Quick answer
A manufacturer warranty is the shingle maker's written promise to repair, replace or pay toward its products if they fail from a manufacturing defect within a set period. It does not cover the roofer's installation work or storm damage.
Most shingle warranties pay in full for the first years, then pay a shrinking, prorated share. Each one sets its own rules for registration, transfer to a new owner, wind and algae cover, and what voids it, so the document for your exact shingle line is what counts.
Quick facts
Key takeaways
- A manufacturer warranty covers defects in how the shingles were made, not installation errors or storm damage.
- Full coverage lasts only the first years; after that the payout is prorated and labor is usually not covered.
- Each maker sets its own claim deadline; the four we read ask for notice within 30 days of finding the problem.
- A transfer to a new owner usually needs a notice within 30 to 60 days of the sale, and may cost a fee or cut coverage.
- Wind and algae cover have their own, shorter terms and their own conditions.
What a manufacturer warranty is
When you buy shingles, the maker gives you a written warranty. It promises a remedy if the product fails because of a defect in how it was made.
Owens Corning's System Protection warranty covers manufacturing defects that materially affect performance in its full-coverage years, or that cause leaks after that 1. IKO covers a manufacturing defect that significantly affects water-shedding performance 2. TAMKO covers manufacturing defects that have directly caused leaks 3.
Notice what this leaves out. A defect is a flaw in the product itself. Hail, high winds, a bad nailing job, a leaking chimney or a branch through the roof are not defects. The makers we read exclude those causes 1 2.
This page is about the maker's promise. The roofer's own promise is a separate workmanship warranty; both are compared on our roof warranty page.
How the two stages of coverage work
Nearly every shingle warranty has a full-coverage stage and a prorated stage. Makers give the first stage a brand name. Owens Corning calls it TRU PROtection 1, IKO calls it Iron Clad Protection 2, TAMKO calls it the Full Start period 3 and Malarkey calls it the Right Start period 4.
In the full-coverage stage, the maker pays more. Owens Corning pays to repair, replace or re-cover defective products, including tear-off and disposal, subject to limits 1.
TAMKO provides replacement shingles plus a labor payment certificate for installing them 3. IKO supplies similar replacement shingles plus a reasonable allowance for installing them, but not tear-off or disposal 2.
In the prorated stage, the maker pays a share that shrinks with the roof's age, and labor usually drops out. TAMKO says it is not responsible for any cost of labor after the Full Start period 3. IKO's maximum liability becomes the prorated portion of the replacement shingles 2.
Full-coverage periods, as each maker states them
Figures for single-family, owner-occupied homes, from each maker's own document. Terms change; read the current version for your product.
| Maker and product | Warranty term | Full-coverage (non-prorated) period |
|---|---|---|
| Owens Corning, Duration and Oakridge under System Protection 1 | Limited lifetime | TRU PROtection: 50 years |
| Owens Corning, Supreme under System Protection 1 | 25 years | TRU PROtection: 15 years |
| IKO Armourshake and Crowne Slate 2 | Limited lifetime | Iron Clad: 180 months (15 years) |
| IKO Cambridge and Cambridge Cool Colors 2 | Limited lifetime | Iron Clad: 120 months (10 years) |
| IKO Marathon Plus AR 2 | 300 months (25 years) | Iron Clad: 60 months (5 years) |
| TAMKO Heritage Proline Titan XT 3 | Limited lifetime | Full Start: 10 years |
| Malarkey Highlander to Windsor, Standard warranty 5 | Limited lifetime | 10 to 20 years, by product line |
| Malarkey, Certified Pro or Premium warranty 5 | Limited lifetime | 50 years |
The Owens Corning and Malarkey 50-year figures are for their enhanced, certified-contractor warranties, which need the maker's accessories and registration. They are not the standard warranty that comes with the shingles alone.
Standard vs enhanced warranties
Makers offer a standard warranty with the shingles and stronger, enhanced warranties on top. To get the enhanced kind you meet extra conditions.
