What Should You Know About Roof Warranties?

A new roof usually comes with two separate warranties: a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in the shingles and other materials, and a workmanship warranty from the contractor that covers installation mistakes. Neither one covers the other's problems, and neither is a substitute for homeowners insurance when a storm causes damage. Before you sign, find out how long each lasts, how much of it is non-prorated, what voids it, and who registers it.

Most homeowners get a folder of warranty paperwork when the crew packs up and never open it until a leak shows up. This guide explains what those documents mean for homes in Irwin and across Westmoreland County, where winter puts real stress on roofs, so you know what you have before you need it.

The Two Types of Roof Warranties Every Homeowner Should Understand

A manufacturer's warranty covers the products. If shingles crack, blister, or fail early because of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer is responsible. A workmanship warranty covers the installation. If the crew skips underlayment, nails shingles in the wrong spot, or flashes a chimney badly and it leaks, the workmanship warranty is what applies.

The two work independently. A manufacturer's warranty will not pay for installation mistakes, and a workmanship warranty will not replace defective shingles. That is one reason manufacturer certification matters. Certified contractors can often offer system warranties that cover more than the shingles alone. For example, Gerken Roofing, as a certified Atlas Pro+ Diamond contractor, offers the Atlas Signature Select Roofing System Warranty, which its roofing page says covers materials, labor, and more when a complete Atlas roofing system is installed.

What Warranty Exclusions Can Cost You If You Miss Them

Every roof warranty has exclusions, and reading them before you sign matters more than the headline number of years. Manufacturer warranties generally cover manufacturing defects, not installation errors, and wind coverage stops at a stated speed. Atlas, for example, lists 130 mph wind coverage on its Pinnacle Pristine shingle. Damage from hail, falling limbs, and similar events is usually an insurance matter rather than a warranty claim.

Registration is the detail that catches people. Enhanced system warranties usually have to be registered after installation, and Atlas asks for a copy of the distributor invoice showing that every required component of the Signature Select system was purchased. Ask your contractor who handles registration and when, and keep a copy of the confirmation.

Why Westmoreland County Winters Make Warranty Terms Matter More Here

Western PA winters are hard on roofs. NOAA's 1991 to 2020 climate normals for Pittsburgh International Airport show 44.1 inches of snow in an average year and a January mean temperature of 28.8°F. Ice dams form when the upper roof is above freezing while the eaves stay below 32°F, according to the University of Minnesota Extension, and the water that backs up behind them can get under shingles.

That matters for warranties because leaks from ice dams and poor attic ventilation are often treated as installation or building issues rather than shingle defects. Ask how the contractor will handle ice barrier at the eaves and attic ventilation, and make sure the plan is written into the contract. You can read what to expect during a roof replacement in Westmoreland County to see how a complete installation handles those details.

How Long Coverage Actually Lasts and What That Timeline Means

Many architectural shingles carry a lifetime limited warranty, and the word "limited" matters. Most include a non-prorated period at the start, when the manufacturer pays full replacement value for defective product, and then coverage becomes prorated and pays less each year. Gerken Roofing's roofing page shows how much this varies: its Good package includes a 15 year non-prorated period, while its Better and Best packages include a 50 year non-prorated warranty.

Workmanship warranty length is set by each contractor, so ask for the term in writing and read what it covers. A longer term only helps if the company is still around to honor it, which is one reason to favor an established local contractor.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor Before Signing Anything

Ask the contractor to walk you through both warranties in plain language before the job is scheduled. These questions cover the essentials:

Are you certified by the shingle manufacturer, and which warranty tier does that make available? Who registers the warranty, and when will I get confirmation? How long is the non-prorated period, and what does coverage look like after it ends? What voids the manufacturer's warranty, and does this installation plan avoid those conditions? How long is your workmanship warranty, what does it cover, and how do I file a claim?

If you are replacing siding at the same time, ask the same questions about the siding products, since siding carries its own warranties. For a brand comparison, read how to choose between GAF and Atlas shingles for an Irwin PA home.

FAQ

What is the difference between a manufacturer's warranty and a workmanship warranty?

A manufacturer's warranty covers defects in the roofing materials. A workmanship warranty covers mistakes in how the roof was installed. You want both, because each covers a different way a roof can fail.

Do roof warranties transfer to a new owner if I sell my home?

Many manufacturer warranties can be transferred once, often within a set time after installation and sometimes for a fee. Workmanship warranty transfers depend on the contractor. Check both documents before you list the house, since a transferable warranty can help with buyers.

How long does a typical roof warranty last?

Architectural shingles often carry lifetime limited warranties, but what matters most is the non-prorated period, which can range from about 15 years to 50 years depending on the product and whether a system warranty applies. Workmanship terms vary by contractor.

Does storm damage affect my roof warranty?

Manufacturer warranties cover defects, and wind coverage stops at the stated speed, so storm damage is usually handled through homeowners insurance instead. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recommends contacting your insurer promptly and taking photos and video before any cleanup or repairs. Gerken Roofing's roof repair team inspects storm damage, makes repairs, and helps with the insurance claims process, but what your policy covers is decided by your insurer.

Is it worth paying more for a contractor with a longer workmanship warranty?

Often, as long as the company will be around to honor it. A long warranty from a local, established contractor is worth more than a longer one from a company you cannot reach later.

How do I get started with Gerken Roofing if I have questions about my existing warranty?

Call 724-515-5551 or send a message through the contact page. The team can look at your roof and the paperwork you have, and explain what an Atlas system warranty would include if you are planning a replacement.

Gerken Roofing Is Here to Help You Make Confident Decisions

A roof warranty is only useful if you understand it before you need it. Gerken Roofing offers three warranty options on its roofing page: the Gerken Roofing Workmanship Warranty, the Atlas Signature Select Roofing System Warranty, and the Atlas Limited Lifetime Warranty. The company is a locally owned, family-run business in Irwin, fully licensed and insured.

Whether you are planning a new roof, dealing with storm damage, or trying to make sense of coverage you already have, the team can explain what each document covers and what it does not.

Visit Gerken Roofing or call 724-515-5551 today. Contact us for more information.