Roofing Warranty Basics

A new roof is a significant investment. Most homeowners know that a warranty comes with it, but far fewer understand what that warranty actually covers, where the gaps are, and what they need to do to keep it valid. That lack of clarity can be expensive later.

This guide breaks down the two main types of roofing warranties, what each one protects, and what homeowners in the Pacific Northwest should know before signing off on a new roof.

The Two Types of Roofing Warranties

Every roofing project involves at least two separate warranties. They cover different things, they come from different sources, and they have different requirements to stay valid. Understanding the distinction between them is the foundation of everything else.

Manufacturer's Warranty

A manufacturer's warranty covers the roofing materials themselves. If a shingle fails prematurely due to a defect in how it was made, the manufacturer's warranty is what protects you. This warranty comes with the product and is issued by the company that made the materials, not the contractor who installed them.

Key things to know about manufacturer's warranties:

• Coverage length varies significantly depending on the product line and manufacturer. Entry-level shingles may carry a 25-year warranty. Premium lines from manufacturers like Malarkey can carry warranties of 30 years or more, with enhanced coverage available through certified contractor programs.
• Prorated vs. non-prorated coverage: Many manufacturer's warranties are prorated, meaning the value of the coverage decreases over time. A non-prorated warranty maintains its full value for the duration of the coverage period and is generally the stronger option.
• Installation requirements: Most manufacturer's warranties require the materials to be installed by a licensed contractor following the manufacturer's installation guidelines. Work done improperly, or by an uncertified installer, can void the warranty before the roof ever gets wet.
• Certified contractor programs: Some manufacturers offer enhanced warranty coverage when their materials are installed by a contractor who has met specific certification requirements. Malarkey's Emerald Pro certification, for example, unlocks extended warranty terms that are not available through standard installation.

Workmanship Warranty

A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation itself. It comes from the contractor, not the manufacturer, and it is only as reliable as the company standing behind it.

If a leak develops because of how the roof was installed rather than because of a material defect, the workmanship warranty is what applies. This includes issues with flashing, underlayment, ventilation, and any other aspect of the installation process.

Key things to know about workmanship warranties:

• Coverage length varies by contractor. Some offer one to two years. Others offer five to ten. The length and terms reflect how confident a contractor is in their own work.
• The warranty is tied to the contractor. If the company goes out of business, the warranty goes with it. This is one of the reasons working with an established, locally rooted contractor matters.
• What it covers: A workmanship warranty should cover any defects in installation that result in water infiltration, premature material failure, or structural issues directly caused by how the roof was put together.
• What it does not cover: Damage caused by storms, falling debris, improper maintenance, or modifications made by another contractor after the fact are typically excluded.

What Voids a Roofing Warranty

This is where a lot of homeowners run into trouble. Warranties come with conditions, and failing to meet them can leave you without coverage when you need it most.

Common Reasons a Warranty Gets Voided

• Hiring an uncertified or unlicensed contractor for the original installation or for subsequent repairs
• Improper attic ventilation that causes heat and moisture buildup, accelerating shingle deterioration from the inside
• Walking on the roof without proper precautions, which can crack or displace shingles
• Pressure washing the roof, which strips granules and damages the shingle surface
• Installing solar panels or other equipment without following proper mounting procedures
• Failing to address known issues in a timely manner, allowing minor damage to compound into something larger
• Layering new shingles over old ones rather than performing a full tear-off, which some manufacturers explicitly prohibit

Reading the fine print of your warranty documentation before any additional work is done on your roof is always worth the time.

How Certified Contractors Affect Your Coverage

The contractor you choose has a direct impact on the warranty coverage available to you. Manufacturers like Malarkey offer tiered certification programs that unlock progressively stronger warranty terms based on the contractor's training, volume, and track record.

Northmark Construction Group holds Malarkey's Emerald Pro certification, which is the highest level available through that program. That certification gives homeowners access to enhanced warranty coverage that goes beyond what a standard installation provides, including longer coverage periods and stronger protection against material defects.

When evaluating contractors, ask specifically about their manufacturer certifications and what warranty terms those certifications unlock. A lower bid from an uncertified installer may cost you more in warranty coverage than you save on the project.

Manufacturer Warranty vs. Workmanship Warranty: A Quick Comparison

Here is a straightforward breakdown of how the two warranties differ:

• Source: Manufacturer's warranty comes from the material producer. Workmanship warranty comes from the contractor.
• What it covers: Manufacturer's covers material defects. Workmanship covers installation quality.
• Length: Manufacturer's warranties typically run 25 to 50 years depending on the product. Workmanship warranties vary widely by contractor.
• What voids it: Improper installation voids the manufacturer's warranty. Work done by another contractor after the fact often voids the workmanship warranty.
• Who you call: Material defect, call the manufacturer. Installation issue, call the contractor.

What to Ask Before Signing a Roofing Contract

Before any work begins, make sure you have clear answers to the following:

• What manufacturer's warranty comes with the materials being installed, and what are the exact terms?
• Is the contractor certified by the manufacturer, and does that certification unlock enhanced warranty coverage?
• What workmanship warranty does the contractor offer, and what does it specifically cover?
• What actions on my part could void either warranty?
• Will I receive written documentation of both warranties when the project is complete?

A contractor who cannot answer these questions clearly is worth being cautious about.

FAQ: Roofing Warranties

How long does a typical roofing warranty last?It depends on the type. Manufacturer's warranties on premium asphalt shingles typically run 30 to 50 years, though prorated terms reduce the effective coverage over time. Workmanship warranties vary by contractor, ranging from one year on the low end to ten or more from contractors who stand firmly behind their work.

What is the difference between a prorated and non-prorated warranty?A prorated warranty decreases in value over time, meaning the manufacturer covers a smaller percentage of replacement costs the older the roof gets. A non-prorated warranty maintains its full coverage value for the entire term and is generally the stronger option when available.

Does my homeowner's insurance cover roofing issues?Homeowner's insurance typically covers sudden damage caused by storms, wind, hail, or other covered events. It does not cover normal wear and tear or damage resulting from lack of maintenance. A roofing warranty and homeowner's insurance serve different purposes and work alongside each other rather than overlapping.

What happens to my warranty if I sell my home?Many manufacturer's warranties are transferable to a new owner, though the process and any associated fees vary by manufacturer. Workmanship warranties may or may not transfer depending on the contractor's terms. Ask about transferability before signing any roofing contract if you think you may sell the home in the future.

Do I need to do anything to keep my warranty valid?Yes. Most warranties require that the roof be maintained properly, that any repairs are performed by a licensed contractor, and that known issues are addressed in a reasonable timeframe. Keeping records of any maintenance or repair work done on your roof is a good habit that protects your coverage.

A roofing warranty is only as useful as your understanding of what it covers. If you have questions about warranty options for your next roofing project or want to know what your current roof may be covered for, request a free estimate and our team will walk you through the details.