5 Mistakes Homeowners Make That Can Void Your Roof Warranty

Most homeowners think their roof warranty has them covered, until they file a claim and find out it's been voided. The frustrating part is that in many cases, roofing contractors don't take the time to explain what your warranty coverage includes, how to maintain it, or even how to register for the proper documentation.

At Happy Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve to fully understand what their roof warranty does (and doesn't) protect. Having replaced hundreds of roofs throughout the greater Naperville area, we know the small oversights that can lead to big warranty problems. That's why we make sure our customers understand their coverage and how to keep it.

In this article, you'll learn:

• The most common ways homeowners accidentally void their warranties
• How to ensure your new roof qualifies for warranty coverage
• Factors to consider so you can maintain your warranty coverage

By understanding how roofing warranties actually work, you can avoid the costly surprise of finding out you're not covered when it matters most.

Table of Contents

• The Most Common Ways Homeowners Void Their Roof Warranties
• What to Do If You Think You've Voided Your Roof Warranty

What Are the Most Common Ways Homeowners Void Their Roof Warranties?

The most common ways homeowners void their roof warranties are through poor maintenance, unapproved repairs, or failure to register the warranty at all.

Some of these mistakes happen after the roof is installed, but others are made before work has been completed. Understanding what can void your warranty is the first step to protecting it.

Before we dive in, it's important to understand that most roof systems are covered by two separate warranties:

• A manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in the roofing materials (like shingles or underlayment). These come from material manufacturers (like GAF and Malarkey), with certified roofing contractors having access to stronger warranties. Not all manufacturer warranties will cover labor if a repair or replacement is needed.
• A workmanship warranty that covers the installation of the roof. Workmanship warranties are created and offered by the roofing contractor, so their terms and lengths of coverage vary widely. Typically, they'll cover installation errors like the development of premature leaks.

Each type of warranty has its own fine print, but both can be voided if their terms aren't followed. If you're interested in learning more about the different types of warranties, we wrote an article here. With that in mind, here are the most common mistakes we see that put warranties at risk.

Mistake 1: Working with a Contractor Who Doesn't Follow Specifications

Manufacturers often require that products be installed by certified contractors, or at least those who follow their exact specifications, to qualify for their warranties. If the roofer skips required components or isn't authorized by the brand, your material warranty may never have been valid at all.

Here's what you can do to verify your contractor can provide you with strong manufacturer warranties:

• Ask if they hold any manufacturer certifications: Many manufacturers, like Malarkey or GAF, offer extended warranty coverage if the roof was installed by certified contractors and meets certain criteria. Ask for documentation or check the manufacturer's website to confirm the roofer is listed as an approved installer.
• Request a breakdown of required components: Some warranties (especially extended warranty options) require a complete roof system of compatible underlayment, shingles, and other components from the manufacturer. A reputable contractor will break these materials down in their quote, so you can see exactly what's being replaced. You can then verify that it aligns with the requirements of your warranty by checking the terms before agreeing to any work.
• Confirm how the warranty registration works: For manufacturer warranties to be valid, they must be registered after installation. Make sure that your contractor registers any valid warranties or walks you through how to do it on your own, and keep any following documentation for your records.

Mistake 2: Uncorrected Poor Attic Ventilation

Poor attic ventilation is one of the most overlooked reasons a roof warranty can be voided. That's because excessive heat and moisture buildup in your attic can cause premature shingle aging, warping, mold growth, or ice dams, all of which are considered preventable damage.

If your attic isn't ventilated properly, any warranty claim could be denied, even if the materials themselves fail. Poor ventilation accelerates shingle wear, traps moisture, can lead to mold growth, and causes wood rot. From a manufacturer's perspective, poor ventilation is an installation issue that disqualifies coverage.

Ventilation is often overlooked or underexplained during roof replacements, especially by contractors focused solely on surface-level repairs and fast turnaround times.

Here are some signs that could indicate your home has poor attic ventilation:

• High attic humidity or condensation: Moisture buildup on rafters, insulation, or roof decking is a sign that air isn't moving effectively. This is often due to a lack of ventilation or blocked vents. If this moisture is left to linger in the attic space, it can even lead to mold growth across the insulation and roof decking.
• Temperature differences between rooms: Poor ventilation allows heat to build up in the attic, which can transfer downward and be felt in upper-level rooms. This can also cause some rooms in the home to feel warmer or cooler than others, even though your HVAC system is functioning properly.
• Shingles are curling, cracking, or aging quickly: Without proper ventilation, attic heat and moisture can break down even high-quality roofing materials, and much faster than expected. If you're noticing multiple areas on your roof where the shingles look cracked or the edges are curling, it could indicate a ventilation issue.

Ventilation is so crucial to the health of your entire roof that many manufacturers include specific language specifying the need for proper airflow, as they won't cover any damage caused by poor ventilation. Here's an example of what this looks like from Malarkey's warranty terms:

Mistake 3: Neglecting Roof Maintenance

Even the best roofing materials won't last if they're left to deteriorate, and manufacturers know that. In general, there isn't much in terms of ongoing roof maintenance that homeowners need to worry about.

