A roofing warranty is supposed to give you peace of mind, but many homeowners do not fully understand what their warranty covers — or what can void it. Understanding your warranty protections is just as important as choosing the right materials.
The Two Types of Roofing Warranties
1. Manufacturer’s Material Warranty — Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. Coverage periods range from 25 to 50 years. Many warranties are prorated. Typically transferable to a new homeowner.
2. Workmanship (Labor) Warranty — Covers installation errors. Standard contractor warranties range from 1 to 10 years. Enhanced workmanship warranties backed by the manufacturer (like GAF’s Silver Pledge and Golden Pledge) transfer the risk from the contractor to the manufacturer.
What GAF Warranty Levels Cover
| Coverage | System Plus | Silver Pledge | Golden Pledge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material defect (non-prorated) | 50 years | 50 years | 50 years |
| Workmanship | 10 years | 25 years | 25 years |
| Workmanship backed by GAF | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tear-off costs covered | No | Yes | Yes |
| Disposal costs covered | No | No | Yes |
| Transferable | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Golden Pledge warranty is the strongest residential roofing warranty available in the industry.
What Can Void Your Warranty
Improper ventilation. The most common warranty exclusion we see.
Unauthorized modifications. Non-certified contractor repairs or satellite/solar panel installations without following manufacturer guidelines.
Power washing. Removes protective granules — explicitly excluded by virtually every manufacturer.
Failure to maintain. Most warranties require reasonable maintenance — clearing debris, addressing damage promptly, maintaining drainage.
Layover installation. New shingles over existing layers can reduce or void coverage.
How to Protect Your Warranty
- Keep your documentation in a safe place with digital backups.
- Use certified contractors for all roof work.
- Schedule periodic professional inspections.
- Report issues promptly.
When we install a roof, we walk you through every warranty option and provide documentation you can reference for decades. Contact Us if you have questions about your current roof’s warranty.