Owens Corning's System Protection needs an Owens Corning Platinum or Preferred Contractor, its shingles and hip and ridge, plus two of four accessory groups, all on a ventilated deck with old layers removed 1.
Malarkey's Certified Pro warranty needs a certified contractor and its shingles plus three Malarkey accessories; the Certified Premium needs four 5.
The reward is longer full coverage, and sometimes more. Malarkey's chart shows 10 to 20 non-prorated years on its Standard warranty against 50 on Certified Pro and Premium, and adds 25 years of contractor workmanship cover only on Premium 5.
Our roofing system page has a side-by-side table of the Owens Corning and CertainTeed system programs.
How proration is worked out
Proration means the maker pays only part of the cost, based on how much of the roof's life you have already had. Each maker uses its own formula.
Owens Corning's example: on a 25-year warranty, a claim in year 15 has the payout reduced by 14/25ths of the product cost at the time of purchase 1. IKO works in months.
In its example, a defect found 216 months after install on a lifetime shingle cuts IKO's obligation by 384/480, leaving 20% of the cost of replacement shingles 2.
TAMKO's laminated shingles lose 2% for each year after the Full Start period until the end of year 40, then pay 20% for the rest of the term 3.
Two points matter most. Proration is usually on materials only, so labor and tear-off fall to you. And it is counted from the original install date, not from when you bought the house 1 2.
Maker pays = product cost × (1 − (Y − 1) ÷ T)
Product cost- What the affected shingles cost at the time of purchase; materials only
Y- The warranty year the claim falls in, counted from the original install date
T- The warranty term in years, such as 25
Matches Owens Corning's own example: a year-15 claim on a 25-year warranty is reduced by 14/25 1. IKO counts months and TAMKO uses 2% a year, so their math differs 2 3.
Worked example: a prorated claim in year 15
Illustrative numbers, to show the arithmetic only. They are not prices. This uses Owens Corning's stated formula for a 25-year warranty 1: a claim in the 15th year is reduced by 14/25ths of the product cost. Say the covered shingles cost $5,000 at the time of purchase.
| Line | Figure |
|---|---|
| Product cost of the affected shingles (illustrative) | $5,000 |
| Years counted as used (claim in year 15) | 14 of 25 |
| Reduction: 14/25 × $5,000 | − $2,800 |
| Maker's prorated payment | $2,200 |
| Labor and other costs in the prorated period | Not covered 1 |
The same defect found in the full-coverage years would have been paid much more fully, including labor. That is why the length of the non-prorated period matters more than the headline term.
Where to find the warranty for your shingles
- The maker's website, by product line. Federal law says written warranties on consumer products over $15 must be available before purchase 6.
- The shingle wrapper, which carries the install instructions the warranty relies on 2 3.
- Your roofer's paperwork: the product name, purchase date and, for enhanced warranties, the registration confirmation.
- Check the version date. TAMKO says your warranty is the version in effect on the date of retail purchase 3; Owens Corning's applies to shingles bought after August 1, 2026 1.
What a manufacturer warranty is good for
- It is backed by the maker, so it can outlast the roofing company that installed the roof.
- In the full-coverage years, it can pay labor and, for some makers, tear-off and disposal 1 3.
- It covers every roof made with that product, so a known defect has a set remedy.
- Algae-resistant lines add stain cover, such as Owens Corning's 15 non-prorated years within a 25-year algae term when its hip and ridge is used 1.
- It can usually be passed to one buyer, which helps when you sell 1 2 3.
What a manufacturer warranty does not cover
- Acts of God such as hail, strong storms and winds above the rated speed 1 2.
- Installation errors by anyone other than the approved contractor level 1.
- Non-brand parts such as flashing, fasteners, pipe boots and wood decking 1; IKO excludes flashings, metal work, non-IKO products and vents 2.
- Damage to the house or contents from a leak; incidental and consequential damage is excluded 1 2.
