Understanding Your Roof Warranty: What's Covered and What's Not

Understanding your roof warranty is one of the most important aspects of being a homeowner, yet it is also one of the most commonly misunderstood. When you get a new roof installed on your Charlotte home, you typically receive at least two types of warranty protection, and knowing what each one covers, what it does not cover, and what can void your coverage can save you significant money and frustration down the road.

This guide breaks down everything Charlotte homeowners need to know about roof warranties in clear, straightforward terms. We will explain the different types of warranties, what is typically covered, common exclusions, and how to protect your warranty coverage over the life of your roof.

The Two Main Types of Roof Warranties

When a new roof is installed, you receive protection from two separate sources: the manufacturer of the roofing materials and the contractor who installed them. These are two distinct warranties with different terms, different coverage, and different claims processes. Understanding the difference between them is essential.

Manufacturer's Material Warranty

The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. If your shingles fail prematurely due to a manufacturing defect, such as improper adhesive application during production or defective granule coating, the manufacturer's warranty provides coverage. Major shingle manufacturers offer material warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime, depending on the product line.

It is important to understand that most standard manufacturer warranties are prorated. This means the coverage decreases over time. For the first several years, you may get full replacement coverage, but after that, the reimbursement declines on a schedule laid out in the warranty document. Enhanced or extended warranties, which are sometimes available at additional cost, may offer non-prorated coverage for a longer period.

Contractor's Workmanship Warranty

The workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor who installed your roof. It covers errors in installation, such as improperly nailed shingles, incorrectly installed flashing, poor valley construction, or any other defect related to how the roof was put together rather than the materials themselves. Workmanship warranty terms vary widely between contractors, ranging from as little as one year to 10 years or more.

The workmanship warranty is arguably more important than the manufacturer's warranty for Charlotte homeowners. The vast majority of roof failures in the real world are caused by installation errors, not material defects. A quality shingle installed incorrectly will fail far sooner than a basic shingle installed properly. When choosing a roofing contractor in the Charlotte area, the strength and length of their workmanship warranty should be a major consideration.

What Is Typically Covered by Your Roof Warranty

The specific coverage varies by manufacturer and contractor, but here is a general overview of what most roof warranties cover.

Material Warranty Coverage

• Manufacturing defects in the shingles, such as premature cracking, splitting, or granule loss that exceeds normal wear
• Algae staining, on shingles that include algae-resistant technology
• Wind damage up to the specified wind speed rating, if the shingles fail at wind speeds below their rated capacity
• Premature deterioration of the shingle material due to manufacturing issues

Workmanship Warranty Coverage

• Leaks caused by installation errors
• Improperly sealed or fastened shingles
• Incorrect flashing installation
• Inadequate underlayment application
• Improperly installed vents, pipe boots, or other roof penetrations
• Any other defect that results from how the roof was installed rather than the materials used

What Is NOT Covered by Your Roof Warranty

This is where many homeowners run into surprises. Roof warranties have significant exclusions, and understanding these upfront prevents frustration later.

Acts of Nature and Storm Damage

Neither material nor workmanship warranties typically cover damage caused by severe weather events such as hail, high winds exceeding the shingle's rated capacity, tornadoes, hurricanes, falling trees, or lightning. For Charlotte homeowners, this is a critical distinction because the most common roof damage in our area comes from storm events. Storm damage is covered by your homeowner's insurance policy, not your roof warranty. This is why maintaining adequate homeowner's insurance is so important in the Charlotte metro area.

Normal Wear and Tear

Roofing materials have a finite lifespan, and gradual deterioration from normal weather exposure and aging is expected. Warranties do not cover the natural aging process, including gradual granule loss, minor color fading, or the slow effects of Charlotte's heat, humidity, and UV exposure over decades. These are considered normal wear and are the reason roofs eventually need replacement.

