What is the most important part of a roofing warranty?

The workmanship coverage. Installation errors are the cause of over 80% of all roof leaks, so having long-term, manufacturer-backed protection against these errors is the best way to secure your investment.

Can I transfer my warranty if I sell my home?

Most standard contractor warranties are not transferable. However, enhanced manufacturer-backed warranties, like those from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, are typically transferable one time to a new owner, which can be a significant value-add when you sell your home.

What’s the difference between a “lifetime” and “limited lifetime” warranty?

The term "lifetime" in the roofing industry almost always means for as long as you, the original homeowner, own the property. It is not for the entire life of the house. "Limited" refers to the specific conditions, exclusions, and prorated periods detailed in the warranty document.

Does a warranty cover storm damage?

Generally, no. Standard manufacturer and workmanship warranties cover material defects and installation errors, respectively. They typically do not cover damage from external events like storms, high winds, or fallen trees. This type of damage is usually covered by your homeowner's insurance policy.

How can I verify a contractor's certification?

The best way is to check the manufacturer's official website. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all have online tools to verify a contractor's status. You should also verify their California contractor's license with the CSLB.

What's the process for making a warranty claim?

The process depends on the type of warranty. For a standard workmanship warranty from your contractor, you would contact them directly. For a manufacturer's warranty on materials, you typically contact the manufacturer through their website or a dedicated phone number. With an enhanced, manufacturer-backed system warranty, the process is often streamlined, as the manufacturer stands behind both the product and the installation. Your elite-certified contractor will handle the registration and can guide you through any claims process.

Can I install a new roof over an old one, and how does that affect the warranty?

While it's sometimes possible to install a new layer of shingles over an existing one (known as a "roof-over" or "layover"), it is generally not recommended and will void the industry's best enhanced manufacturer warranties . Premier warranties, such as the Owens Corning Platinum Protection, explicitly require the new roofing system to be installed on a clean roof deck after all old materials have been completely removed.

What's the difference between a standard contractor's warranty and one backed by a manufacturer?

A standard contractor's warranty covers only installation errors and is backed solely by the local roofing company, often for just one to two years. If that company closes, your warranty disappears. In contrast, an enhanced workmanship warranty from a manufacturer is offered through an elite certified contractor and is backed by the manufacturer itself. This means a large, stable corporation guarantees the quality of the installation for a much longer period, up to 25 years or even a lifetime, protecting your investment even if the original installer is no longer in business.

A Homeowner's Guide to Roofing Warranties & Certifications

Mario Eduardo Espindola • October 20, 2025

Man in safety vest examines gutter on a roof.

Imagine this: you invested in a brand-new roof just three years ago. After a winter storm, you discover a leak in your attic. You pull out your paperwork, confident your "lifetime" warranty has you covered, only to be told the problem is due to "improper installation" and the contractor who did the work is now out of business.

This scenario is a homeowner's worst nightmare, and it happens more often than you think.

A new roof is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home, but what truly protects that investment isn't just the shingles, it's the warranty behind them. However, not all warranties are created equal. The real value comes from the qualifications of the contractor who installs your roof.

This guide will demystify roofing warranties, explain the critical role of elite contractor certifications, and show you how to secure true, long-term peace of mind.

The Two Types of Warranties Protecting Your Roof

Every roof replacement is protected by two separate warranties. Understanding the difference is the first step to protecting your investment. This table breaks down what each one covers.

Learn more in our detailed guide: Workmanship vs. Manufacturer: Understanding Your Two Roofing Warranties.

The Hidden Problem with Standard Warranties

On the surface, having two warranties seems like complete coverage. In reality, a standard warranty package leaves a dangerous gap that can leave homeowners financially exposed.

Here’s the critical issue: A standard manufacturer’s warranty will be voided by improper installation.

Since the vast majority of roof failures are due to contractor error, this is a significant risk. If an unqualified contractor makes a mistake, you could be left with a voided material warranty and an expired (or non-existent) workmanship warranty. This leaves you, the homeowner, responsible for the full cost of repairs or even a premature replacement.

A Cautionary Tale from a Modesto Homeowner

"We had shingles falling off and found out [our roofing company] went out of business or sold. So [our] 30 year warranty was pretty useless."

★☆☆☆☆ — A Local Homeowner's Experience

This real-world example highlights the risk: a contractor's warranty is only good for as long as they are in business. This is why a manufacturer-backed warranty is the only true guarantee of long-term protection.

The Solution: How Elite Certifications Bridge the Gap

Leading manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed have solved this problem by creating elite certification programs. These programs are reserved for a tiny fraction of contractors who meet the industry's most stringent standards for quality, stability, and professionalism.

By hiring a contractor with one of these elite certifications, you gain access to enhanced, manufacturer-backed warranties. These special warranties are the only ones in the industry that cover both material defects and workmanship under a single, comprehensive plan.

The Econo Roofing Advantage: Certified Peace of Mind

Only the top 1-2% of roofing contractors in the nation qualify for certifications like GAF Master Elite®, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred®, and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™. Econo Roofing is one of the only contractors in the Central Valley to hold all three, giving you exclusive access to the industry's best protection.

Prorated vs. Non-Prorated: What Your Warranty Really Covers

Understanding one key term can save you thousands: prorated.

A prorated warranty loses value over time. Think of it like a tire warranty—the coverage amount decreases as the years go by. If you have a claim in year 15 of a 30-year prorated warranty, you might only receive 50% of the replacement value, leaving you to pay the rest out of pocket.

A non-prorated warranty provides full coverage throughout the entire protection period. It’s like having a bumper-to-bumper car warranty that lasts for the full term—no surprise deductions or loopholes. If a covered issue arises in year 20 of a 25-year non-prorated workmanship warranty, the manufacturer covers the full cost of labor and materials. The best enhanced warranties offer non-prorated coverage for up to 50 years.

Learn more about this crucial distinction in our guide: Prorated vs. Non-Prorated: What Your Roofing Warranty Really Covers.

What Voids a Roofing Warranty?

Even the best warranty is useless if it’s accidentally voided. Homeowners are often unaware that certain actions can nullify their protection. Be mindful of these common issues:

Improper Installation: This is the most common reason. If a contractor doesn't follow the manufacturer's exact specifications—from the number of nails per shingle to the type of underlayment used—it can void the material warranty.
Inadequate Attic Ventilation: Trapped heat and moisture can "bake" your shingles from below, causing premature aging. Most manufacturer warranties require proper attic ventilation to be valid.
DIY or Unlicensed Repairs: Performing repairs yourself or hiring a different, uncertified contractor to work on the roof can void the original warranties on both workmanship and materials.
Pressure Washing: Power washing a roof can strip away the protective granules on shingles, which is considered damage and is not covered by warranties.

A Glimpse at the Industry's Best Protection

As the region's only contractor to hold GAF Master Elite®, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred®, and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ certifications, we offer access to the most robust warranty options available. This quick-reference table compares the top-tier protection you can only get from an elite-certified contractor.

Warranty	Key Feature	Material Coverage (Non-Prorated)	Workmanship Coverage (Backed by Manufacturer)
GAF Golden Pledge®	GAF's most comprehensive plan.	Up to 50 Years	Up to 25 Years
Owens Corning Platinum Protection™	The industry's only lifetime workmanship coverage.	Up to 50 Years	Lifetime
CertainTeed 5-Star Protection	CertainTeed's highest level of coverage.	Up to 50 Years	25 Years

GAF Golden Pledge® Warranty: Offered exclusively by GAF Master Elite® contractors, this warranty includes up to 50 years of non-prorated material coverage and up to 25 years of workmanship coverage backed directly by GAF. See the difference: GAF Golden Pledge® vs. Silver Pledge®: A Clear Comparison.
Owens Corning Platinum Protection™ Warranty: Available only through Platinum Preferred® Contractors, this is the only warranty in the industry to offer lifetime workmanship coverage. Explore the options: Owens Corning Platinum Protection™ vs. System Protection: Which Warranty is Right for You?.
CertainTeed 5-Star Protection Warranty: Exclusive to SELECT ShingleMasters™, this warranty provides 50 years of non-prorated material coverage and a 25-year workmanship guarantee from CertainTeed. Discover the benefits: The 5-Star Advantage: Unlocking CertainTeed’s Best Warranty with a SELECT ShingleMaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important part of a roofing warranty?
The workmanship coverage. Installation errors are the cause of over 80% of all roof leaks, so having long-term, manufacturer-backed protection against these errors is the best way to secure your investment.
Can I transfer my warranty if I sell my home?
Most standard contractor warranties are not transferable. However, enhanced manufacturer-backed warranties, like those from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, are typically transferable one time to a new owner, which can be a significant value-add when you sell your home.
What’s the difference between a “lifetime” and “limited lifetime” warranty?
The term "lifetime" in the roofing industry almost always means for as long as you, the original homeowner, own the property. It is not for the entire life of the house. "Limited" refers to the specific conditions, exclusions, and prorated periods detailed in the warranty document.
Does a warranty cover storm damage?
Generally, no. Standard manufacturer and workmanship warranties cover material defects and installation errors, respectively. They typically do not cover damage from external events like storms, high winds, or fallen trees. This type of damage is usually covered by your homeowner's insurance policy.
How can I verify a contractor's certification?
The best way is to check the manufacturer's official website. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all have online tools to verify a contractor's status. You should also verify their California contractor's license with the CSLB.
What's the process for making a warranty claim?
The process depends on the type of warranty. For a standard workmanship warranty from your contractor, you would contact them directly. For a manufacturer's warranty on materials, you typically contact the manufacturer through their website or a dedicated phone number. With an enhanced, manufacturer-backed system warranty, the process is often streamlined, as the manufacturer stands behind both the product and the installation. Your elite-certified contractor will handle the registration and can guide you through any claims process.
Can I install a new roof over an old one, and how does that affect the warranty?
While it's sometimes possible to install a new layer of shingles over an existing one (known as a "roof-over" or "layover"), it is generally not recommended and will void the industry's best enhanced manufacturer warranties . Premier warranties, such as the Owens Corning Platinum Protection, explicitly require the new roofing system to be installed on a clean roof deck after all old materials have been completely removed.
What's the difference between a standard contractor's warranty and one backed by a manufacturer?
A standard contractor's warranty covers only installation errors and is backed solely by the local roofing company, often for just one to two years. If that company closes, your warranty disappears. In contrast, an enhanced workmanship warranty from a manufacturer is offered through an elite certified contractor and is backed by the manufacturer itself. This means a large, stable corporation guarantees the quality of the installation for a much longer period, up to 25 years or even a lifetime, protecting your investment even if the original installer is no longer in business.

Your Next Step: Secure True Peace of Mind

A strong roof is built on two things: high-quality materials and expert installation. A strong warranty should cover both. By choosing a contractor with elite certifications, you ensure that your investment is protected by a comprehensive, manufacturer-backed guarantee.

Don't settle for a warranty with gaps and receive a quote that includes the industry's best and most complete protection.
Click here to contact us now!

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