Understanding the Critical Difference Between Manufacturer and Contractor Roofing Warranties on Long Island Could Save You Thousands

When investing in a new roof for your Long Island home, understanding the warranty landscape is crucial for protecting your investment. The contractor who installs your roofing plays a key role in its performance and longevity. Reputable, skilled roofers stand behind each installation job with a workmanship warranty. However, many homeowners are confused about the differences between manufacturer warranties and contractor guarantees, often leaving gaps in their protection that could cost thousands in repairs.

What Manufacturer Warranties Actually Cover

Industry-wide, these standard manufacturer warranties only provide coverage against factory defects: they don’t cover shingles that prematurely fail because mistakes were made during installation, or issues with any other components your roofer installed, such as ice and water shield, underlayment, flashing or ventilation products. Most manufacturer warranties strictly cover the cost of defective materials, so you’re responsible for any labor charges to remove and dispose of failed shingles and install the replacements.

When it comes to New York shingle roof material warranties most manufacturers will warranty their products from 25 years to 50 years. What most homeowners don’t realize is for the most part these are prorated warranties. This means most manufacturers cover the cost of replacing defective shingles for the first few years and then offer prorated coverage from that point on.

Understanding Contractor Workmanship Warranties

A contractor warranty will cover labor. This warranty is a promise from the installer. They guarantee their workmanship. The contractor warranty varies greatly. Some last one year, while others may go up to ten. However, contractor warranties only cover labor. They don’t cover defective materials.

For Long Island homeowners, this distinction is particularly important. 98% of the time if there is problem with a roof system it is usually a workmanship error. Most roofers will stand behind his or her workmanship for 1 to 10 years. Unfortunately, in this industry a lot of times that roofer won’t be in business for that amount of time.

The Coverage Gap That Costs Homeowners

Having two separate warranties creates a significant risk for homeowners. Here’s the scenario: A leak appears three years after your new roof is installed. You call the shingle manufacturer, but they deny the claim, stating the issue was caused by improper installation. You then try to contact your roofing contractor, only to find their workmanship warranty expired last year—or worse, they’ve gone out of business. This is the gap where the two warranties fail to meet, leaving you responsible for paying for expensive repairs out of your own pocket.

So, you often need both warranties for full protection. This warranty split can be confusing. So, it’s crucial to know which warranty applies to which issue.

Long Island-Specific Warranty Considerations

Long Island’s unique coastal environment creates additional challenges for roofing systems. Long Island’s coastal location creates unique roofing challenges that require specialized knowledge and materials. Salt air accelerates corrosion of metal components like flashing and gutters. Coastal storms bring high winds that can lift shingles and damage roof structures. Ice dams form more frequently due to temperature fluctuations near the water. High humidity levels promote mold growth and material deterioration.

These conditions make it even more critical to work with experienced local contractors who understand these challenges and offer comprehensive warranty protection.

Enhanced System Warranties: The Best Protection

Leading manufacturers have solved this problem by creating enhanced “system” warranties. These special warranties are the only ones in the industry that combine protection for both material defects and workmanship under a single, comprehensive plan backed directly by the manufacturer. When you go the extra mile of paying for an extended manufacturer warranty, you’ll actually get both types of coverage in one. Extended manufacturer warranties also cover the workmanship portion because they only apply when your roof system is installed by an authorized contractor, thereby eliminating the possibility of an egregious installation by an underqualified contractor.

Choosing the Right Long Island Roofing Partner

When selecting a Roofing Contractor Long Island, it’s essential to work with established professionals who understand both warranty types and local conditions. Expressway Roofing & Chimney is Long Island’s premier, full-service, licensed roofer and insured home contracting roofing company serving Suffolk County, NY and Nassau County, NY. We’ve been a Long Island-based, family-owned and operated roofing, chimney, siding, gutter and home contracting company for over 22 years now because we only adhere to the highest standards for quality – without ever compromising on the materials or the services we provide.

We provide comprehensive warranty protection that includes both manufacturer warranties on all materials and our own workmanship warranty on installation. Material warranties typically range from 20-50 years depending on the products chosen, covering defects and premature failure. Our workmanship warranty covers installation errors, improper techniques, and labor-related issues. We honor all manufacturer warranty requirements and handle warranty claims directly so you don’t have to deal with multiple companies.

Key Questions to Ask Your Contractor

Before signing any roofing contract on Long Island, ask these critical questions:

• What specific manufacturer warranties are included with my roofing materials?
• How long is your workmanship warranty, and what does it cover?
• Are you certified to offer enhanced system warranties?
• How do you handle warranty claims and coordination between manufacturers?
• What happens if your company goes out of business during the warranty period?

Protecting Your Investment

As the homeowner, it is in your best interest to read all warranties and follow up with the manufacturer or contractor with questions about coverage. Knowing your warranty thoroughly will help you feel better about your roof purchase, and provide you with a big advantage if you ever need to make a claim.

Understanding the difference between manufacturer and contractor warranties isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting one of your home’s most critical systems. A short warranty from a reputable contractor is often better than a long one from an unknown installer. Choose wisely, and ensure your Long Island home is protected with comprehensive coverage that won’t leave you exposed when problems arise.