What Does a Roof Warranty Actually Cover?
When you hear “lifetime warranty,” it’s easy to assume your roof will be protected forever. But what does lifetime really mean in roofing, and what’s actually covered under that promise?
At Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors, we believe in keeping things simple and transparent. Our Lifetime Labor Warranty protects your workmanship for as long as you own your home. Material warranties, on the other hand, come directly from trusted manufacturers like CertainTeed and cover product defects in shingles or accessories.
If you’re planning a roof replacement, understanding how these warranties work can help you make confident, informed decisions about your investment.
Learn more about our roof replacement process and how we install every roof The Wright Way.
The Difference Between Labor and Manufacturer Warranties
Not all roof warranties cover the same things, and that’s where homeowners often get confused. At Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors, you actually get two layers of protection that work together to give you total peace of mind.
Lifetime Labor Warranty = Workmanship Guarantee
This warranty comes directly from Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors. It covers the installation work itself: how the shingles, flashing, and components were put on your home. If something ever goes wrong because of the way it was installed, we’ll fix it at no cost to you.
Manufacturer Warranty = Product Performance Guarantee
This warranty comes from the shingle manufacturer, such as CertainTeed, and protects against defects in the materials, things like shingle cracking, granule loss, or premature failure. Allof our installations qualify for the CertainTeed SureStart™ PLUS 4-Star coverage, which offers excellent long-term protection on the materials themselves.
Together, these two warranties give you confidence that both your materials and installation are protected for the long haul.
What’s Covered Under The Wright Way Lifetime Labor Warranty
Our warranty is built on trust, not fine print. Here’s what it covers:
- Proper installation according to building code and manufacturer specifications
- Certified crews: Every installer is a SELECT ShingleMaster™ certified by CertainTeed
- Transferable coverage: The warranty can transfer once if the new homeowner notifies us within 45 days of the sale
- Valid after full project payment: Once the job is complete and paid in full, your coverage begins
Our team stands behind every shingle we install. If an installation issue ever arises, we’ll handle it promptly and professionally—The Wright Way.
What’s Not Covered (and Why)
Even the best warranties have limits. It’s important to understand what’s excluded so there are no surprises later on:
- Weather damage: hail, wind over 50 mph, ice dams, heavy snow, lightning, or fire
- Normal wear and tear: gradual aging is expected with any roof
- Improper maintenance or alterations: damage caused by unapproved repairs or changes
- Structural movement or soil shift: issues related to the foundation or framing
- Interior leaks caused by other systems, plumbing, HVAC, or chimney problems aren’t roofing defects
When weather damage is involved, we’ll help you document everything for your insurance claim.
How to Keep Your Roof Warranty Valid
A roof warranty is only as good as how you care for it. Follow these simple steps to keep your coverage active and your roof in top condition:
- Schedule annual inspections to catch small issues before they grow
- Keep gutters, valleys, and vents clear of debris
- Avoid power-washing or using harsh chemicals
- Document storm events with photos for future claims
How Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors Handles Warranty Calls
We’ve made our warranty process simple and stress-free:
- You can call us or submit a service request.
- Our team reviews your project record and schedules an inspection.
- A technician determines whether the issue is workmanship-related or caused by external damage.
- If it’s covered under our Lifetime Labor Warranty, we make the repair at no cost to you.
You’ll never face a run-around or hidden fees. We stand by our work—every single time.
How Our Warranties Compare to Other Roofing Companies
Here’s how we stand apart from typical contractors:
| Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors | Typical Contractor |
| Lifetime labor warranty + manufacturer coverage | 1–5 year labor guarantee |
| Transferable coverage | Often voided after home sale |
| Certified installers (CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™) | Unverified or non-certified crews |
| Clear, honest communication | Vague or confusing fine print |
FAQs About Roof Warranties
Q: How Long Does a Roof Warranty Last?
A: Most roofing material warranties last between 25 and 50 years, depending on the manufacturer and shingle type. At Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors, our Lifetime Labor Warranty lasts for as long as you own your home, covering workmanship. Manufacturer warranties, like CertainTeed’s SureStart™ PLUS, protect against defects in roofing materials for decades.
Q: What’s the Difference Between a Labor Warranty and a Manufacturer Warranty?
A: A labor warranty covers how your roof was installed — it’s your protection against workmanship issues. A manufacturer’s warranty, such as CertainTeed’s coverage, covers defects in the shingles or materials themselves. Together, they ensure your roof’s installation and materials are both protected, The Wright Way.
Q: Can a Roof Warranty Be Transferred to a New Homeowner?
A: Yes. The CertainTeed 4 Star Warranty is transferable if the new homeowner notifies us within 45 days of the home sale. This helps preserve your home’s resale value and provides peace of mind for the next owner. Always confirm transfer terms directly with CertainTeed.
Q: Does a Roof Warranty Cover Storm Damage?
A: No, most roof warranties don’t cover weather-related damage such as hail, wind over 50 mph, or ice dams. Those situations are typically handled through your homeowners’ insurance. Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors will perform a comprehensive inspection to ensure all storm damage is scoped correctly for repair or replacement.
Disclaimer: Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors and its authorized representatives are NOT acting as Public Insurance Adjusters and will not negotiate with insurance on the customer’s behalf.
Q: How Can I Keep My Roof Warranty Valid?
A: Keep your warranty active by scheduling annual roof inspections, cleaning gutters, and avoiding harsh cleaning methods like power washing. If you suspect damage after a storm, document it with photos and contact Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors for an inspection. Preventive maintenance helps ensure both labor and manufacturer coverage remain in full effect.
Ready to Roof The Wright Way?
Protect your home for life with certified installation and a Lifetime Labor Warranty from Wright at Home Roofing & Exteriors. Proudly serving the Minneapolis metro since 2005!
