Roofing Warranties: What Calgary Homeowners Should Know

Two Different Kinds of Roof Warranty

Most roofs involve two separate kinds of coverage, and homeowners often assume one covers what the other does.

Manufacturer coverage (the materials)

Shingle, membrane and metal manufacturers back their products against defects. That coverage is about the material itself — shingles that fail prematurely because of how they were made, for example. It usually does not pay for problems caused by how the roof was installed, and many manufacturers reduce what they cover as the roof ages.

Workmanship coverage (the installation)

Workmanship coverage comes from the contractor, not the manufacturer. It is meant to cover installation errors: flashing that was not detailed properly, nails placed in the wrong spot, a valley that lets water in. How long it lasts and what it includes vary widely from one roofer to the next, which is why it needs to be spelled out in writing.

What Commonly Voids or Limits Roof Coverage

• Not following the manufacturer’s installation instructions — nailing, underlayment and starter details matter.
• Poor attic ventilation — manufacturers generally expect a properly vented roof deck.
• Layering new shingles over old ones where the product terms require a full tear-off.
• Later alterations — satellite dishes, solar racking or vents added without proper flashing.
• Lack of maintenance or damage from foot traffic and debris.
• Unregistered products, where the manufacturer requires registration after installation.

Warranties, Hail and Insurance Are Not the Same Thing

In Calgary, most sudden roof damage comes from hail and wind. Warranties generally cover defects in materials or installation, not storm damage — that is what home insurance is for. If a hailstorm damages your roof, the conversation is with your insurer, and the age of the roof and your policy terms will shape what happens next.

Selling Your Home

Buyers and home inspectors often ask about the roof. Some coverage can be transferred to a new owner and some cannot, and transfers may need to be registered within a set time. Keep your roofing paperwork, invoices and photos together so you can answer those questions quickly.

Questions to Ask Any Roofer About Coverage

1. What does your workmanship coverage include, and for how long?
2. Is it written into the contract or quote?
3. Which manufacturer coverage applies to the products you are installing, and does anything need to be registered?
4. Can the coverage be transferred if I sell the house?
5. Who do I contact if something goes wrong, and how are claims handled?

Have questions about coverage for your roof? Ask when you request your quote. You can also read our roofing FAQ for answers to other common questions.