What do roof warranties on new homes cover, and what do they miss?
Short answer. Roof warranties on new homes usually cover installation defects for a short builder period and manufacturing defects in the shingles for much longer. They do not cover storm damage, which is an insurance matter, and problems found after the builder period, like poor ventilation or missing flashing, often fall to the homeowner.
Common new home roof problems
- High nailing. Nails placed above the manufacturer's nailing line can let shingles slide or blow off. This is installation, so it is a builder warranty item while that warranty lasts.
- Missing kickout flashing at roof to wall corners, which sends water behind siding and into wall framing.
- Unsealed shingles from winter installs, which can lift in the first strong spring winds before the sun seals them.
- Inadequate ventilation, such as soffit vents blocked by insulation, which cooks shingles and can affect manufacturer coverage.
- Bath fans venting into the attic, which adds moisture under the deck.
- Mixed shingle lots that show slight color differences across the roof.
Who pays for what
- During the builder period: installation defects go to the builder.
- After it: installation defects generally become the owner's cost unless an enhanced manufacturer warranty with workmanship coverage was registered.
- Shingle defects: the manufacturer's limited warranty, for its stated term.
- Hail, wind and fallen trees: your homeowners insurance, minus your deductible.
How to protect yourself
Get the shingle line and installer name at closing, inspect before the builder period ends, and keep everything in writing. See roofing warranties explained, and for wind exposure in the first year, wind damage to roofs in Georgia.