Two warranties, not one
Every new roof comes with two separate warranties: a manufacturer warranty covering the roofing materials, and a workmanship warranty covering the installation labor. Most homeowners do not realize these are different, and the gap between them can be expensive.
Manufacturer warranty
This covers defects in the roofing material itself: shingles that crack, delaminate, or fail prematurely. Standard manufacturer warranties last 25-50 years. However, most are heavily prorated after the first 10 years, meaning you pay an increasing share of the replacement cost over time.
Workmanship warranty
This covers installation errors: improper nailing, bad flashing, inadequate ventilation. A standard contractor might offer 1-5 years of workmanship coverage. After that, any installation-related failure is your responsibility even if the material is still under warranty.
Why certification changes everything
As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and GAF Master Elite contractor, DeHart Roofing can offer manufacturer-backed extended warranties that cover both materials AND labor for up to 50 years. This is the key difference. See our certifications page for details.
What voids a warranty
- Improper attic ventilation (the #1 cause of warranty claims being denied)
- Unauthorized modifications or additions
- Pressure washing the roof
- Failure to maintain the roof (clogged gutters, debris accumulation)
- Installation by an uncertified contractor
Bottom line
The warranty on your roof is only as good as the contractor who installs it. Hiring a certified contractor costs the same but gives you decades of additional protection. Get a free estimate from DeHart Roofing.