Roofing Material Warranties: Complete Comparison

Warranties vary significantly between roofing materials and are an important factor in your decision. Understanding warranty coverage, terms, and what to expect helps you make informed choices and protect your investment. This guide compares warranties for major roofing materials, explains coverage differences, and helps you understand what warranties actually cover.

Warranty Comparison by Material

Warranty coverage varies:

Stone-Coated Metal

Material warranties: 30-50 years
Fade resistance: 10-30 years
Comprehensive coverage
Transferable options available

Metal Roofing

Material warranties: 20-50 years
Coating warranties vary
Depends on manufacturer

Tile

Material warranties: 50+ years
Very long coverage
Individual tile replacement

Asphalt Shingles

Material warranties: 20-50 years
Often prorated
Coverage decreases over time

Review specific product warranties.

Understanding Warranty Terms

Key warranty terms to understand:

Coverage Period: How long warranty lasts
Proration: Coverage decreases over time
Transferability: Can warranty transfer to new owner
Exclusions: What's not covered
Requirements: Maintenance needed to maintain warranty

Understand all terms before choosing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which roofing materials have the best warranties?

Warranty coverage varies: tile typically has longest material warranties (50+ years), stone-coated metal offers comprehensive 30-50 year warranties, metal roofing varies by manufacturer (20-50 years), and asphalt shingles typically 20-50 years (often prorated). Review specific product warranties.

Are roofing warranties transferable?

Some warranties are transferable to new owners, while others are not. Transferable warranties may require registration or payment of transfer fees. Check specific product warranties to understand transferability. This is important if you plan to sell your home.

What do roofing material warranties cover?

Material warranties typically cover: manufacturing defects, premature material failure, fade resistance (for specified period), and weather resistance. They don't cover normal wear, lack of maintenance, acts of God, or installation issues (covered by workmanship warranty).