Your Roof is a Big Deal. Its Paperwork Is, Too.
You did it. You bought the new roof.
What a relief! And it’s a huge investment, besides. Now you can finally breathe easily, knowing your home is secure behind (or under) new, impenetrable armor.
Hold on.
With that new roof came a packet of papers. A warranty. For homeowners across the country, that packet is stuck in a file cabinet, never read. It seems too intimidating, too full of dry legalese.
But what if we told you this packet is one of the most essential parts of your entire roofing project? What if it’s the key to your peace of mind and security for years to come?
That’s why this guide exists. We’re about to crack that packet open together and break down the jargon into simple ideas. Because at Kelbie Roofing, we don’t just want you living under our roofs—we want you to understand the warranty that protects you.
All Promises Are Not Created Equal: The Two Basic Types of Warranties
Your new roof is like a freshly baked cake. The warranty that comes with it is really two guarantees in one, both working to bring about the ideal result.
One guarantee comes from the people who made the ingredients—the flour, the sugar, the eggs. The cake will fail, no matter how skilled the baker, if the flour is bad. The next guarantee is from the baker who assembled it all properly. The cake could still fail if the ingredients were perfect but the baker ruined it.
1. Manufacturer’s Warranty (The Ingredients)
The manufacturer’s warranty is from the company producing your roofing material, like Owens Corning or GAF. This warranty is for the materials themselves. It’s their guarantee that their product left the factory in perfect condition. A defect is anything that happened during manufacturing that causes the product not to function as intended.
This type of warranty typically covers:
- Shingles: This includes standard asphalt shingles, thicker and trendier architectural shingles, and even premium shingles like slate.
- Underlayment: The layer of protection between shingles and the roof deck; the second line of defense against water.
- Accessories: This includes items like starter shingles, which provide a clean, linear edge for your roof and help withstand wind uplift.
What it won’t cover is the most critical thing to remember: installation errors. If the roofing material is flawless but was installed incorrectly, this warranty won’t do you any good. That’s where the second warranty kicks in.
2. The Workmanship Warranty (The Baker)
This warranty is from your roofer. They are also known as contractor warranties.
The workmanship warranty is the installer’s guarantee of their work. It covers problems resulting from the roof’s installation. The most expensive, advanced materials on the planet will be compromised if they are installed with anything less than exacting precision. This is your protection against problems like:
- Leaks caused by improper installation.
- Shingles removed by a storm because of improper nail placement.
- Flashing (the strips of metal that seal joints and corners) that is improperly installed, which is one of the most common causes of leaks.
This type of warranty is a reflection of the faith a roofing company has in the quality of their workmanship.
We have been in the roofing business for five generations of Kelbie Roofing family ownership. Our word, our craftsmanship, is our legacy. We believe that a contractor’s craftsmanship for the roof is the starting point for a safe home, and that’s why with each nail and each shingle, we stand behind our work. That philosophy is infused in every project we complete.
A Closer Look: From “Standard” to “Lifetime Warranty”
Now that you know the two broad categories, let’s go over the levels of protection available. Not all warranties are alike, and it’s worth taking the time to learn the differences to potentially save you thousands of dollars.
Standard and Extended Warranties
Most products carry a standard warranty. That’s the minimum protection. It’s only good for a particular period of time and often loses value over the years. This is known as proration. For example, if a shingle is damaged in year two, the warranty might provide 100% of its replacement cost. Yet, if that same shingle fails in year twelve, proration could mean you’re only provided with 30% of its value, and you’ll have to pay the difference.
An extended warranty, however, is a major step up.
To be eligible for this enhanced protection, you need to install a complete roof system from one manufacturer. In other words, you can’t mix brands. You need to install their specific shingles, their engineered underlayment, their ridge cap shingles (often called ridge shingles), and all of their other accessories.
