UPDATED FOR 2025
Who Has the Best Roof Warranty?
Who has the best roof warranty? And what should you look for when shopping for roofing services? Discover the best roofing warranties, what to look for in a great warranty, and how to find roofing contractors who offer them in this guide.
Key Takeaways:
- The best roof warranty combines strong manufacturer material coverage (50 years) with comprehensive workmanship protection (25 years), available only through elite certified contractors like GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred contractors.
- Manufacturer warranties protect against defective materials, while contractor workmanship warranties cover installation errors—you need both for complete protection of your Long Island roof investment.
- GAF Golden Pledge, CertainTeed SureStart PLUS 5-Star, and Owens Corning Platinum Protection represent the industry’s strongest warranties, but they’re only accessible when working with top-tier certified contractors.
- Your contractor’s certification level directly determines your warranty coverage—choosing an elite certified contractor can mean the difference between 10 years and 50 years of full protection.
- The “best” warranty depends on your specific needs: wind resistance for coastal areas, algae protection for humid climates, transferability if you plan to sell, and whether labor costs are included beyond the initial coverage period.
- A roof warranty can boost your home’s resale value, making it a smart investment for the future.
Replacing your roof costs $15,000 to $30,000 or more depending on size and materials. Investing in a new roof is a significant decision, so it’s crucial to consider warranty protection to safeguard your investment.
That’s a massive investment, and you need protection if something goes wrong. But here’s what most Long Island homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late: not all roofing warranties are created equal, and the contractor you choose determines what protection you actually get.
Some roofing companies offer warranties that sound impressive but exclude the most common failure points. Others provide genuine lifetime protection backed by the industry’s top manufacturers.
The difference comes down to understanding what separates basic warranties from elite coverage—and knowing which contractors can actually deliver the best protection available. Roofing warranties can vary widely in terms of coverage and exclusions, so homeowners should review them carefully to ensure they understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.
Below, we’ll break down exactly who offers the best roof warranties, what makes them superior, and how to ensure you’re getting maximum protection for your Long Island home.
What Makes a Roof Warranty “The Best”?
The best roof warranty isn’t just about how many years of coverage you get.
It’s about comprehensive protection that covers both materials and workmanship, minimal exclusions that actually matter, transferability that adds resale value, and backing from manufacturers who’ve proven they honor claims when problems arise.
The coverage provided by a strong roof warranty should clearly outline what is protected, including manufacturing defects, workmanship, and specific roofing accessories, ensuring you know exactly what is included during each warranty period.
Material warranties protect against manufacturing defects in shingles and roofing products. These come directly from manufacturers like GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. Manufacturers offer these warranties at no extra cost, and extended/system warranties that combine material and workmanship coverage are often offered by manufacturers as well.
Standard material warranties typically cover 20 to 50 years, depending on the product. When you see the term lifetime warranty or lifetime coverage, it usually means the warranty lasts as long as the original owner owns the property, especially for single-family residences.
The real question is whether they’re non-prorated or prorated. Non-prorated coverage means 100% replacement cost during the coverage period. Prorated coverage reduces what you receive based on your roof’s age.
Workmanship warranties cover installation errors and application defects. These come from your roofing contractor, not the manufacturer.
A contractor workmanship warranty protects you if shingles blow off due to improper nailing, if flashing fails because it wasn’t installed correctly, or if leaks develop from application mistakes. This is where certified contractors separate themselves—basic roofers offer 1 to 5 years of workmanship coverage, while elite certified contractors provide 10 to 25 years through manufacturer-backed programs. Coverage lengths for workmanship warranties are often shorter than material warranties.
The strongest warranties combine both elements. Roof warranties protect both materials and workmanship for a set time. You get lifetime material protection plus decades of workmanship coverage in a single comprehensive package.
Now that we’ve covered what makes a warranty strong, let’s look at which manufacturers and contractors actually deliver this level of protection.
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The Three Top Roof Warranty Programs
Three manufacturers dominate the premium warranty space: GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning.
These companies offer the industry’s strongest warranty programs, but only when their products are installed by certified contractors who meet strict qualification requirements.
GAF Golden Pledge and System Plus Warranties
GAF is North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, and their Golden Pledge Limited Warranty represents one of the industry’s most comprehensive protection programs.
Golden Pledge coverage includes:
50 years of material defect protection on qualifying GAF Lifetime Shingles
25 years of workmanship coverage protecting against installation errors
Coverage for tear-off and disposal costs during the warranty period
100% non-prorated coverage for materials and labor during the full term
Full replacement of qualifying GAF accessories including underlayment, ridge cap, and starter shingles
To qualify for enhanced warranty coverage, the roof system must use branded components such as GAF Ridge Cap Shingles and Leak Barrier Products, installed by a GAF Master Elite contractor. Extended warranties may cover full replacement if a significant component fails, unlike standard warranties. Warranties should also cover manufacturing defects, wind/hail resistance, algae, and fading.
The Golden Pledge Warranty is exclusively available through GAF Master Elite contractors—the top 3% of roofing professionals nationwide.
GAF also offers the System Plus Limited Warranty through GAF Certified contractors. This provides 50 years of material coverage with 10 years of non-prorated protection, then transitions to prorated coverage for the remaining term.
Wind protection under GAF warranties extends to 130 mph when proper installation requirements are met, including use of GAF starter strips and specific nailing patterns. Installing field shingles with compatible accessories is crucial to ensure maximum warranty benefits and weatherproofing, especially in wind-prone areas. This matters significantly for Long Island homes that face nor’easters and occasional hurricanes.
CertainTeed SureStart PLUS 5-Star Warranty
CertainTeed’s SureStart PLUS 5-Star Warranty is exclusively available through CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractors—the top 1% of roofing professionals in their region.
SureStart PLUS 5-Star coverage includes:
50 years of non-prorated material coverage on qualifying CertainTeed Integrity Roof Systems
25 years of workmanship protection against installation defects
Full coverage for labor, materials, tear-off, and disposal
10-year StreakFighter algae resistance warranty
15-year wind warranty coverage up to 110 mph standard (130 mph with proper installation)
Transferable coverage for up to 15 years if you sell your home
This warranty covers a range of roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, which are known for their balance of affordability, durability, and strong manufacturer’s warranty coverage. Asphalt shingle roofs typically offer excellent protection and warranty terms compared to other materials like metal or stone-coated metal roofs. When considering hail resistance, look for shingles with a Class 4 rating, which signifies the highest level of hail resistance for roofing materials.
The key to accessing this warranty is installation by a SELECT ShingleMaster. These contractors must maintain Master Shingle Applicator certification for supervisors and at least 50% of installers, demonstrate proven business practices, and carry comprehensive insurance coverage.
CertainTeed’s Landmark series shingles—their most popular architectural shingles—qualify for this enhanced warranty when installed as part of a complete Integrity Roof System including CertainTeed underlayment, starter strips, and ridge caps.
Owens Corning Platinum Protection Warranty
Owens Corning’s Platinum Protection Limited Warranty offers some of the industry’s longest coverage periods, exclusively through Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors.
Platinum Protection coverage includes:
50 years of TRU PROtection period covering materials and labor at 100%
Lifetime workmanship coverage (prorated after initial 25-year period)
130 mph wind resistance when proper installation requirements are met
10-year StreakGuard algae resistance protection
Coverage for all Owens Corning roofing system components
Transferability with proper notification to Owens Corning
The durability and defect coverage of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and metal roofs, play a key role in the strength and longevity of your warranty. Higher quality roofing materials often come with stronger manufacturer guarantees, which can enhance the overall warranty coverage for your roofing system.
What sets Owens Corning apart is their extensive TRU PROtection period. During these first 50 years, Owens Corning covers 100% of material replacement costs plus labor for repairs—significantly longer than most competitors’ non-prorated periods.
Owens Corning also offers the Preferred Protection warranty through Preferred Contractors, providing 10 years of workmanship coverage as a middle-tier option.
All three of these premium warranties share something crucial in common: they’re only available when elite certified contractors handle your installation.
Many warranties, especially extended warranties, require registration to be valid, so be sure to complete any necessary paperwork after installation.
Why Contractor Certification Determines Your Warranty Coverage
Your contractor’s certification level directly controls what warranty protection you can access. Contractor warranties serve as a guarantee of quality and reliability, providing homeowners with peace of mind that their investment is protected by the contractor’s commitment to proper installation and service.
A basic roofing contractor might install the exact same GAF or CertainTeed shingles on your roof, but without proper certification, you’re limited to standard material warranties with no workmanship protection from the manufacturer.
GAF Master Elite contractors represent the top 3% of roofing professionals nationwide. To achieve and maintain this status, contractors must:
Demonstrate proven business practices and financial stability
Carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage
Maintain proper state and local licensing in all service areas
Complete ongoing manufacturer training and certification programs
Achieve high customer satisfaction ratings verified by GAF
Maintain a strong track record with no pattern of warranty claims due to poor workmanship
CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster contractors represent the top 1% in their region. Requirements include:
Master Shingle Applicator certification for supervisors and minimum 50% of installation crews
At least one Shingle Quality Specialist on staff who passed CertainTeed’s technical examination
Five years of proven business operation with verifiable references
Comprehensive insurance coverage exceeding standard industry minimums
Participation in CertainTeed’s ongoing education and quality assurance programs
Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors must meet similar standards including proper licensing, insurance, continuous training, and participation in random quality inspections to ensure installation standards remain high.
The difference these certifications make is substantial. A homeowner working with a non-certified contractor might receive:
10-year material warranty (prorated after first few years)
No workmanship coverage from the manufacturer
2 to 5-year contractor labor warranty (if any)
Limited wind resistance claims (often 60-80 mph instead of 110-130 mph)
That same homeowner working with an elite certified contractor receives:
50-year material warranty (non-prorated for 25-50 years depending on program)
25-year manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage
Full labor, tear-off, and disposal coverage included
Enhanced wind resistance up to 130 mph
Algae resistance guarantees
Transferable coverage that adds home value
Workmanship warranties are especially important because they protect against failures caused by worker errors and improper installation techniques. A workmanship warranty typically covers the cost of labor and materials needed to make repairs due to installation problems.
Think about the difference this makes over your roof’s lifetime. Long Island sees harsh weather—heavy snow loads in winter, intense UV exposure in summer, coastal humidity year-round, and occasional severe windstorms.
A roof installed incorrectly fails faster, and without workmanship warranty coverage, you’re paying for repairs or early replacement out of pocket. Documentation is crucial for warranty claims, and quality contractors often use systems to support and streamline these claims.
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Comparing the Best Warranties Side by Side
When you compare GAF Golden Pledge, CertainTeed SureStart PLUS 5-Star, and Owens Corning Platinum Protection warranties directly, they’re remarkably similar in core coverage.
All three offer 50 years of material protection. All three provide 25 years of workmanship coverage through certified contractors. All three cover labor, tear-off, and disposal during the warranty period. These warranties often include the materials needed for roof repairs due to installation errors or workmanship issues, ensuring comprehensive coverage for both labor and materials.
The differences come down to specific details:
Wind resistance: GAF and Owens Corning both offer 130 mph coverage with proper installation. CertainTeed offers 110 mph standard, upgradable to 130 mph with enhanced installation requirements including starter strips at both eaves and rakes.
Algae protection: Owens Corning’s StreakGuard offers 10 years. GAF’s StainGuard Plus offers 25 years. CertainTeed’s StreakFighter offers 10 years.
Transferability terms: All three warranties allow transfer to new homeowners, but terms vary. Most roof warranties can be transferred once, which can be a strong selling point for your home. CertainTeed offers full 15-year transferability. GAF allows one transfer during the warranty period. Owens Corning requires transfer within 60 days of property sale and charges a fee based on roof age.
Non-prorated period: This is where coverage differs most significantly. CertainTeed and GAF offer 25-50 years of 100% coverage depending on specific product and warranty tier. Owens Corning’s Platinum Protection offers 50 full years of TRU PROtection with materials and labor at 100%.
For Long Island specifically, all three manufacturers understand the region’s challenging conditions. Coastal humidity, freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and exposure to salt air all accelerate roof aging compared to moderate climates.
The manufacturers design their premium shingles and warranties to handle these conditions, but installation quality matters more than ever. A perfectly good shingle installed with improper ventilation fails prematurely from heat and moisture buildup—voiding your warranty in the process. Extended or system warranties also reduce confusion about claims because they provide single-source accountability from the manufacturer, making the claims process simpler for homeowners.
Now let’s talk about what these warranties actually exclude, because understanding limitations is just as important as knowing what’s covered.
What Premium Warranties Don’t Cover
Even the best warranties have exclusions, and you need to know what they are before problems arise.
Most manufacturer warranties are included without any extra cost, but higher levels of coverage or extended warranties may come with an additional cost. Be sure to understand these costs when choosing your warranty options.
Improper maintenance tops the list of exclusions. All three major manufacturers require that you maintain your roof properly. This includes:
Keeping gutters clean and free-flowing to prevent ice dams and water backup
Removing debris like leaves, branches, and moss that trap moisture
Ensuring adequate attic ventilation to prevent heat and moisture buildup
Addressing minor damage promptly before it becomes major failure
If your roof fails because you ignored maintenance for years, your warranty claim gets denied—even with the best coverage available.
Improper ventilation voids virtually every warranty. Inadequate attic ventilation causes shingles to overheat, accelerating aging and causing premature failure.
Long Island’s humid climate makes ventilation even more critical. Moisture that can’t escape through proper ventilation leads to mold growth, wood rot, and shingle deterioration from the underside.
When a certified contractor installs your roof, they evaluate and upgrade ventilation systems to meet manufacturer requirements. This protects your warranty and extends your roof’s actual lifespan beyond the coverage period.
Severe weather damage typically isn’t covered under most roofing warranties, especially when it comes to extreme weather events like storms or hail. Roofing warranties generally protect against manufacturing defects and installation errors—not acts of God or damage from severe weather.
Most roofing warranties do not cover storm damage, which is typically handled by homeowner’s insurance. Common warranty exclusions also include damages from Acts of God and unauthorized repairs.
If a hurricane tears off properly installed shingles, that’s an insurance claim, not a warranty claim. However, if wind lower than your warranty’s rated speed (say, 90 mph when you have 130 mph coverage) causes shingle loss due to improper installation, that’s a valid warranty claim.
Non-manufacturer components aren’t covered by material warranties. If your contractor installs generic flashing, cheap underlayment, or off-brand starter strips to save money, those components aren’t protected by manufacturer warranties.
This is why complete roofing systems matter. GAF’s Golden Pledge requires qualifying GAF accessories. CertainTeed’s SureStart PLUS requires the full Integrity Roof System. Owens Corning’s Platinum Protection requires multiple Owens Corning components beyond just shingles. The quality and manufacturer guarantees of your roofing materials directly impact the overall warranty coverage.
Normal wear and tear isn’t covered. Warranties protect against defects, not natural aging. A 30-year-old roof showing granule loss, minor curling, and general weathering is experiencing normal aging—not warranty-qualifying failure.
Understanding these exclusions helps you maintain your roof properly and know when you have legitimate warranty claims versus when you’re dealing with insurance matters or normal replacement timing. Always demand written warranties to avoid issues with verbal promises from contractors.
Let’s talk about what this means for Long Island homeowners specifically.
The Best Warranty for Long Island Roofs
Long Island’s climate creates specific challenges that impact which warranty features matter most.
Coastal areas from Nassau County through Suffolk County experience salt air exposure that accelerates corrosion of metal components. Freeze-thaw cycles through winter cause ice dams, especially on poorly ventilated roofs. Summer heat and humidity promote algae growth that many homeowners mistake for normal roof aging.
For Long Island homes, the best warranty includes:
Wind resistance at 110-130 mph. While we don’t see hurricane-force winds regularly, nor’easters and occasional tropical systems bring sustained high winds that test roof installations. Enhanced wind warranties ensure coverage when strong weather events occur.
Algae resistance protection of at least 10 years. Long Island’s humid climate and proximity to water create perfect conditions for algae growth. Dark streaks on your roof aren’t just cosmetic—they hold moisture and accelerate shingle deterioration. Warranties that include algae resistance save you from premature aesthetic and functional failure.
25-year workmanship coverage from manufacturer-backed programs. This protects you through the critical first quarter-century when installation defects typically appear. Ice dams reveal flashing errors. Wind events expose improper nailing. Leaks identify ventilation problems. With 25 years of workmanship protection, you’re covered when these issues surface.
Full system coverage including underlayment, flashing, and ventilation components. Long Island’s harsh conditions mean every component must work together. Water shield at valleys and eaves prevents ice dam damage. Proper ventilation combats humid air. Quality flashing around chimneys and roof penetrations stops the most common leak points.
Transferability that adds value if you sell. Long Island’s strong real estate market means a transferable 50-year warranty makes your home more attractive to buyers and potentially supports a higher sale price.
County Roofing Systems holds all three elite certifications—GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. This means we can offer whichever premium warranty best fits your specific situation and preferences.
Want the longest algae protection? GAF’s 25-year StainGuard Plus might be your answer. Prefer the longest TRU PROtection period? Owens Corning’s 50-year coverage works. Looking for the exclusive top 1% contractor warranty? CertainTeed’s SureStart PLUS 5-Star delivers.
We’ve been serving Long Island since 1988—35 years of understanding exactly what roofs need to survive and thrive in Nassau and Suffolk Counties’ demanding conditions.
If you’re in need of roof repairs or even a full replacement, let us put our nearly four decades to work for you.
Fill out the form below or give us a call today at (888) 366-6619:
How to Verify You’re Getting the Best Warranty
Getting the best warranty starts with choosing the right contractor, but verification matters too.
Check contractor certifications directly through manufacturer websites. GAF maintains a contractor locator at gaf.com showing Master Elite contractors by region. CertainTeed lists SELECT ShingleMasters at certainteed.com. Owens Corning provides contractor search at owenscorning.com.
Don’t just take a contractor’s word for their certification status. Verify it independently before signing any contract.
Get warranty details in writing before installation begins. Your contract should specify:
Exact warranty program you’re receiving (Golden Pledge, SureStart PLUS 5-Star, Platinum Protection, etc.)
Coverage periods for both materials and workmanship
Wind speed ratings and algae protection included
Transferability terms if you sell within specific timeframes
Registration requirements and who handles warranty registration
Understand who registers your warranty. Enhanced warranties require registration with the manufacturer within specific timeframes—typically 30 to 60 days from installation completion.
Your certified contractor should handle this registration automatically, but confirm this responsibility is spelled out in your contract. Missing the registration window means losing enhanced coverage and defaulting to standard warranty only.
Review exclusions and maintenance requirements before problems arise. Know what maintenance you’re responsible for performing. Understand what voids coverage. Document that you’re meeting these requirements through photos, receipts for gutter cleaning, professional inspections, and maintenance records.
Keep all warranty documentation in a safe, permanent location. You’ll need original paperwork if you file a claim years or decades from now. Many homeowners lose warranty documents during moves or home organization projects, then can’t prove coverage when they need it most.
Understand the claims process for each manufacturer. GAF handles claims through their online portal or phone support. CertainTeed manages claims through their customer service line. Owens Corning processes claims via their website.
Knowing these processes in advance means faster response if you do experience warranty-qualifying issues.
Now let’s address the most common questions Long Island homeowners ask about roof warranties.
Trust County Roofing Systems for the Best Warranty Protection
Who has the best roof warranty? The answer comes down to combining elite manufacturer programs with certified contractor installation.
GAF Golden Pledge, CertainTeed SureStart PLUS 5-Star, and Owens Corning Platinum Protection all represent the industry’s strongest coverage—but they’re only accessible through the top 1-3% of contractors who’ve earned these manufacturers’ highest certification levels.
County Roofing Systems holds all three elite certifications: GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, and Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. This means we can offer you the absolute best warranty protection available regardless of which manufacturer you prefer.
Why County Roofing Systems delivers superior warranty protection:
Three elite certifications—unprecedented in Long Island: Most contractors carry one certification at best. We maintain all three top-tier programs, giving you access to the industry’s best warranties from GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. This flexibility ensures you get the specific coverage that matters most for your home’s needs and your family’s priorities.
35+ years serving Long Island since 1988: We’ve been protecting Nassau and Suffolk County homes for more than three decades. We understand exactly how Long Island’s coastal climate, freeze-thaw cycles, salt air exposure, and humidity impact roof performance. This experience informs every installation to maximize both actual lifespan and warranty protection.
25-year labor warranty on all installations: Beyond manufacturer workmanship coverage, County Roofing Systems backs every roof with our own comprehensive 25-year labor warranty. This dual protection means you’re covered through our company guarantee plus manufacturer-backed workmanship programs—the most comprehensive protection possible.
Own trained employees—never subcontractors: Every person working on your roof is a County Roofing Systems employee who receives ongoing manufacturer training. We never use day laborers or subcontractors whose work we can’t guarantee. This quality control protects your warranty and ensures installation meets all manufacturer requirements exactly as specified.
Proper warranty registration handled automatically: We manage all warranty registration with GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning within required timeframes. You don’t need to track paperwork or worry about missing deadlines—we handle everything and provide you with confirmation that enhanced warranty coverage is active.
Premium materials exclusively from top manufacturers: County Roofing Systems installs only GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning products—never economy shingles or off-brand accessories that could compromise warranty coverage. Complete roofing systems using manufacturer-specified components ensure you get full warranty protection without exclusions.
Fully licensed in Nassau, Suffolk, all 5 NYC boroughs, and Westchester: Our comprehensive licensing proves we meet every jurisdiction’s strict requirements for contractor quality, insurance coverage, and consumer protection. This verified credibility backs up our manufacturer certifications with additional peace of mind.
Don’t settle for basic warranty coverage that leaves you exposed when problems arise. Choose the contractor who can deliver the absolute best protection available—backed by 35 years of proven expertise serving Long Island’s most discerning homeowners.
Call (888) 366-6619 or visit countyroofingsystems.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an elite certified contractor, or can I save money with a basic roofer and still get decent warranty coverage?
You can definitely save money upfront with a non-certified contractor, but you’ll sacrifice 15-20 years of workmanship protection and enhanced coverage features like maximum wind resistance and extended non-prorated periods.
For a roof that needs to last 25-30 years in Long Island’s harsh climate, that savings often costs you much more when problems arise that aren’t covered. Basic contractors typically offer 1-5 year workmanship warranties compared to 25 years through manufacturer-backed programs.
Can I upgrade my warranty after installation if I didn't get the best coverage initially?
No—warranty enrollment must happen at the time of installation within the manufacturer’s registration window (typically 30-60 days). You can’t upgrade later even if you’re willing to pay more. This is why choosing an elite certified contractor from the start is crucial. Once your roof is installed with standard warranty only, you’re locked into that coverage for the roof’s lifetime.
What happens to my warranty if my certified contractor goes out of business?
Manufacturer-backed workmanship warranties continue even if your contractor closes. GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning honor their warranty commitments and will arrange for repairs through other certified contractors in your area. This protection is a major advantage of enhanced warranties over contractor-only workmanship guarantees that disappear when companies fold.
Are warranty claims difficult to get approved, or do manufacturers actually honor coverage when problems occur?
The three major manufacturers have strong reputations for honoring legitimate warranty claims. The key is “legitimate”—claims get denied when damage results from lack of maintenance, improper ventilation, severe weather beyond coverage limits, or other exclusions clearly stated in warranty terms. When manufacturing defects or installation errors cause problems within coverage periods, approval rates are high if you maintained the roof properly and can demonstrate the issue qualifies under warranty terms.
How much does enhanced warranty coverage cost compared to standard installation?
Enhanced warranty programs typically add $500-$1,500 to roof replacement costs, depending on which products you choose and whether you’re already using premium shingles. This covers the cost of additional manufacturer components required for complete roofing systems plus the warranty registration fees. Given that these warranties provide 25 years of workmanship protection worth potentially $10,000-$25,000 in repair coverage, the cost-benefit strongly favors enhanced warranties for most Long Island homeowners.
