Quick answer
A roof warranty is a written promise to repair or pay for certain roof failures for a set time. Shingle makers warrant their products against defects; roofing contractors warrant their own installation work.
Most new roofs come with two separate promises: a manufacturer's material warranty and the roofer's workmanship warranty. Some makers also sell a stronger system warranty, which can fold in some workmanship cover when a certified roofer installs and registers the roof.
Quick facts
Key takeaways
- A roof usually has two warranties: the maker's material warranty and the roofer's workmanship warranty.
- A material warranty covers manufacturing defects, not install mistakes, storms or wear.
- A workmanship warranty is the roofer's own promise; its length and terms are whatever the contract says.
- Full coverage often lasts only the first years; after that the payout is prorated by the roof's age.
- Registration, transfer deadlines and approved installers decide whether the warranty is there when you need it.
What a roof warranty covers
A roof warranty is a promise in writing. Someone agrees to repair, replace or pay for certain failures if they happen within a set period. The key words are "certain" and "someone". Each warranty covers only some causes, and each one is issued by a different party.
The shingle maker issues the material warranty. It covers defects in how the product was made.
Owens Corning's System Protection warranty, for example, covers manufacturing defects that materially affect the products' performance on the roof during its full-coverage period, or that cause leaks later in the warranty term 1.
IKO's warranty covers a manufacturing defect that significantly affects the shingles' water-shedding performance 2.
The roofing contractor issues the workmanship warranty. It covers mistakes in the install: nails in the wrong place, flashing done badly, a leak caused by how the roof was put on. A maker's standard material warranty does not cover these. That is why both promises matter.
How a roof warranty works in practice
A warranty only pays when three things line up. The cause must be one the warranty covers. The claim must fall inside the time limit. And you must have met the conditions, such as registration and approved installation.
Most material warranties have two stages. In the first years, the maker pays most or all of the covered cost.
Owens Corning calls this its TRU PROtection period and pays to repair, replace or re-cover defective products, including tear-off and disposal, subject to limits 1. IKO calls it Iron Clad Protection 2.
After that, coverage is prorated: the payout shrinks to reflect the years you have already had from the roof 1 2.
When something goes wrong, you report it, the issuer looks at it, and the issuer decides how to settle.
Owens Corning says the manner of compensation is at its sole discretion and all costs must be pre-approved 1.
Deadlines are short: Owens Corning, IKO and Malarkey each ask for notice within 30 days of discovering the problem 1 2 3.
- You find a problemNote the date. Owens Corning, IKO and Malarkey each want notice within 30 days of discovery 1 2 3
- You report it in writingInclude proof of purchase, install date and photos taken from the ground
- The issuer inspectsCosts must be pre-approved; the maker decides how to settle 1
- The issuer decidesCovered cause, inside the term, conditions met: all three must line up
- You are paid in full or proratedEarly years pay most or all of the covered cost; later years pay a shrinking share 1 2
The three types of roof warranty
| Type | Who issues it | What it covers | What it does not |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard material warranty | The shingle maker | Manufacturing defects in the maker's products 1 2 | Install errors, storms beyond the wind rating, non-brand parts 1 2 |
| Enhanced or system warranty | The shingle maker, often through a certified roofer | The maker's shingles and set accessories as one system; longer full coverage 1 4 | Non-brand parts such as flashing and decking 1 |
| Workmanship warranty | The roofing contractor (or, in some maker programs, shared with the maker) | Errors in how the roof was installed 3 | Product defects, storm damage, later changes to the roof |
The workmanship warranty in detail
A workmanship warranty is the roofer's promise to fix problems caused by the installation.
It is written by the contractor, so its length, what it covers and how you claim depend on the contractor's own contract. There is no single standard term.
We do not quote a "typical" length because no source we loaded sets one for contractors in general.
Some maker programs add workmanship cover to a system warranty. Malarkey's Certified Premium Warranty is described as a combination material and workmanship warranty, sold only through its Certified Contractor Program 3.
In that program, the certified contractor warrants the first two years of installation liability, and Malarkey covers the balance of the workmanship period 3.
Malarkey's comparison chart lists 25 years of contractor workmanship cover under the Certified Premium Warranty and none under its Standard or Certified Pro warranties 4.
Contrast that with a standard material warranty. Owens Corning's System Protection warranty excludes improper or faulty installation by an installer other than an Owens Corning Platinum or Preferred Contractor 1. In plain terms: a maker's warranty is not a substitute for the roofer's own promise unless the document says it covers the work.
When you read a roofer's workmanship warranty, look for five things: how many years it lasts; what it covers (leaks only, or any install defect); whether it covers labor and materials.
Whether it passes to a new owner; and what you must do to keep it, such as reporting leaks quickly or not letting other trades walk on the roof.
