Roof Warranties: Types, What’s Covered & What’s Not (DMV Homeowner’s Guide)
If you’ve just replaced your roof, or are planning to, you’ve probably heard a lot about roof warranties. Every roofer and manufacturer seems to promise something different, and it can get confusing pretty fast.
In the DMV area (that’s Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), where weather swings from hot summers to icy winters, a solid roof warranty can save you from expensive headaches. But here’s the thing: not all warranties cover the same stuff. Some protect materials only, others cover workmanship, and many have fine print you don’t notice until something goes wrong. What are the warranties you'll commonly see?
There are:
Manufacturer’s Material Warranty
Workmanship or Contractor’s Warranty
Extended or System Warranty
Let’s break down what’s actually covered, what isn’t, and what every DMV homeowner should look for.
Types of Roof Warranties
Before you read the fine print, you need to know the three main types of roof warranties you’ll come across.
1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty
This one comes from the company that makes your shingles or roofing materials. It protects you if the product itself fails; like if shingles crack, blister, or lose granules earlier than they should.
Typical coverage:
Defective shingles or materials
Premature wear and tear not caused by weather or poor installation
Usually lasts 20–50 years, depending on the brand
But here’s the catch: It doesn’t cover problems caused by bad installation. So, if your roofer didn’t nail the shingles right, that’s not the manufacturer’s fault.
2. Workmanship or Contractor’s Warranty
This one is from your roofing company. It guarantees the quality of their work, not the materials. If your roof starts leaking because the flashing wasn’t sealed right or shingles weren’t aligned properly, this warranty should cover the fix.
Typical coverage:
Labor or installation errors
Flashing mistakes
Poor ventilation setup
Its duration is usually between 1 and 10 years, depending on the contractor. Local DMV roofing companies often give 5–10 years, especially on full roof replacements.
3. Extended or System Warranty
Some manufacturers offer premium warranties when certified contractors install their full system (shingles, underlayment, vents, etc.). These cover both materials and workmanship, often for decades.
Benefits:
Covers both product and labor
Transferable to new homeowners
Offers longer protection (up to 50 years for some systems)
For example, DA Roofers offers a 50-year non-prorated manufacturer's warranty with CertainTeed’s SureStart PLUS 4-Star protection. Impressive right? That's why it's always good to go for a local roofer.
What’s Covered in Most Roof Warranties
Let’s make it simple. Here’s what’s usually included in a standard warranty:
✅ Manufacturer defects – If your shingles or materials were faulty from the start.
✅ Premature aging – If your roof deteriorates far sooner than expected (without outside damage).
✅ Wind protection – Some warranties cover wind damage up to a specific speed (say, 110 mph).
✅ Algae resistance – Premium shingles may include limited coverage for blue-green algae growth.
✅ Workmanship errors (if included) – When the problem clearly comes from poor installation.
What’s NOT Covered
Here’s where homeowners often get surprised. Most roof warranties don’t cover:
❌ Storm or hail damage – That’s your homeowner’s insurance, not your roof warranty.
❌ Improper installation by uncertified roofers – Always hire licensed DMV roofing contractors.
❌ Poor maintenance – If you never clean your gutters or inspect your roof, you might void your warranty.
❌ DIY repairs or modifications – Touching your roof yourself can cancel coverage.
❌ Normal wear and tear – A 20-year-old roof wearing out naturally isn’t a defect.
❌ Animal damage – Raccoons or birds tearing at your shingles? Not covered.
Why Roof Warranties Matter in the DMV
The DMV sees all types of weather; humid summers, snow loads, strong winds, and even occasional hurricanes near the coast. That mix of weather puts a lot of stress on roofs.
A good roof warranty gives you:
Peace of mind that you won’t pay twice for the same issue
Protection against manufacturing errors or faulty work
Higher home resale value (buyers love transferable warranties)
If you live in places like Silver Spring, Alexandria, or Fairfax, where tree damage and strong winds are common, a wind warranty upgrade is often worth it.
How to Make Sure Your Roof Warranty Stays Valid
You’d be surprised how easy it is to void a roof warranty without realizing it. Here are a few tips to stay covered:
1. Register your warranty - Many manufacturers require online registration within 30–60 days of installation. Remember to register the warranty.
2. Keep your receipts and paperwork - Always keep a record of who installed the roof, when, and what materials were used.
3. Get annual roof inspections - Most warranties expect regular maintenance, especially after heavy storms.
4. Hire certified contractors only - Using a non-certified roofer can instantly void manufacturer warranties.
5. Avoid adding rooftop fixtures without approval - Installing a satellite dish or solar panels later might also affect coverage. Be careful and ask around before adding them.
Roof Warranty Red Flags
Here are some red flags to watch out for before signing any paperwork:
🚩 “Pro-rated” terms — Coverage that drops over time (e.g., full coverage for 10 years, then partial afterward).
🚩 Vague exclusions — Warranties that say “acts of nature” without clear definitions.
🚩 Non-transferable — If you sell your home, the warranty ends. Try to get a transferable one.
🚩 Fine print requiring “specific materials only” — Make sure your roofer used compatible components.
Pro Tips: Ask Before You Sign
Before your new roof goes up, ask your contractor:
“What exactly is covered if there’s a leak next year?”
“Who do I call first, the manufacturer or you?”
“Is this warranty transferable if I sell my home?”
A reputable DMV roofing company will happily explain and give you written details.
Bottom Line
A roof warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it. In the DMV, where roofs battle both blazing summers and freezing winters, understanding what’s covered (and what’s not) can save you thousands.
So before you sign any paperwork, take a few minutes to read the fine print, ask questions, and make sure you’re getting both a strong roof and a strong warranty to match.
FAQs
1. Do roof warranties cover leaks?
It depends. If the leak comes from faulty installation, the contractor’s warranty might cover it. If it’s from defective materials, the manufacturer might. But leaks from storm damage or poor maintenance usually aren’t covered.
2. How long do roof warranties last?
Standard material warranties last 20–50 years, while workmanship warranties last 1–10 years. Premium system warranties can go up to 50 years.
3. Are roof warranties transferable to new homeowners?
Some are! Many major manufacturers allow a one-time transfer within a set period (often 10 years). Always confirm before selling your home.
4. Do I need a roof inspection for my warranty to stay valid?
Yes. Most warranties require regular professional inspections, usually once a year or after major storms. If you don't maintain your roof properly, it could void your warranty.
5. Who do I call if I have a roof problem; the manufacturer or the roofer?
Start with your roofing contractor. The roofer will help you know if it's a material or workmanship issue. If it’s a material issue, they can help you contact the manufacturer for a claim.