Roofing Tips & Guides
Expert Roofing Advice for Charlotte Homeowners
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
Let's be honest. Most homeowners don't think about roof warranties until something goes wrong. And by then? It's often too late to understand what you're actually covered for.
Here in Charlotte and Lake Norman, we see this all the time. A storm rolls through. Shingles fly off. And suddenly folks are scrambling to find that warranty paperwork they shoved in a drawer five years ago.
The truth is, roof warranties can be confusing. Some protect you for decades. Others aren't worth the paper they're printed on. Today, I'm going to break it all down in plain English. No legal jargon. No industry double-speak. Just the facts you need to protect your home and your wallet.
Your roof is likely the most expensive thing protecting your home. A full replacement in the Charlotte area can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $25,000 or more. That's a serious investment.
A good warranty acts like a safety net. If materials fail or something goes wrong with the installation, you shouldn't have to pay twice for the same roof.
But here's what most contractors won't tell you. Not all warranties are created equal. Some sound amazing but have so many exclusions they're practically useless. Others require specific maintenance that nobody mentions at signing.
When you get a new roof, you're typically dealing with three different warranty types. Understanding each one helps you know exactly what's covered.
This warranty comes from the company that made your shingles or roofing materials. It covers defects in the materials themselves. Think of it like a warranty on a new appliance.
Most material warranties last 10 to 30 years. Premium architectural shingles sometimes offer 50-year or even "lifetime" coverage. But here's the catch. These warranties usually only cover the cost of replacement materials. They don't pay for labor to install them.
So if your shingles fail in year 15, you might get free shingles. But you'll still pay a crew to tear off the old ones and install the new.
This is the gold standard. It covers both the materials AND the labor to fix or replace your roof. These warranties typically last 15 to 30 years.
The National Roofing Contractors Association notes that "system warranties provide the most comprehensive protection but require strict adherence to manufacturer specifications."
There's a trade-off though. To get this level of coverage, your roof must be installed by a certified contractor. The manufacturer wants to make sure everything is done right from day one.
This warranty comes directly from your roofing company. It covers installation errors like improper sealing, bad flashing work, or incorrect fastening.
Workmanship warranties typically last 1 to 10 years. The best contractors offer longer coverage because they stand behind their work.
Here's something important. If another contractor touches your roof without permission, this warranty usually becomes void. So always check with your original roofer before hiring anyone else for repairs or modifications.
Let's get specific about what you can expect coverage for:
Material defects – If shingles crack, curl, or fail prematurely due to manufacturing problems, you're covered under the material warranty.
Installation errors – If your roof leaks because someone didn't seal the flashing properly, the workmanship warranty kicks in.
System failures – With a comprehensive labor and material warranty, you're protected if the roofing system as a whole doesn't perform as promised.
Here's where things get tricky. Most roof warranties have long lists of exclusions. And these exclusions often include the most common problems homeowners face.
Storm damage – ⚠️ This is huge. Severe storms, hail, high winds, and tornadoes are NOT covered by your roof warranty. These fall under your homeowner's insurance policy. In Charlotte and Lake Norman, we get plenty of summer storms. Your warranty won't help you there.
Poor maintenance – If you never clean your gutters or remove debris from your roof, the warranty can be voided. Manufacturers expect you to take basic care of your investment.
Unauthorized repairs – Got a handyman neighbor who "fixed" a leak for cheap? That could void your entire warranty. Always use approved contractors for any roof work.
Improper ventilation – If your attic doesn't ventilate correctly, it can cause premature shingle failure. Many manufacturers won't cover this.
Normal wear and aging – Fading, minor discoloration, and general aging aren't covered. Roofs deteriorate over time. That's expected.
Alterations to the roof – Had solar panels installed? New HVAC unit that required cutting into the roof? These modifications can void coverage if not done by approved contractors.
After years in this business, I've seen some shady warranty practices. Here's what should make you pause:
"Lifetime" warranties without details – What does "lifetime" mean exactly? The life of the product? Your life? The life of your ownership? Get specifics in writing.