Worked example: who pays for which failure
Three things go wrong on one roof, all within its first years. This shows which warranty, if any, is the place to start. It uses each document's own wording, not legal advice.
| What happened | Cause | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles crack and leak in many spots | A manufacturing defect | The maker's material warranty 1 2 |
| A leak at the chimney flashing | Flashing installed badly | The roofer's workmanship warranty; maker warranties exclude non-brand parts like flashing 1 |
| Shingles torn off in a hailstorm | Weather | Your homeowners insurance; maker warranties exclude hail as an act of God 1 2 |
The pattern is simple: defects go to the maker, install errors go to the roofer, and storm damage goes to your insurer. See storm damage and insurance for the third case.
Where to find your roof warranties
- The roofer's contract or proposal, which should state the workmanship warranty in writing.
- The maker's warranty document for your exact shingle line. Terms differ by product: Owens Corning lists different coverage for Supreme shingles than for its limited lifetime lines 1.
- A registration certificate or confirmation, if the roof was registered with the maker.
- Your closing papers, if you bought the house with an existing roof and a transferred warranty.
- The maker's website. Federal law requires written warranties on consumer products over $15 to be available before purchase 5.
What a good warranty gives you
- A clear party to call when something fails, instead of an argument over who is at fault.
- In the full-coverage years, a maker may pay for tear-off, disposal and labor, not just materials 1.
- System and certified-roofer warranties can extend full coverage: Malarkey lists 50 non-prorated years for its Certified Pro and Premium warranties against 10 to 20 years for its Standard warranty 4.
- A transferable warranty can be a selling point when you sell the house 1 3.
- A written workmanship warranty puts the roofer on the hook for their own work.
Limits every roof warranty has
- "Limited lifetime" is not forever: Owens Corning ties it to as long as the owner owns the home 1, and Malarkey to as long as the owner keeps the house as a primary residence 4.
- Material warranties exclude acts of God such as hail and winds over the rated speed 1 2.
- IKO says its warranty periods are not guarantees of the useful life of the shingles 2.
- Consequential damage, such as water damage to the house or contents, is excluded by the makers we read 1 2 3.
- Disputes may go to mandatory arbitration; Owens Corning's warranty requires it to the extent the law allows 1.
What drives what a warranty is worth
We do not quote prices for warranties. What changes their value is easier to name. First, the length of full, non-prorated coverage, since that is when a claim pays the most.
Second, whether labor, tear-off and disposal are covered, or only materials 1 2. Third, whether it transfers, and for how long the next owner keeps it. Fourth, what the roofer's own workmanship warranty adds.
A system warranty often requires buying the maker's accessories and hiring a certified roofer 1 4, which can change the quote.
Some programs also charge to transfer: Owens Corning's System Protection warranty sets a $100 transfer fee 1. Ask for the warranty to be named on the quote, so you can compare bids on equal terms. Our cost guide covers the roof itself.
How to set up a roof warranty properly
- Before you sign, ask each roofer which maker warranty applies and for the roofer's workmanship warranty in writing.
- Check whether the maker warranty needs a certified installer and the maker's own accessories 1 4.
- Confirm who registers it and by when. Owens Corning's contractor must register System Protection within 60 days 1; Malarkey's within 45 days 3.
- After the job, get the registration confirmation, the final invoice and proof of purchase.
- File them with your house papers. You will need proof of purchase to claim or transfer 1 2.
Keeping your warranty valid
Warranties are lost through things owners do later, not just through bad installs. Owens Corning excludes damage from alterations after the roof is done, including solar panel installs, power washing, painting, coatings and the wrong cleaning products 1.
IKO excludes damage after the roof is altered, including equipment such as satellite dishes and skylights 2. Malarkey excludes roof penetrations for solar panels, satellite dishes and stovepipes, and roof traffic for things like gutter cleaning 3.
Ventilation matters too. Owens Corning excludes damage from improper or inadequate ventilation 1, and IKO reduces coverage on unventilated or under-ventilated roofs 2. See roof ventilation. Before anyone adds anything to the roof, read the warranty and ask the maker in writing.
What voids or shrinks a roof warranty
- The warranty was never registered, or was registered late 1 3.
- The roof was not installed by the approved contractor level the warranty requires 1 3.
- Repairs or replacement before the maker looks at the claim; Owens Corning says such a claim may be denied 1.
- A sale of the house without a timely transfer; IKO's warranty ends on sale if not validly transferred 2.
- Later changes to the roof, such as solar panels or power washing 1 3.
The federal warranty law that applies
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is the federal law on written warranties for consumer products. The Federal Trade Commission's guide says a written warranty must set out, in a single document, what is covered, how long, what is excluded, what the company will do, how to get service and how state law applies 5.
The FTC also explains that a warranty is either "full" or "limited". A full warranty meets five conditions, including free service to any owner during the term; any warranty that fails one of them is limited 5.
That is why roof warranties are called "limited". The guide adds that a limited warranty may cut implied warranties down to its own length 5, which matches the wording in Owens Corning's document 1.
