What Does a Roof Warranty Actually Cover?

The short answer

A roof warranty covers only what its written terms say, and a new roof often comes with two different promises: one from the shingle maker about the product, and one from the roofer about the installation, if the roofer offers one. Federal rules say a written warranty on a consumer product costing more than $15 must spell out, in one document, what's covered and excluded, what the company will do, how long it lasts, and the steps to make a claim (16 CFR 701.3). Read those parts before you sign the roofing contract.

Two promises, two companies

You might think "the roof has a warranty" means one company covers everything. Often it doesn't.

• The product warranty. This is the shingle or roofing manufacturer's written promise about its materials. The manufacturer decides what it covers.
• The installation (workmanship) promise. This comes from the roofing company, if it offers one. It's only as good as what's written in your contract.

Ask each one the same question: "If the roof leaks, who do I call, and what will you pay for?"

Does federal warranty law apply to a roof?

It can. The FTC's rules say roofing bought as part of a home repair or improvement counts as a "consumer product," just like siding or storm windows (16 CFR 700.1(e)). The same rule says roofing that's already built into a home sold as real estate is not.

When the rules apply, a written warranty must disclose, among other things:

• Who it covers, if it's limited to the original buyer. That matters if you might sell the house.
• Which parts are covered, and which are excluded.
• What the company will do if there's a defect, and what it won't pay for.
• When coverage starts and how long it lasts.
• How to make a claim, including who handles it and how to reach them.

If the company requires you to mail back a registration card for coverage to work, the warranty must say so (16 CFR 701.4). Federal rules also require sellers to make warranty terms available before you buy (16 CFR 702.3).

Questions to ask before you sign

1. Can I read the manufacturer's warranty now? Ask for the actual document, not a brochure.
2. What does the roofer promise on installation, and for how long? Get it in the contract. The FTC says that if a salesperson makes a spoken promise, you should get it in writing (FTC: Warranties).
3. Is there anything I have to register or file? Note any deadline.
4. Does it transfer if I sell the house?
5. What could void it? Ask the company to point to the exclusions in writing.

Keep a copy of every agreement and warranty. The Texas Department of Insurance gives the same advice after storms: get bids in writing and keep copies of all agreements and warranty terms (TDI).

Where warranties fit with the rest of the contract

A warranty is one part of a good roofing contract. Our posts on signing a roofing contract at home and homestead roof contracts and liens cover other terms to check. Texas has no state roofing license, as we explain in do roofers need a license in Texas?, so the written contract carries a lot of weight.

A warranty usually isn't home insurance. Storm damage claims run through your insurer.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Read your own warranty, and ask the company that issued it how it applies to you.

Bottom line

A roof warranty covers only what it says in writing, and the shingle maker and the roofer may each promise different things. Read both before you sign, get spoken promises written into the contract, and keep copies.

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