What You Need to Know About Roof Warranties

You’re spending thousands on a new roof — so what happens if something goes wrong? That’s where warranties come in. But not all warranties are created equal, and the fine print matters more than you’d think. Here’s the plain-English breakdown.

The Three Types of Roof Warranties

Manufacturer Warranty

This one covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. If your shingles start curling, cracking, or falling apart way before they should, the manufacturer will replace them. The catch? Most manufacturer warranties don’t cover labor — just the materials. So you could get free shingles but still pay someone to install them.

Workmanship Warranty

This comes from your roofing contractor — that’s us. It covers installation errors. If a leak develops because something wasn’t nailed right or flashing wasn’t sealed properly, the contractor fixes it at no charge. Workmanship warranties vary wildly — some companies offer two years, some offer a lifetime. Always ask.

Extended Warranty

Some manufacturers offer beefed-up warranties that bundle material and labor coverage together. These usually require the contractor to be factory-certified. They cost a bit more upfront but give you the most complete protection — covering materials, labor, tear-off, and sometimes even disposal.

What’s Typically Covered

• Material defects — shingles that deteriorate or fail prematurely
• Wind blow-off — shingles that come loose in high winds (if installed to spec)
• Algae resistance — staining from algae growth on shingles
• Limited labor — some manufacturer warranties include a labor provision for defective materials

What’s NOT Covered

This is where people get burned. Here’s what will void or exclude your warranty:

• Bad installation — if the roofer didn’t follow manufacturer guidelines, the manufacturer warranty is void. This is why hiring a qualified contractor matters.
• Storm damage — hail, heavy wind, fallen trees. That’s an insurance claim, not a warranty claim.
• Neglected maintenance — if you never clean your gutters and ice dams destroy your eaves, that’s on you. Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles make gutter maintenance non-optional.
• Unauthorized modifications — mounted a satellite dish or added a skylight without proper flashing? Warranty’s gone.
• Normal wear — all roofs age. A 30-year shingle fading after 25 years isn’t a defect.

How to File a Warranty Claim

1. Pull out your warranty documents and confirm the issue is actually covered.
2. Contact the manufacturer or your contractor — whoever’s warranty applies to the problem.
3. Gather your documentation — proof of purchase, installation date, photos of the damage.
4. Schedule an inspection — the warranty provider will send someone out to verify the claim.

The Bottom Line

A warranty is only as good as the contractor who installed your roof. Cheap installation voids manufacturer warranties and leaves you unprotected. Invest in a reputable, certified contractor upfront, keep up with basic maintenance, and your warranty will be there when you need it.

Need help with your roof? Call Cardinal Roofing at (801) 330-0311 or get a free estimate. We’ll make sure your new roof — and your warranty — are built to last.