Exploring Roofing Warranties: What Homeowners Need to Know

Exploring Warranties in Roofing: What Homeowners Need to Know

When investing in a new roof installation or even a simple roof repair, most homeowners naturally ask: “What kind of warranty comes with this?” It’s a fair question. After all, a roof isn’t just another purchase; it’s protection for your home, family, and everything you own. But here’s the reality: roofing warranties are often misunderstood, and the promises made on paper don’t always match homeowner expectations.

At Crowther, we believe in transparency. Let’s explore how roofing warranties work, why they sometimes fall short of expectations, and what you should look for when evaluating warranty coverage.

The Evolution of Roofing Warranties

Over the past 20 years, shingle manufacturers have extended their warranties, some promising “lifetime” coverage. On the surface, this sounds like great news for homeowners. But organizations like the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) have raised valid concerns: the actual lifespan of many shingles hasn’t increased in proportion to these longer warranties.

This creates a disconnect. Homeowners believe they’re getting decades of guaranteed performance, but in reality, the coverage is limited, often filled with conditions and exclusions written in legal language that’s hard to decipher. Unfortunately, when shingles fail earlier than expected, frustration is often directed at the contractor who installed the roof, even if the issue is rooted in the product itself.

What Roofing Warranties Really Cover

Here’s where things get complicated. Roofing warranties usually fall into two main categories:

1. Manufacturer Warranties
   • Cover the roofing materials themselves (shingles, underlayment, etc.).
   • Protect against defects in manufacturing, not general wear and tear.
   • Often prorated, meaning coverage diminishes as the roof ages.
   • May exclude common issues like storm damage, improper maintenance, or installation errors.
      
2. Workmanship or Contractor Warranties
   • Cover the quality of installation.
   • Protect you if the roof was improperly installed or if materials were not applied according to manufacturer guidelines.
   • Many roofing problems stem from installation errors rather than the material itself.

The Fine Print Challenge

One of the biggest frustrations for homeowners is the language used in warranties. Terms like “limited lifetime,” “prorated coverage,” or “exclusions for incidental damage” can create confusion. In practice, this often means:

• That “lifetime” warranty doesn’t necessarily mean the shingles will last for the lifetime of your home.
• If shingles fail after 10–15 years, coverage may be heavily reduced.
• Many warranties require proof of regular roof maintenance to remain valid.

Without reading the fine print or having a trusted roofing partner explain it, homeowners may feel blindsided when it comes time to make a claim.

Crowther’s Approach to Roofing Warranties

At Crowther, we know a warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it. That’s why we back our work with clear, straightforward warranties you can rely on:

• 1-Year Workmanship Warranty on Roof Repairs: Peace of mind that the repair work has been done right.
• 5-Year Workmanship Warranty on Roof Replacements: Confidence that your new roof is installed to the highest standards.

These warranties reflect our decades-long commitment to quality, safety, and customer trust. We don’t believe in hiding behind confusing legal language. Instead, we stand by our craftsmanship and our word.

How Homeowners Can Protect Themselves

When evaluating roofing warranties, here are a few steps to make sure you’re getting real protection:

1. Ask Questions: Don’t just accept the warranty document; ask your contractor to explain what’s covered and what’s not.
2. Look Beyond Length: A 50-year warranty may sound better than a 5-year one, but if it’s filled with exclusions, it may not provide real value.
3. Understand Your Role: Many warranties require homeowners to perform regular maintenance (like cleaning gutters or inspections) to remain valid.
4. Choose the Right Contractor: A roof is only as good as the installation. Even the best roofing materials will fail if they’re not installed correctly.

The Crowther Difference

Roofing warranties can be confusing, but they don’t have to be. When you work with Crowther, you get a partner who takes the time to explain your options clearly, so there are no surprises down the road. Our straightforward warranties reflect the confidence we have in our team’s expertise and the quality of our work.

Your roof is a long-term investment. Don’t let confusing promises leave you unprotected. Trust the professionals who have been keeping Florida homes safe and secure for decades.

👉Contact Crowther today to learn more about our roofing services and warranty options.