What Does a Roofing Warranty Cover? Complete Guide (2026)

You just spent $12,000 to $25,000 on a new roof. The contractor hands you a folder with warranty documents and tells you that you are covered for 30 years. You feel good about it and file the paperwork away. Then five years later, a leak appears around a pipe penetration, and you call the manufacturer only to learn that your warranty does not cover that type of failure. Or worse, the warranty has been voided because your attic ventilation was not up to spec.

This scenario plays out constantly in Pinellas County and across Florida. The problem is not that roofing warranties are scams. Most are legitimate and provide real value. The problem is that homeowners do not understand what their warranty actually covers, what it excludes, and what actions can void the coverage entirely.

This guide explains the three types of roofing warranties in detail, what each one covers and does not cover, what actions void your coverage, how warranty transfers work, and the Florida-specific considerations that affect your warranty as a Pinellas County homeowner.

The Three Types of Roofing Warranties

Every roofing project involves up to three separate warranties, each covering different aspects of the roof system. Understanding which warranty covers what is essential to knowing your actual protection.

Manufacturer Warranty: What It Really Covers

The manufacturer warranty is the one printed on the shingle packaging and described in the brochure. It is the warranty that the salesperson will highlight when selling you a 30 or 50 year shingle. It is also the warranty that covers the least in practical terms.

What Is Covered

A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing material itself. Specifically:

• Manufacturing defects: Flaws in the shingle that were present when it left the factory, such as improper asphalt saturation, defective fiberglass mat, or inadequate adhesive strip application
• Premature material failure: Shingles that crack, split, curl, or lose granules significantly faster than the normal weathering rate for the product and climate
• Algae discoloration (on products with algae resistance): If the shingle is marketed with algae-resistant granules and develops significant algae staining within the warranty period, the manufacturer may cover replacement
• Wind blow-off (within rated speed): If the shingles blow off in winds below their rated speed when installed according to manufacturer instructions, the manufacturer warranty may cover the replacement material

What Is NOT Covered

The list of exclusions in a typical manufacturer warranty is significantly longer than the list of inclusions. Common exclusions include:

• Installation errors: If the shingles were not installed according to the manufacturer's instructions, the warranty is void. This includes wrong nailing pattern, incorrect nail placement, missing starter strips, and improper flashing details.
• Storm damage: Hail, wind above the rated speed, falling trees, and flying debris are not covered. These are insurance claims, not warranty claims.
• Normal weathering: Gradual granule loss, color fading, and minor surface changes that occur naturally over time are considered normal wear and are excluded.
• Ventilation-related failures: If the attic ventilation does not meet the manufacturer's requirements (typically 1 square foot of net free ventilation per 150 square feet of attic floor, or 1:300 with balanced intake and exhaust), the warranty is void.
• Structural movement: Settling, cracking, or movement of the building structure that causes roof problems is excluded.
• Labor costs: Most standard manufacturer warranties cover only the replacement material, not the labor to install it. A $300 to $500 material claim that requires $2,000 in labor to fix leaves you paying the difference.

Prorated vs Non-Prorated Coverage

Most manufacturer warranties are prorated after an initial non-prorated period. Here is how that works in practice:

A typical "lifetime" or "50-year" shingle warranty provides non-prorated coverage for the first 10 to 15 years. During this period, if the manufacturer determines the shingles have a covered defect, they will provide replacement material at no cost (though you still pay labor in most cases).

After the non-prorated period, coverage switches to prorated. The manufacturer pays a decreasing percentage of the replacement material cost based on how many years have passed. By year 20 to 25, the prorated coverage may only reimburse 20 to 30% of the current material cost. By year 30 to 40, the reimbursement may be negligible.

This means that a "50-year warranty" does not mean you get a free roof if it fails in year 35. It means you might get 10 to 15% of the material cost covered, with no labor, while needing to fund a complete replacement yourself. The marketing duration of the warranty is far more generous than the actual financial protection it provides.

Workmanship Warranty: The One That Matters Most

The workmanship warranty is issued by the roofing contractor who installs your roof. It covers errors and deficiencies in the installation process. In the real world, the vast majority of roofing problems within the first 10 years are caused by installation errors, not material defects. This makes the workmanship warranty the most valuable warranty you will receive.

