You just had your roof replaced. The contractor hands you a warranty. Maybe it says 25 years. Maybe 30. Maybe “lifetime.” It sounds great.
But when that first leak shows up… the warranty doesn’t help.
Or it covers “materials” but not labor.
Or it was voided the moment the attic overheated.
Or the installer disappeared and can’t be reached.
At Tier-One Roofing, we hear from Tulsa-area homeowners every single month who are frustrated by a warranty that sounded solid—until they needed it. Most had no idea what they were actually covered for.
This article breaks down exactly what roofing warranties include (and don’t), what to look for in the paperwork, how Oklahoma’s climate impacts your coverage, and how Tier-One Roofing builds protection into every install—without loopholes.
The 3 Main Types of Roofing Warranties (And What They Really Mean)
Roofing warranties come in three basic forms, each with different responsibilities and coverage.
1. Manufacturer Material Warranty
Covers: Defects in shingles or other products from the manufacturer.
Does not cover: Improper installation, labor, storm damage, or ventilation issues.
This is what most roofers lean on when they say things like “30-year warranty.” But in reality, this warranty only applies if the shingle itself fails—and even then, only under very specific conditions.
If your shingles are installed wrong, exposed to excessive heat due to bad attic airflow, or damaged by weather, the manufacturer owes you nothing.
2. Workmanship (Labor) Warranty
Covers: Errors made during installation by the contractor.
Does not cover: Material defects, storm damage, or outside interference.
This warranty is only as good as the contractor offering it. If they close shop, disappear, or refuse to honor it, you’re stuck. Many companies offer 1-year workmanship coverage or less—and never follow up after install.
3. System or Extended Warranty (Registered With Manufacturer)
Covers: Materials and installation, often with labor reimbursement.
May include: Coverage against wind, algae, and tear-off.
Must be: Registered and installed by a certified contractor.
This is the most comprehensive option—but it requires strict install protocols and proper ventilation. These warranties are only available through approved contractors (like Tier-One Roofing), and must be submitted post-install to activate.
Wondering what kind of warranty you actually have? Tier-One Roofing can review it and give you a straight answer—before you find out the hard way it doesn’t cover what you thought.
The Fine Print Most Homeowners Miss
Roofing warranties are filled with exclusions, conditions, and coverage windows. Unless you read closely, here’s what can void or reduce your warranty without you realizing it:
Improper attic ventilation: Causes heat damage that voids material warranties
Poor flashing work: Leads to leaks not covered by manufacturers
Layering over old shingles: Disqualifies coverage
Storm damage: Treated as a separate claim—not a warranty issue
Unregistered warranties: Worthless until filed with the manufacturer
Ownership changes: Many warranties don’t transfer unless properly reassigned
Lack of routine maintenance: Used as grounds to deny claims
We’ve seen homeowners with “lifetime warranties” pay out-of-pocket for full roof replacements—because the previous installer failed to register the warranty or ignored basic install protocols.
Tier-One Roofing ensures that every warranty we offer is valid, registered, and clearly explained—so there are no surprises if you ever need it.
What “Lifetime” Actually Means (It’s Not What You Think)
“Lifetime” is one of the most misunderstood terms in roofing.
It does not mean your roof is covered forever.
It does not mean full replacement at no cost.
It does not mean you’re covered for anything that goes wrong.
In most warranties, “lifetime” refers to the expected life of the product under ideal conditions—which is typically capped at:
25–30 years for architectural shingles
50 years for upgraded systems under enhanced warranties
Sometimes only 10–15 years of full coverage, after which it’s prorated
If your roof fails due to climate, installation issues, or age within that time, you may only get a fraction of the cost covered, or materials only, without labor, tear-off, or disposal.
Tier-One Roofing spells this out clearly on every project. We tell you exactly what’s covered, how long, what voids it, and what happens if a problem comes up. That’s how we build long-term trust—and roofs that actually last.
Not sure if your “lifetime” roof is still protected? Let us review your warranty and walk your roof. We’ll tell you what’s still valid, what’s at risk, and whether you’re owed anything today.
How Oklahoma’s Weather Makes Warranty Coverage Tricky
Tulsa homeowners face some of the most extreme weather in the country.
And that puts your warranty at higher risk of denial—even when the damage looks legitimate.
Here’s how:
Hail & Wind Damage
Most manufacturer warranties don’t cover weather-related damage. If your roof fails after a storm, it falls under insurance—not warranty. But if the damage reveals poor installation, your claim can be denied from both ends.
Thermal Cycling
Hot days, cold nights, and spring temp swings accelerate shingle aging. Improper ventilation amplifies this effect. If your roof fails due to expansion or contraction stress, that’s often classified as “non-manufacturer-caused.”
Algae & Streaking
Warranties may cover algae-resistant shingles—but only for a specific time (usually 10–15 years), and only under certain humidity ranges. Not all Tulsa homes qualify based on placement, shade, and moisture exposure.
Tier-One Roofing selects products rated specifically for Oklahoma’s climate zone, installs them according to manufacturer specs, and validates every component for warranty registration before we leave the job.
How Tier-One Roofing Protects You (Even When Other Warranties Don’t)
We don’t just hand you paperwork and walk away.
We build your roof—and your warranty—the right way from the start.
Here’s what you get with us:
Verified warranty registration with every manufacturer
Labor + material coverage through extended system warranties (when applicable)
Ventilation correction and attic inspections to ensure long-term protection
Full documentation of your install (photos, serials, product details)
Honest breakdowns of what’s covered and what’s not
Follow-up support if issues arise down the road
We also stay in contact long after install. If a shingle issue comes up, a leak appears, or you’re unsure about your coverage, we’ll be there to check, document, and help you resolve it.
Because roofing isn’t a one-time transaction. It’s a commitment—and we take that seriously.
Not all warranties protect your roof. Some just protect the people who cut corners. At Tier-One Roofing, we back every job with coverage that’s real, registered, and designed to hold up in Tulsa’s climate.
The Bottom Line
A roofing warranty is only as good as the installer who stands behind it.
And most of the fine print is written to protect someone else—not you.
If you want real protection—not just paperwork—work with a roofing company that actually cares what happens after the install.
At Tier-One Roofing, we help you:
Understand exactly what you’re buying
Avoid shady exclusions and hidden voids
Build a system that’s made to last in Oklahoma
Get the coverage you need when it matters most
And if something goes wrong, we’ll be there—not just to fix it, but to stand behind the work like we said we would.
Because trust isn’t built in the bid.
It’s built in the follow-through.