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When you live in Texas, your roof faces a lot of challenges. Blistering summer heat, sudden hailstorms, high winds, and heavy downpours can all take a toll over time. This is why having a solid roofing warranty is not just a nice extra. It is an important safeguard for your home and your budget.
Many homeowners put most of their attention on selecting the right roofing material or style. However, the warranty that comes with it can make just as big of a difference in the long run. If a problem arises due to a product defect or an installation issue, your warranty can be the key to avoiding thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
In Texas, roofing warranties usually fall into two main categories. The first is a product warranty provided by the manufacturer. The second is a workmanship warranty offered by the contractor. Knowing the difference, understanding what is covered, and being aware of the situations that could void your protection are all essential to making a smart roofing decision.
A roof warranty is a written promise that protects a homeowner against certain problems with their roof for a specific period of time. It is essentially an agreement that if the covered issue occurs within the stated timeframe, the manufacturer or contractor will repair or replace the affected components without additional cost to you, as long as you meet the warranty’s requirements.
Roof warranties can vary widely in terms of coverage, length, and conditions. Some focus on defects in the roofing materials themselves, while others address errors made during installation. A few comprehensive options cover both.
For Texas homeowners, a roof warranty provides peace of mind in an environment where extreme heat, high winds, and hail are common. Having one in place means you’re not facing costly repairs alone if something fails prematurely or was installed incorrectly.
Your roof warranty details are usually included in the paperwork you received after installation. Look through your home improvement records, closing documents (if the roof was replaced before you purchased the home), or any files your roofing contractor provided. Many manufacturers also allow you to look up warranty details online if the product was registered at the time of installation.
If your paperwork is missing, don’t panic. Contact the roofing contractor who installed your roof—they may still have a copy of your warranty or the registration number on file. If that’s not possible, you can reach out directly to the manufacturer with the approximate installation date, product type, and installer’s name.
Yes, a reputable contractor—especially one who is certified by the manufacturer—can often help you recover warranty information. In Texas, certified contractors such as Legacy Roofing Pros have direct access to manufacturer support, which can speed up the process of locating or confirming your warranty coverage.
A roof warranty focuses on defects in materials or workmanship. If shingles curl prematurely, flashing fails due to poor installation, or a product shows manufacturing flaws, the warranty may cover repairs or replacement. Insurance, on the other hand, protects against sudden, unforeseen events—such as hailstorms, high winds, or fallen trees—that cause roof damage.
If your roof is damaged by a weather event, fire, or accident, insurance is typically your first call. A manufacturer will deny claims for damage caused by external forces outside their product’s control. For example, if hail cracks your shingles, your insurance company is the one that handles the claim, not the shingle manufacturer.
Having both a roof warranty and homeowners insurance creates a safety net that covers more scenarios. The warranty ensures your materials and workmanship meet quality standards, while insurance covers the unpredictable disasters common in Texas. Without both, you risk paying out of pocket for either weather-related damage or premature roof failures that fall outside of insurance coverage.
Roofing warranties generally fall into two main categories: manufacturer (product) warranties and workmanship (contractor) warranties. Knowing the difference helps you understand who is responsible if something goes wrong and how to get it resolved quickly.
A manufacturer warranty protects homeowners from defects in the roofing materials themselves. This type of coverage applies when the roofing product fails under normal use and weather conditions, not because of installation errors or neglect.
Examples include asphalt shingles that lose excessive granules long before their expected lifespan, composite shake that warps or cracks without extreme weather involvement, or metal roofing that rusts prematurely despite proper maintenance. In most cases, the manufacturer will either repair or replace the defective material. However, the scope of coverage can vary—some warranties pay only for the replacement materials, while others may also cover part of the labor cost for installation.
Most modern asphalt shingle warranties are marketed as “lifetime” coverage, but this can be misleading. In practice, “lifetime” usually means the length of time you own your home, and coverage terms often shift after the initial non-prorated period.
For example, the first 10–15 years may be fully covered with both labor and materials included. After that, the warranty may become prorated, meaning you receive less coverage as the roof ages. Premium roofing materials like composite slate or shake often have lifetime warranties with more favorable long-term coverage, especially when installed by certified contractors.
