Understanding Roof Warranties: Workmanship vs. Manufacturer Coverage
A new roof comes with two warranties, and most homeowners don't find out what they cover until they need them. Here's how roof warranties work, what Owens Corning's shingle warranty covers and excludes, and what to ask before you sign. We use Owens Corning as the example because we're an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor; other manufacturers' terms differ.
- A new roof has two warranties: the manufacturer's warranty on the materials, and the contractor's workmanship warranty on the installation.
- Owens Corning's standard warranty covers manufacturing defects. Early on, during the TRU PROtection period, it includes labor; after that, coverage is prorated and labor isn't covered.
- It doesn't cover hail, winds above the rated speed, improper installation, poor ventilation, or damage from later changes like solar panels or power washing.
- Get the workmanship warranty in writing, and ask how long it lasts and whether it transfers if you sell.
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What Are the Two Types of Roof Warranty?
The manufacturer's material warranty, which covers defects in the shingles and components, and the contractor's workmanship warranty, which covers mistakes in the installation.
Manufacturer warranty
From the company that made the shingles and components. It covers manufacturing defects, under the terms in the written warranty document.
Workmanship warranty
From your roofing contractor. It covers installation errors, like a leak from flashing installed wrong. Its length and terms are set by the contractor, so they vary the most.
The two don't overlap much. Owens Corning's warranty specifically excludes improper or faulty installation, which is exactly what a workmanship warranty is for.
What Does an Owens Corning Shingle Warranty Cover?
Manufacturing defects. On a single-family home, "limited lifetime" means coverage for as long as you own the home. During the TRU PROtection period at the start, Owens Corning covers the materials and the labor to repair or replace defective products; after it ends, compensation is prorated and labor isn't covered.
| Period | What's covered |
|---|---|
| TRU PROtection period | Defective shingles and components, plus the labor to repair, replace, or recover them. Not non-Owens Corning underlayment, metalwork, or flashing, and not tear-off or disposal |
| Prorated period | Prorated compensation for the cost of defective products, based on years of use. No labor or other costs |
| Wind | Blow-off is covered after the shingles have sealed, up to the wind speed listed for your shingle. Sealing needs several days of warm, direct sun |
The length of the TRU PROtection period depends on the warranty and the shingle, and it's listed in your warranty's information table.
What Isn't Covered by a Roof Warranty?
Owens Corning's warranty lists examples that aren't covered, including storms, installation mistakes, ventilation problems, and later changes to the roof. Read your own warranty document for the full list.
- Hail, strong storms, and winds above the shingle's rated speed. That's an insurance matter, not a warranty one. See how to file a roof insurance claim in Idaho
- Ice damming above the area covered by leak barriers or flashing
- Improper or faulty installation, or installation that doesn't follow Owens Corning's instructions and local building codes
- Damage from improper or inadequate roof ventilation or drainage, or unvented attics. See our roof ventilation guide
- Foot traffic, and objects like branches falling on the roof
- Non-Owens Corning products, such as metal work, counterflashing, failed nails, or pipe boots
- Later changes: structural changes, equipment or solar panel installation, power washing, painting, coatings, or cleaning solutions not in line with Owens Corning's algae removal instructions
- Pre-existing conditions, like a chimney with cracked mortar or poorly installed gutters
Before you add solar or clean the roofCheck your warranty first. Installing solar panels, power washing, painting, and coatings are all listed as alterations that aren't covered.
What Is an Extended or System Warranty?
Owens Corning's extended warranties go beyond the standard one. Only its Preferred and Platinum Preferred Contractors can provide them, and they require Owens Corning components, such as hip and ridge shingles and underlayment, not only shingles.
Contractors are authorized, but not obligated, to provide an extended warranty, so ask before installation. See what an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor means.
Does a Roof Warranty Transfer When You Sell Your Home?
Owens Corning's warranty can transfer once, to the buyer, if they contact Owens Corning within 60 days of the sale. If the transfer happens after the TRU PROtection period has ended, coverage for the new owner drops to a 2-year period.
Owens Corning asks for proof of purchase, the installation date and ownership history, proof of ownership, and a transfer fee of upwards of $100, depending on the warranty. Workmanship warranties vary by contractor, so ask whether yours transfers. If you're buying a home, see our roof inspection guide for home buyers.
What Should You Ask About Warranties Before You Sign?
Which manufacturer warranty you'll get, whether it's standard or extended, how long the workmanship warranty lasts and what it covers, whether either one transfers, and who you call if something goes wrong.
- Which manufacturer warranty will my roof have, standard or extended, and will you register it?
- How long is your workmanship warranty, what does it cover, and is it in writing?
- Does either warranty transfer if I sell?
- What would void my coverage?
- Who do I call with a claim, you or the manufacturer?
Getting a new roof? See our roof replacement service or our complete guide to a new roof in North Idaho. We'll go over every warranty option, in writing, before you sign anything.
Questions About Warranties? We'll Explain Everything.
We'll walk you through the manufacturer and workmanship warranties for your roof, in writing, before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a manufacturer and a workmanship warranty?
The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the shingles and components. The workmanship warranty comes from your contractor and covers installation errors. Owens Corning's warranty specifically excludes improper installation.
Does a roof warranty cover labor?
Owens Corning's standard warranty covers the labor to repair or replace defective products during the TRU PROtection period. After that, compensation is prorated and labor isn't covered.
Does a roof warranty cover hail or storm damage?
No. Owens Corning's warranty excludes hail, strong storms, and winds above the shingle's rated speed. Storm damage is a homeowners insurance matter.
What can void or limit a roof warranty?
Owens Corning's warranty doesn't cover improper installation, inadequate ventilation, or later changes such as solar panel installation, power washing, painting, or coatings. Read your warranty document for the full list.
Can I transfer my roof warranty if I sell my house?
Owens Corning's warranty can transfer once if the buyer contacts Owens Corning within 60 days of the sale. After the TRU PROtection period has ended, the new owner's coverage drops to 2 years. Ask your contractor whether the workmanship warranty transfers.
About this guide. Written by Lakeview Roofing & Restoration, a family-owned roofing company in Rathdrum, Idaho, and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor with HAAG certified inspectors. Facts in this guide were checked against the sources listed below.