Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S., prized for their low cost of installation, stunning aesthetic appeal, and reasonably good durability (especially luxury shingles). However, installing or replacing a roof with new asphalt shingles will still be a significant investment, with roofing being one of the most expensive home improvement projects homeowners undertake. With such a high cost, it is natural to want some assurance that your investment is protected. This is where warranties come into play.
It’s important to understand warranties before you decide on shingles, but they often confuse homeowners. Many don’t fully understand what’s covered, what’s excluded, and what can void their warranty. At Prestige Roofing LLC, we believe in transparency and educating homeowners so they can make better decisions. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about asphalt shingle warranties, giving you peace of mind about your roofing investment.
Understanding Asphalt Shingle Warranties
Asphalt shingles are manufactured by various companies. Atlas, GAF, and Owens Corning are some of the top manufacturers known for their impressive warranties. A shingle warranty is essentially a promise from the manufacturer or roofing contractor that your roofing materials and/or installation will meet specific performance standards. These warranties provide you with protection against material defects, installation errors, and potential performance issues that could lead to major repairs. A well-understood and well-utilized warranty means your roof remains in excellent condition for as long as possible, and even if something goes wrong you remain protected.
Also Read: Different Types of Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof
Types of Asphalt Shingle Warranties
When discussing an asphalt shingle warranty, there are two broad categories homeowners should be aware of: manufacturer’s warranty and workmanship warranty. Additionally, some manufacturers offer extended warranties that provide even greater coverage.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the shingles themselves. As the name suggests, this is offered by the manufacturer, i.e., the maker of the shingle. The coverage depends on the brand you choose. GAF may cover different aspects while another brand may cover a certain area.
But mostly, asphalt shingle warranties from all the brands cover broad issues such as premature granule loss, poor adhesive sealing, or curling. These warranties typically range from five years to a lifetime, depending on the quality of the shingles.
However, most standard warranties offer prorated coverage, meaning that as the roof ages, the coverage amount decreases. Most manufacturers also require professional installation and maintenance for the warranty to remain valid. If a manufacturing defect occurs within the coverage period, the manufacturer may provide replacement shingles, but labor costs may not be included unless specified in an upgraded warranty package.
Workmanship Warranty
Unlike a manufacturer’s warranty, which covers material defects, a workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor and protects against errors made during installation. Even high-quality shingles will fail if they are improperly installed, leading to leaks, poor performance, and even structural damage. Workmanship warranties typically last between 2 and 10 years, depending on the contractor. Here at Prestige Roofing LLC, we are a certified roofing company that stands behind our work, offering a 10-year workmanship warranty to give our customers peace of mind.
Extended Warranty or System Warranty
Some manufacturers offer extended warranties that provide additional coverage beyond standard manufacturer warranties. These warranties come with certain terms and conditions.
For example, these often require homeowners to hire contractors that are certified by a particular shingle manufacturer. These also require you install a full roofing system — including shingles, underlayment, ventilation, and other components — using products from the same manufacturer.
Here are the certification programs from top shingle manufacturers:
- Atlas PRO+™ contractor
- GAF Master Elite® contractor
- Owens Corning Preferred contractor
- CertainTeed ShingleMaster™contractor
These extended warranties can cover both materials and labor for an extended period, making them a valuable investment for homeowners who want maximum protection for their roof.
Also Read: GAF vs. Owens Corning: Which Brand Is Best?
What’s Covered in a Manufacturer’s Warranty?
As mentioned above, a manufacturer’s warranty primarily covers defects in materials. This asphalt shingle warranty ensures that your shingles perform as expected. Coverage details include:
Defects in Materials
This includes premature granule loss, cracking, curling, blistering, or shingle delamination. This is the company’s responsibility. However, the overall warranty will most likely be prorated.
Wind Resistance Warranties
Many asphalt shingles come with wind resistance warranties. If your shingles are blown off by winds of a certain speed (usually 60 to 130 mph), the manufacturer will often provide a replacement. This asphalt shingle warranty depends on the type of shingles you install. Generally, luxury shingles come with the highest level of wind warranty.
