Roof Warranties Explained: Manufacturer vs Workmanship (Charlotte, NC)

Two roofs can use the same shingles and the same brochure warranty, and one leaks in three years while the other lasts thirty. The difference is almost never the shingle. It is who put it on and what they stand behind. Here is what the warranties actually cover.

The two warranties on every new roof

Your new roof carries two separate promises. The manufacturer warranties the shingles. The roofer warranties the installation. You need both, and most people only ask about one.

The manufacturer warranty: it covers the shingles

This comes from the shingle maker and covers defects in the shingle itself. Two things to know. Many are prorated, meaning coverage shrinks as the roof ages. And they often require registration after install, so ask your contractor to handle it. Read what it actually covers, not just the big number on the front.

The workmanship warranty: it covers the install

This comes from the roofer and covers mistakes in how the roof was installed, the flashing, the nailing, the sealing. This is the one that matters most, because the majority of roof failures come from bad installation, not bad shingles. Keyway backs every roof with a 1-year workmanship warranty, and we are still here in Matthews to honor it, unlike a storm-chasing crew that is gone by spring.

Enhanced and system warranties

Some manufacturers offer stronger, longer warranties, but only when a certified contractor installs a full roofing system to their spec. Keyway is an Owens Corning certified contractor, which is what qualifies you for that stronger coverage. Ask any roofer whether they are certified and whether the warranty they are quoting requires it. See our asphalt shingle roofing service.

What quietly voids a roof warranty

• An overlay instead of a full tear-off, on some product lines
• Poor attic ventilation that cooks the shingles
• Unlicensed or uncertified installation
• Skipping the manufacturer registration

Questions to ask before you sign

Ask who provides the workmanship warranty and for how long. Ask whether the manufacturer warranty is prorated. Ask whether they are certified for the coverage they are quoting. And ask whether they will still be around to honor it. A contractor who answers these plainly is the one to trust. Not sure how to vet a roofer? See our guide to choosing a roofing contractor and our roof replacement service.

Get a roof, and a warranty, that hold up

We install to the standard the warranty requires and we stand behind the work. Request your free estimate or call 704-847-7119.

Register your shingle warranty (most people forget)

Many manufacturer warranties only reach their full length if you register the roof within a set window after install, often a few months. Miss it and you can quietly drop to a shorter base warranty. Ask your contractor to handle the registration and send you the confirmation. We do this as part of every roof.

Why a local contractor’s warranty is worth more

A workmanship warranty is only as good as the company behind it. A storm-chasing crew that rolled into Charlotte after a hailstorm is gone by spring, and the paper warranty goes with them. We have been in Matthews since 1975, so when you call, someone answers. See how to tell the difference in choosing a reliable roofing contractor, and why an overlay can cost you coverage.

What a roof warranty does not cover

Neither warranty covers everything forever. Sudden storm damage is an insurance matter, not a warranty claim, which is why we handle storm damage roof replacement separately. Normal aging, damage caused by other trades, and neglected maintenance also fall outside coverage. Knowing where the line sits keeps expectations clear.

Related reading

• Best shingle brand: GAF vs Owens Corning vs CertainTeed
• Tear-off vs overlay
• How to choose a reliable roofing contractor

Frequently asked questions

What warranties come with a new roof?

Two. The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the shingles, and the roofer’s workmanship warranty covers the installation. You want both.

Which roof warranty matters more?

The workmanship warranty. Most roof failures come from installation mistakes, not shingle defects, so the roofer’s guarantee on the install is the one that protects you day to day.

What is a prorated roof warranty?

One where the coverage amount shrinks as the roof ages. A defect in year twenty is covered for far less than one in year three, so read the terms, not just the headline number.

What voids a roof warranty?

Common culprits are an overlay on some product lines, poor attic ventilation, unlicensed or uncertified installation, and skipping the manufacturer registration.

What is an Owens Corning certified contractor?

A contractor approved to install a full Owens Corning roofing system to spec, which is what unlocks the stronger, longer manufacturer warranties. Keyway is certified.

Does Keyway offer a workmanship warranty?

Yes. Every roof carries the manufacturer’s shingle warranty plus our 1-year workmanship warranty, and we are local, so we are here to honor it.

Related: GAF vs Owens Corning vs CertainTeed.