What Is Covered

A workmanship warranty typically covers:

• Improper nailing: Nails placed too high, too low, overdriven, underdriven, or in the wrong pattern
• Flashing errors: Improperly installed step flashing, counter flashing, valley flashing, or drip edge
• Underlayment problems: Incorrectly lapped underlayment, missed areas, or improper sealing of the secondary water resistance barrier
• Vent and penetration sealing: Leaks around pipe boots, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations due to improper flashing or sealant application
• Valley and ridge installation: Misaligned valleys, improperly cut shingles, or incorrectly installed ridge caps
• Starter strip issues: Missing or improperly placed starter strips that allow wind to lift the first course of shingles

Duration and Reliability

Workmanship warranty durations vary widely by contractor:

• Budget contractors: 1 to 2 years (barely covers the break-in period)
• Mid-range contractors: 5 to 10 years (reasonable protection)
• Premium contractors: 10 to 15 years or even lifetime workmanship (best protection)

The critical issue with workmanship warranties is that they are only as good as the contractor who stands behind them. If the contractor goes out of business (which happens frequently in the roofing industry), the workmanship warranty is worthless paper. This is why choosing an established contractor with a long track record in Pinellas County is essential. A 10-year workmanship warranty from a company that has been in business for 20 years is far more valuable than a "lifetime" warranty from a company that opened last year.

Enhanced/System Warranties: The Gold Standard

Enhanced warranties (called different things by different manufacturers) represent the most comprehensive roofing warranty available. They are issued by the manufacturer but cover both material defects and installation workmanship. This eliminates the gap between manufacturer and contractor warranties that leaves homeowners exposed.

How They Work

To qualify for an enhanced warranty, two conditions must be met:

1. Certified installer: The roof must be installed by a contractor who holds the manufacturer's factory certification. Each major manufacturer has its own certification program (GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, etc.). These programs require the contractor to meet ongoing training, licensing, insurance, and quality standards.
2. Matching system components: The entire roof system must use components from the same manufacturer: shingles, starter strips, underlayment, hip and ridge caps, ventilation products, and sometimes even the deck adhesive. Mixing brands disqualifies the warranty.

What Enhanced Warranties Cover

When both conditions are met, the manufacturer issues a warranty that covers:

• All material defects (same as the standard manufacturer warranty)
• All installation workmanship errors (backed by the manufacturer, not just the contractor)
• Labor costs for warranty repairs (unlike the standard warranty which excludes labor)
• Extended non-prorated period (typically 25 years non-prorated instead of 10 to 15)
• Wind damage up to the rated speed (some enhanced warranties cover wind damage regardless of cause)

Major Manufacturer Enhanced Warranty Programs

The enhanced warranty is worth pursuing if you are investing in a quality roof on your Pinellas County home. The typical cost premium for using a certified installer with matching system components is $500 to $2,000 above a non-certified installation, but the warranty upgrade provides $5,000 to $15,000 or more in additional coverage value over the life of the roof.

What Voids a Roofing Warranty

Understanding what voids your warranty is just as important as understanding what it covers. Here are the most common warranty-voiding actions and conditions, ranked roughly by how frequently they cause warranty denials in Florida.

1. Improper Attic Ventilation

This is the single most common reason roofing warranty claims are denied in Florida. Every major shingle manufacturer requires adequate attic ventilation as a condition of their warranty. The standard requirement is a balanced system with at least 1 square foot of net free ventilation area per 150 square feet of attic floor space (or 1:300 with proper balance between intake and exhaust vents).

In Pinellas County, many older homes were built with inadequate ventilation by today's standards. Small gable vents, blocked soffit vents, or missing ridge vents are common. When these homes get a new roof without ventilation upgrades, the manufacturer can deny any future warranty claim based on the ventilation deficiency.

The fix is straightforward. During a roof replacement, have the contractor assess the existing ventilation and bring it to the manufacturer's requirements. This typically involves adding or upgrading ridge vent, ensuring soffit vents are open and have proper baffles, and removing any turbine or power vents that create imbalanced airflow (which can actually worsen the problem). The cost to upgrade ventilation during a re-roof is $300 to $1,200. Compared to a voided warranty worth thousands, this is one of the best investments in the project.

2. Unauthorized Repairs

Having someone other than the original installing contractor (or a manufacturer- authorized service provider) work on your roof can void the warranty. This catches many homeowners off guard. A well-meaning handyman who patches a leak, a satellite installer who drills through the roofing, or a different roofing company that replaces a section can all void your warranty if the work is not authorized by the warranty issuer.

Before allowing anyone to work on your roof, check your warranty terms and contact the original installer or manufacturer. Many warranties allow authorized repairs as long as they are performed by a licensed roofing contractor and the warranty holder is notified.

3. Pressure Washing

Pressure washing asphalt shingles is one of the fastest ways to void your warranty and damage your roof simultaneously. High-pressure water strips the protective granules from the shingle surface, exposing the asphalt to UV radiation and accelerating degradation. Every major shingle manufacturer explicitly prohibits pressure washing in their warranty terms.

