Warranties
Roofing warranties, plain-language
Two warranties cover a Minnesota roof: the manufacturer warranty on the shingle itself, and the workmanship warranty on how we installed it. They cover different failure modes and different time horizons. Most homeowners sign a contract without reading either document. Here is how to read them, what matters, and where to find the official text for each product in our lineup before any work begins.
The two layers
What each warranty covers
Manufacturer warranty
What the shingle maker covers
The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the shingle itself — problems that originate in the factory or the raw material. Granule loss outside expected wear rates. Premature shingle failure not caused by installation error or weather event. Factory adhesive problems that prevent the shingle from sealing correctly.
Stated warranty lengths range from 40 to 50 years (lifetime limited) depending on the product. “Lifetime limited” means coverage applies as long as you own the home, but the warranty is prorated after a defined period — a failure at year 15 may result in partial rather than full replacement coverage.
What it does not cover: installation errors, storm events above the shingle's rated wind or impact spec, debris damage, foot traffic damage, and — in most policies — modifications made after install.
Workmanship warranty
What the installer covers
The workmanship warranty covers errors in how the shingle was installed — problems that originate on the job site. Leaks at flashing transitions (chimney, skylight, wall intersections). Fastener placement outside the nailing zone. Underlayment overlap mistakes. Ventilation oversights that allow premature shingle aging.
Silver Loon carries a workmanship warranty on every job we install. Our current standard is [X] years — confirmed in writing on every close-out packet. If a leak traces to an installation method rather than a product defect, that is on us.
Workmanship warranties are transferable to a new owner in most cases, within the coverage window. We document the install method, materials used, and coverage dates so you have the paperwork if you sell.
By product
Manufacturer warranty at a glance
| Shingle | Manufacturer | Stated length | Official document |
|---|---|---|---|
| CertainTeed Landmark | CertainTeed | 50 years | Read warranty |
| GAF Timberline HDZ | GAF | 50 years | Read warranty |
| Owens Corning Duration | Owens Corning | 50 years | Read warranty |
| Malarkey Vista | Malarkey | 40 years | Read warranty |
Stated warranty length and the actual coverage in the legal text are not always the same thing. We point every homeowner to the official document before any product selection is finalized. The links above go directly to each manufacturer's warranty page — confirm the document date and version before you sign a proposal.
The fine print
Common ways homeowners accidentally void coverage
Most warranty voidances are unintentional. The actions below are common and often happen years after the roof is installed, before a homeowner knows coverage has been compromised.
DIY repairs
Even minor DIY repairs — resealing a lifted tab, patching a small area — can void the manufacturer warranty on the affected slope. The warranty language typically requires work to be performed by a licensed contractor following installation guidelines.
Adding penetrations without approved methods
Installing satellite dishes, solar panels, or skylights without following the manufacturer-approved flashing and fastening method voids coverage at those penetration points. Some warranties extend the void to the surrounding area.
Pressure-washing the roof
High-pressure washing strips granules, damages the asphalt layer, and voids most manufacturer warranties. Cleaning a roof should use low-pressure soft-wash methods with appropriate chemistry, not a pressure washer.
Walking the roof in cold weather
Foot traffic on a cold roof accelerates granule loss — at low temperatures the granule adhesion is reduced. Most warranties exclude damage from foot traffic. Necessary roof access in winter should use proper staging.
Failing to register the warranty
Some products require the homeowner to register the warranty with the manufacturer within a defined window after installation. Missing that window can reduce coverage to a basic limited term. We handle registration on your behalf at job close.
Using non-approved accessories
Ridge vents, starter strip, and ice-and-water shield from competing product lines can void a manufacturer warranty if the manufacturer requires their own accessories for warranty compliance. We use the accessory systems each manufacturer specifies.
Selling your home
What happens when you sell
Most manufacturer warranties allow one transfer to a new owner, provided the new owner registers the transfer within a defined window — typically 30 to 60 days after closing. Some warranties are non-transferable; others require a fee. The transfer window and any required steps are specified in the original warranty document.
At Silver Loon, we document the original install date, product specification, color code, and warranty registration confirmation in the close-out packet for every job. That paperwork gives the next owner what they need to register the transfer. If you are selling a home and cannot locate the original warranty documents, contact us with the address and install date — we retain job records.
Workmanship warranties are generally transferable within their coverage window. The buyer receives the same protection as the original owner for the remainder of the term. The transfer does not extend the warranty period.
Available through our supply network. Final color, product, and accessory confirmation happens at the proposal stage — branch availability varies.
Questions
Warranty questions answered
Questions about coverage on your specific roof?
We'll walk through what's manufacturer-backed and what's workmanship-backed before any work starts. The inspection is free.