Roofer in a blue hard hat and safety harness kneeling on architectural shingles, documenting roof condition on a clipboard during an inspection - illustrating New Roof Warranties Explained

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Understanding New Roof Warranties

Material warranty, workmanship warranty and manufacturer system warranty are three different things.

New Roof Warranties Explained. A documented roof inspection is the paperwork that supports an insurance claim after a Virginia hail or wind event - ask for photos with every estimate.

Published 2026-08-22 · Last reviewed 2026-08-22 · Virginia Roofing Services editorial team

Material warranty

Issued by the manufacturer, it covers defects in the product itself. Terms are often prorated after an initial period, and 'lifetime' is a marketing term with a defined meaning in the warranty document.

Workmanship warranty

Issued by the contractor, it covers installation errors. It is only as good as the company standing behind it, which is why business longevity and licensing matter.

Manufacturer system warranty

Available where a certified installer uses a complete specified system. These can cover both material and workmanship, but require registration, specific components and sometimes an inspection.

What voids coverage

Read the exclusions before you assume you are covered.

  • Non-approved repairs or alterations by another contractor
  • Inadequate ventilation
  • Failure to perform required maintenance on commercial systems
  • Damage from events the warranty excludes, such as storms
  • Failure to register within the required window
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