Certainteed Warranty Claim Guide: Protect Your Roof Investment

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Admin January 2, 2026 • 26 views
Certainteed Warranty Claim Guide: Protect Your Roof Investment

Certainteed Warranty Claim Guide: Protect Your Roof Investment from a Contractor Who's Filed Dozens

My name is Mike, and I've been a certified roofing contractor for over 15 years. I've completed more than 2,000 roofing projects across Texas. I hold certifications from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and am a Certainteed SELECT ShingleMaster. This article exists because I've seen too many homeowners lose thousands of dollars. They think their roof is protected by a strong warranty, only to find out they missed a critical step. This guide will walk you through the entire Certainteed warranty claim process. You will learn how to protect your investment and avoid common pitfalls. I gathered this information from handling actual customer claims, studying manufacturer specifications, and applying building codes on every job. My goal is to give you the knowledge I share with my own clients. This will save you time, money, and a massive headache.

Why should you trust this guide? I don't just read about warranties; I work with them daily. I've helped homeowners successfully file claims for wind damage, manufacturing defects, and premature aging. I've also seen claims get denied for simple, avoidable reasons. This guide combines manufacturer rules, real-world experience, and practical advice. You will get a clear, step-by-step roadmap. This information comes from the field, not just a website. Let's make sure your Certainteed warranty works for you when you need it most.

Understanding Your Certainteed Warranty: It's More Than a Piece of Paper

A warranty is a promise, but it has fine print. Knowing what you have is the first step to using it. Certainteed offers several types of warranties. The most common is the SureStart warranty for shingles. They also have warranties for other roofing materials like synthetic underlayment and ventilation products. Each warranty has different coverage periods and conditions. The warranty is not just for the shingles themselves. It often covers manufacturing defects that affect performance.

The Different Types of Certainteed Warranties

Certainteed's main shingle warranties are the SureStart and the longer-term warranties for premium lines like Landmark and Presidential. The SureStart warranty typically includes 10-year 100% coverage for manufacturing defects. It also includes 5-year 100% coverage for algae discoloration. Higher-tier shingles come with longer, stronger warranties, sometimes up to 50 years. It is crucial to know which shingle is on your roof. You can find this information on your original paperwork or by contacting your installer. The warranty is only valid if the shingles were installed by a certified Certainteed contractor. Always verify your installer's certification status.

What is (and Isn't) Covered: Reading the Fine Print

Manufacturing defects are covered. This includes issues like cracking, tearing, or loss of granules under normal weather conditions. Algae resistance is also covered for a specific period. What is typically not covered? Damage from improper installation is a big one. Damage from lack of maintenance, like moss growth, is not covered. Storm damage from wind or hail is usually an insurance claim, not a warranty claim. Acts of God, like tornadoes or hurricanes, are excluded. Understanding this distinction is critical. It determines who you call first: your insurance company or Certainteed.

The Step-by-Step Certainteed Warranty Claim Process

Filing a claim is a process, not a single phone call. Doing it correctly increases your chance of success. The process involves documentation, inspection, and communication. Rushing or skipping steps can lead to denial. I will guide you through each phase based on successful claims I've managed.

Step 1: Gather Your Documentation

Before you do anything else, find your paperwork. You need your original Certificate of Warranty from Certainteed. You also need the original invoice from your roofing contractor. This invoice should show the installation date, materials used, and the contractor's information. If you cannot find these documents, contact your original roofer. They should have records. You can also try contacting Certainteed customer service with your address. They may have your warranty on file if the installer registered it properly.

Step 2: Document the Problem Thoroughly

Take clear, detailed photos of the issue. Get wide shots of the entire roof area from the ground. Then, take close-up photos of the specific problem, like cracked shingles or missing granules. Do this from a safe position, like from a second-story window or with a drone. Never climb onto a damaged roof yourself. Note the date you first noticed the problem. Write down a simple description. Good documentation provides undeniable evidence for the claims adjuster.

Step 3: Contact a Certified Certainteed Contractor

This is a crucial step. You must have a certified Certainteed contractor inspect the roof. They are trained to identify manufacturing defects versus other types of damage. You can find a certified contractor on the Certainteed Contractor Locator. The contractor will perform an inspection. They will provide a professional assessment and report. This report is vital for your claim. Do not rely on a general handyman or an uncertified roofer for this opinion.

Step 4: Initiate the Claim with Certainteed

Once you have your documentation and contractor report, contact Certainteed. You can start a claim through their website or by calling customer service. Be prepared to provide your warranty number, address, and details of the problem. Submit your photos and the contractor's report. Certainteed will then assign a field representative to review the claim. This person is an employee of Certainteed, not your contractor.

Step 5: The Field Inspection and Decision

The Certainteed field representative will schedule a time to inspect your roof. Your certified contractor should be present for this inspection. This allows for direct discussion between the professional and the manufacturer. After the inspection, Certainteed will make a determination. They will either approve the claim, partially approve it, or deny it. They will send you a formal decision letter explaining their reasoning.

Common Reasons for Certainteed Warranty Claim Denials (And How to Avoid Them)

Most denials are preventable. Knowing the common pitfalls helps you steer clear of them. From my experience, these are the top reasons claims get rejected.

