Since lifetime shingles are more expensive
than 30-year laminates, you should know what you get
for the money. Aesthetic considerations aside, you
get a warranty that covers labor as well as material
costs for twice as long as the cheaper shingles, often
a better prorated deal outside the fi rst decade of use,
and coverage for higher winds. Full warranty information can be found on each manufacturer’s website, but
here are the basics.

COVERAGE IS PRORATED AFTER 10 YEARS
The coverage period on a lifetime shingle is broken
into two periods. If a defect is found within the fi rst
10 years, material and labor costs (for installation only)
are covered. Starting with year 11, only prorated material costs are covered, and labor is up to you. Damage
related to transportation, storage, installation, or acts
of God is not covered.

IS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WORTH THE COST?
Companies focus heavily on production consistency, so
manufacturing defects are pretty rare. While warranties are fi lled with plenty of qualifi cations, the fact that
some brands offer extended 50-year full-material and
labor coverage through certifi ed contractors indicates
that with careful installation, a lifetime shingle should
be just that—with no need to pay for the extended
warranty.

WARRANTY REQUIRES A PROPER SEAL
The best shingles are designed and warranted to
withstand winds up to 110 mph during the fi rst
10 years. But warranties stipulate that the shingles
must be exposed to direct sunlight to seal properly.
If the shingles are installed in cold weather or if the
roof doesn’t receive adequate direct sunlight to seal
the strips, the wind coverage doesn’t apply. Coverage
extends to 130 mph on some brands but requires a
high-wind nailing pattern and the manufacturer’s
brand of underlayment.

WATCH OUT FOR HOT ROOFS
If you don’t know how your roof was built, you need
to fi nd out before choosing a shingle. For instance,
if you have an unvented, insulated roof, your shingle
warranty may be void from day one.

HOME BUYERS, BEWARE OF TRANSFERS
Most manufacturers will transfer a lifetime warranty
from the original homeowner to the fi rst subsequent
buyer, though coverage will be reduced to 50 years.
Some manufacturers will only transfer if the house is
sold within the fi rst 10 years of the warranty period;
for TAMKO, it must be within two years. Most manufacturers require written notice of the change in ownership within 30 to 60 days of the sale, and some require
a transfer fee.