How long is a new roof under warranty?
Short answer. A new shingle roof usually has two warranties with different lengths: the manufacturer's limited warranty on the shingles, which for architectural shingles is commonly marketed as lifetime for the original owner with a non-prorated period of around 10 years at the start, and the contractor's workmanship warranty, which can run anywhere from a year or two to several decades. Enhanced manufacturer system warranties can extend the non-prorated period further.
The manufacturer warranty
- "Lifetime" has a definition. It usually means as long as the original individual owner owns a single-family home. Other owners and building types get a fixed term.
- Non-prorated period. During the first years, covered defects are handled without reduction for age. After that, coverage is prorated, so it shrinks each year.
- Separate terms often apply to wind and algae resistance.
- Enhanced system warranties, available through certified contractors using the maker's accessories, extend the non-prorated period and may add labor coverage.
The workmanship warranty
This is the contractor's promise that the roof was installed correctly. It matters more than many homeowners realize, because most early problems, such as leaks at flashing, shingles nailed high, or missing starter at the rakes, are installation issues that manufacturer warranties exclude. Terms vary enormously, so get the length and what it covers in writing. Robust Roofing backs its installations with a 50-year labor warranty on workmanship.
What no roof warranty covers
- Hail, wind, falling trees and other storm damage, which are insurance matters.
- Damage from poor attic ventilation or later modifications by others.
- Normal weathering.
Keep it usable
Save the contract, the invoice naming the shingle line and install date, and any registration certificate. See roofing warranties explained and how long a roof lasts in Georgia.