- Removal and replacement of solar panels or other rooftop equipment to do repairs 1 4.
Wind cover: speeds and terms
| Maker and product | Standard wind limit | Enhanced limit | Wind term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owens Corning Duration under System Protection 1 | 130 mph | 160 mph | 15 years |
| Owens Corning Oakridge 1 | 110 mph (4 nails); 130 mph with 6 nails and OC starter | — | 15 years |
| IKO Cambridge, Armourshake, Crowne Slate 2 | 110 mph | 130 mph with extra nails and IKO starter | 15 years |
| TAMKO Heritage Proline Titan XT 3 | 110 mph | 160 mph with high wind application | 15 years |
| Malarkey shingle lines 5 | 110 mph | 130 mph; 140 mph for Windsor | 15 years |
Wind cover needs the shingles to have sealed. Owens Corning says shingles need several days of warm sun to seal and it is not responsible for blow-offs before that 1.
If weather records show gusts above the rated speed in your county, Owens Corning treats the shingles as exposed to winds beyond the warranty 1.
Algae cover
Algae cover only applies to shingles sold as algae resistant, and only to one kind of growth. Owens Corning covers brown-black staining from the algae Gloeocapsa magma, not mold, lichen or green algae 1. Malarkey's cover is limited to blue-green algae (Gloeocapsa magma) on its AR or Scotchgard shingles 5.
Terms vary a lot. Owens Corning gives 15 non-prorated years within a 25-year algae term, but only with its own hip and ridge; without it the term falls to 10 years with one non-prorated year 1.
IKO pays cleaning or replacement in the first year, then a prorated cleaning certificate 2. TAMKO's algae cleaning cover runs 120 months, prorated after the first twelve 3. See asphalt shingles for how AR granules work.
What drives what the warranty is worth to you
We do not price warranties. Their value depends on a few lines in the document. The length of the non-prorated period matters most.
Next is whether labor and tear-off are paid in that period 1 2 3.
Then the proration formula, the transfer rules and any transfer fee; Owens Corning's System Protection transfer fee is $100 1.
Enhanced warranties often need the maker's accessories and a certified roofer, which can change a quote 1 5. Ask each roofer to name the exact warranty on the quote. For the roof itself, see our cost guide.
How to register and claim, step by step
- Before install, confirm which warranty applies and who registers it. Owens Corning's contractor must register System Protection within 60 days of install 1; Malarkey's certified contractor within 45 days 4.
- Keep proof of purchase showing the maker, the product and the date. IKO and TAMKO both require it for a claim 2 3.
- If you find a problem, contact the maker yourself within 30 days 1 2 3 4. TAMKO says notice to your contractor, dealer or builder is not notice to TAMKO 3.
- Send what the maker asks for, such as photos, shingle samples or a questionnaire, often at your own cost 2 3.
- Do not repair or replace the shingles before the maker decides. Owens Corning says the claim may be denied if you do 1.
Keeping the warranty in force
The roof must stay the way the maker expects. Owens Corning excludes damage from alterations after install, including solar panels, power washing, painting, coatings and cleaning products not in line with its algae removal instructions 1. IKO excludes damage after alterations such as skylights, satellite dishes and other equipment 2.
Ventilation is a condition, not a detail. Owens Corning excludes damage from improper or inadequate ventilation 1. IKO cuts the warranty to 10 years with five years of Iron Clad cover on unventilated or under-ventilated roofs 2. See roof ventilation. Keep the warranty, proof of purchase and registration with your house records.
Ways a manufacturer warranty is lost or cut
- Late claim notice: TAMKO says failing to notify it as required extinguishes all its obligations 3.
- Missed transfer: IKO's warranty ends on the sale if it is not validly transferred 2.
- A transfer late in the roof's life: Owens Corning cuts System Protection to two years after the sale if the transfer is after year 20 1.
- Low slope: IKO limits shingles on slopes under 4 in 12 to a 12-year prorated term with no Iron Clad cover 2.
