What does an example roof warranty agreement include?
Short answer. A solid roof warranty agreement names the parties and property, states when coverage starts and how long it lasts, spells out what is covered and excluded, and explains how to make a claim and whether coverage transfers. It should also say how the contractor's workmanship coverage relates to the manufacturer's warranty on the materials.
Example outline
- Parties and property. The contractor's legal name and address, the homeowner, and the property address.
- Work covered. A reference to the contract or invoice describing the roof installed, including the shingle brand and line.
- Start date. Usually completion or final payment. Know which one.
- Term. The number of years of workmanship coverage.
- What is covered. Leaks and failures caused by installation errors, such as improper nailing, flashing or underlayment.
- Exclusions. Storm damage, falling trees, foot traffic by others, work by other trades like satellite or solar installers, alterations, lack of maintenance, and pre-existing structural problems.
- Homeowner duties. Notify in writing within a set time after discovering a problem, allow access, and limit further damage, for example with a tarp.
- Remedy. Repair or replacement of the defective work, and whether interior damage is included or excluded.
- Claims process. Who to contact, how, and the response time.
- Transfer. Whether coverage passes to a buyer, and any notice or fee.
- Manufacturer warranty. A statement that material coverage is provided separately by the manufacturer.
Read the exclusions twice
Most disputes come from exclusions and notice deadlines, not from the headline term. A long warranty with broad exclusions can be worth less than a shorter one with clear coverage.
This outline is general information, not legal advice. For the bigger picture see roofing warranties explained and how to choose a roofing contractor in Georgia.