Do you get both a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty when you replace your roof?

What does the manufacturer warranty cover?

The manufacturer warranty comes from the company that makes the shingles, metal or membrane — not your roofer. It covers material defects, such as shingles that fail prematurely due to a manufacturing flaw. Lengths vary widely, and many shingle products carry limited lifetime coverage. Manufacturers like GAF publish their residential warranty terms, and enhanced coverage often requires installation by a certified contractor.

The key word in most of these is “limited.” Coverage is often prorated, meaning the dollar value the manufacturer will pay declines as the roof ages. Reading the schedule tells you what is really covered, and for how long, at full value.

What does the workmanship warranty cover?

The workmanship warranty comes from the roofing contractor and covers installation quality — flashing, fastening, sealing and the details that cause most leaks when done wrong. Even flawless materials will leak if installed poorly, and that is exactly the gap a workmanship warranty fills. Cossette Roofing provides a workmanship warranty on its installations, and as an RBQ-licensed contractor it also operates under Quebec’s regulatory framework.

• Covers leaks and failures caused by installation errors.
• Backed by the contractor, so the contractor’s stability matters.
• Bridges the gap a material warranty does not address.

Why do you need both?

Because they cover different failures. If a shingle is defective, the manufacturer warranty responds. If the roof leaks because flashing was installed incorrectly, the workmanship warranty responds. With only one, you are exposed to the other type of problem. Reading both — including length, transferability and what voids them — protects your investment.

It is also why the cheapest quote is not always the best value: a contractor who won’t stand behind their installation in writing is leaving you to absorb the risk of any install error yourself.

Keep your paperwork after the job, too. Store the signed contract, both warranty documents, the product information, and any registration confirmation together, since a manufacturer claim years from now may require proof of the product installed and the date. If you ever sell the home, that file also makes the roof an easy selling point and can help transfer eligible coverage to the new owner.

What questions should you ask about your warranties?

Before you sign, get clear answers in writing on a few specifics. These are the details that determine whether the warranty actually helps you years from now.

• How long is each warranty, and is the manufacturer coverage prorated?
• What specifically voids each warranty (for example, improper repairs by others)?
• Is the coverage transferable if you sell the home, and within what window?
• Does enhanced manufacturer coverage require a certified installer?

How does manufacturer certification affect your warranty?

Manufacturer certification can unlock stronger coverage than a standard installation qualifies for. GAF, for example, reserves its most comprehensive enhanced warranties for roofs installed by contractors enrolled in its certification programs, because the manufacturer has verified those contractors meet its standards. For a homeowner, that means a certified installer can offer the option of a stronger, longer manufacturer-backed warranty on a qualifying system, layered on top of the contractor’s own workmanship warranty. Ask which enhanced warranty your chosen system qualifies for, whether your contractor is certified by that manufacturer, and what registration step is needed after installation to activate it — that step is easy to miss and easy to complete at the time of the job.

Frequently asked questions

Is a “lifetime” shingle warranty really for life?

It is usually a limited lifetime warranty with prorated coverage and conditions. Read the terms — coverage often steps down over time.

Can poor installation void the manufacturer warranty?

Yes. Installing against the manufacturer’s instructions can void material coverage, which is why certified, correct installation matters.

How long is a workmanship warranty?

It varies by contractor. Ask for the exact length and what it includes in writing before you sign.

Are roof warranties transferable if I sell?

Some are, often with conditions or a transfer window. Confirm transferability if resale value matters to you.

Does Cossette Roofing offer a workmanship warranty?

Yes. Cossette Roofing provides a workmanship warranty on its installations and will explain both warranties before your project starts.

A new roof should come with two warranties: a manufacturer warranty on the materials and a workmanship warranty on the installation. They protect against different failures, so having both — in writing, with clear terms — is how you safeguard the investment. Cossette Roofing installs manufacturer-certified systems and backs its work with a workmanship warranty, and will walk you through both before the project begins. Keeping both warranty documents on file also makes any future claim far simpler.

Key takeaways

• A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves.
• A workmanship warranty covers errors in how the roof was installed.
• The two cover different risks — a complete roof should have both.
• Always get the terms, length and what voids them in writing.