Algae Resistance Warranties
Some asphalt shingle manufacturers offer algae-resistant warranties. This is beneficial for regions with high humidity or moisture where algae growth is a common issue, leading to discoloration and stains on shingles. Again, premium shingles come with better algae resistant warranties as compared to traditional 3-tab shingles.
Impact Resistance
Some premium asphalt shingles come with impact-resistant warranties, protecting against damage from falling debris, such as branches or hailstones.
Limitations and Exclusions
Manufacturer warranties typically do not cover damages due to improper installation, extreme weather events, or inadequate maintenance. Understanding these exclusions is crucial to prevent unexpected costs.
Note: Many warranties are prorated, meaning the level of coverage reduces over time. Some manufacturers offer a non-prorated period during the first few years, which provides full replacement coverage.
What a Workmanship Warranty Covers
Manufacturer’s warranties are usually similar between different companies. However, many common issues with asphalt shingles are from poor installation. A workmanship warranty ensures the installation is done correctly and protects homeowners from contractor errors.
Protection Against Improper Installation
If shingles are not nailed properly, flashing is poorly installed, or ventilation is inadequate, it could lead to major roofing failures. A workmanship warranty covers these problems.
Duration
As we already covered, workmanship warranties vary by contractor but a workmanship warranty of about 5 to 10 years is standard. Some contractors do go beyond that. Steer clear of contractors that do not offer a workmanship warranty.
Importance of Hiring a Certified Roofing Contractor
Choosing a certified contractor like us means your roof is installed to manufacturer specifications, reducing the risk of installation errors and maintaining the validity of your manufacturer’s warranty.
Common Misconceptions About Asphalt Shingle Warranties
Many homeowners have misconceptions about what is covered under their roofing warranty. Here are some common myths debunked:
“All damages are covered by my warranty.”
In reality, most warranties only cover manufacturing defects or installation errors, not damage caused by external factors.
“Warranties cover storm damage.”
Roofing warranties do not cover damage from hail, high winds, or falling debris. These situations are typically covered by homeowners insurance, not warranties.
“All warranties last a lifetime.”
This is where many homeowners are misled. When you go through the websites of prominent shingle manufacturers, you will find the term limited lifetime warranty. While some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties, coverage details and duration vary. Many warranties become prorated over time, reducing the benefits as the roof ages. Make sure to review the warranty terms before purchasing shingles or choosing a contractor.
What Can Void Your Asphalt Shingle Warranty?
It’s important to understand that certain actions — or inactions — can void your warranty. As a proactive homeowner, you should be mindful of the following:
- Poor installation by an uncertified roofer: Using an unqualified contractor can lead to improper installation, which can void both manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
- Inadequate ventilation: Without proper attic ventilation, heat and moisture can build up, causing premature shingle deterioration.
- Layering new shingles over old ones: Some homeowners opt to install new shingles over an existing roof, but this can trap moisture and cause structural issues, voiding the warranty.
- Failure to perform regular maintenance: Neglecting inspections, cleaning gutters, and fixing minor issues can lead to bigger problems, potentially voiding the warranty.
Why Choose Prestige Roofing LLC For Asphalt Shingle Installation?
Ensuring you have a valid and comprehensive warranty starts with choosing the right roofing contractor. Here’s why homeowners trust us:
- We are Atlas Pro+ Diamond-level contractors, meaning we install high-quality Atlas roofing systems and offer exclusive extended warranty options.
- We install multiple roofing materials, giving homeowners a variety of options tailored to their needs.
- We offer a 10-year workmanship warranty, ensuring that your roof is installed correctly and giving you peace of mind for the long run.
- We help you keep detailed records of your asphalt shingle installation and maintenance, so your warranty remains valid for as long as possible.
Contact us today at (920) 791-0414 for a free roofing consultation. We’re here to make sure your investment is protected for years to come.