State law also applies and differs by state. Each maker we read says you may have other rights that vary by state 1 2. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Roof warranty vs related terms
| Term | Who stands behind it | What it pays for |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer (material) warranty | The shingle maker | Defects in the product 1 2 |
| System warranty | The maker, with a certified roofer | The maker's matched parts as a set 1 |
| Workmanship warranty | The roofing contractor | Errors in the installation 3 |
| Homeowners insurance | Your insurer | Sudden covered damage, such as hail, less your deductible |
| Building code | Your local building department | Not a warranty; sets the minimum standard for the install |
Comparing two makers' system warranties
We compare the Owens Corning and CertainTeed system programs side by side on our roofing system page: which parts each needs, who installs and how registration works. For a deeper look at how maker warranties prorate, transfer and handle wind and algae, see the manufacturer warranty entry in the related terms below.
Common misconceptions
- Myth A lifetime warranty means the roof will last a lifetime.
- Reality IKO says its warranty periods are not guarantees of useful life 2. "Lifetime" is tied to how long you own or live in the home 1 4.
- Myth The shingle warranty covers the roofer's mistakes.
- Reality Standard material warranties cover manufacturing defects. Install errors are the roofer's responsibility unless a certified program says otherwise 1 3.
Local rules and climate
Maker warranties expect the roof to follow local code. Owens Corning requires installation according to its own instructions and the local building code in effect at the time 1, and Malarkey refers to adopted building code 3. Your building department sets the code edition and whether a permit is needed.
Climate shapes which warranty terms matter. In windy areas, the rated wind speed and the extra nailing it needs matter most. In humid areas, algae cover matters.
In the coastal and dry areas Owens Corning names, it warns that copper from algae-resistant shingles can corrode aluminum gutters 1. Some states also regulate contractors' warranties and contracts; check your state's contractor licensing board.
What to ask before you sign
- Which maker warranty will this roof get, and does it need your certification level?
- How long is your workmanship warranty, what does it cover, and is it in the contract?
- Who registers the warranty, by what date, and will I get the confirmation?
- Can the warranties be transferred if I sell, and is there a fee or deadline?
- What would void it, such as solar panels, satellite dishes or power washing?
Keep going
- Choosing a rooferWhat to check before you sign
- Roof replacementHow a new roof is planned and installed
- How we vet roofersWhat we check on a contractor
- Roofing materialsCompare shingles, metal and more
Questions about roof warranty
What does a roof warranty cover?
It depends on who issued it. A maker's material warranty covers manufacturing defects in its products. A roofer's workmanship warranty covers errors in the installation. Neither usually covers storm damage such as hail, which is a matter for homeowners insurance. Read each document for its exact causes and time limits.
What is a workmanship warranty on a roof?
It is the roofing contractor's written promise to fix problems caused by how the roof was installed, such as bad flashing or nailing. Its length and terms are set by the contractor's contract. Some maker programs add workmanship cover: Malarkey's Certified Premium Warranty lists 25 years, with the contractor covering the first two.
How long is a roof warranty?
Each warranty sets its own term. Maker warranties for many shingle lines are called limited lifetime, tied to how long you own or live in the home, with shorter fixed terms on some products. Full coverage usually lasts only part of that term. A roofer's workmanship term is whatever their contract states.
What is proration in a roof warranty?
Proration means the payout shrinks as the roof ages. After the full-coverage years, the maker pays only part of the cost, based on the years of use you have had. Owens Corning's example: a claim in year 15 of a 25-year warranty is reduced by 14/25ths of the product cost.
Can a roof warranty be transferred to a new owner?
Often once, if you follow the rules. Owens Corning's System Protection warranty allows one transfer, with a request within 60 days of the sale and a $100 fee. IKO allows one transfer in the first 10 years, with written notice within 30 days. Miss the deadline and the coverage can end.
Do I have to register my roof warranty?
For enhanced and system warranties, usually yes, and often the roofer must do it. Owens Corning requires its certified contractor to register System Protection within 60 days of installation. Malarkey requires its certified contractor to register within 45 days. Ask for the confirmation in writing.
What voids a roof warranty?
Common causes are installation by a roofer who is not the approved level, no registration, later changes such as solar panels or satellite dishes, power washing, poor ventilation, and repairs made before the maker inspects a claim. Each warranty lists its own exclusions, so read yours before anyone works on the roof.
Does a roof warranty cover leaks?
Only if the leak comes from a covered cause. A leak from a product defect falls under the maker's warranty. A leak from poor installation falls under the roofer's workmanship warranty. A leak from storm damage or ice damming is usually excluded by maker warranties and may be an insurance matter.
Why are roof warranties called limited?
Under federal law, a warranty is full only if it meets five conditions, such as free service to any owner for the whole term. A warranty that misses any one is limited. Roof warranties restrict transfer, prorate payouts or limit implied warranties, so makers label them limited.
Is a manufacturer warranty or a workmanship warranty more important?
You need both, because they cover different failures. Many roof problems trace back to installation rather than the product, and a maker's standard warranty excludes install errors. Get the roofer's workmanship warranty in writing and know which maker warranty applies before you sign.
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 .
- 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: Warranty terms read in each maker's own published warranty document and labelled as that maker's; federal rules from the FTC's guide. No typical contractor workmanship term is given because no loaded source sets one. Terms change; read the current warranty for your product.
Suggest a correction. We fix errors and say what changed.