Understanding Roof Warranties: Workmanship vs. Manufacturer
A roof has two distinct warranties: a workmanship warranty (covers installation errors, provided by the contractor) and a manufacturer warranty (covers material defects, provided by the shingle maker). You want both — most leaks trace back to installation, so workmanship coverage is critical.
What each covers
- Workmanship: errors in how the roof was installed (flashing, nailing, sealing)
- Manufacturer (standard): material defects, often prorated over time
- Manufacturer (system/extended): materials and labor when installed by a certified contractor — strongest coverage
As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor we provide a 10-year workmanship warranty and can register manufacturer system warranties covering materials and labor up to 50 years.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between workmanship and manufacturer roof warranties?
Workmanship covers installation errors (from the contractor); manufacturer covers material defects (from the shingle maker). Both matter — most roof leaks come from installation, so a solid workmanship warranty is essential.