Roofing Warranties: What’s Covered and for How Long?

Picture this: It’s just poured rain, you spot a leak, and now you’re digging through paperwork, searching for your roofing warranty. Sound familiar? Whether you’re a homeowner with a leaky ceiling or running a busy commercial space, understanding your roof’s warranty is a must—especially when emergencies strike.

At STL Roofing, we know warranties can feel about as clear as a foggy windshield. Let’s clear things up. Here’s what you need to know about roofing warranties, what’s covered, and how long that protection really lasts.

Warranty Types 🗂️

Roof warranties aren’t one-size-fits-all. Like different shields in a storm, each type protects you in its own way:

• Manufacturer (Material) Warranty: Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. Think of it as the “factory promise”—if shingles crack or metal panels rust before they should, this is the warranty you’ll need.
• Workmanship (Installer) Warranty: Issued by the company who installed your roof (like STL Roofing). This covers errors in installation—nails in the wrong place, poor flashing, or missed sealants.
• Labor Warranty: Sometimes separate from workmanship. Covers the cost of labor to repair or replace defective materials.
• System Warranty: Offered for full roofing systems (all components together). Protection extends to any part of the installed system—not just the shingles, but underlayment, flashing, and more.

Some big manufacturers—like GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning—set the industry standard for material warranties. But your installer’s reputation and coverage matter just as much, especially if you need emergency roofing or Roof Repair near you.

Typical Durations

• Material warranties: 10 to 50 years (sometimes “lifetime” but read the fine print)
• Workmanship warranties: 1 to 10 years (varies by company)
• Labor warranties: Usually match the workmanship period
• System warranties: 10 to 30 years, depending on the system

What’s Included and What’s Not 🔍

Warranties can seem like a sturdy umbrella—until you realize the wind’s blowing sideways. Here’s what’s usually included…and what’s not.

Included

• Manufacturing Defects: Blistering, cracking, premature aging, or granule loss in shingles.
• Installation Errors (with installer warranty): Misaligned shingles, improper flashing, or missed fasteners.
• Some Leak Repairs: If caused by a covered defect or installation mistake.

Excluded

• Storm Damage: Hail, wind, tornadoes, or fallen trees are generally not covered. That’s an insurance matter.
• Neglect or Poor Maintenance: Skipping regular inspections, letting debris pile up, or ignoring clogged gutters.
• Improper Repairs: Work done by an unlicensed contractor or DIY fixes gone wrong.
• Natural Aging: Fading, normal wear, or minor curling that happens over time.

Sample Warranty Language:
“This Limited Lifetime Warranty covers manufacturing defects resulting in leaks or loss of integrity to the original roof system installed by STL Roofing. Coverage does not extend to damage caused by improper maintenance, weather events, or unauthorized repairs.”

How to File a Claim

When something goes wrong, you want answers—fast. Here’s what to do if you think your roof issue might be covered by warranty:

1. Find Your Paperwork: Dig out your original warranty documents and any proof of purchase.
2. Read the Fine Print: Check for details like transferability, exclusions, or required maintenance.
3. Contact Your Roofer: Reach out to STL Roofing or the installer listed on the warranty.
4. Document the Damage: Take clear photos, jot down when you noticed the issue, and note any storms or unusual events.
5. Schedule an Inspection: Most manufacturers or installers will want to see the problem first-hand.
6. File the Claim: Fill out the required forms and submit all documentation.
7. Wait for Review: The company will assess the issue and decide next steps.

Tips for a Smooth Process

• Act quickly—delays can lead to more damage (and less coverage).
• Keep records of all roof repairs, cleanings, and inspections.
• Follow warranty maintenance requirements—some need annual professional checkups.

STL Roofing’s Warranty Promise

We stand behind our work with clear, honest warranties. When you hire STL Roofing for roof repair, replacement, or emergency roofing, you get:

• Written workmanship warranty on every new roof or repair job.
• Assistance with manufacturer claims. We’ll help you navigate the paperwork.
• Clear terms—no hidden loopholes or confusing language.
• Guidance on maintenance so you stay covered.

Every STL Roofing warranty is tailored to your roof type—shingle, metal, flat, or commercial system. We believe in transparency, not “small print surprises.”

FAQ

How long does a typical roof warranty last?
Material warranties often run 20–50 years, sometimes “lifetime.” Workmanship warranties usually last 1–10 years.

Does a warranty cover storm damage?
No. Storm, hail, or wind damage falls under your property insurance, not your roof warranty.

Can I transfer my roof warranty if I sell my home?
Sometimes. Many manufacturer warranties are transferable within a certain window (usually 10–15 years). Check the paperwork for specifics.

What voids a roofing warranty?
Improper repairs, skipped maintenance, or unauthorized modifications can void your coverage.

What to Remember

Roofing warranties are like a safety net, but only if you know what they catch. Read your documents, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to call for help if you’re unsure.

For reference, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the International Code Council (ICC) provide solid guidelines on best practices and safety—worth a look if you’re curious about the technical side.

Roof trouble doesn’t wait for business hours. For emergency roofing or Roof Repair near you, let STL Roofing be your first call when it matters most.

Call STL Roofing now — or reach us anytime at  888-887-3097 .