Year-End Roof Warranty Review: What You Should Check Before 2026

As we approach the end of 2025, now is the perfect time to review your roof warranty and ensure your home is protected heading into 2026. At JS and R Roofing, we recommend conducting a comprehensive year-end roof warranty review to understand your coverage, document your roof’s condition, and address any potential issues before they become costly problems.

Your roof warranty typically comes in two forms: a manufacturer’s (product) warranty and a workmanship (labor) warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty protects you against defects in roofing materials and product failures beyond normal wear and tear, while the workmanship warranty covers the quality of installation and labor performed by your roofing contractor.

Manufacturer’s warranties vary significantly depending on the roofing material and brand. For example, leading manufacturers like Owens Corning offer multiple warranty tiers:

• Lifetime Limited Warranty: Provides 10-year comprehensive coverage for manufacturing defects, followed by materials-only coverage. This includes 15-year blowoff protection and 25-year algae streaking coverage.

• Extended Limited Lifetime Warranty: Offers up to 50 years of comprehensive coverage for manufacturing defects, with the same blowoff and algae protections.

• Premium Protection Plans: Include tear-off and disposal cost indemnification, plus extended workmanship warranties ranging from 10 years to lifetime coverage.

Workmanship warranties are less common but increasingly important. Most roofing contractors do not offer this type of coverage, but reputable companies like JS and R Roofing prioritize standing behind the quality of their craftsmanship.

Before 2026 arrives, perform a thorough inspection of your roof to verify that your warranty remains valid and to identify any issues that need attention. Here’s what to check:

Interior Inspection

Attic Examination:

• Look for light coming through the roof boards
• Check for water stains or discoloration on the underside of the roof
• Inspect for sagging areas in the roof deck
• Examine insulation for moisture or compression
• Verify proper ventilation with both intake and exhaust vents
• Ensure insulation coverage and depth are adequate

Upper Floor Ceiling Check:

• Look for water stains, discoloration, or peeling paint
• Check for cracks or sagging in the ceiling
• Inspect for mold growth

Exterior Ground-Level Assessment

Overall Roof Condition:

• Scan for sagging areas
• Look for obvious damage visible from the ground
• Check for algae, moss, or mold growth
• Examine for uniformity of appearance

Exterior Walls and Chimney:

• Look for water stains or discoloration
• Check for mold or mildew
• Inspect for damaged or missing siding near the roof edges
• Examine chimney flashing and mortar condition

Gutter and Drainage System:

• Ensure gutters are clean and properly attached
• Check for proper slope and drainage
• Inspect downspout placement and condition
• Remove any debris accumulation

Roof-Level Inspection (If Safely Accessible)

Shingles or Roofing Material:

• Look for missing, cracked, curling, or blistering shingles
• Check for loose, damaged, or missing flashing
• Inspect for excessive granule loss (asphalt shingles)
• Look for rust spots (metal roofing)
• Check for proper shingle overlap

Roof Penetrations and Flashing:

• Inspect around vents, pipes, and other penetrations for secure flashing
• Look for cracked boot seals around pipes
• Check for proper sealing around all penetrations
• Examine chimney, valley, and eave flashing

Roof Valleys and Edges:

• Check for damaged or missing flashing
• Look for debris buildup
• Inspect for signs of excessive wear
• Verify secure attachment of the drip edge

Vents and Skylights:

• Ensure all vents are unobstructed
• Check for proper installation and sealing
• Inspect for damaged or missing vent covers
• Check for cracks in skylights and flashing integrity

Keep detailed records of your roof inspection findings. Document any observations with photographs and notes to track changes over time. This documentation is essential for:

• Maintaining warranty validity
• Providing evidence of regular maintenance
• Identifying trends in roof deterioration
• Supporting insurance claims if needed
• Discussing findings with your roofing contractor

While homeowners can perform visual inspections from the ground, safety should always come first. If you notice any of the following, contact JS and R Roofing for a professional assessment:

• Visible exterior damage (missing shingles, sagging areas)
• Water stains or signs of leaks in your attic or ceilings
• Mold or mildew growth
• Damaged or deteriorated flashing
• After nearby construction or tree removal that might have impacted your roof

Professional inspectors can also perform specialized inspections such as infrared scanning for moisture detection, core sampling for multiple-layer assessment, or drone inspection for difficult-to-access areas.

As you head into the new year, ensure your roof warranty documentation is organized and accessible. Review your warranty terms to understand:

• Coverage duration and expiration dates
• What is and isn’t covered
• Required maintenance obligations
• Claim procedures
• Contractor certification requirements (if applicable)

Many manufacturers require that roofing work be performed by certified contractors to maintain warranty coverage. If you’re considering any roofing repairs or upgrades—or are searching for complementary services like “window and door installation replacement near me”—verify that your contractor meets these certification requirements.

A year-end roof warranty review is a smart investment in your home’s protection and longevity. By understanding your coverage, conducting a thorough inspection, and maintaining detailed records, you’ll enter 2026 with confidence that your roof is protected. At JS and R Roofing, we’re here to help you navigate your warranty coverage and address any roofing concerns before they escalate into expensive repairs.

Contact us today for a professional roof inspection and warranty review to ensure your home is ready for whatever 2026 brings.

This article was created by JS and R Roofing to help homeowners understand their roof warranty coverage and maintain their roofs effectively.