Roofing Warranties Explained: What’s Covered and What’s Not

September 25, 2025

A new roof is a major investment. To protect that investment, you need more than just good materials—you need a solid warranty. Understanding roofing warranties is crucial when hiring any contractor, especially in San Diego’s climate. At Roofix, we want homeowners to make informed decisions so you get value, reliability, and peace of mind.

Material Warranty vs. Workmanship Warranty

Material (Manufacturer) Warranty


  • Covers defects in roofing materials—shingles, underlayment, flashing, etc.—when they fail due to manufacturing flaws.

  • Usually issued by the manufacturer of the product, not the contractor.

  • Terms often include “limited lifetime,” 20-, 25-, or 30-year durations. These warranties may be prorated, which means coverage decreases over time.

Must register the roof with the manufacturer in many cases, and installation must meet manufacturer specs in order to keep warranty valid.

Workmanship (Labor) Warranty


  • Covers faults arising because of how the roof was installed—for example, improper flashing, poor fastening, or bad sealing.

  • This warranty is provided by the roofing contractor.

  • Duration depends on the contractor—some offer 5-10 years, others longer. Roofix offers 10+ years of labor warranties. roofixsd.com

  • Important: workmanship warranties often only cover the contractor’s labor and certain installation defects, not damage from storms, wear and tear, or improper maintenance.


What Roofix Offers & What You Should Ask

At Roofix San Diego, we aim for transparency and long-term satisfaction. Here’s what we offer and what you should check when comparing contractors:


  • 10+ Years Labor Warranties: Roofix backs its workmanship with longer labor warranty terms, which shows confidence in our work.

  • High-quality Materials: Using trusted brands and materials helps ensure the manufacturer warranties do their job.

  • Free Consultation & Material Review: We walk you through material options and warranty details during the consultation. Roofix’s free estimate includes reviewing material options and showing you samples.

When vetting contractors, ask:


  1. How long is the workmanship warranty?

  2. Does the material warranty require registration or regular maintenance?

  3. What is not covered—storms, wind damage, walking on roof, etc.?

  4. Is the warranty transferable (if you sell your home)?

Limitations, Exclusions & Red Flags

Even good warranties have limits. Here are common exclusions and warning signs:



  • Storm damage, fire, hail, or acts of God are often excluded from manufacturer or workmanship warranties.

  • Improper maintenance voids warranties in many cases—missed gutters, debris accumulation, lack of inspection.

  • Some warranties are prorated—you’ll receive smaller compensation as time passes.

  • “Lifetime” warranties can be misleading. They often refer to the lifetime of the product or as long as the homeowner owns the home. It may still be subject to conditions like proper installation and regular upkeep.

Why Warranties Matter in San Diego

  • Our climate includes sun, heat, occasional storms, and UV exposure, which can wear roofing materials faster.

  • Roofs here also see more temperature cycling (hot days, cool nights)—that stresses materials and installation.

  • Knowing you have strong warranties means you’re protected from manufacturing defects or installation errors, which are the things Roofix focuses on controlling.

What Homeowners Should Do to Protect Their Warranty

  • Keep your roof clean and debris-free.

  • Schedule regular inspections, especially after storms.

  • Use certified installers if required by the material manufacturer.

  • Save all paperwork: proof of purchase, registration, photos, and signed contracts.

Final Thoughts for San Diego Homeowners:

A great roofing warranty isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s essential protection. Material warranties safeguard against defects in the product. Workmanship warranties protect you from errors during installation.
 With Roofix San Diego, you get both: high-quality materials, professional installation, and strong labor warranties that back the work. When you choose a contractor, don’t just ask what warranty you get—ask how long, what’s included, and what you need to do to keep it valid.