The Parts of a Complete Roof System
- Leak barrier at valleys, eaves and penetrations
- Synthetic underlayment across the rest of the deck
- Starter strips with adhesive at eaves and rakes
- Architectural shingles as the main field material
- Hip and ridge caps designed for the shingle line
- Intake and exhaust ventilation
- Drip edge and flashing at every edge and wall
Manufacturers such as GAF design these components to work together, and some warranty options depend on using matching components.
Manufacturer vs. Workmanship Warranties
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the materials themselves. A workmanship warranty covers how the roof was installed: flashing, nailing, ventilation and so on. Most roof problems trace back to installation, which makes the workmanship side especially important. We explain the terms of both in writing before the job starts, including what is covered, for how long and what you need to do to keep coverage in place.
What Can Affect Your Coverage
- Mixing components from different product lines
- Inadequate attic ventilation
- Roofing over existing layers in some cases
- Later modifications, such as satellite or solar mounts, made without proper flashing
Keep your paperwork and ask anyone who works on your roof later to follow the manufacturer's requirements. If you sell the home, check whether the warranty can transfer to the buyer, since that can be a selling point in Madison's market.
Installation in Madison
Most replacements take one to three days, with tear-off, deck repair, the full system above and a final walkthrough. Our Madison residential roofing page lists materials, and roof installation in Madison covers new construction and additions. For a broader overview, see our roofing services in Madison.
Common Questions
Do I need to register my roof warranty?
Some manufacturer warranties require registration. We explain what applies to your roof and what paperwork you will receive.
Can the warranty transfer if I sell my home?
Transfer terms depend on the specific manufacturer and workmanship coverage. We spell out any transfer rules in your written warranty information.
Can I mix brands of underlayment or ridge cap?
You can, but mixing product lines may limit some manufacturer warranty options. We generally install matching components from the same system.
What should I do if my roof leaks while under warranty?
Call us first and photograph any interior damage. We will inspect, determine whether the cause is workmanship, material or something else such as storm damage, and explain the next step under the warranty terms you received.