Roofing Warranties Explained — Manufacturer vs. Contractor Coverage

Roofing Warranties Explained: Manufacturer vs. Contractor Coverage

When investing in a new roof, one of the most overlooked details is the warranty—and it’s often what separates a good roofing job from a great one. Homeowners across Berks County and surrounding Pennsylvania communities (Reading, Allentown, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, Chester, and Schuylkill counties) frequently ask:

“What’s the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a contractor warranty—and which one actually protects me?”

Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly what’s covered and for how long.

Manufacturer Roofing Warranties (Material Coverage)

A manufacturer warranty is issued by the company that makes your shingles—brands like GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning. This warranty protects against defects in the materials themselves, not the installation.

Typical coverage includes:

• Shingle cracking, blistering, or granule loss due to manufacturing defects

• Early aging or curling

• Algae resistance (for specific product lines)

What it doesn’t cover:

• Improper installation

• Storm damage

• Poor ventilation or maintenance neglect

Most modern architectural shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty, but here’s the key—the coverage value decreases over time. For example, a manufacturer may cover 100% of material costs for the first 10 years, then prorate the amount after that.

Contractor Roofing Warranties (Labor & Workmanship)

The contractor warranty comes directly from the roofing company that installed your roof. This covers the labor and craftsmanship—the human part of the job.

At Red Patch Roofing & Contracting, LLC, every installation comes with a 15-year labor warranty. That means if a leak develops because of a workmanship issue—such as improper flashing, mis-nailed shingles, or sealing errors—we’ll fix it at no cost to you.

What contractor warranties typically include:

• Workmanship and installation errors

• Flashing and sealing around chimneys, vents, and skylights

• Nail placement and alignment issues

• Ice and water shield application errors

What they don’t cover:

• Damage from falling branches, hail, or wind beyond rated limits

• Subsequent alterations made by another contractor

• Manufacturer defects in the materials

When both warranties are combined, homeowners get the strongest possible protection—materials and workmanship fully covered.

Why Understanding Both Matters

Many homeowners assume a “lifetime warranty” means everything is covered forever. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Manufacturer coverage is only one piece of the puzzle. Without a contractor-backed workmanship warranty, you could still face repair costs if an installation issue arises.

A reputable roofing company should clearly explain both layers of protection before you sign a contract. Ask for the details in writing, including transferability (important if you plan to sell your home).

Extended and Certified Warranties

Some manufacturers offer extended system warranties—but only if your contractor is certified through their program. For example:

• GAF System Plus or Golden Pledge Warranty

• CertainTeed SureStart PLUS

• Owens Corning Preferred Protection

These programs extend material and labor coverage for 20–50 years but must be registered by the installer. Choosing a certified roofer ensures your warranty remains valid.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to roofing warranties in Pennsylvania, think of it as a partnership between the manufacturer and your contractor:

• The manufacturer stands behind the shingles.

• The contractor stands behind the workmanship.

At Red Patch Roofing & Contracting, LLC (PA HIC # PA200867), we take pride in offering both—a 15-year labor warranty on every project and premium materials backed by top manufacturers.

If you’re in or around Leesport, PA, and want your roof investment protected from every angle, call 610-587-2709 or schedule your free inspection online.

And don’t forget: we also provide pressure washing and gutter cleaning services to keep your roof system performing its best for years to come.