From The Rooftop

You've just invested thousands into a new roof or major repairs. Your contractor hands you a warranty packet sometimes two or three different warranties. You flip through pages of legal language about coverage, exclusions, prorations, and transferability. What does it all actually mean for your Whidbey Island home?

The Two Types of Warranties

Every roofing project typically comes with two separate warranties, and understanding the difference is crucial:

1. Manufacturer's Material Warranty

This covers defects in the roofing materials themselves shingles, underlayment, flashing materials, etc. If your shingles prematurely crack, lose granules, or fail due to manufacturing defects, this warranty kicks in.

Typical coverage: 25-50 years for shingles, 30+ years for metal roofing

Important details:

- Often prorated after the initial period (usually 10 years)

- Covers material replacement, NOT labor

- May be transferable to a new homeowner (sometimes for a fee)

- Wind and impact resistance guarantees vary by product

2. Workmanship Warranty

This is from your roofing contractor and covers installation errors. If your roof leaks because flashing wasn't installed correctly or shingles weren't nailed properly, this warranty applies.

Typical coverage: 1-10 years depending on the contractor

Important details:

- Only as good as the contractor's stability (they need to still be in business)

- Usually covers both materials and labor for repairs

- Not transferable to new homeowners

- Specific to installation-related failures, not material defects

What's Usually NOT Covered

Reading the fine print reveals significant exclusions that catch homeowners off guard:

Wind and Storm Damage

Standard warranties often don't cover storm damage. That's what your homeowner's insurance is for. However, some premium shingles include wind warranties up to 130 mph.

Moss and Algae

Our damp Whidbey Island climate is perfect for moss growth. While some shingles have algae-resistant properties, most warranties don't cover damage from neglected moss accumulation. Regular maintenance is your responsibility.

Improper Ventilation

If your attic doesn't have proper ventilation, heat and moisture can prematurely age your roof. Manufacturers will void warranties if ventilation doesn't meet their specifications.

Ice Damming

Common on the island during cold snaps, ice dams result from heat loss and poor attic insulation. Damage from ice dams typically isn't covered.

Acts of God

Falling trees, earthquakes, extreme weather events these are explicitly excluded from most roofing warranties.

Foot Traffic Damage

If someone walking on your roof damages it (even for maintenance like chimney cleaning), warranties usually don't cover it.

The Proration Problem

Here's where many homeowners feel misled. A "50-year warranty" sounds comprehensive, but read closer. Most warranties are only fully covered for the first 10-15 years. After that, coverage is prorated.

Example: You have a defective shingle at year 20 of a "50-year warranty." The warranty is now 40% prorated. The manufacturer covers 60% of material costs. You pay for 40% of materials PLUS 100% of labor. That "free replacement" might still cost you $2,000-4,000.

Questions to Ask Your Roofer

Before signing any roofing contract:

1. How long is your workmanship warranty?

2. Does your warranty cover both materials and labor?

3. What specific scenarios void the warranty?

4. Are there maintenance requirements to keep the warranty valid?

5. What happens if your company is sold or closes?

6. Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?

Protecting Your Investment

Warranties are important, but they're not magic shields. Protect your roof investment by:

- Scheduling annual inspections

- Keeping gutters clean

- Removing moss and debris promptly

- Ensuring proper attic ventilation

- Documenting everything with photos

- Keeping all warranty paperwork organized

- Responding quickly to any issues

The Rob The Roofer Difference

We provide a comprehensive 5-year workmanship warranty covering both materials and labor on our installations. We'll walk you through the manufacturer warranties for the specific materials we're recommending for your project, and we're always here to help you navigate a warranty claim if issues arise.

Got questions about your existing roof warranty or want to understand what's covered on your next project? Call us at (360) 632-1633. We believe in transparency you should know exactly what you're getting.