Roofing Warranties Explained: What’s Really Covered (and What’s Not)

When you hear “Your roof has a 30-year roof warranty or even a 50-year warranty,” does that mean your roof is fully protected for 30 years? Not exactly.

Many Indiana homeowners are surprised to learn that roofing warranties don’t cover everything, and that the fine print often determines whether a claim gets approved or denied.

At Hoel Roofing, we help homeowners understand their coverage before they ever need it. As a certified roofing contractor serving Indiana, we’ve worked with major manufacturers like Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Marlarkey, and GAF, so we know exactly how warranty terms really work.

In this article, you’ll learn what roofing warranties actually cover, what they leave out, and how to make sure you don’t void yours by accident.

What Is a Roofing Warranty?

A roofing warranty is your manufacturer’s and contractor’s promise that your roof will perform as intended, within certain limits.

There are two main types every homeowner should understand:

• Manufacturer (Materials) Warranty – Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves (like faulty shingles or metal panels). Its typical lifespan is 25-50 years.
• Workmanship (Labor) Warranty – Covers installation errors by the contractor or labor-related issues. This varies by contractor but typically lasts 3+ years.

Together, these warranties help ensure your roof performs the way it should—and that you’re protected if it doesn’t. Next, let’s look at the different types of roof warranties available so you can understand the various types of roof warranties.

What Are The Different Types of Roof Warranties?

Not all roofing warranties offer the same protection. Some only cover the basic materials, while others include both materials and labor, or even extend coverage to future homeowners. The different types are:

1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty

This is the standard warranty that comes with your roofing materials. It protects against:

• Defective shingles or panels
• Premature granule loss
• Manufacturing flaws

The manufacturer’s material warranty doesn’t cover installation mistakes, weather damage, or poor maintenance.

2. Workmanship / Contractor Warranty

Issued by your roofing company, this warranty covers labor and installation. Even the best materials fail if installed incorrectly, which makes this warranty crucial. Workmanship warranty ensures that if a problem stems from a roofing company’s error in installation, they’ll make it right at no extra cost. 

3. Extended or “System” Warranties

Some manufacturers (like Owens Corning, GAF, and Marlarkey) offer extended coverage when your roof is installed by a certified contractor and registered with them.

These warranties can include:

• Full system coverage (shingles, underlayment, flashing)
• Labor coverage for replacement
• Non-prorated protection for up to 50 years

What Do Roofing Warranties Cover?

Roofing warranties typically cover:

• • Defects in shingles or metal panels: If your roofing materials were made incorrectly at the factory, the manufacturer will replace the materials. For example, the manufacturer will often replace the affected materials if the asphalt mixture in your shingles was off or your metal panels weren’t coated properly.
  • Premature granule loss: Asphalt shingles are coated with small granules that protect against UV rays and weathering. Losing a few over time is normal, but if your shingles start shedding granules within a few years of installation, that’s a sign of a manufacturing flaw. Most material warranties cover this kind of early breakdown.

• Certain manufacturing flaws: Some warranties also cover problems like curling, cracking, or blistering shingles that occur too soon after installation;  again, usually tied to how the product was made. These issues can affect your roof’s ability to shed water and maintain its strength.

• Installation errors (if workmanship warranty applies): If your contractor offers a workmanship warranty, they’ll fix leaks or issues caused by improper installation. These issues include incorrectly placed nails, poor flashing, or uneven shingle alignment. However, this is separate from a manufacturer’s warranty, which only covers the materials themselves.

What Do Roofing Warranties Not Cover?

Roofing warranties do not cover:

• Normal wear and tear: Every roof naturally ages over time. Fading, minor granule loss, and gradual color change are all expected and not considered defects.
• Storm, hail, or wind damage: These are typically covered under your homeowners insurance, not your roofing warranty. For example, if hail dents your metal panels, your insurance, not the manufacturer, handles the claim.
• Improper attic ventilation or moisture buildup: Poor airflow can cause heat and moisture to build up, warping shingles or causing mold. Since this isn’t a product flaw, warranties exclude it.
• Poor maintenance or clogged gutters: Neglecting routine cleaning and inspections can shorten your roof’s life. Manufacturers expect homeowners to maintain the roof as part of keeping the warranty valid.
• Unauthorized repairs or add-ons (like solar panels or satellite dishes): If you drill into or alter your roof without approval, it can void your warranty because it changes the roof’s integrity.
• Leaks from flashing, skylights, or gutters: These parts are often considered separate systems and not part of the roofing material warranty unless your contractor specifies otherwise.

How Do You Not Void Your Warranty?

Keeping your warranty active requires a little maintenance and documentation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Register your warranty with the manufacturer right after installation. Most roofing manufacturers require you (or your contractor) to register your warranty online shortly after the job is complete. If you skip this step, your warranty may never become active even if you have the paperwork. Make sure to ask your roofing company for proof that registration was completed.
2. Schedule annual roof inspections to document your roof’s condition. An annual inspection creates a record of your roof’s condition, showing it was properly maintained over time. If you ever need to file a warranty claim, these inspection reports serve as valuable evidence that you took good care of your roof, which helps keep your coverage valid.
3. Use certified installers. Some manufacturers, like Owens Corning, CertainTeed, GAF, and Marlarkey, only honor their warranties if a certified contractor installed the roof. Hiring someone unapproved can void the warranty.
4. Keep all paperwork and receipts. Store all contracts, inspection reports, invoices, and registration confirmations in one place (digital or physical). If a problem arises, you’ll need this documentation to prove warranty eligibility; otherwise, the manufacturer might deny your claim.
5. Avoid power washing or using unapproved products on your roof. While cleaning your roof may seem like good maintenance, power washing can strip protective coatings and granules, shortening your roof’s life and voiding the warranty.
6. Stick to gentle, manufacturer-approved methods — or let your roofing contractor handle any needed cleaning safely.

Comparing Warranty Coverage Between Brands

Frequently Asked Roof Warranty Questions

Does a roof warranty cover leaks?
Only if the leak results from a covered material defect or installation issue, and not from weather, age, or neglect.

Are roof warranties transferable?
Yes, most are, if transferred within a specific timeframe (usually 30–60 days after home sale).

How long does a roof warranty last?
Manufacturer warranties last 25–50 years; workmanship warranties usually cover 5–10 years.

When Does Filing a Warranty Claim Make Sense?

File a warranty claim if:

• You notice premature wear or defects unrelated to storms.
• You have documented proof of proper maintenance.
• You used a certified installer and registered your warranty.

A roofing warranty can save you thousands, but only if you understand what’s covered, who’s responsible, and how to keep it valid.

At Hoel Roofing, we are certified installers of Owens Corning and Marlarley shingles, and we offer roofing installation, repair, and warranty guidance for homeowners across Indiana. We’ll help you read the fine print, register your warranty, and make sure your roof performs exactly as promised. Schedule a free roof inspection today before the next storm tests your coverage.

If damage came from hail, wind, or fallen debris, you should check out our article Dealing With Roof Damage From A Storm? Call A Roofer Before Your Insurance to understand what your next steps should be.