Improper Maintenance or Modifications

If roof damage results from lack of maintenance, such as allowing clogged gutters to cause water backup, or from improper modifications, such as a satellite dish installer puncturing the roof membrane without proper flashing, the warranty typically will not cover the resulting damage. Similarly, if a homeowner or unqualified person attempts roof repairs and causes damage, the warranty is unlikely to cover the consequences.

Inadequate Ventilation

This is a big one for Charlotte homeowners. Most manufacturer warranties require that the attic have proper ventilation meeting specific standards. If your attic is not adequately ventilated and the resulting heat and moisture buildup causes premature shingle failure, the manufacturer may deny your warranty claim. In Charlotte's hot and humid climate, where inadequate ventilation causes shingles to bake from both sides during summer, this exclusion is especially relevant. Make sure your roofing contractor addresses ventilation as part of any roof replacement.

What Can Void Your Roof Warranty

Beyond the standard exclusions, certain actions or conditions can void your warranty entirely. Be aware of these to protect your coverage.

• Improper installation: If the materials were not installed according to the manufacturer's specifications, the material warranty may be void. This is another reason to choose a qualified, experienced contractor.
• Unauthorized repairs: Having unqualified individuals perform repairs on your roof can void both the material and workmanship warranties. Always use a licensed professional for any roof work.
• Adding layers instead of tearing off: If a new layer of shingles is installed over existing shingles without a complete tear-off, and the manufacturer's warranty requires a tear-off installation, the warranty may be void.
• Pressure washing: Using a pressure washer on your roof can strip granules from the shingles and may void the manufacturer's warranty. If your Charlotte roof needs cleaning due to algae or moss, use gentle, low-pressure methods.
• Failure to address known issues: If you know about a problem with your roof, such as damaged flashing or a persistent leak, and fail to address it in a reasonable time, the resulting damage may not be covered under warranty.

How to Make a Warranty Claim

If you believe you have a warranty issue with your roof, the process for filing a claim depends on whether it is a material or workmanship issue.

For a material warranty claim, you will need to contact the shingle manufacturer directly. They will typically send an inspector to examine the roof and determine whether the damage is covered. Having your original installation documentation, including proof of purchase and the contractor's installation records, makes this process smoother.

For a workmanship warranty claim, contact the contractor who installed your roof. This is where having chosen a reputable local company pays off. A local contractor can come to your home, assess the issue, and make it right under their warranty. If the contractor has gone out of business or left the area, you may have difficulty getting workmanship warranty coverage honored, which is one of the risks of hiring a fly-by-night company or an out-of-town storm chaser.

Tips for Protecting Your Roof Warranty

Here are practical steps Charlotte homeowners should take to keep their warranty protection intact.

• Keep all documentation: Store your warranty documents, installation receipts, and contractor information in a safe place. You will need these if you ever file a claim.
• Maintain your roof: Schedule annual professional inspections and keep up with maintenance tasks like gutter cleaning and tree trimming. Documented maintenance records support warranty claims.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Have your attic ventilation assessed during installation and verify it meets the manufacturer's requirements. In Charlotte's climate, this is non-negotiable for warranty compliance.
• Use qualified professionals for all repairs: If your roof needs any repair work, hire a licensed professional. DIY repairs or work by unqualified individuals can void your warranty.
• Register your warranty: Some manufacturers require warranty registration within a certain period after installation. Check your warranty documents and complete any required registration promptly.

Talk to Top Roofing About Your Warranty Coverage

Whether you are getting a new roof and want to understand your warranty options, or you have an existing roof and questions about your current coverage, Top Roofing is here to help. We provide clear, honest explanations of warranty terms and stand behind our work with a strong workmanship warranty on every roof we install.

We serve homeowners throughout the Charlotte metro area, including Ballantyne, South End, Huntersville, Mooresville, Matthews, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Fort Mill, and all surrounding communities. Our team has over 10 years of roofing experience, and we believe in building relationships with our customers that last well beyond the installation day. Call Top Roofing today at (404) 555-1212 or contact us online to schedule a free estimate and learn more about the warranty protection you will receive with your new roof.