GAF – Offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty for its Timberline® series. Homeowners can upgrade to the Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty through a GAF Master Elite® contractor, which includes 50 years of non-prorated coverage and strong workmanship protection.
CertainTeed – Features SureStart™ protection during the early years, paired with a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Coverage increases significantly when installed by CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ contractors.
Owens Corning – Provides a Standard Product Limited Warranty and the option for a Platinum Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty, which offers longer non-prorated periods and additional workmanship coverage.
TAMKO Pro Diamond – Available only through certified contractors. Offers extended product protection, strong wind coverage, and algae resistance that lasts decades.
Atlas Roofing – Comes with a Limited Lifetime Warranty plus Scotchgard™ Protector, which defends against unsightly algae streaks.
Malarkey Roofing Products – Provides lifetime coverage with high wind ratings and Class 4 impact resistance, plus long-term algae protection.
DaVinci Roofscapes – Offers a Lifetime Limited Material Warranty on its composite slate and shake products, known for exceptional durability and color fade resistance.
IKO – Features a Limited Lifetime Warranty that includes coverage for wind damage, algae growth, and manufacturing defects, especially when installed by an IKO ShieldPRO Plus+ contractor.
A workmanship warranty protects homeowners from problems that result from installation errors or poor craftsmanship. This includes issues such as roof leaks caused by improperly installed flashing, shingles that lift or blow off due to incorrect fastening, valleys that are poorly sealed, or underlayment that is not installed according to code.
Essentially, if the problem can be traced back to how the roof was installed rather than the materials themselves, the workmanship warranty should cover the repair.
A product warranty is issued by the manufacturer and focuses on the quality and performance of the roofing materials. If shingles crack prematurely, synthetic tiles warp, or metal panels rust earlier than promised, the product warranty comes into play.
In contrast, a workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor and covers the human side of the job—how well the materials were installed. Both warranties can work together: the manufacturer ensures the product is sound, and the contractor ensures it is applied correctly.
In Texas, contractor warranties can range anywhere from one year to ten years or more. The length of coverage often reflects the roofer’s confidence in their skills and their business reputation. For example, a general handyman who installs a roof may only offer a short one-year warranty, while a highly certified roofing company may provide ten years or even lifetime workmanship coverage.
Additionally, certified contractors for brands like TAMKO Pro Diamond, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, Malarkey Emerald Premium, DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor, or IKO ShieldPRO Plus+ can offer extended workmanship warranties backed by the manufacturer, giving homeowners even more protection.
The term “lifetime” in roofing warranties often causes confusion because manufacturers and homeowners interpret it differently. Homeowners may assume “lifetime” means the product will be covered for as long as the house stands or for the rest of their lives. In reality, most manufacturers define “lifetime” as the period during which the original homeowner owns the home, and only under normal use and maintenance conditions.
This definition also allows the manufacturer to determine what “normal” means, which can vary from brand to brand. Some manufacturers also limit “lifetime” coverage if the property changes hands, reducing the warranty to a set number of years for the next owner.
The strength of a roofing warranty is heavily influenced by whether it is pro-rated or non-pro-rated.
Non-pro-rated coverage means the manufacturer will cover the full replacement cost (materials and sometimes labor) for the duration of the initial coverage period. This is usually the most valuable phase of the warranty, often lasting 10–15 years.
Pro-rated coverage means the amount the manufacturer will pay decreases over time. For example, after the non-pro-rated period ends, the manufacturer might only cover a percentage of the replacement material cost, leaving you responsible for the rest and for labor expenses.
Once the initial non-pro-rated period ends, most “lifetime” warranties begin to lose value for the homeowner. The percentage of costs covered may drop gradually each year, and certain issues—like labor costs or disposal fees—may no longer be included. At this stage, a warranty can still help offset expenses, but it rarely covers the full cost of replacement.
Some brands, however, offer extended non-pro-rated coverage if the roof was installed by a certified contractor, which can add decades of stronger protection.
Not all roofing warranties are created equal — and understanding exactly what’s covered can save you from unwelcome surprises later. While the details vary by manufacturer and contractor, most warranties are designed to protect you from specific product defects, installation mistakes, or premature roof failures. In Texas, where roofs are regularly tested by hailstorms, extreme heat, and high winds, knowing your coverage boundaries is especially important.