In Pinellas County, where algae and mildew growth on roofs is common due to the humidity, homeowners are tempted to pressure wash for cosmetic reasons. The proper alternative is a low-pressure chemical treatment using a sodium hypochlorite solution (similar to pool bleach), which kills algae without damaging the shingles. This method is allowed by most manufacturers and recommended by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA).

4. Improper Installation of Rooftop Equipment

Solar panels, satellite dishes, antennas, and rooftop HVAC equipment all require penetrations through the roofing surface. If these penetrations are not sealed properly or if the installation method is not approved by the roofing manufacturer, the warranty can be voided for the affected area or the entire roof.

Solar panel installations are particularly relevant in Pinellas County, where the solar adoption rate is growing rapidly. If you plan to add solar panels to a new roof, discuss this with your roofing contractor before installation. Some manufacturers have specific approved methods for solar racking attachment that maintain the warranty. Others require the solar installer to obtain a letter of approval from the manufacturer before proceeding.

5. Foot Traffic and Physical Damage

Walking on asphalt shingles, especially in hot weather when the asphalt is soft, causes granule displacement and can crack or break shingle tabs. Warranties typically exclude damage caused by foot traffic, falling objects, or impact from any source.

In Florida, where rooftop inspections are common (insurance inspectors, home inspectors, contractors), minimizing foot traffic on the roof is important. When inspections are necessary, they should be conducted in the cooler morning hours and the inspector should walk on the lower portion of each shingle (near the butt edge) rather than on the exposed tabs.

6. Failure to Maintain

Most warranties include a "reasonable maintenance" clause that requires the homeowner to keep the roof in serviceable condition. This includes:

• Keeping gutters clean and free of debris
• Trimming tree branches that overhang the roof
• Removing leaves, pine needles, and other organic debris that trap moisture
• Addressing minor issues (loose flashing, cracked pipe boots) before they cause secondary damage
• Ensuring attic ventilation remains functional (vents not blocked by insulation or storage)

Failure to perform basic maintenance can give the manufacturer or contractor grounds to deny a warranty claim, arguing that the damage was caused by neglect rather than a product or workmanship defect.

Warranty Transfer: What Happens When You Sell

A transferable roof warranty adds real value to your home when selling in Pinellas County. Buyers are increasingly aware of roof age and warranty status, and a transferable warranty with remaining coverage can be a meaningful selling point. Here is how transfers work for each warranty type.

The key takeaway: if you are selling your Pinellas County home, transfer the warranty before closing. If you are buying, verify that the warranty was transferred to you and register with the manufacturer. Many warranty claims are denied simply because the transfer paperwork was never completed.

Florida-Specific Warranty Considerations

Florida's climate, building code, and insurance environment create several warranty considerations that do not apply in most other states.

Hurricane and Storm Damage Exclusions

All roofing warranties exclude damage caused by "acts of God," which includes hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. In Pinellas County, where hurricanes are a seasonal reality, this means your warranty will not cover most storm-related damage. Storm damage is covered by your homeowners insurance policy, not your roof warranty.

The gray area is wind damage below the rated speed. If you have shingles rated for 130 mph and they blow off in a 90 mph wind event, is that a warranty claim or an insurance claim? If the shingles were installed correctly and the wind was below the rated speed, it should be a warranty claim (manufacturing defect in the adhesive strip). If the shingles were installed with an improper nailing pattern, the manufacturer will deny the claim and point to the installer.

This is another reason the enhanced warranty is valuable in Florida. With the manufacturer backing both the material and the installation, there is no finger- pointing between the manufacturer and contractor when a claim arises.

Saltwater Exposure

Pinellas County properties near the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay experience saltwater air exposure that accelerates corrosion of metal components (flashing, vents, nails, drip edge). Some warranties have exclusions or reduced coverage for properties within a certain distance of saltwater. Check the warranty fine print for any coastal or saltwater exclusions that might apply to your location.

Florida Building Code Compliance

Warranties require installation according to both the manufacturer's instructions and the applicable building code. In Florida, the building code is more demanding than the manufacturer's standard instructions for many products. For example, the FBC may require a 6-nail pattern where the manufacturer's basic instructions show a 4-nail pattern. The roof must meet both sets of requirements.

If a contractor installs shingles with a 4-nail pattern in Pinellas County's 140 mph wind zone (where 6 nails are required by code), the installation violates both the building code and the manufacturer's high-wind installation requirements. A warranty claim on that roof would likely be denied.

The 25% Rule and Warranty Implications

If a partial roof repair triggers the Florida 25% rule, requiring the entire roof to meet current code, the warranty on the unrepaired sections may be affected. The repair work could introduce different materials, different installation methods, or different underlayment that is not compatible with the existing warranty terms. Always consult with your warranty issuer before performing any work that could affect coverage.