No registration requirement mentioned – Many manufacturer warranties require online registration within a certain timeframe. If your contractor doesn't mention this, ask about it.
Workmanship warranties under 5 years – A reputable contractor should stand behind their work for at least 5-10 years. Anything less suggests they're not confident in their installation quality.
Prorated coverage – Some warranties reduce in value over time. A 30-year warranty might only cover 50% of costs in year 15. Always ask if coverage is prorated or full replacement.
No written documentation – If a contractor makes verbal promises about warranty coverage but won't put it in writing, walk away.
Shopping for a new roof? Here's how to compare warranties like a pro:
Ask about certified installer status – GAF, Owens Corning, and other major manufacturers require contractors to be certified for enhanced warranty coverage. For example, GAF's Golden Pledge warranty requires installation by contractors in the top 2% of roofing professionals.
Get the warranty length in writing – Don't rely on verbal promises. Get specific documentation showing exactly how long each warranty lasts.
Understand what triggers the claim process – How do you file a claim? Who do you contact first? What documentation do you need? Know this before you sign.
Check for transferability – Planning to sell your home someday? Some warranties can be transferred to new owners once during the coverage period. This adds real value when you're ready to sell.
Read the maintenance requirements – Most warranties require annual inspections and regular maintenance. Make sure you understand and can commit to these requirements.
At Best Roofing Now, we believe homeowners deserve better than confusing warranty language and hidden exclusions. That's why we offer a straightforward lifetime warranty on qualifying installations.
Here's what makes our approach different:
We're certified installers – Our team meets the strict requirements needed for enhanced manufacturer warranties. This means you get the best available coverage on materials AND labor.
We handle registration – We submit your warranty registration immediately after installation. You don't have to worry about missing deadlines or paperwork.
Clear documentation – You'll receive complete warranty documentation explaining exactly what's covered, what's not, and how to make a claim if needed.
We stand behind our work – Our workmanship warranty covers installation issues for years after your project is complete. If something goes wrong due to our work, we fix it. Period.
Local accountability – We're not some out-of-state company that disappears after the job. We live and work right here in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area. Our reputation depends on taking care of our neighbors.
✅ When you work with a trusted local contractor, your warranty actually means something.
Getting a great warranty is only half the battle. You need to maintain it. Here's your simple checklist:
Schedule annual inspections – Have a professional look at your roof once a year. This catches small problems before they become big ones.
Keep detailed records – Save all inspection reports, maintenance logs, repair invoices, and photos. You'll need this documentation if you ever file a claim.
Clean your gutters regularly – Clogged gutters cause water backup that can damage your roof and void your warranty.
Remove debris promptly – Tree branches, leaves, and other debris should be cleared from your roof regularly.
Address repairs quickly – Small leaks become big problems fast. Fix issues as soon as you notice them.
Only use approved contractors – Before anyone touches your roof, verify they're authorized to do so without voiding your warranty.
Your roof warranty should give you peace of mind. Not confusion and frustration.
The best protection comes from layering your warranties. Pair a strong manufacturer's labor and material warranty with a solid contractor workmanship warranty. Then maintain detailed records of all inspections and maintenance.
And remember – the warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it. A 50-year warranty means nothing if the contractor goes out of business in year three.
Here in Charlotte and Lake Norman, we've built our reputation on being here for the long haul. When you choose Best Roofing Now, you're getting more than a roof. You're getting a partner who'll be here decades from now if you ever need us.
Don't wait until after a storm to find out your warranty has gaps. Whether you're planning a new roof or want to understand your current coverage better, we're here to help.
Schedule your free roof inspection with Best Roofing Now today. We'll assess your roof's condition, explain your warranty options in plain English, and give you an honest recommendation – no pressure, no gimmicks. Just straightforward advice from your Lake Norman and Charlotte roofing experts.
Best Roofing Now
Charlotte's trusted roofing experts since 2019
Based on this article, you may be interested in these services.
We proudly serve these Charlotte-area communities with professional roofing services.
View All Service Areas →Get a free roof inspection and honest assessment from Charlotte's most trusted roofing company.
