Best Roof Shingles for Warranty Coverage in Indiana

Which shingles offer the best warranty for your roof? That’s the big question for homeowners in East Central Indiana, especially when you’re investing thousands of dollars into a new roof and hoping it lasts. You want to know that your roof is protected in case something goes wrong. And a solid shingle warranty can give you just that peace of mind.

At Hoel Roofing, we’ve been working on roofs across East Central Indiana for over 9 years, and we’ve seen firsthand which warranties hold up and which ones leave folks frustrated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top shingle options with the best warranty coverage available in our region in 2025. We’ll also explain what makes a warranty “good,” what can void it, and how to make sure you get the most out of yours.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which shingles offer the strongest warranties and how to protect your coverage long after installation day.

How Indiana Weather Plays a Factor In What Shingle Warranty You Should Look For 

Indiana weather isn’t just unpredictable, it’s roof-breaking. Between spring hailstorms, high winds, winter freeze-thaw cycles, and humid summers, your roof takes a beating year-round, and not all shingles can handle it. Here’s what you need to look out for:

1. Wind Protection That Holds Up to 60+ MPH Gusts

Indiana sees straight-line winds and severe storms often. If your shingles aren’t properly rated or the wind warranty has fine print limitations, you’re exposed.

Look for:

• Wind coverage up to 110–130 mph
• Enhanced warranties that kick in with full system installs
• Clarity on how long wind coverage lasts (some drop off after 10 years)

2. Hail Resistance That Actually Protects You

Spring and early summer hail can damage or void warranties, unless you’re covered with impact-rated shingles.

Look for:

• Class 4 impact resistance (the highest level)
• Warranties that don’t exclude hail or require “acts of God” clauses
• A contractor who properly registers your warranty (some require this for hail coverage to apply)

3. Freeze-Thaw and Ice Dams Need Leak Protection

Winter in Indiana creates dangerous ice dams, which push water under shingles and into your roof deck. Not all warranties cover the resulting water damage.

Look for:

• Ice & water barrier installation requirements for enhanced leak protection
• Warranties that extend beyond the standard 10-year leak term
• Coverage that includes water infiltration, not just shingle defects

4. UV and Humidity Wear Down Cheap Shingles Faster

Summers bring high UV exposure and moisture, both of which break down low-quality asphalt shingles.

Look for:

• Protection against premature granule loss, curling, or fading
• Algae resistance warranties of at least 10-25 years
• Brands that offer longer coverage in humid or southern-facing zones

What Makes A Good Shingle Warranty?

A good shingle warranty covers more than just the basics. It protects you from common issues like wind damage, algae growth, and early failure, and does so for as long as possible before coverage drops off.

Here’s what to look for:

• Wind resistance up to 130 mph. Essential in Indiana, where storms are no joke.
• Long non-prorated periods. These are the “full coverage” years, during which the manufacturer pays 100% of replacement costs. Longer is better; think 10 to 20 years.
• Algae resistance. Some warranties include up to 25 years of coverage against ugly algae streaks, which not only makes your roof look old and stained, but also shortens your roof’s lifespan.
• Limited lifetime coverage. “Lifetime” refers to how long the original owner owns the home where the shingles were installed.“Limited” means there are conditions and exclusions that reduce or restrict what’s actually covered. So while it sounds like you’re covered for life, the “limited” part is key. Most architectural shingles come with this, but read the fine print, so you know what is being covered and what’s not.

Tip: Don’t just ask, “How long is the warranty?” but rather, what it covers during those years.

Which Shingles Have the Best Warranty in 2025?

Here are the top-performing shingle lines when it comes to warranty coverage:

Owens Corning Duration® Shingles

Owens Corning Duration® Shingles warranty offers a great balance of coverage and longevity. They are best suited for homeowners seeking proven reliability, strong wind protection, and a comprehensive warranty without a premium price tag.

Warranty Coverage Highlights:

• 130 mph wind warranty (with proper installation and sealing)
• 10-year Tru PROtection® period. Tru PROtection® means you won’t have to worry about prorated costs for repairs in the early years if anything goes wrong due to a manufacturing defect.
• 25-year StreakGuard™ algae resistance warranty
• Limited Lifetime Warranty: Covers defects in materials for as long as you own your home (prorated after 10 years)

Malarkey Legacy® Shingles

Malarkey is known for its high-performance asphalt shingles, featuring advanced polymer technology and strong warranties to match. Best for homeowners who want premium warranty coverage and are willing to invest a bit more for elite performance and peace of mind.

Warranty highlights:

• 130 mph wind coverage (with enhanced wind warranty)
• 20-year non-prorated period
• Lifetime algae resistance
• Limited lifetime warranty

Legacy shingles also come with smog-reducing granules, which is a bonus for eco-conscious homeowners.

Malarkey Vista® and Highlander® Shingles

These are mid-range and entry-level options from Malarkey with still-solid warranties. Best suited for homeowners seeking a balance of affordability and warranty strength, especially with certified installation.

Warranty breakdown:

Vista®:

• 130 mph wind warranty (enhanced)
• 15-year non-prorated coverage
• 15-year algae warranty
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

Highlander®:

• 110 mph base wind warranty
• 130 mph with upgrade
• Shorter non-prorated and algae coverage (typically 7-10 years)
• Algae resistance coverage for 10-15 years

GAF Shingles

While we don’t typically install GAF at Hoel, it’s worth noting that their Golden Pledge® Warranty is one of the most robust in the industry when installed by a GAF Master Elite® contractor. They are best for those who already work with a GAF-certified installer and want top-tier warranty coverage.

Warranty Coverage Highlights (Golden Pledge):

• Up to 130 mph wind coverage
• 50-year non-prorated material defect warranty
• 25-year workmanship warranty (if certified installed)
• Algae resistance: up to 25 years

Frequently Asked Questions On Roof Shingle Warranties

What can void a shingle warranty?

Even the best warranty won’t help if it’s voided. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Improper installation
  If the shingles aren’t installed exactly according to the manufacturer’s specifications, coverage can be denied.
• Poor decking
  Roofs with outdated or gapped wood decking (like 1×6 planks with gaps over ¼ inch) may not qualify for coverage. You need solid plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board) decking 7/16 and 5/8.

Tip: Always ask your roofer if your decking meets code and whether the installation follows manufacturer guidelines. This is where experienced contractors truly make a difference.

How do you choose the best warranty for your home?

It comes down to a few simple questions:

• How long do you plan to stay in the home?
  Longer stays result in a better payoff from more extended warranties.
• What kind of weather does your area get?
  Wind resistance is a must in Indiana.
• Do you care about appearance?
  Algae resistance helps keep your roof looking newer longer.
• What’s your budget?
  Some premium warranties come with a price tag, but may save you more in the long run.

What Should Your Next Steps Be?

If you’re unsure what shingle (and warranty) fits your home best, we can help. Warranty coverage is key, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. If you’re comparing shingles, don’t miss our side-by-side review of Malarkey and GAF, from durability and aesthetics to long-term performance. If you need guidance through your options based on your budget, location, and the duration of your stay in your home, contact us. Regardless of whether you choose us for your installation, that information will help you approach your shingle replacement confidently.