Manufacturers do this because they’ve engineered these pieces to work together. When installed as one complete roof system, they can provide a much greater warranty with certainty. By doing this, the manufacturer will grant you superior extended warranty coverage. This could be non-prorated protection for a longer term or even cover the roofing contractor’s workmanship.
The Truth About a “Lifetime Warranty”
Lifetime warranty—doesn’t that sound great? It is, however, one of the most deceptive terms in the roofing field.
“Lifetime” almost NEVER means your lifetime.
You need to read the fine print. A lifetime warranty is usually a limited warranty, and it often only applies for a specific period of time that the manufacturer defines (e.g., 50 years). It is for the original owner, and the protection often diminishes with age. Some lifetime warranties are also non-transferable. When you sell your home, the new buyer might have no warranty coverage at all, which could be a disadvantage.
The best way to get as close to lifetime protection as possible is with an upper-level extended warranty. Read through the terms of the warranty carefully, and you will see it offers the most extensive, long-term protection for your home.
Your Role in the Promise: How to Maintain Your Warranty
A warranty is a partnership. The roofing contractor and manufacturer make the promise, but you have a small but significant role in maintaining it.
1. Register Your Warranty
Once your roof replacement is complete, you will receive documents. The most important thing you need to do is fill out and return the registration form promptly. Most manufacturers require this within 60 or 90 days. If you don’t, you could forfeit your extended warranty coverage. Keep your proof of purchase for materials and your contract with your roofer in a safe place. This is your key to all manufacturer warranties.
2. Perform Regular Inspections
Roofs deal with it all: sun, rain, wind, and snow. To remain effective, most warranties require regular inspections. An inspection can spot potential problems while they’re small, before they lead to extensive roof damage and expensive fixes. A pro will look for broken seals on pipes, debris clogging the valleys, and any shingle deterioration that could be a problem.
This is a simple way to protect your warranty. Such inspections can be done by a team you trust, like Kelbie Roofing, who can give you a straightforward report and keep your roofing material warranty in top condition.
3. Act Quickly and Carefully
If you see any sign of a problem, like leaks or loose shingles, don’t wait. And don’t just call any handyman. A poor repair from someone who isn’t certified can void your entire warranty. Even a small patch job with the wrong materials or methods can give the manufacturer grounds to deny a large claim down the line. Instead, call a professional who is qualified to work on your specific type of warranty and roofing material.
The Right Partner Makes All the Difference
The simple secret is that a warranty is only as good as the people who install your roof. The biggest decision you will face is choosing your roofing contractor. An experienced contractor makes sure your roof system is installed to the manufacturer’s exact specifications. Your contractor is your guide, navigating the requirements to make sure your roof qualifies for the highest level of protection. This is what opens the door to superior extended warranty coverage and provides you with real security.
The Kelbie Roofing Advantage
When you choose Kelbie Roofing, you’re not just hiring a crew—you’re hiring a team that genuinely cares about your home. We’re manufacturer-certified, which enables us to offer complete coverage with the best roofing warranties in the industry. We guide you through your options, help you select the perfect roofing products for your new roof, and stand behind the quality of our workmanship. We want your roof to be beautiful and long-lasting, supported by a commitment you can trust.
Your Peace of Mind Is Your True Investment
So, what is a roof warranty?
It’s a guarantee on the roofing material and the workmanship of the installation. It’s a contract where the fine print really matters. And it’s one where you have a responsibility to care for your home.
Your roof protects what’s most valuable to you. Understanding its warranty is how you turn that substantial investment into lasting peace of mind. It’s the final, crucial step in any roofing project that will protect you from surprise problems or shelling out extra dollars down the road. A great warranty isn’t just paper; it’s the feeling of being safe and secure, come sun or storm.
Ready to start your project with experts who put your protection first? Let’s build a roof and a commitment that will stand the test of time. For complete coverage and expert service, contact Kelbie Roofing today. Find our contact information on our website, or email us to schedule a complimentary, no-pressure consultation.