It is the most common phrase in the roofing industry:
“Do not worry, it has a lifetime warranty.”
But if you live in Cranston (02921) or Warwick (02889), that piece of paper might be worth less than the shingles it protects if you do not understand the fine print.
In Rhode Island, wind events, salt air, and freeze-thaw cycles expose weak warranties fast. Here are the biggest traps we see, and what to look for instead.
1) Material vs system: the big trap
Many low bids include a material-only warranty.
What that usually means: If a shingle fails in year 8, the manufacturer may send replacement shingles. But you still pay for labor to remove the old shingles and install the new ones.
In real dollars, that can be a $3,000 to $7,000 surprise (or more) depending on roof size, access, and disposal.
What to look for instead: A true system warranty covers the roofing system, not just the shingle. That typically means materials and labor coverage for a defined term (often 25 or 50 years) when installed by a qualified contractor using the full manufacturer system.
Bottom line: If the roof fails under warranty, the goal is $0 out of pocket for the covered issue, not “here is a box of shingles, good luck.”
2) The wind speed loophole
Many standard warranties cap wind coverage around 60 to 70 mph unless the roof is installed to a higher wind standard.
Rhode Island reality: A normal Nor’easter can push gusts into that range. In areas like Pawtuxet Village and along the bay, wind is not rare. It is expected.
What to verify: - What wind speed is covered by the warranty? - What installation requirements are needed to qualify for higher wind coverage?
Common requirements include: - A 6-nail pattern (where manufacturer specs allow) - Starter strips at eaves and rakes - Correct ridge cap and hip installation
If those details are skipped, a claim can turn into a denial.
3) Transferability: your resale value
If you plan to sell your home in Western Cranston in a few years, the warranty is not just protection. It is a selling feature.
The trap: Some warranties are not transferable, or they require a transfer within a short window after installation, or they only transfer once.
Why it matters: A transferable warranty can reduce buyer anxiety and can support a stronger asking price because it reduces the perceived risk of a major roof expense.
What to ask: - Is the warranty transferable? - How many times? - Is there a deadline or fee to transfer?
4) The workmanship factor
Manufacturers warranty the product. Contractors warranty the installation.
Even the best shingle can fail if: - Flashing is wrong - Ventilation is inadequate - Nails are placed incorrectly - Underlayment and starter details are skipped
At Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island, we back our work with a workmanship guarantee that aligns with the manufacturer requirements. If something was installed incorrectly, we fix it.
The Rhode Island checklist: what to request before you sign
Before you sign a roofing contract, ask for: - The exact warranty name and coverage term (not just “lifetime”) - Whether it is material-only or system coverage (labor included?) - Wind speed coverage and required install details - Transferability rules (deadline, fee, number of transfers) - Ventilation scope (ridge vent, soffit intake, and how it is calculated)
Schedule a warranty-safe roof inspection
If you are in Cranston or Warwick and you want a roof scope that protects your warranty, start with documentation.
Call/text (401) 425-4108 to schedule a drone inspection and review your options.
FAQ
What voids a roof warranty in Rhode Island?
Improper attic ventilation is one of the most common reasons warranties get denied. If intake and exhaust ventilation are not balanced or installed correctly, heat and moisture can damage shingles and the manufacturer may deny coverage.
Is a roof warranty transferable to a new owner?
It depends on the brand and the warranty tier. Many top-tier warranties can be transferred (often once) within a specific time window. Always confirm the exact transfer rules in writing before you rely on it.
What is the difference between a material warranty and a system warranty?
A material warranty typically covers the shingles only. A system warranty is designed to cover the full roofing system and may include labor coverage when installed to manufacturer requirements.
Rhode Island Service Locations:
Ashaway, Barrington, Bradford, Bristol, Carolina, Central Falls, Charlestown, Chepachet, Clayville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Forestdale, Foster, Glendale, Greene, Greenville, Harrisville,Hope,Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Kenyon, Kingston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Manville, Mapleville, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Scituate, North Smithfield, Oakland, Pascoag, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Riverside, Rockville, Rumford, Saunderstown, Shannock, Scituate, Slatersville, Smithfield, Tiverton, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Kingston, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Wyoming