Your roof is one of the biggest and most important investments you'll ever make in your home. When you had it installed, you likely received a warranty that offered peace of mind, promising protection for years to come. You filed that paperwork away, confident you were covered.

But are you certain that coverage is still in effect today?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that certain actions—or inactions—can accidentally void their roof warranty, leaving them financially responsible for unexpected repairs. At Graduate Contracting, we believe an informed homeowner is a protected homeowner. Let's break down what your warranty covers and how to ensure it remains valid.

Understanding Your Coverage: The Two Types of Warranties

It’s crucial to know that nearly every roofing system comes with two separate warranties.

1. The Manufacturer's Warranty

This warranty is provided by the company that made your shingles or roofing materials (e.g., GAF, Owens Corning).

• What it covers: Defects in the materials themselves. This protects you if the shingles fail prematurely due to a manufacturing flaw, causing issues like cracking, splitting, or granule loss far earlier than their expected lifespan.
• What you need to know: These warranties often last for decades (20, 30 years, or even "lifetime") but are typically prorated, meaning the coverage value decreases over time. Crucially, they do not cover failures due to improper installation.

2. The Workmanship Warranty

This warranty is provided by your roofing contractor and is arguably the more critical of the two for homeowners.

• What it covers: Errors made during the installation process. This includes things like improper nailing, faulty flashing installation, or incorrect sealing—the very issues that cause the vast majority of roof leaks and premature failures.
• What you need to know: The length and quality of this warranty speak volumes about the contractor's confidence in their work. It can range from just a year or two to a comprehensive guarantee. At Graduate Contracting, we proudly back our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty, giving our clients long-term assurance.

Top 5 Ways a Roof Warranty Can Be Voided

A warranty is a contract, and failing to meet its conditions can render it useless. Here are the most common mistakes that can jeopardize your coverage:

1. Improper Installation: The number one reason a manufacturer’s warranty claim is denied. If the contractor didn't follow the manufacturer's exact installation specifications, the material warranty is often void from day one. This is why choosing a certified, reputable installer is essential.
2. Unauthorized Repairs or Alterations: Did you hire a different handyman to fix a few loose shingles? Did you install a satellite dish or solar panels on your own? Penetrating the roof deck or altering the original installation without consulting the original contractor can void your workmanship warranty.
3. Inadequate Attic Ventilation: Proper airflow in your attic is essential for the health of your roof. The intense Texas heat can build up and literally "cook" shingles from the underside if ventilation is poor, causing them to degrade quickly. Most manufacturers require proper ventilation for their warranty to be valid.
4. Using a Pressure Washer: Never, ever pressure wash an asphalt shingle roof. The high-pressure stream strips away the protective granules that shield the shingle from UV rays, which will immediately void most material warranties.
5. Neglecting Maintenance: While roofs are low-maintenance, they aren't "no-maintenance." Allowing debris to pile up, letting gutters clog and overflow, or ignoring minor damage can sometimes be grounds for a voided warranty due to neglect.

Know Where You Stand

Your roof warranty is a valuable asset, but only if it's active. Take a moment this season to locate your paperwork and review the terms.

If you can't find your warranty, have discovered a leak and aren't sure if you're covered, or simply want a professional assessment of your roof's condition, the team at Graduate Contracting is here to help.

Contact us today to schedule a professional roof inspection. We can help you understand the health of your roof and provide expert advice on any necessary repairs, warranty-covered or not.