Almost every shingle sold in Ontario today comes with a "limited lifetime" warranty. It sounds like you'll never pay for a roof again. In reality, a roof warranty is two or three separate promises from different companies, each with its own fine print. Knowing which is which can save you a lot of frustration if something goes wrong.
Two Kinds of Roof Warranty
Manufacturer warranty
This comes from the shingle maker and covers defects in the product itself, such as shingles that crack, blister or lose granules far faster than they should. It does not cover installation mistakes, storm damage or normal wear.
Workmanship warranty
This comes from your roofing contractor and covers how the roof was installed: nailing, flashing, ventilation, sealing around chimneys and skylights. Most leaks on newer roofs are workmanship problems, not material defects, which is why this warranty matters so much.
At Ontario Tech Roofing, our installations come with a 10-year workmanship warranty, in writing.
What "Lifetime" Really Means
Most manufacturer warranties have two stages:
- A non-prorated period in the first years, when replacement materials (and sometimes labour) are fully covered if a defect shows up.
- A prorated period after that, when coverage shrinks every year. Late in the roof's life, a valid claim might cover only a small fraction of the material cost, and usually none of the labour.
"Lifetime" also typically applies to the original owner of a single-family home. Many warranties can be transferred once to a new owner, often only within a set period after installation and sometimes only if the transfer is registered.
Enhanced and System Warranties
Many manufacturers offer stronger coverage when you install their full roofing system (starter strip, underlayment, ice and water protection, ridge cap and ventilation from the same brand), installed by a contractor they have certified. These enhanced warranties can extend the non-prorated period and include some labour.
If a roofer promises an enhanced warranty, ask which one, whether they are certified to offer it, and whether they will register it for you.
What Can Void a Shingle Warranty
- Installation that doesn't follow the manufacturer's instructions: wrong nail placement, too few nails, missing starter strips.
- Poor attic ventilation: trapped heat and moisture can shorten shingle life, and manufacturers know it. See our guide on attic insulation and your roof.
- Installing over an existing layer when the manufacturer requires a full tear-off for its best coverage.
- Pressure washing or harsh cleaning that strips granules.
- Unregistered warranties, where registration is required.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Which shingle brand and product line are you installing?
- Which manufacturer warranty applies, and will you register it?
- How long is your workmanship warranty, and is it in the contract?
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell the house?
- Who do I call if I find a leak, and how fast do you respond?
Get a Roof That's Covered Properly
We install shingles to the manufacturer's specifications, use proper ice and water protection and ventilation, and give you your warranty details in writing. Book a free estimate or call 905-616-4408 to talk about a roof replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a shingle warranty cover leaks?
Only if the leak is caused by a defective shingle. Most leaks come from flashing, nailing or ventilation problems, which fall under the roofer's workmanship warranty instead.
Does my roof warranty cover storm damage?
Generally no. Wind and hail damage beyond the shingle's rated limits is usually a home insurance matter, not a warranty claim.
What do I need to make a warranty claim?
Keep your contract, invoice, warranty registration and photos of the roof. The manufacturer will usually ask for proof of purchase, installation date and samples or photos of the affected shingles.