What a roof warranty actually covers
By Seth Brown, Founder & CEO · Running BNH since 2019
Published October 13, 2026
A new roof usually comes with two warranties. The manufacturer warranty covers defects in the materials, like shingles that fail early. The workmanship warranty, from the roofer, covers how the roof was installed. Read three things in both: how long it lasts, whether coverage is prorated (shrinks over time) or non-prorated (full value), and whether it transfers if you sell.
Two warranties, two jobs
Manufacturer warranty. Covers the materials. If the shingles have a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer covers it under the terms of the warranty. Better warranties also cover the other parts of the system (underlayment, ridge caps, starter strips) when they’re all from the same manufacturer.
Workmanship warranty. Covers the installation. If a roof leaks because flashing was installed wrong, that’s workmanship. It’s only as good as the company behind it, so a local roofer who’ll still be here matters.
Prorated vs non-prorated
A prorated warranty pays less each year. Ten years in, it might only cover a fraction of the cost. A non-prorated warranty covers the full cost of covered defects for its whole term. Always ask how long the non-prorated period lasts.
What can void a warranty
Common ones: poor attic ventilation, a non-certified installer when the warranty requires one, unauthorized repairs or alterations, and roofing over an old layer when the warranty calls for a tear-off. Keep your paperwork and call your installer before anyone else works on the roof.
Our packages
| Covered by | Essential | Peace of Mind |
|---|---|---|
| Shingle | GAF Timberline NS | GAF Timberline HDZ |
| Our workmanship warranty | 5 years | 10 years |
| Manufacturer warranty | GAF standard limited | GAF System Plus |
| Non-prorated manufacturing coverage | 10 years | 50 years |
| Transfers if you sell | No | Once, to the next owner |
| Wind coverage | 15 years | 15 years, no maximum wind speed |
| Blue-green algae protection | 10 years | 25 years |
Common questions
What warranty does BNH give?
Our workmanship warranty is 5 years on the Essential package and 10 years on Peace of Mind. Peace of Mind also includes the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty, which we register with GAF for you.
Is the warranty transferable if I sell my house?
On our Peace of Mind package, yes. Our workmanship warranty transfers once to the next owner for the rest of its term, at no charge, as long as they tell us in writing within 60 days of closing, and GAF System Plus can be transferred once in the first 20 years. Essential's warranties don't transfer.