- A full replacement under a claim: Owens Corning says System Protection is then void and a standard warranty applies 1.
Transfer rules, as each maker states them
| Maker | How many times and when | Deadline and fee | What the buyer gets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owens Corning System Protection 1 | Once, any time | Within 60 days of the sale; $100 fee | Balance of TRU PROtection if within 20 years; otherwise 2 years |
| IKO 2 | Once, in the first 10 years | Written notice within 30 days of the sale | Up to 10 years from the original install |
| TAMKO laminated shingles 3 | Once, in the first 5 years | Written notice within 30 days after the transfer | Other transfers are "as is" with no warranty |
| Malarkey Certified Premium 4 | Once | Application within 60 days of the sale, or void | Balance of Right Start plus workmanship if within that period; otherwise 5 years at most |
The federal rules on written warranties
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act governs written warranties on consumer products. The Federal Trade Commission's guide says a written warranty must state in one document what is covered, for how long, what is excluded, what the company will do, how to get service and how state law applies 6.
Shingle warranties are labelled "limited" because they do not meet all five conditions of a full warranty, such as free service to any owner for the whole term 6.
A limited warranty may also cap implied warranties at its own length 6. Owens Corning's document does this, tying implied warranties to the TRU PROtection period unless state law says otherwise 1.
Arbitration is common. Owens Corning requires arbitration to the extent the law allows and bars disputes brought more than one year after a claim arises 1. State laws differ, and each maker notes you may have other rights by state 1 2. This is general information, not legal advice.
Manufacturer warranty vs related terms
| Term | Who stands behind it | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard manufacturer warranty | The shingle maker | Defects in the shingles 1 2 3 |
| Enhanced or system warranty | The maker, through a certified roofer | The maker's shingles and accessories as a set, with longer full coverage 1 5 |
| Workmanship warranty | The roofing contractor | Errors in the install; in Malarkey's Premium program, shared with the maker 4 |
| Homeowners insurance | Your insurer | Sudden covered damage, such as hail or wind, less the deductible |
Common misconceptions
- Myth Lifetime means the shingles are guaranteed for life.
- Reality IKO says its warranty periods are not guarantees of useful life 2. Owens Corning ties lifetime to as long as the owner owns the home 1.
- Myth The warranty pays for a new roof any time it fails.
- Reality After the full-coverage years, payouts are prorated and usually exclude labor 2 3.
- Myth Telling my roofer is enough to start a claim.
- Reality TAMKO says notice to your contractor is not notice to TAMKO 3. Contact the maker directly.
Local code, climate and territory
Warranties expect the roof to meet local code. Owens Corning requires installation per its instructions and the local building code in effect at the time 1; IKO and TAMKO point to local codes for extra nailing 2 3. Your building department decides which code edition applies.
Territory matters too. TAMKO's remedies apply only to shingles installed in the 48 contiguous states 3, and IKO gives no warranty on U.S.-bought shingles installed outside the U.S. 2.
In some coastal and dry areas, Owens Corning warns that copper from algae-resistant shingles can corrode aluminum gutters 1. Florida is named in IKO's wind terms as a state where manual sealing is not required 2.
When it matters, and what to do next
- Comparing shingles: compare the non-prorated years and labor cover, not the headline term.
- Choosing a roofer: ask whether they can offer the enhanced warranty and who registers it.
- Buying a house: ask for proof of purchase and the registration, and diary the transfer deadline.
- Finding a problem: call the maker within 30 days and do not repair before it decides.
Keep going
- Choosing a rooferQuestions to ask before you sign
- Roofing materialsCompare shingle types and makers
- Roof replacementHow a new roof is planned and registered
- Roof life calculatorEstimate how much life your roof has left
Questions about manufacturer warranty
What does a shingle manufacturer warranty cover?
It covers failures caused by defects in how the shingles were made. Owens Corning, IKO and TAMKO each tie cover to manufacturing defects that affect performance or cause leaks. It does not cover install errors, hail, winds above the rated speed or non-brand parts such as flashing.