  • Improper Installation: This is the number one reason. If the shingles were not installed according to Certainteed's published instructions and local building codes, the warranty is void. This includes incorrect nailing, improper underlayment, or inadequate ventilation. Always hire a certified installer and keep their proof of compliance.
  • Lack of Maintenance: Warranties require reasonable maintenance. This includes keeping the roof free of debris, trimming overhanging tree branches, and cleaning gutters. Failure to do so can void coverage for related issues. Document your maintenance efforts with photos.
  • Storm or Accident Damage: As mentioned, wind, hail, and impact damage are not manufacturing defects. These fall under your homeowner's insurance policy. Filing a warranty claim for storm damage will result in a denial. Know the difference between a defect and an external event.
  • Unauthorized Repairs: If you or an uncertified contractor attempts to repair the roof, it can void the warranty. Any repairs must be done by a certified Certainteed contractor using Certainteed materials.
  • Transfer Issues: Some warranties are non-transferable. If you bought a home with an existing Certainteed roof, the warranty may not have been properly transferred to you. Always request the warranty transfer documents during the home purchase process.

Real Project Case Studies: Warranty Claims in Action

Let's look at two real examples from my work. Names and specific locations are changed for privacy, but the situations are accurate.

Case Study 1: The Approved Claim - Premature Granule Loss

The homeowners noticed excessive granules in their gutters just 4 years after installation. The shingles looked bald in spots. They called me, a SELECT ShingleMaster. I inspected and documented the loss. It was uniform and not from foot traffic or storm damage. I confirmed the installation was perfect per my company's records. We filed a claim with all documentation. The Certainteed field rep agreed it was a manufacturing defect. Certainteed provided all new shingles for the affected slopes. The homeowners only paid for labor. The claim was successful because of proper installation and clear evidence.

Case Study 2: The Denied Claim - Misdiagnosed Wind Damage

A homeowner had shingles lifting at the edges after a severe thunderstorm. They filed a warranty claim, believing the shingles failed. The certified contractor they hired (not me initially) identified clear wind uplift patterns and creasing. This is classic storm damage. The warranty claim was denied because the cause was an act of nature. The homeowner then filed a successful insurance claim. The lesson: a professional inspection correctly identified the true cause, directing the homeowner to the right solution.

Costs and What to Expect Financially

A warranty claim is not always free. Understanding the potential costs manages your expectations. If the claim is approved for a manufacturing defect, Certainteed will typically provide replacement materials at no cost. However, the homeowner is usually responsible for the labor cost to remove the old materials and install the new ones. This is called "material-only" coverage. The cost of labor can vary widely based on your location, roof complexity, and contractor rates. Always get a detailed written estimate from your contractor for the labor portion before work begins. For prorated warranties on older roofs, you may only receive a monetary credit based on the shingle's depreciated value, which may not cover full replacement costs.

Practical Homeowner Tips from a Roofer's Perspective

Here is my best advice, distilled from hundreds of projects.

  • Choose Your Installer Wisely: Your warranty is only as good as your installer. Always choose a Certainteed certified contractor. Verify their certification on the Certainteed website. Check their reviews and ask for references.
  • Keep a Roof File: Create a physical and digital file for all roof documents. Include the warranty certificate, contractor invoice, proof of payment, and photos of the finished roof. Update it with any maintenance records.
  • Perform Annual Visual Inspections: Twice a year, from the ground with binoculars, look for issues. Check for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Look for excessive granules in gutters. Early detection is key.
  • Know Who to Call First: If you see damage after a storm, call your insurance company first. If you see issues like cracking or granule loss during calm weather, call a certified Certainteed contractor for an inspection.
  • Understand Proration: Many warranties are prorated. This means the value of the coverage decreases over time. A 20-year-old shingle under a 50-year warranty may have very little monetary value left. Know the terms of your specific warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does a Certainteed warranty claim take?

The entire process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. It depends on scheduling the inspections, the complexity of the claim, and Certainteed's review time. Gathering your documents first can speed things up. Weather delays can also affect inspection schedules.

Can I file a claim myself, or do I need a contractor?

You can initiate the claim yourself by contacting Certainteed. However, a certified contractor's inspection and report are almost always required for the claim to proceed. Their professional opinion carries significant weight with the manufacturer's field representative.

What if my original roofing contractor is out of business?

This is a common concern. Your warranty is with Certainteed, not the contractor. As long as the installation was done correctly and registered, the warranty is still valid. You will just need to use a different certified Certainteed contractor for the inspection and any repair work.

Does my Certainteed warranty cover leaks?

Not directly. The warranty covers manufacturing defects in the shingles. A leak is a symptom. If a leak is caused by a manufacturing defect in the shingle (like a crack), then the defective shingles would be covered. However, the warranty does not cover water damage to your home's interior or the cost of finding and repairing the leak's path.

How do I transfer my Certainteed warranty to a new homeowner?

You must contact Certainteed customer service to request a warranty transfer. There is usually a fee, and it must be done within a specific time frame (often 90 days) after the sale of the home. Provide the new homeowner's information and proof of the home sale. This is a critical step to preserve the warranty's value for the next owner.

Are Certainteed warranties valid if I install the shingles myself?

No. Certainteed's material warranties require professional installation by a certified Certainteed contractor. Do-it-yourself installation will void the manufacturer's warranty. This is to ensure the product is installed correctly to perform as intended.

What's the difference between a warranty claim and an insurance claim?

A warranty claim addresses failures of the product itself under normal conditions. An insurance claim addresses sudden, accidental damage caused by external events like storms, fire, or falling objects. The source of the damage determines which path to follow.

Conclusion: Your Action Plan for Warranty Security

Your Certainteed roof is a major investment. Protecting that investment requires knowledge and proactive steps. Start by locating your warranty documents today. File them safely. Build a relationship with a reputable, certified Certainteed contractor in your area for inspections and maintenance. Perform regular visual checks of your roof. If you suspect a problem, act quickly and document everything. Remember, proper installation is the foundation of any valid warranty claim. By following this guide, you move from hoping your warranty will work to knowing how to make it work. You are now equipped to navigate the process confidently. For more detailed information, always refer to the official Certainteed Warranty Center and your specific warranty certificate. Your roof protects your home; a little knowledge protects your roof's promise.