Most roofing warranties protect against defects in materials, installation errors, or both—depending on whether it’s a manufacturer’s product warranty or a contractor’s workmanship warranty. For example, a manufacturer’s warranty might cover premature shingle cracking or granule loss, while a workmanship warranty would address leaks caused by improper flashing or poor installation.
1. Material Defects
What it means: Protection against manufacturing flaws that cause shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials to fail sooner than expected.
Example: Shingles that lose granules excessively within the first few years or metal roofing panels that warp prematurely.
2. Wind Resistance
What it means: Coverage for shingle blow-offs up to a certain wind speed rating (often between 90–130 mph).
Example: If a certified wind-rated shingle blows off during a Texas windstorm below the warranty limit, the manufacturer may replace it.
3. Algae and Mold Growth
What it means: Streaking or discoloration caused by algae, typically covered for 10–30 years depending on the product.
Example: Atlas Scotchgard™, CertainTeed StreakFighter™, or Malarkey algae resistance coverage.
4. Impact Resistance (Optional or Premium Plans)
What it means: Some upgraded warranties protect against hail impact damage for shingles with Class 3 or Class 4 ratings.
Example: Malarkey Class 4 impact-resistant shingles may have special coverage when installed by certified contractors.
5. Workmanship Defects
What it means: Contractor-backed protection for installation errors that cause leaks, poor ventilation, or premature wear.
Example: Improper flashing installation leading to water intrusion during heavy rain.
Even strong warranties have limits. You can expect exclusions for:
Normal wear and tear over time
Damage from severe weather beyond the stated limits (like hurricanes above wind ratings)
Improper roof maintenance or neglect
Unauthorized modifications or repairs by non-approved contractors
Interior damage caused by leaks (usually handled by homeowner’s insurance instead)
Typically, no. Standard warranties don’t cover damage from hail, high winds, or other extreme weather events, since those are considered “acts of nature” and are usually handled by homeowners insurance. However, some premium manufacturer warranties include enhanced wind resistance coverage, provided the shingles were installed according to strict guidelines.
Yes. Coverage may not apply if the damage is caused by neglect, lack of maintenance, unauthorized repairs, or using non-approved materials. Always read the fine print to understand what is and isn’t covered.
In some cases, yes. Brands like GAF, Owens Corning, Malarkey, and CertainTeed offer upgraded packages that extend coverage for wind resistance, algae protection, and even impact resistance—features that are especially valuable in Texas, where hail and intense sun are common.
While a standard roofing warranty offers a baseline of protection, extended or premium warranties can provide far greater peace of mind — especially in Texas, where high heat, hailstorms, and strong winds put roofs through constant stress. These upgraded options usually extend coverage periods, expand what’s included, and may even be transferable to future homeowners.
Extended warranties are an upgrade to standard coverage, usually available through:
Certified Installation: Only available when installed by a manufacturer-certified contractor.
System Requirements: Often require a full roofing system from the same brand, including underlayment, ventilation, and accessories.
Registration: Must be registered within a specific timeframe after installation.
The big advantage is that they often include both materials and labor coverage for the entire term, meaning homeowners aren’t left covering the cost of installation if something fails.
GAF Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty – Up to 50 years on materials and 25 years on workmanship when installed by a GAF Master Elite® contractor.
CertainTeed SureStart™ PLUS – Extends non-prorated coverage up to 50 years with certified installation.
Owens Corning Platinum Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty – Covers materials and workmanship for up to 50 years when installed by a Platinum Preferred Contractor.
TAMKO Pro Certified – Diamond – Exclusive extended coverage when installed by a TAMKO Pro Certified – Diamond contractor.
Atlas Signature Select® Roofing System Warranty – Lifetime limited warranty with added benefits, such as algae protection, when installed by a certified Atlas Pro.
Malarkey Emerald Pro Warranty – Enhanced lifetime coverage for shingles with upgraded algae and impact resistance protection.
DaVinci Roofscapes Lifetime Limited Material Warranty – Lifetime coverage for composite slate and shake roofing with potential transferability.
IKO ShieldPRO Plus™ Extended Warranty – Extra protection on IKO systems when installed by certified ShieldPRO Plus™ contractors.