What is a non-prorated period?
It is the first stage of the warranty, when the maker pays the full covered cost, often including labor. Makers brand it: Owens Corning's TRU PROtection, IKO's Iron Clad, TAMKO's Full Start and Malarkey's Right Start. After it ends, the payout is prorated by the roof's age.
How does warranty proration work?
The maker pays a shrinking share of the cost as the roof ages, usually for materials only. Owens Corning's example: a claim in year 15 of a 25-year warranty is cut by 14/25ths of the product cost. TAMKO's laminated shingles lose 2% a year after Full Start until year 40.
Is a lifetime shingle warranty really for life?
Not in the everyday sense. Owens Corning ties limited lifetime cover to as long as the owner owns the home, and Malarkey to as long as the owner keeps it as a primary residence. IKO says its warranty periods are not guarantees of how long the shingles will last.
Can I transfer a shingle warranty when I sell my house?
Usually once, if you meet the deadline. IKO allows one transfer in the first 10 years, with notice within 30 days. TAMKO allows one in the first 5 years. Owens Corning's System Protection allows one, within 60 days and with a $100 fee. Coverage for the buyer is often reduced.
Do I need to register my shingle warranty?
For enhanced warranties, yes, and usually the roofer does it. Owens Corning's certified contractor must register System Protection within 60 days of install, and Malarkey's within 45 days. Standard warranties may not need registration, but keep proof of purchase, which IKO and TAMKO require for claims.
Does a shingle warranty cover wind damage?
Only blow-offs below the rated speed, and only for a set term after the shingles have sealed. The makers we read list 15-year wind terms with limits from 110 to 160 mph, depending on product and nailing. Winds above the limit, and storms such as hail, are excluded.
Does a shingle warranty cover algae stains?
Only on algae-resistant shingles, and only for a set term. Owens Corning covers brown-black staining from Gloeocapsa magma for 25 years with 15 non-prorated, if its hip and ridge is used. TAMKO's algae cleaning cover runs 120 months. Mold, lichen and green algae are excluded by Owens Corning.
How do I file a shingle warranty claim?
Contact the maker directly within 30 days of finding the problem; Owens Corning, IKO, TAMKO and Malarkey all set that deadline. Have proof of purchase ready, and expect to send photos or samples. Do not repair or replace the shingles until the maker has decided, or the claim may be denied.
What voids a shingle manufacturer warranty?
Common causes are installation that does not follow the maker's instructions, poor ventilation, later changes such as solar panels or power washing, missed claim or transfer deadlines, and repairs made before the maker inspects. Each warranty lists its own exclusions; read the one for your exact product line.
Sources
- Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt, LLC, System Protection Limited Lifetime Warranty (shingles purchased after August 1, 2026), retrieved .
- IKO Industries Inc., IKO Limited Warranty, Information for Asphalt Shingles (U.S., shingles installed on or after February 1, 2025), retrieved .
- TAMKO Building Products LLC, Fiberglass/Asphalt Shingle Limited Warranty (effective March 1, 2021), retrieved .
- Malarkey Roofing Products, Certified Premium Warranty (sample), retrieved .
- Malarkey Roofing Products, Shingle and Accessory Warranties for Single Family Homes, summary chart (Rev. 02/26), retrieved .
- Federal Trade Commission, "Businessperson's Guide to Federal Warranty Law", retrieved .
Expert review
Written by the HyreRoof editorial team. Not yet reviewed by an outside expert. We say so rather than imply a review that has not happened; see our editorial policy.
How the numbers were checked: Every warranty figure read in the maker's own published warranty document and cited to that maker; federal rules from the FTC guide.
GAF's warranty returned 403 and CertainTeed and Atlas full texts were not loaded, so none of their figures appear. The proration example uses an illustrative product cost only to show Owens Corning's stated formula. Terms change; read the current version for your product.
Suggest a correction. We fix errors and say what changed.