What Homeowners Should Know About Roofing Warranties in Texas (And the Fine Print That Matters)

Replacing your roof is a major investment, so it’s only natural to want peace of mind that it will hold up for years to come. One of the key protections homeowners rely on is the roofing warranty, but they often don’t have a full understanding of what is and isn’t covered.

The Two Main Types of Roofing Warranties

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to believe they have a single, overarching roof warranty. This is partly due to how roofers advertise, with statements like “we offer an industry-leading warranty.” You might be surprised to learn that new roofs are typically covered by multiple warranties offering different kinds of protection.

1. Manufacturer’s (Material) Warranty

This is the warranty most people think of when they hear "roof warranty." It covers defects in the roofing materials themselves, like if a batch of shingles starts to split, curl or fall apart well before their expected lifespan. These warranties are usually provided directly by the shingle manufacturer and often range from 20 to 50 years, depending on the product and the installer.

However, these warranties only apply if the shingles were installed correctly. If there’s a leak or failure caused by improper installation, even a small mistake, the material warranty won’t cover it.

2. Workmanship (Labor) Warranty

This warranty is provided by the contractor and covers issues that result from improper installation. It’s arguably the more important of the two because a significant percentage of roof problems come from installation errors, not material defects. Unfortunately, many contractors only offer 1 to 5 years of labor coverage, leaving homeowners exposed after just a few seasons.

Why the Fine Print Matters

Reading the fine print on any roofing warranty is crucial. Here are a few key things to watch for:

• Transferability: Can the warranty be transferred if you sell your home? Some warranties are non-transferable or only allow a one-time transfer with strict time limits.
  
  
• Pro-rated Coverage: Many warranties decrease in value over time. After the first few years, you may only be reimbursed for a fraction of the replacement cost.
  
  
• Required Maintenance: Some warranties require annual inspections or maintenance to stay valid. If you skip this step, you could void your coverage without realizing it.
  
  
• Exclusions for “Acts of God”: Most warranties do not cover damage caused by hail, wind, falling trees or other storm-related issues. Those are typically handled through your homeowners insurance.
  
  
• Certification Requirements: Manufacturer warranties are often enhanced when installed by a certified contractor. Without certification, roofing clients may only get the basic coverage.

What Sets Perkins Roofing Apart

At Perkins Roofing, we’ve taken extra steps to ensure our customers get the strongest protection available. As a SELECT MasterShingle™ contractor with CertainTeed, we’re able to offer extended manufacturer warranties that most roofing companies simply can’t match.

That includes high-level coverage on CertainTeed shingles and underlayments when installed as part of a full roofing system.

We also offer our own 25-year labor warranty, far above the industry standard. That means if your roof experiences issues due to installation errors anytime within 25 years, we’ll take care of it at no cost to you. It’s one of the most comprehensive labor warranties in The Woodlands, and a reflection of our commitment to quality and accountability.

Don’t Let Assumptions Cost You Later

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is assuming their warranty will cover any roof-related problem. The truth is, unless the issue is clearly caused by a material defect and everything was installed exactly to spec, your material warranty might not be valid.

That’s why choosing a certified, trusted contractor is more than just a nice bonus; it’s your first line of defense against costly repairs later. The right contractor ensures the materials are installed in a way that preserves your manufacturer’s warranty and gives you a strong labor warranty to back it all up.

Ready for a Roof in The Woodlands You Can Rely On? We’re Here to Help!

At Perkins Roofing, we believe roofing warranties should be straightforward, comprehensive and actually useful when you need them. Our experienced team not only uses the latest installation methods but also gives you long-term peace of mind with industry-leading warranties, including our 25-year labor coverage and enhanced protection through CertainTeed.

Call us at (832) 702-0201 to schedule a free roof inspection or consultation and learn more about the roofing warranties that make a real difference in The Woodlands, TX.