A new roof usually carries two warranties: a manufacturer warranty on the shingles, often marketed as limited lifetime but prorated after the first years, and a workmanship warranty from the contractor on the installation. Certified installers can offer upgraded system warranties that last much longer and cover both.
By the Roofing & Gutter Ethics team. Updated November 2026.
Manufacturer warranty
This covers defects in the shingles themselves. Many architectural shingles carry a limited lifetime warranty, but coverage is usually full only for an initial period and prorated after that, meaning it pays less every year. It does not cover installation mistakes.
Workmanship warranty
This is the contractor’s promise on the installation: flashing, nailing, ventilation, the details that actually cause most leaks. Terms vary widely, from a year or two to much longer. Get it in writing, and pay attention to who is standing behind it. A warranty is only as good as the company that will still be around to honor it.
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Book a free inspectionUpgraded system warranties
Shingle makers certify certain contractors to install a full system: their shingles, underlayment, starter, ridge and ventilation together. Those roofs can qualify for extended warranties that last decades and cover both materials and labor. We are CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified, which gives our customers access to that coverage. See our warranty.
What can void a roof warranty
- Installation that ignores the manufacturer’s instructions
- Poor attic ventilation that overheats the shingles
- Mixing products from different manufacturers in a system warranty
- Gutter guards slid under or screwed through the first course of shingles
- Pressure washing the roof
- Not registering the warranty, or not transferring it when the house sells