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Roofing Warranties Explained - Workmanship vs Manufacturer
A roofing warranty is only as good as who pays when something fails, and most New Jersey homeowners never read the document until they need it. A new roof usually comes with two separate promises, one from the shingle manufacturer and one from the contractor, and they cover different things. If you are comparing quotes for a roof replacement, this is the guide to read first.
Below, we explain the difference between a workmanship and a manufacturer warranty, what prorated means, what can void coverage, and the questions to ask before you sign.
What Is the Difference Between a Workmanship and a Manufacturer Warranty?
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the materials, such as shingles that fail early. A workmanship warranty is the contractor’s promise that the installation is done correctly, covering problems like leaks from poor flashing or fastening. Many roof leaks trace back to installation details rather than the shingles themselves, which is why the workmanship warranty often matters most.
| Feature | Workmanship Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | The roofing contractor | The shingle or product manufacturer |
| What it typically covers | Installation errors such as flashing, fastening, or underlayment leaks | Manufacturing defects in the materials |
| Length | Set by the contractor, no legal standard | Set by the manufacturer, with conditions in the document |
| Common limits | Contractor must stay in business; exclusions for storm damage | Often prorated after an initial period; excludes improper installation |
How Long Should a Roofing Workmanship Warranty Last?
There is no legal standard, so the term varies widely between contractors. At Alpha Pro Construction a full roof replacement carries a 30-year workmanship warranty with 100% coverage for the full term, never prorated, and it is transferable once to a new homeowner during the warranty period.
Repairs carry a 2-year workmanship warranty. It is void if new damage comes from storms, structural movement, or unrelated roof failures, because those causes are separate from the repair itself.
What Does Prorated Mean in a Roofing Warranty?
A prorated warranty pays a shrinking share of the repair or replacement cost as the roof ages, so a defect in year 15 may be covered at only a fraction of the cost. A non-prorated warranty pays the full amount for the whole term. Ask which one you are getting, and for how many years.
What Does a Standard Manufacturer Warranty Cover?
Shingle manufacturers include a standard limited warranty with their products. It generally covers manufacturing defects, and the terms and any proration are spelled out in the document, so read it rather than relying on a summary.
We pass the standard manufacturer limited warranty, such as GAF’s standard limited warranty, through to the homeowner. Enhanced manufacturer warranties exist at an added cost and require registration. We include one only when a customer specifically purchases and registers it, and we will not describe a coverage tier you have not bought.
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What Can Void or Limit a Roof Warranty?
Warranty documents differ, but these are common conditions that can limit or end coverage.
- Improper installation, which is the main reason to choose a licensed contractor
- Inadequate attic ventilation, which many shingle manufacturers list as a condition
- Damage from storms, hail, or impact, which is a homeowners insurance matter
- Repairs or changes made by someone other than the installer
- A contractor that is no longer in business, for the workmanship portion
Is a Roofing Warranty Transferable When I Sell My House?
It depends on the document, and some warranties cannot be transferred at all. A transferable warranty can help a sale, since the buyer inherits the remaining coverage. Ours transfers once, to a new homeowner, during the warranty period, so keep the paperwork with your closing documents.
What Should I Ask Before I Sign a Roofing Contract?
Put these questions to every contractor you compare, and get the answers in writing. Our guide on what to ask a roofing contractor before you sign has the longer list, and how to read a roofing estimate shows where warranty terms should appear.
- Is the workmanship warranty in writing, and for how many years?
- Is it prorated, or does it cover 100% for the whole term?
- Who pays for labor and who pays for materials if a covered problem occurs?
- Is it transferable, and how does the transfer work?
- What voids it, and who do I call for service?
Roofing Warranties Explained - Workmanship vs Manufacturer - FAQs
Does a Roof Warranty Cover Storm Damage?
Generally no. Workmanship and manufacturer warranties cover installation errors and material defects, not damage from storms, wind, or hail, which is a homeowners insurance matter. Check the exclusions in your own documents to see exactly what is and is not covered.
Who Honors the Warranty If the Roofer Goes Out of Business?
A workmanship warranty depends on the contractor staying in business, so company history matters. The manufacturer warranty is separate and still applies to material defects. That is one reason to choose an established, licensed contractor and keep your paperwork.
Can I Transfer My Roof Warranty to a New Homeowner?
Sometimes. It depends on the contractor and the manufacturer. At Alpha Pro Construction the workmanship warranty on a full replacement is transferable once to a new homeowner during the warranty period. Check any other warranty for transfer terms before you rely on it.
What Warranty Does Alpha Pro Construction Offer?
A 30-year workmanship warranty on a full roof replacement, covering 100% for the full term and never prorated, transferable once. Repairs carry a 2-year workmanship warranty. The standard manufacturer limited warranty is passed through as written.
