Here’s something most homeowners don’t realize until it’s too late:
Your roof could still be under warranty—and you might not even know it.
Or worse, it could look like it’s covered, but one wrong move (like hiring the wrong person to fix a leak) and… poof, the warranty disappears.
It’s not that metal roof warranties are complicated on purpose. But they’re not exactly designed to be easy to understand either.
So let’s fix that. This post will show you what a metal roof warranty really is, how long it lasts, and what Chattanooga homeowners should double-check before assuming their roof is covered.
Here’s what you’ll take away from this post:
- A plain-English breakdown of metal roofing warranties
- The difference between workmanship and manufacturer coverage
- What voids a warranty (and how to avoid it)
- How long metal roof warranties actually last
- How Jaco Contracting helps you protect your investment
We make warranties make sense. And then we make sure your roof qualifies for them.
Let’s Start with the Basics: What Is a Metal Roof Warranty?
At its core, a metal roof warranty is a written guarantee from the manufacturer or your installer—or both—that says:
“If something goes wrong, and it’s our fault, we’ll fix it.”
That something could be a coating defect, a leak due to installation error, or a panel that rusts way before it should. It all depends on the type of warranty you have.
In most cases, you’ll see two types:
Manufacturer Warranty
Covers the materials (the panels, the coating, the fasteners—sometimes).
Examples of what’s typically included:
- Paint finish fading, chalking, or peeling
- Rust or corrosion
- Manufacturing defects
Workmanship Warranty
Covers how the roof was installed—because the best materials don’t mean much if they’re installed wrong.
Examples of what this protects against:
- Misaligned panels or poorly driven fasteners
- Flashing that wasn’t sealed correctly
- Leaks due to poor detailing at roof transitions
Jaco offers 2+ years on all workmanship, and we don’t just hand you a warranty—we walk you through it so you actually know what you’re getting.
Why Warranties Matter More in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is not an easy place for a roof to exist. We’ve got:
- Frequent storms with wind and hail
- High humidity that eats away at exposed seams and fasteners
- Rapid temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction (not great for sealants)
When those things pile up over time, your warranty is your backup plan. But only if it’s still valid—and only if the roof was installed properly to begin with.
How Long Is a Metal Roof Warranty, Really?
This is the part where most companies say: “Our roofs are backed by a 50-year warranty!”
Sounds amazing, right?
But that number—how long a metal roof warranty lasts—depends on which part of the roof we’re talking about.
| Warranty Type | Typical Coverage |
| Paint/Finish Warranty | 25–40 years (for chalking, fading) |
| Material Warranty | Up to 50 years (for rust/corrosion) |
| Workmanship Warranty | 2–10 years (depends on contractor) |
Most homeowners won’t need that full 50 years—but if something does happen in year 7, you’ll be glad you understood what’s actually covered and for how long.
Before You Trust the Warranty, Ask These 4 Questions
Here’s what to sort out before you assume your roof is protected:
1. Was it installed by a certified contractor?
Manufacturer warranties are often void if the roof wasn’t installed by someone trained in their system. Jaco is certified by Durolast and GAF, among others—so our installs keep your warranty valid.
2. Do you have the paperwork?
Warranties don’t exist unless they’re in writing. If you didn’t get a warranty certificate at install, ask. No paper = no protection.
3. Has it been altered or repaired?
Even a well-meaning repair by an unlicensed contractor can void your warranty. If there’s a leak, don’t DIY it—call us first.
4. Have you done any maintenance?
Yes, warranties usually require some level of upkeep. Cleaning gutters, trimming trees, and scheduling an annual inspection all help keep coverage active.
What Most Metal Roof Warranties Don’t Cover
Let’s be honest—warranty exclusions are where a lot of the confusion happens. So here’s the fine print translated:
| NOT Covered | Why It Matters in Chattanooga |
| Storm damage (unless rated and stated) | Hail and wind are common here—add hail-rated panels if possible |
| Leaks from poor repairs or foot traffic | Walking on your roof can void warranties—call us instead |
| Improper cleaning or maintenance | Pressure washers can strip coating—use low-pressure washing if needed |
| Code violations or unpermitted work | Some insurance companies won’t honor claims if code wasn’t followed |
Real Talk: Is a Metal Roof Warranty Worth It?
Short answer: Yes—if you understand what you’re getting.
Here’s the deal:
| Pros | Cons |
| Long coverage for materials | Fine print varies by brand |
| Transferable in some cases | Not all warranties move with the home |
| Peace of mind during storms | You still have to maintain the roof |
| Great for resale value (if transferable) | May not include labor for repairs |
Bottom line: A good warranty is part of the package—not a bonus. It’s there to give you leverage if something goes wrong, and we make sure you know exactly what it covers.
FAQs About Metal Roof Warranties for Chattanooga Homeowners
Still unsure how warranties apply to your roof—or if yours is even valid? You’re not alone. We get these questions all the time from Chattanooga homeowners, so let’s walk through the most common ones.
What is the warranty on a metal roof in Chattanooga?
The warranty on a metal roof in Chattanooga typically includes two parts: 25 to 50 years of manufacturer coverage (for materials, finish, and corrosion) and 2 to 10 years of workmanship coverage from your installer, depending on who you hire.
How long is a metal roof warranty supposed to last?
A metal roof warranty is generally supposed to last between 25 and 50 years, depending on the product and manufacturer. That’s for the materials. Labor or installation warranties are separate and often shorter—usually around 2 to 10 years.
Are warranties transferable if I sell my home?
Yes, some metal roof warranties are transferable to the next homeowner. However, not all are, and some require a transfer request or fee. It’s best to ask your contractor or check the warranty documents to confirm before you list your home.
What voids a metal roof warranty?
A metal roof warranty can be voided by several things, including improper installation, unapproved repairs, poor maintenance, and damage from weather events not explicitly covered. Not following local building codes or skipping required inspections can also cancel coverage.
Is hail or wind damage covered under a metal roof warranty?
Hail or wind damage is only covered if the warranty includes impact or wind protection, which isn’t always standard. At Jaco Contracting, we install Class 4 impact-rated systems and help homeowners understand exactly what their policy includes.
Do I have to maintain my roof to keep the warranty active?
Yes, keeping your metal roof warranty active usually requires basic maintenance, such as regular inspections, gutter cleaning, and addressing minor repairs quickly. Skipping upkeep can void both manufacturer and workmanship warranties.
Your Warranty Is Only As Good As Your Roof—and Who Installed It
Here’s the truth:
A 50-year warranty doesn’t matter if your roof was installed wrong. And even the best install won’t help you if you don’t know how the warranty works.
At Jaco Contracting, we don’t just put up roofs. We:
- Handle permits and code compliance
- Install certified roofing systems
- Provide clear documentation
- And offer long-term support—even after install
Schedule your free roof inspection today and we’ll make sure your roof—and its warranty—are working for you, not against you.
Because if something goes wrong, we want you covered. Simple as that.