In a climate as challenging as Texas, premium coverage can be a wise investment. It reduces the risk of major out-of-pocket costs in the event of weather damage or material defects, and it can even boost resale value if the warranty is transferable.
If you plan to stay in your home for many years, an extended warranty can more than pay for itself by providing long-term protection. If you plan to sell sooner, the ability to transfer coverage can be an attractive selling point.
A roof warranty can give you peace of mind, but it is not a “set it and forget it” type of protection. Manufacturers and contractors often require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid. In Texas, where roofs endure scorching summers, sudden hailstorms, and strong winds, staying on top of maintenance is even more important.
Most manufacturers and contractors expect homeowners to follow a few basic maintenance steps:
Seasonal inspections to check for loose, damaged, or missing shingles.
Clearing debris from valleys, gutters, and downspouts to prevent water buildup.
Removing overhanging branches that can scrape roofing materials or drop excessive leaves.
Checking attic ventilation to prevent heat and moisture damage.
The key is to be proactive. Even small issues can escalate into bigger problems that manufacturers may claim were preventable.
You should contact a qualified roofing contractor when:
You notice lifted, cracked, or missing shingles.
Your gutters show large amounts of granule loss from asphalt shingles.
You see signs of leaks in ceilings or attic spaces.
Storm damage is visible, even if it seems minor.
Professional documentation of these inspections is essential. Many manufacturers require proof that you maintained the roof according to their guidelines. Without this, a warranty claim could be denied.
Work only with certified contractors who understand both manufacturer requirements and Texas-specific building codes. They can help you create a documented maintenance schedule, ensuring you stay compliant with warranty terms while protecting your investment.
Your roof is a long-term investment that protects your home, your family, and everything you value. A strong warranty gives you peace of mind, but only if it’s backed by quality installation, proper documentation, and ongoing care. That’s where choosing the right contractor makes all the difference.
Whether you’re looking for a new roof, need repairs after a storm, or want to explore premium warranty options, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Get started today with a free roof estimate — we’ll help you choose the right materials, ensure proper installation, and make sure your investment is protected for years to come.
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If you still have your original roofing contract or paperwork, the warranty details should be listed there. If not, you can contact the contractor who installed your roof or the manufacturer of your roofing materials. Many manufacturers, like GAF, Owens Corning, and DaVinci, allow you to look up warranty details online using your address or installation date.
Most roof warranties cover either materials (manufacturer warranty) or workmanship (contractor warranty). Material coverage handles defects in shingles or other components, while workmanship coverage addresses problems caused by installation errors.
A standard home warranty plan usually doesn’t provide the same coverage as a dedicated roof warranty. Some home warranty companies offer optional roof leak coverage, but it’s often limited to certain types of repairs and excludes full replacement.
A roof warranty protects against product defects or installation errors, while homeowners insurance covers damage caused by sudden events like storms, fire, or falling trees. They work differently and are meant to complement each other—not replace one another.
Yes. Warranties can be voided if you skip regular maintenance, use unapproved materials for repairs, fail to follow installation guidelines, or hire a non-certified contractor when certification is required.
In most cases, “lifetime” means the period you own your home, not forever in the literal sense. Coverage is usually strongest during the first 10–15 years (non-pro-rated period), after which benefits may decrease over time.
They can. Upgraded warranties from brands like GAF’s Golden Pledge®, Owens Corning’s Platinum Protection, or TAMKO Pro Diamond extend the non-pro-rated period, add labor cost coverage, and improve protection against wind, algae, and impact damage.
Material warranties often advertise lifetime coverage, but contractor workmanship warranties typically last between 1 and 10 years. Some certified installations may offer 25 years or more of workmanship coverage.
Many warranties are transferable within a specific time frame after the sale, usually 30–60 days. However, the coverage period might shorten for the new owner, and there may be a transfer fee.
Follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines, schedule annual inspections, clear debris, address small repairs promptly, and document all maintenance. Using certified contractors for any work also helps preserve coverage.
Legacy Roofing Pros is more than just a roofing company – we’re your trusted partner in safeguarding what matters most. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing top-tier roofing services that prioritize quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction