A new roof is one of the most important and costly upgrades you’ll make to your home. Thankfully, quality roofs often come with warranties that protect you against defects or installation errors—if you follow the fine print. Unfortunately, many homeowners accidentally void their warranty without realizing it.
At A&M Roofing, we believe knowledge is the best protection. Here’s what you need to know about common actions that can invalidate your roofing warranty and how to avoid them.
Just like a car, your roof needs occasional checkups. Most warranties assume you’ll conduct basic maintenance—such as cleaning debris from valleys and gutters, and inspecting for early signs of wear. Neglecting your roof can allow minor issues to become major ones, and warranty providers may argue the damage was preventable.
Tip: Schedule professional inspections every 1–2 years, and after major weather events.
Adding satellite dishes, skylights, or solar panels can disrupt your roof’s protective layers. If these installations aren’t properly flashed and sealed, water can infiltrate—and the manufacturer might deny claims due to “third-party modification.”
Tip: Always hire a roofing professional for rooftop installations to maintain warranty validity.
In an effort to save on labor and disposal, some homeowners (or budget contractors) install new shingles over old ones. While legal in some jurisdictions, this shortcut often voids warranties. It can mask underlying problems and create ventilation issues.
Tip: A&M Roofing always recommends full tear-offs to preserve warranty coverage and ensure proper performance.
Manufacturers design their warranty around specific systems—underlayments, flashings, and shingles that are tested to work together. Mixing brands or cutting corners with cheaper substitutes can lead to coverage denials.
Tip: Stick with approved products and follow the system requirements of your warranty provider.
Many extended warranties are only valid when installed by certified contractors. If your roofer isn’t registered with the manufacturer (e.g., GAF), your “lifetime” warranty might not be honored at all.
Tip: Choose a certified installer like A&M Roofing to ensure you meet all warranty criteria.
Small leaks or missing shingles can be easy to overlook—but even minor issues can void your warranty if not addressed promptly. The longer you wait, the more likely the manufacturer will claim negligence.
Tip: Act quickly and document all repairs to show good-faith maintenance.
Believe it or not, some warranties require activation. If you don’t register your product within the required timeframe, you may miss out on coverage—even if the product itself is eligible.
Tip: After installation, confirm registration with your roofing company or directly with the manufacturer.
Fixing a roof yourself might save money short-term, but it can cost you your warranty. If repairs are improperly done—or if there’s no professional documentation—the manufacturer may refuse future claims.
Tip: Call your roofing contractor, not YouTube. A&M Roofing provides reliable repairs that won’t jeopardize your warranty.
As a trusted Minnesota contractor and certified partner of leading roofing manufacturers, A&M Roofing takes all necessary steps to protect your investment:
We follow approved installation methods.
We register warranties on your behalf.
We educate you on how to maintain coverage.
We offer maintenance and inspection services that comply with warranty requirements.
Roof warranties are a great asset—until they’re not. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you keep your protection intact for decades to come. And when in doubt, check the documentation or consult a trusted professional.
For expert help with roofing systems and warranty protection, contact us
