What Homeowners Need to Know About Roofing Warranties, Certifications, and Real Protection

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when replacing their roof is:

“Can any roofing contractor offer a 50-year warranty?”

You may see ads claiming “50-year roof” or “lifetime warranty,” but the truth is not all roofing contractors can legally or legitimately offer the same warranties—especially when it comes to manufacturer-backed coverage from companies like Owens Corning.

Understanding who can offer extended warranties, what they actually cover, and why contractor certification matters can protect you from expensive misunderstandings years down the road.

Let’s break it down clearly.

The Short Answer: No — Not Every Contractor Can Offer a True 50-Year Warranty

While almost any contractor can install shingles, only properly certified contractors can offer extended manufacturer warranties, including 50-year or lifetime coverage with long-term workmanship protection.

Extended warranties are tied to:

• The manufacturer
• The complete roofing system
• And most importantly, the contractor’s certification level

In other words, the warranty is not just about the shingles — it’s about who installs them.

Understanding Owens Corning Roofing Warranties

Owens Corning is one of the most trusted roofing manufacturers in North America. Their warranty structure is designed to protect homeowners — but only when strict requirements are met.

1. Standard Limited Lifetime Warranty (Shingles Only)

Owens Corning shingles include a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the shingles themselves.

What this covers:

• Manufacturing defects only
• Applies regardless of contractor

What it does not cover:

• Workmanship
• Labor after the initial period
• Installation errors

Coverage is also prorated over time.

This is the minimum warranty, and it is often misunderstood as full protection.

2. Extended System Warranties (Contractor-Dependent)

Owens Corning also offers enhanced system warranties that:

• Extend coverage up to 50 years
• Include labor
• Include workmanship
• Require specific roofing system components
• Require certified contractors

These warranties cannot be offered by just any roofer.

The Owens Corning Contractor Network Explained

Owens Corning has a tiered certification system, and a contractor’s level directly determines what warranties they are allowed to offer.

Non-Certified (Non-Preferred) Contractors

A non-certified contractor:

• Can buy Owens Corning shingles
• Can install the product

But cannot:

• Offer Owens Corning extended warranties
• Offer manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage
• Register enhanced warranty systems

What homeowners receive:

• Shingle-only warranty
• No manufacturer labor coverage
• No long-term workmanship protection

Any “50-year warranty” from a non-certified roofer is usually:

• Their own promise
• Not manufacturer-backed
• Often unenforceable long-term

Owens Corning Preferred Contractors

Preferred Contractors must meet requirements such as:

• Proper licensing and insurance
• Proven installation standards
• Ongoing training
• Good standing with Owens Corning

They can offer:

• Owens Corning System Protection Warranty
• Enhanced material coverage when full systems are used

They cannot offer:

• The highest-level extended workmanship warranties
• Long-term labor protection comparable to Platinum contractors

Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors

This is the highest certification level Owens Corning offers.

To qualify, contractors must:

• Be invited (not apply)
• Meet strict performance and volume benchmarks
• Maintain exceptional customer satisfaction
• Carry enhanced insurance
• Pass audits and ongoing training

Only a small percentage of roofing contractors nationwide earn this status.

What Platinum Preferred Contractors Can Offer

Owens Corning Platinum Protection Roofing System Warranty

This top-tier warranty includes:

• 50-year non-prorated material coverage
• 25 years of workmanship coverage
• Labor coverage included
• Tear-off and disposal coverage
• Manufacturer-backed protection (not contractor promises)

This warranty can ONLY be offered by Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors.

Why the Contractor Matters More Than the Shingle

Most roof failures are caused by:

• Improper installation
• Poor flashing
• Incorrect fastening
• Ventilation issues

Shingles rarely fail on their own.

That’s why manufacturers limit extended warranties to contractors they trust — to protect homeowners from installation-related failures.

Related reading:

• How Do I Know If I Need a Roof Repair or Full Replacement?
• Does Replacing My Roof Only Mean Replacing the Shingles?

Common Myths About “50-Year Warranties”

“All roofs come with a 50-year warranty.”
Most only include shingle coverage.

“Lifetime means everything is covered.”
Lifetime often refers only to materials — not labor.

“Any contractor can register a warranty.”
Only certified contractors can register extended warranties.

Why Extended Warranties Matter Long-Term

If a roof issue happens:

• 10 years later
• 15 years later
• After the contractor is no longer in business

A manufacturer-backed warranty can be the difference between:

• Full coverage
• Or paying out of pocket

Extended warranties protect against:

• Installation defects
• Labor costs
• Contractor turnover
• Long-term system failure

Questions Homeowners Should Always Ask

Before choosing a roofer:

• Are you Owens Corning certified?
• What certification level do you hold?
• What warranty do you provide in writing?
• Is workmanship backed by Owens Corning?
• How long is labor covered?

Vague answers = Red Flag

Our Commitment at XYZ Roofing & Restorations

XYZ Roofing & Restorations is proud to be an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor.

This means:

• We meet the highest industry standards
• We can offer true extended warranties
• Our workmanship is manufacturer-backed
• Homeowners receive long-term protection, not empty promises

You can also start with our Instant Roof Quote Tool for transparent pricing:
 https://xyzroofingandrestorations.com/

Final Thoughts

So, can any roofing contractor offer a 50-year warranty?

No.

Only contractors certified at the proper level — especially Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors — can offer true, manufacturer-backed extended warranties that include labor and workmanship.

When comparing roof proposals, don’t just compare price.

Compare:

• Contractor certification
• Warranty coverage
• Long-term protection

Because a roof is only as strong as the company and the warranty standing behind it.