Comparing Warranties: Which Roofing Manufacturer Offers the Best?
When investing in a new roof, one of the most overlooked—but most important—factors to consider is the warranty. While shingles, underlayment, and installation quality all matter, your roof’s long-term protection comes down to the manufacturer’s promise. The right warranty can save you thousands of dollars down the line. But with so many roofing brands on the market, which one truly offers the best coverage? Let’s break it down.
Why Roofing Warranties Matter
A roof isn’t just shingles nailed to plywood—it’s your home’s first line of defense against storms, sun, and time itself. Roofing warranties protect your investment in two key ways:
- Material Defects: Covers issues like premature cracking, granule loss, or blistering.
- Workmanship (when extended by certified contractors): Covers improper installation that leads to leaks or failures.
The strength of a warranty can be the deciding factor between two otherwise similar roofing systems.
Leading Roofing Manufacturers and Their Warranties
1. GAF
- Standard Coverage: Limited Lifetime warranty on shingles.
- Upgraded Coverage: Golden Pledge® Warranty (available only through GAF Master Elite® contractors).
- Highlights: 50 years non-prorated coverage on materials, 25 years workmanship coverage.
GAF is one of the strongest contenders, especially when installed by a certified contractor.
2. Owens Corning
- Standard Coverage: Limited Lifetime warranty.
- Upgraded Coverage: Preferred Protection Roofing System Warranty.
- Highlights: 50 years on materials, up to 25 years workmanship. Transferable once.
Owens Corning is well-regarded for customer service and easy warranty transfer for resale value.
3. CertainTeed
- Standard Coverage: Limited Lifetime.
- Upgraded Coverage: SureStart™ PLUS when installed by a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster.
- Highlights: 50 years on materials, up to 25 years workmanship, 100% non-prorated protection in first 10–15 years.
Known for one of the most comprehensive coverage options in the industry.
4. Malarkey
- Standard Coverage: Limited Lifetime.
- Upgraded Coverage: Emerald Pro Warranty.
- Highlights: 50 years on materials, limited workmanship, focus on sustainable products.
Malarkey stands out for eco-friendly shingles, though warranty terms are slightly less robust compared to GAF or CertainTeed.
5. Atlas Roofing
- Standard Coverage: Limited Lifetime.
- Upgraded Coverage: Signature Select® Roofing System Warranty.
- Highlights: 50 years material protection, Scotchgard™ algae protection.
A solid choice if algae resistance and streak-free shingles are a top priority.
Which Roofing Manufacturer Has the Best Warranty?
- Best Overall Coverage: CertainTeed—their SureStart™ PLUS warranty offers some of the longest non-prorated protection and strong workmanship guarantees.
- Best for Certified Contractor Network: GAF—the Golden Pledge® is hard to beat when installed by a Master Elite® roofer.
- Best Transferability for Resale: Owens Corning—their warranty is straightforward and transferable, boosting home value.
Final Thoughts
When comparing warranties, the “best” depends on your priorities. If you want maximum coverage, CertainTeed and GAF stand out. If you’re focused on resale value, Owens Corning is a safe bet. And if you’re passionate about eco-friendly materials, Malarkey deserves a look.
At the end of the day, the most important step is making sure your roof is installed by a certified, local contractor who can unlock extended warranty coverage. That’s where Simply Roofing comes in—we’re proud to be a trusted roofing contractor in Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, and Charleston, ensuring your roof isn’t just built to last, but fully protected for decades to come.
Pro Tip: Always ask your roofing contractor to walk you through the warranty in writing—don’t just take verbal assurances. The fine print can make all the difference.