Shingle Overlay and Warranty

As discussed in our guide to shingle layers, installing shingles over an existing layer significantly reduces or voids the manufacturer warranty. Most manufacturers either exclude overlay installations from their warranty entirely or provide a dramatically reduced warranty (5 to 10 years instead of 25 to 50 years). If warranty coverage matters to you, a full tear-off is required.

How to Protect Your Roofing Warranty

Now that you understand what warranties cover and what voids them, here are the practical steps to ensure your warranty remains intact throughout the life of your Pinellas County roof.

1. Register your warranty immediately after installation. Many manufacturer warranties require registration within 30 to 90 days of installation. If you do not register, you may only receive the basic limited warranty instead of the enhanced coverage your certified installer earned.
2. Keep all documentation. Store your contract, permit, inspection reports, product receipts, warranty certificates, and contractor contact information in a safe, accessible place. Digital copies in cloud storage are ideal. You will need these documents if you ever file a claim.
3. Maintain your attic ventilation. Check your ventilation at least once a year. Make sure soffit vents are not blocked by insulation, ridge vents are not clogged with debris, and bathroom exhaust fans are venting to the exterior (not into the attic).
4. Perform annual inspections. Have a roofing professional inspect your roof annually or after any significant storm. Document the inspection with photos and a written report. This creates a maintenance record that supports any future warranty claim.
5. Never pressure wash your roof. Use low-pressure chemical treatment for algae and mildew instead.
6. Contact the original installer for repairs. If you need any repair work, contact the original installing contractor first. If they are not available, contact the manufacturer before hiring a different contractor to ensure the repair does not void your coverage.
7. Document any roof access. If anyone needs to access your roof (satellite installers, HVAC technicians, home inspectors), document who went up, when, and what they did. If they cause damage, you have a record for both your warranty claim and any liability claim against the responsible party.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a roofing manufacturer warranty cover?

A roofing manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing material itself, such as premature cracking, splitting, curling, granule loss beyond normal wear, or failure to meet the product specifications. It does not cover damage from storms, improper installation, poor ventilation, foot traffic, or normal weathering. Most manufacturer warranties for asphalt shingles in Florida range from 25 to 50 years, but the actual coverage decreases over time through prorated depreciation.

What is a workmanship warranty on a roof?

A workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor and covers errors made during installation. This includes problems like improper nailing, misaligned shingles, faulty flashing installation, inadequate ventilation setup, and incorrect underlayment application. Workmanship warranties in Pinellas County typically range from 2 to 15 years depending on the contractor. They are only as reliable as the contractor who issues them, so choosing a well-established company matters.

What voids a roofing warranty?

Common actions that void roofing warranties include improper attic ventilation (the number one cause of warranty denials), unauthorized repairs by unlicensed contractors, pressure washing the roof, installing satellite dishes or solar panels without manufacturer-approved methods, walking on the roof unnecessarily, applying coatings not approved by the manufacturer, and failing to perform reasonable maintenance like keeping gutters clear and removing debris.

Can a roofing warranty be transferred to a new homeowner?

Most manufacturer warranties can be transferred to a new homeowner, but you must follow the transfer process and usually pay a transfer fee of $50 to $250. The transfer must typically be requested within 30 to 60 days of the property sale. Some warranties revert to a shorter prorated term upon transfer. Workmanship warranties from contractors may or may not be transferable depending on the contractor's terms. A transferable warranty adds value to your home when selling in Pinellas County.

What is an enhanced or system warranty for roofing?

An enhanced or system warranty (also called a golden pledge, platinum, or total protection warranty) is the most comprehensive type of roofing warranty. It is issued by the manufacturer but covers both materials and workmanship when the roof is installed by a factory-certified contractor using all matching system components from the same manufacturer. These warranties typically cover 25 to 50 years with no prorating for the first 10 to 25 years, and they include coverage for both material defects and installation errors.

Bottom Line

A roofing warranty is valuable protection, but only if you understand what it covers and take the steps to keep it valid. The manufacturer warranty covers material defects. The workmanship warranty covers installation errors. The enhanced system warranty covers both and is backed by the manufacturer's financial strength rather than a single contractor's solvency.

For Pinellas County homeowners, the enhanced warranty is worth the modest additional investment. It eliminates the gap between manufacturer and contractor coverage, survives even if the installing contractor goes out of business, and covers labor costs that the standard warranty excludes. Combined with proper maintenance, annual inspections, and careful attention to ventilation, an enhanced warranty provides genuine financial protection for your roofing investment.

Before signing a roofing contract, ask three questions: What manufacturer warranty comes with this product? What is your workmanship warranty? And are you certified to offer an enhanced system warranty? The answers will tell you everything you need to know about the level of protection you are actually getting.