Two Separate Warranties on Every SMI Roof
When SMI installs your roof, you receive two distinct warranties that cover two distinct categories of potential problems. Understanding the difference between them helps you know exactly what protection you have and where to turn if something goes wrong.
| Warranty Type | What It Covers | Who Provides It | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer Warranty | Defective materials — shingles delaminating, premature granule loss, manufacturing defects | GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, etc. | 25–50 years (varies by product) |
| Workmanship Warranty | Installation errors — leaks from improper installation, flashing failures, nail pattern issues | SMI Roofing | 10 years |
Both warranties are critical — and they are not interchangeable. A shingle that delaminates prematurely is a manufacturer defect; your roofing contractor's warranty does not cover it. A leak caused by improperly installed step flashing is an installation error; the manufacturer's warranty does not cover it. You need both.
There is another critical point about manufacturer warranties: they are only valid when installed by a certified contractor following manufacturer specifications. A manufacturer will not honor a warranty on shingles installed by an unlicensed contractor, a crew that used the wrong nail pattern, or an installation that skipped required components like drip edge or ice and water shield. The manufacturer warranty is only as valuable as the contractor who installed the product — which is one concrete reason why choosing a reputable, certified contractor matters beyond just the quality of the work itself.
What SMI's 10-Year Workmanship Warranty Covers
SMI's workmanship warranty covers defects caused by installation error — problems that would not have occurred if the roof had been installed correctly. Specifically:
- Leaks caused by installation error. Improper shingle overlaps, incorrect nail placement (under-nailing or nailing in the wrong zone), failure to seal valleys properly, or any installation technique that causes water infiltration that a correct installation would have prevented.
- Flashing failures caused by improper installation. Step flashing that was not lapped correctly against the wall, pipe boots that were not properly seated and sealed, ridge vent installations that allow water entry, counter flashing at chimneys that was not properly mortared or sealed. Flashing is where most installation failures occur, and our warranty covers all of it.
- Any structural issue traceable to installation technique. This includes nail pattern failures under wind load (if the roof loses shingles in a wind event that it should have withstood given the specified nail pattern), ridge cap failures from improper installation, and valley failures from inadequate underlayment or improper shingle weaving.
- No-charge return visits for covered issues. If you call SMI within 10 years of installation with a covered warranty issue, we come out, evaluate the problem, and if it is covered, we fix it at no charge. This includes both the labor to fix it and any materials required.
The 10-year coverage period is meaningful in a specific way: most installation failures emerge in the first 3–5 years. Poor nail patterns show up in the first major wind event. Flashing failures appear in the first heavy rain season. By covering 10 years, SMI's warranty extends well past the window where any installation defect would reasonably emerge.
What the Warranty Does NOT Cover (And Why)
Understanding the exclusions is just as important as understanding the coverage. These are the standard exclusions in SMI's workmanship warranty, and the reason each exclusion exists:
- Storm damage after installation. If a hail storm damages your roof two years after we install it, that is a covered peril under your homeowners insurance policy — not an installation defect. SMI will help you file the insurance claim and manage the repair or replacement, but it is not a workmanship warranty issue. See our storm damage page and insurance claims page for how we handle this.
- Damage caused by another contractor's work. If a satellite dish installer, solar panel crew, HVAC technician, or any other contractor works on or near your roof after SMI's installation and causes damage to the roofing system — punctures, disturbed flashings, removed and improperly replaced components — the workmanship warranty is voided in the affected area. This is standard practice across the industry. If you are having other contractors work near your roofline, notify SMI first so we can advise on protecting the warranty.
- Damage from foot traffic not part of SMI's work. Repeated foot traffic on a shingle roof — from HVAC maintenance, chimney cleaners, or other service providers — can crack and dislodge shingles. Damage traceable to post-installation foot traffic by others is not covered.
- Normal wear and tear after 10 years. The workmanship warranty covers defects, not the natural aging of roofing materials over time. After 10 years, the manufacturer's material warranty remains in effect for covered material defects.
- Algae staining. Algae streaking (the dark streaks common on Arkansas roofs in humid conditions) is a surface discoloration, not a structural failure. It is addressed by the manufacturer's separate algae warranty included with most premium shingle lines, not the workmanship warranty.
Making a Warranty Claim with SMI
The process is straightforward:
- Call (501) 464-5139. Describe what you are seeing — where the issue is, when you first noticed it, and any relevant history (recent storms, recent work by other contractors).
- SMI dispatches within 48–72 hours for non-emergency warranty evaluations. For active leaks causing interior damage, we prioritize response.
- On-site evaluation. We inspect the reported issue and determine whether it is covered under the workmanship warranty, traceable to a material defect (manufacturer warranty issue), or the result of storm damage or other excluded causes.
- If covered, work is scheduled at no charge. Labor and materials to correct the covered defect are included.
The warranty is transferable to a new owner if you sell your home. A transferable 10-year workmanship warranty from a contractor with 231+ five-star reviews and 35 years in business is a genuine differentiator in a home sale. Include the warranty documentation in your seller's disclosure package — buyers' agents and home inspectors recognize the value of documented coverage from a reputable local contractor.
Keep your original warranty documentation accessible. It includes the installation date, the scope of work, materials installed, and warranty terms. If you need a copy, call us at (501) 464-5139.
Ready to get started with a contractor whose warranty you can count on? Schedule your free inspection or read our guide on what happens during a roof replacement to know what to expect from day one through final walkthrough.