Quick Answer
Roof warranties explained: A roof warranty includes both the manufacturer’s warranty on roofing materials and the contractor’s workmanship warranty on the installation. Before choosing the lowest bid, make sure you understand what each warranty covers and whether the roofing company will still be there years from now if you need them.
A Warranty Is More Than a Piece of Paper
When homeowners compare roofing estimates, most focus on price, shingle color, and manufacturer warranties.
Those things certainly matter.
But there’s one question many homeowners never ask:
“If something goes wrong five or ten years from now, will this company still answer the phone?”
A roofing warranty isn’t just a document you receive after the job is finished. It’s a promise that the contractor will stand behind their workmanship if a problem ever arises.
Fortunately, workmanship issues are uncommon when a roof is installed correctly. But if they do happen, you’ll quickly discover what your contractor’s warranty is really worth.
Manufacturer Warranty vs. Workmanship Warranty
Many homeowners assume they’re the same thing.
They’re not.
Think of it like buying a new truck from a dealership.
If the engine develops a manufacturing defect, the vehicle manufacturer covers the repair.
If a mechanic installs the wheels incorrectly and they come loose, that’s the responsibility of the repair shop—not the truck manufacturer.
Roof warranties work the same way.
Manufacturer Warranty
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves, such as shingles, underlayment, or other roofing components.
If the materials fail because of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer provides coverage according to the terms of the warranty.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation.
If a leak develops because flashing wasn’t installed correctly or another installation-related issue occurs, the roofing contractor—not the manufacturer—is responsible for correcting the problem.
Both warranties are important, but they protect you in very different ways.
Five Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
A roofing project is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home.
Before signing a contract, ask every roofing contractor these five questions.
- How Long Is Your Workmanship Warranty?
Manufacturer warranties cover roofing materials.
Workmanship warranties cover the installation.
Those are two very different things.
Many reputable roofing contractors offer workmanship warranties ranging from five to ten years, while some premium installation programs offer even longer coverage.
If a contractor only offers a one-year workmanship warranty, don’t be afraid to ask why.
A quality contractor should be confident enough in their installation to stand behind it.
- How Long Has Your Company Been in Business?
A 25-year workmanship warranty doesn’t provide much peace of mind if the company has only been in business for a year or two.
Ask how long they’ve served your community.
Longevity often reflects stability, experience, and a commitment to taking care of customers long after the project is complete.
- Have You Ever Had a Warranty Claim?
Every experienced roofing contractor has had to honor a workmanship warranty at some point.
The important question isn’t whether it happened.
The important questions are:
- How quickly did they respond?
- Did they stand behind their work?
- Did they resolve the issue without making the homeowner fight for it?
Those answers will tell you far more about a contractor than the length of the warranty itself.
- Who Performs the Warranty Work?
If warranty service is ever needed, who comes back?
The original company?
A subcontractor?
Someone you’ve never met?
Knowing who will perform future warranty work helps set expectations before you sign a contract.
- Can You Provide References From Customers Whose Roofs You Installed Years Ago?
Most contractors can provide references from projects completed last month.
Ask if they can provide references from homeowners whose roofs were installed ten or more years ago.
Long-term customer relationships often say more about a company than any advertisement ever could.
Is a Lifetime Shingle Warranty Enough?
Not always.
A lifetime warranty sounds impressive, but it’s important to understand exactly what it covers.
Many standard manufacturer warranties primarily cover defective roofing materials and may provide limited or no labor coverage. The level of protection depends on the specific warranty and roofing system installed.
It’s also important to remember that manufacturer warranties generally do not cover damage caused by hail, high winds, fallen tree limbs, or other storm-related events.
In Iowa, roofs are exposed to hailstorms, heavy snow, strong winds, and dramatic temperature swings. That’s why choosing both quality materials and an experienced contractor is so important.
What Happens If the Roofing Company Goes Out of Business?
This is one of the most important questions homeowners rarely ask.
If a roofing contractor goes out of business, their workmanship warranty usually disappears with them.
Unfortunately, Central Iowa often sees an influx of out-of-state contractors following major hailstorms. Some complete projects and then leave the area once the work slows down.
Manufacturer warranties generally remain in effect if the roofing system was installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Some enhanced manufacturer-backed warranty programs may also provide additional workmanship protection when installed by qualified contractors. Ask your roofing contractor what warranty options are available and exactly what they cover.
Should You Choose a Roofer Based Only on Price?
Price is important.
But it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor.
To submit the lowest bid, some contractors may reduce costs by using lower-quality accessories, skipping important installation steps, or cutting corners on ventilation and waterproofing.
Questions worth asking include:
- Will ice and water barriers be installed where recommended?
- How will attic ventilation be addressed?
- Is the crew fully insured?
- What accessories are included?
- What workmanship warranty comes with the installation?
The lowest price isn’t always the best long-term value.
Why Workmanship Matters Years After Your Roof is Installed
One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that if a roof doesn’t leak during the first year or two, it must have been installed correctly.
Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Over the years, Joe has inspected thousands of roofs throughout Central Iowa. One pattern stands out.
Based on Joe Burkhart’s experience inspecting roofs throughout Central Iowa, approximately 98% of the roofs he inspects for active leaks are only 5 to 7 years old.
That surprises many homeowners because asphalt shingles are designed to last much longer.
The problem often isn’t the shingles themselves.
It’s the installation.
A small mistake—such as improperly installed flashing, exposed fasteners, or incorrect sealing around roof penetrations—may not leak immediately. Instead, water can slowly work its way beneath the roofing system over several years.
By the time moisture finally reaches a drywall seam inside the home and creates a visible ceiling stain, the original roofing contractor may be long gone, leaving the homeowner with few options.
That’s why choosing a contractor based on more than price is so important.
A quality workmanship warranty isn’t valuable because you expect something to go wrong.
It’s valuable because if something ever does, you want the company that installed your roof to still be there to make it right.
A Warranty Reflects Confidence
A workmanship warranty says something about the contractor.
It reflects their confidence in the quality of their installation and their commitment to standing behind their work.
At JB Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve honest answers, quality workmanship, and clear expectations before the first shingle is ever installed.
Because protecting your home doesn’t end when the project is complete.
Need a Roof Inspection or Roof Replacement Estimate?
If you’re comparing roofing contractors in Ankeny or the Greater Des Moines Area, we’d be happy to answer your questions about roofing materials, manufacturer warranties, workmanship warranties, and the installation process. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision with honest recommendations and quality workmanship.
Contact JB Roofing today for a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Sign a Roofing Contract, Ask These Five Questions
✔ How long is your workmanship warranty?
✔ How long have you been in business?
✔ Have you ever had a warranty claim? If so, how was it resolved?
✔ Who performs warranty work if I ever need it?
✔ Can you provide references from customers whose roofs you installed 10 or more years ago?
About the Author
Joe Burkhart is the owner of JB Roofing and a lifelong Ankeny resident who has spent years helping homeowners throughout Ankeny and the Des Moines metro with roofing and exterior needs. Joe believes homeowners should know who worked on their home, understand what was installed, and have a local roofing company they can call years down the road when questions come up. At JB Roofing, that long-term relationship is just as important as the roof itself.
