Understanding Roof Warranties: A Look at Our Dearborn, MI Project
When most homeowners think about replacing a roof, their first concern is usually the cost. That makes sense—it’s one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. But there’s another part of roofing that’s just as important and often overlooked: the warranty.
We recently finished this roofing project in Dearborn, Michigan, and it’s the perfect example to show how a strong warranty can give homeowners peace of mind for decades to come. This roof is backed with a 50-year labor and material warranty and a 25-year workmanship warranty.
Those numbers might sound impressive (and they are), but what do they actually mean for you as a homeowner? Let’s break it down in plain English.
Why Roof Warranties Matter
A roof isn’t just shingles nailed to wood—it’s a complete system that protects your entire house. Between Michigan’s heavy snows, spring rains, high winds, and summer heat, your roof is constantly working. Over time, even the best materials will show signs of wear.
That’s where warranties come in. A warranty is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a promise that your roof will do its job. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be left paying out of pocket for expensive repairs.
Unfortunately, not all warranties are created equal. Many roofing companies advertise warranties, but if you don’t understand the difference between material coverage and workmanship coverage, you could end up unprotected.
The Two Types of Roof Warranties You Need to Know
When we talk about roof warranties, there are two big categories:
1. Material (or Manufacturer) Warranty
This warranty is provided by the shingle manufacturer. It covers defects in the shingles themselves. If the product fails early—not because of installation issues, but because of a flaw in the materials—the manufacturer will step in.
In our Dearborn project, the shingles come with a 50-year material warranty. That means the homeowner doesn’t need to worry about premature cracking, curling, or granule loss caused by manufacturing problems.
Think of it this way: if your car came off the lot with a faulty engine, the car company would replace it. A manufacturer’s warranty works the same way for your roof.
2. Workmanship Warranty
This warranty is offered by the contractor—the company that installed your roof. It protects you if something goes wrong because of how the roof was put on.
In our project, we offer a 25-year workmanship warranty. That means if there’s ever an issue caused by improper installation—whether it’s a leak around flashing, poor ventilation setup, or improper shingle placement—we’ll make it right at no cost to the homeowner.
This type of warranty is often more important than people realize. Even the best shingles in the world won’t hold up if they aren’t installed correctly. That’s why choosing a trustworthy, experienced contractor is just as critical as the product you put on your home.
Dearborn’s Climate: Why Long Warranties Are a Game-Changer
Living in Dearborn and Southeast Michigan, your roof faces unique challenges.
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Snow and Ice: Michigan winters bring heavy snow loads and ice dams that can damage shingles and gutters.
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Windstorms: High winds can rip off shingles if they aren’t nailed properly.
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Heat and Humidity: Summers can cause shingles to expand and contract, wearing them out faster.
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Rainstorms: Heavy spring and fall rains put roofs to the test when it comes to leaks and drainage.
Having a roof backed by 50-year material coverage and 25-year workmanship protection ensures that no matter what Michigan throws at your home, you’re covered.
What Most Homeowners Don’t Know About Roofing Warranties
Here are a few common myths and misunderstandings we hear from homeowners in Metro Detroit:
Myth 1: “The manufacturer covers everything.”
Not true. If your shingles fail because they were installed incorrectly, the manufacturer will not pay for the repair. That’s why a workmanship warranty is just as important.
Myth 2: “All warranties are the same.”
They’re not. Some contractors only offer 1- or 5-year workmanship warranties, and some materials come with prorated coverage after 10 years. Always ask for details in writing.
Myth 3: “I’ll never need it.”
You hope you won’t! But even small installation mistakes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage years later. Having coverage means you don’t have to gamble.
Why Homeowners in Dearborn Chose Level Up Improvement
The homeowners for this project told us they wanted two things: peace of mind and long-term value.
They knew they were investing in their forever home, and the warranties we provide gave them confidence that their roof will protect them for decades. Plus, because Level Up Improvement is a family-owned, local company, they liked knowing we’d be here for the long run—not a fly-by-night roofer who disappears when issues arise.
When neighbors see the new roof and hear about the coverage, word spreads fast. That’s why so much of our work in Dearborn and Metro Detroit comes from referrals.
How to Read the Fine Print on a Roofing Warranty
Not all warranties are written the same. Before you sign a roofing contract, here’s what to look for:
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Length of Coverage – Is it 5 years, 10 years, 25 years, or lifetime?
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Transferability – Can you transfer the warranty if you sell your home? (Ours are transferable, which adds resale value.)
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What’s Excluded – Are there loopholes that leave you unprotected?
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Workmanship vs. Material – Make sure you have both.
Our Dearborn homeowners took the time to go over these details with us before signing, and now they’re confident they made the right choice.
Why Education Matters in Roofing
One of our goals at Level Up Improvement is not just to install roofs, but to educate homeowners. Too often, people only learn about warranties after something goes wrong.
By explaining the difference between labor/material warranties and workmanship warranties up front, we give families in Dearborn and across Southeast Michigan the knowledge they need to make smart decisions.
A roof is an investment in safety, comfort, and long-term savings. Education ensures that investment is protected.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for You
This project in Dearborn, MI is more than just a new roof—it’s an example of why warranties matter. With 50-year labor and material coverage and a 25-year workmanship guarantee, the homeowners know their investment is secure.
If you’re a homeowner in Southeast Michigan considering a roof replacement, take the time to ask questions:
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Who is backing the warranty?
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How long does it last?
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What’s included and what’s not?
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Will the contractor still be around in 10, 20, or 25 years?
At Level Up Improvement, we take pride in offering honest answers, professional installation, and industry-leading warranties. Because protecting your home is about more than just shingles—it’s about protecting your family’s future.
