Roof Warranty 101: Understanding Types, Coverage, Providers, and Cost
TLDR:
A roof warranty is important for protecting property managers, building owners, and homeowners' investments in their property’s roofs. Many types of roof warranties are available, and not all are created equal. We are going to focus on the three predominant types of roofing warranties available: workmanship (installer provided), material only (manufacturer provided), and manufacturer No-Dollar-Limit (NDL) material and labor warranties (manufacturer provided), with flat roofs and pitched roof warranties’. The duration of most warranties ranges from 15 to 50 years. The NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranty covers the cost of materials and labor without any limit on the cost but may only be available for flat roofs. The GAF Golden Pledge warranty is a high-end option that covers materials and labor and includes 20-year materials and a 10-year labor warranty, offered only by GAF Master Elite Certified contractors. When choosing a warranty, property managers and homeowners alike should consider the roofing contractor's reputation and the cost and carefully read the fine print to understand better what’s covered and what’s not covered by the warranty.

Everything you need to know about choosing a roof warranty
- EC Malone offers roofing warranties essential to protecting your roofing investment. The type of warranty you choose will depend on your specific roofing needs and the type of roof you have. There are three main types of roofing warranties: workmanship, material only, and manufacturer material and labor warranties (i.e., NDL). Material warranties cover the cost of the materials used in your roof, such as shingles or tiles. However, labor warranties cover the labor cost associated with installing your roof. Here at EC Malone, we can help navigate you through the decision-making process of what warranty is best designed for you.
Roof Warranty Types:
- Workmanship Warranty: During the roofing project, if anything goes wrong from the installer related to the workmanship.
- Example, if a roofer installs a TPO roof and the owner calls a month later about a leak, there is a puncture. This is not covered. However, if the inspection uncovers a cold or false weld causing an open seam, this warranty will cover that claim because the fault rests on the workmanship. Shingles start to fall during the event due to an installation issue. This claim will be fully covered.
- Material Warranty: This covers the materials used during the project.
- Example: Let's say your TPO materials are rated for 15 years, and the roofing materials have worn down faster than the manufacturer claims. This would be covered.
- NDL Warranty (No Dollar Limit): The manufacturer's top-tier commercial roof warranty covers workmanship and materials. Only roofers certified by that specific manufacturer (i.e., Johns Manville, Soprema, Carlisle Syntec, etc.) Can install commercial roofing systems backed by that manufacturer's comprehensive NDL roof warranty. An NDL warranty requires the manufacturer’s technical rep to inspect the roof, and the certified installer has signed off on the workmanship. This type of roofing warranty covers the cost of the materials and labor associated with any repairs or replacements that may be needed during the warranty period without any limit on the cost., NDL roofing warranties are not standard and are only offered by the manufacturer and only cover specific scenarios.
- Example: Let’s say a 40mph wind destroys your roof or a catastrophic failure of the roofing system when the roofing system was rated for 55 mph winds. Both materials and labor would be covered for this repair.
- Home Warranty Coverage: Some of these policies can cover roofs. However, these often have many exclusions, and it's worth reviewing the policy with the insurer before purchasing. Home warranty policies vary; roofing materials and service coverage may be limited. Understanding what is covered and what is not is essential so you are always protected in an emergency. Check your home warranty coverage to fully understand what is and is not covered.
Coverage and Duration of a Roof Warranty
- The duration of most roof warranties ranges from 15 to 50 years, with some lifetime warranties available for certain roofing systems. Check with your policy to get the exact lifetime for your various warranties.
Roof Warranty: Learn More Here
- GAF Residential Roof Warranty
- GAF Commercial Roof Warranty
- Carlisle Syntec Systems Roof Warranty
- Owens Corning Roof Warranty
- IB Roof Systems Roof Warranty
- Red Shield Roof Warranty
- MBCI Roof Warranty
- Tremco Roof Warranty
- GENFLEX Roof Warranty
- Sarnafil Roof Warranty
- US PLY INC Roof Warranty
- Carlisle Roof Warranty
- CertainTeed Roof Warranty
- Monier Lifetile Roof Warranty
- Pac-Clad Petersen Aluminum Roof Warranty
- OMG Roofing Products Roof Warranty
- Karnak Corporation Roof Warranty
- APOC Roof Warranty
- American Weatherstar Roof Warranty
- Tropical Roofing Products Roof Warranty
- DaVinci Roofscapes Roof Warranty
- Santafe Tile Roof Warranty
- Ludowici Roof Tile Roof Warranty
- MCA Superior Clay Roof Tile Roof Warranty
- Metal-Era Roof Warranty
- LoadMaster Systems Roof Warranty
- Inspire Roofing Products Roof Warranty
- AEP SPAN A BlueScope Company Roof Warranty
- Soprema Roof Warranty
- McElroy Metal Roof Warranty
- VICWEST Roof Warranty
- Drexel Metals Roof Warranty
- NEOGARD Roof Warranty
- Duro-Last Roof Warranty
- Garland Roof Warranty
- Owens Corning Roof Warranty
- Sika Roof Warranty
- Slate Select Roof Warranty
- Berridge Roof Warranty
- Derbigum Roof Warranty
- Fabral Roof Warranty
- Johns Manville Roof Warranty
Roof Warranty Selection
- When it comes to warranty providers, it's essential to choose a reputable contractor or manufacturer who can offer a warranty that fully protects your home. The cost of roofing warranties can vary, but it's important to remember that the price should not be the only consideration when choosing a warranty. You may want to compare the warranty terms, the provider's reputation, the type of roofing material, and the level of customer service. The last thing you want is to pay a very high/low price for a bad policy that does not protect you in an emergency.
In conclusion, roofing warranties are essential for any property manager, property owner, or homeowner. They provide peace of mind and ensure that any issues with your roof will be taken care of during the coverage period. Understanding the different types of warranties available will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your roof is protected for years to come. Don't hesitate to ask us about the available warranties and the best option.