When you’re comparing different shingle roof replacement options, warranty should be at the top of your list of criteria. With our extreme weather conditions here in Minnesota it’s wise to aim for higher quality materials and skilled installation, as these typically give you better warranty protection.
There are two types of shingle roof warranties:
- Product warranties from the manufacturer
- Workmanship warranties offered by reputable roofing contractors
Learning what these warranties cover can help you make the best possible roofing choice for your home.
Manufacturers’ Warranties
Well-known manufacturers of quality roofing products like Owens Corning and GAF offer different warranty options on their shingles.
- Standard warranties — The length of a standard warranty depends on the specific shingle brand. It can vary from 20 years to limited lifetime coverage and is broken down into non-prorated and prorated periods. Initially, you’ll have non-prorated coverage for 3 to 10 years. If problems arise during this period and your manufacturer finds that the shingles were defective, they’ll supply replacements and cover the cost of installation. You’ll have pro-rated coverage for the remainder of the warranty period, where any refund or credit for defects is proportional to the time remaining.
Standard warranties don’t cover extras like flashing, ice and water shield, underlayment and vents, or labor charges for removing and disposing of the defective product. A basic warranty also don’t cover shingles that break down or fail due to improper installation.
- Upgraded warranties — Manufacturers offer different levels of upgraded warranties when one of their preferred contractors does the installation — these are roofers who’ve demonstrated a commitment to excellence in both workmanship and customer service. While the exact coverage varies between manufacturers, a mid-level warranty can provide 15 to 50 years of non-prorated coverage against defects in the roofing system, a two-year warranty on workmanship, as well as coverage for labor and tear-off costs. The most comprehensive warranties increase the workmanship coverage to 25 years and include disposal costs.
Workmanship Warranties
Workmanship warranties can vary greatly between roofing contractors. At Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows, we stand behind all of our installations with a lifetime warranty. We’re also a GAF Master Elite contractor, and one of only five Owens Corning Platinum roofing contractors in the state, so we’re able to offer some of the best roof warranties in the area.
To learn more about the different shingle roof warranties we offer, contact us today at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows.