Decoding roofing warranties before the contract is signed

By Crowther Roofing and Cooling. 

It’s important to understand what roofing warranties promise and what they exclude before you agree to the terms. Here’s how Crowther brings clarity homeowners can trust. 

A roofing warranty often looks like reassurance in writing, but for many homeowners it becomes a source of confusion long after the paperwork is signed. Lengthy terms, legal language and overlapping coverage can blur the line between what is protected and what is not. For Crowther Roofing & Cooling, that confusion represents an opportunity to lead with transparency. By pairing clear workmanship warranties with straightforward guidance, the company positions itself as a trusted partner focused on protecting homeowners’ investments, not burying them in fine print. 

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 disconnection. 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. 

Original article source: Crowther Roofing and Cooling