From a manufacturer's perspective, they just want to be sure no negligence caused premature material or roof failure. Here are some common examples of "neglect" that could void your roof warranty:

• Letting debris build up: Piles of leaves, pine needles, or branches trap moisture and can lead to shingle deterioration, mold growth, or premature wear. Excessive buildup in your gutters can prevent water from draining away from your roof and home.
• Ignoring visible signs of damage: Missing shingles, warped rooflines, or small leaks that go unrepaired signal a lack of care and may disqualify future warranty claims.
• Allowing algae or moss to grow unchecked: Moss and lichens hold moisture against the surface of your shingles and can even grow underneath them, which can cause them to lift, crack, or deteriorate prematurely. Algae streaks may not cause physical damage, but if they're left untreated, they can weaken protective coatings over time. Manufacturers consider both issues preventable with periodic roof cleaning.
• Tree limbs growing over your roof: Branches that touch or hang close to the roof can scrape shingles, clog gutters with debris, and increase the risk of impact damage. If your warranty claim can be tied to damage caused by overhanging trees, it'll be voided on the spot.

Below is a photo of extensive lichen growth on a roof, which could be considered a sign of neglect:

Mistake 4: Using Harsh Cleaning Methods

Like we briefly mentioned above, it's important to keep your roof clear of organic growth like algae and moss. Naperville has a humid and shady environment with many tree‑lined neighborhoods, making these organic growths especially common.

In environments like this, it's typically recommended to soft wash (a cleaning method that uses a low-pressure water stream combined with a special solution to clean exterior surfaces) asphalt shingles every 1–2 years to prevent buildup and protect your shingles. However, it's important that no harsh chemicals (like undiluted bleach or acid) or washing methods are used, or you could damage the shingles and face warranty cancellations.

Manufacturers often void warranties if harsh chemicals or pressure washers damage the shingles' protective surface. Even with good intentions, the wrong cleaning technique can strip away granules, weaken sealants, or shorten your roof's lifespan.

When cleaning your roof:

• Avoid high-pressure washing: High-pressure water can dislodge granules (the granular coating on asphalt shingles that protects and provides their color), loosen shingles, and force water into areas that should be sealed, like behind flashing (the thin, rust-resistant metal installed at roof joints and seams to prevent water from leaking in).
• Skip harsh chemicals: While they may kill moss or algae, harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can break down shingle coatings and discolor the material. Runoff can also harm landscaping or corrode metal components.
• Don't use wire brushes or abrasive tools: Scraping at moss or stains can gouge the shingle surface, exposing it to UV damage and reducing its effectiveness.

While we don't offer this as a service, it's a good idea to contact a professional who specializes in roof soft washing to ensure you're not harming your roof or warranty.

Mistake 5: Adding Roof Penetrations After Installation

Any time something new is installed on the roof that involves drilling, sealing, or modifying shingles, it could void your manufacturer's and workmanship warranties. Components like solar panels, satellite dishes, and skylights are some examples of roof penetrations.

Manufacturers often exclude warranty coverage for areas that have been altered after installation, even if the materials around them were originally covered. Roofing contractors who provide a warranty for their installation may not honor any additional work if that isn't performed by them, potentially voiding your workmanship warranty as well.

These changes are referred to as roof penetrations, and they're one of the most common ways homeowners accidentally compromise both workmanship and material warranties. It's important to review any warranty documentation that you have, and look for any terms that regulate whether you can add any roof penetrations and how to do so without sacrificing coverage.

Common roof penetrations that can cause issues:

• Solar panels: Improper mounting can damage shingles or decking, and some manufacturers require additional documentation to maintain warranty coverage when solar is added.
• Satellite dishes or antennas: Like with any new roof penetrations, removing and reinstalling shingles can allow water intrusion, especially if the installer doesn't seal or flash the area properly. If the work isn't performed by your original contractor, or one approved by the manufacturer, both of these warranties (workmanship and manufacturer's) can be voided.
• Skylights: These require cutting into the roof and adding flashing to seal the skylights. If this is not done correctly (or if it's done by a contractor that isn't approved by the warranty provider), the warranty can be voided altogether.
• HVAC exhausts, bathroom vents, or additional fans: Any new mechanical vent installed after the roof replacement must be sealed and flashed according to manufacturer guidelines, or it could compromise your roof's integrity and coverage.

What to Do If You Think You've Already Voided Your Warranty

If you're unsure whether your warranty is still valid, or suspect you may have accidentally voided it, don't panic. You may still have options to protect your roof and avoid any large out-of-pocket costs.

Start by checking your documentation. Look for your warranty paperwork, installation records, and any maintenance or inspection notes. These details can help clarify what's covered and whether any issues are still eligible for support.

Still unsure where you stand? Scheduling a roof inspection with a trusted contractor is the best way to get an accurate assessment of your situation and options. We offer no-commitment roof inspections for this exact reason.

Our goal isn't to sell you a roof. It's to make sure you're left with as much information as you need to plan your next steps.