofing project is complete. Plus, you can also look up your warranty online on the manufacturer’s website, like GAF or Owens Corning.
Do new roofs come with a warranty?
Yes! New roofs often come with two warranties, a contractor warranty and a manufacturer warranty. So, ask your local Virginia roofer about them!
Will my shingles warranty cover storm damage?
Most roofing warranties do not cover roof storm damage like hail damage or wind damage. However, some roof warranty companies offer some protection against windblown roof shingles.
Where can I find the best roofing near me in Northern Virginia?
Michael & Son Roofing offers the best roofing services in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. So, call now to book your free roof inspection.
Does reroofing come with a new warranty?
Roof replacement or reroofing can get you a new roofing warranty. So, you must check with your roofing contractor beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your roof warranty and knowing how to keep it valid can save you from costly roofing repairs. So, our expert roofers recommend reading the fine print and having your contractor explain every detail and line before signing anything. Lastly, read our roof fix article here!