What to Expect from Your Roof Warranty in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan—and When to Act

A roof warranty can offer real peace of mind, especially when you understand what it covers and how our certified team helps you maintain it over time. At A&M Home Services, we help Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan homeowners get more than just paperwork. With more than 14 years of trusted local experience, we help them get lasting protection.

If you’re planning a new roof or want to avoid common warranty pitfalls, here’s what to know before and after installation.

Key Takeaways

• Roof warranties come in two types that cover materials and workmanship for different parts of your roof.
• Certified contractors and proper documentation help homeowners keep warranty coverage active and reliable.
• Regular inspections, fast repairs, and clean gutters protect your roof and keep your warranty valid.
• Signs like leaks, moss, or lifting shingles mean you should contact your roofer before your warranty is at risk.

How to Get the Most From Your Roof Warranties

If you want your roof warranty to actually deliver protection—not just paperwork—you need to approach every step of the process with clarity. Here’s how you can make sure the warranty holds up when it matters most:

Understand the Two Types of Roof Warranties Available

For homeowners in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, two types of roof warranties play a critical role in long-term protection: a standard roofing warranty from the manufacturer and a workmanship warranty from your contractor. Each offers different coverage components—one focusing on roofing materials and the other on the roofer’s workmanship.

If you’re investing in a new roof for a house near the Mishawaka Riverwalk or historic downtown Plymouth, understanding this distinction is the first step in ensuring complete roof system coverage.

Choose a Certified Roofing Contractor with Proven Credentials

To safeguard your roof warranty, it’s essential to work with a certified roofing contractor who uses approved roofing products and understands proper installation procedures. Our crews are a GAF Master Elite contractor—a distinction that unlocks enhanced warranty options for your complete roof system.

Whether your home is near local landmarks like Potato Creek State Park near North Liberty or Kendallville’s Bixler Lake Park, working with a trusted roofer ensures performance that meets national standards and lifetime warranty eligibility.

Keep All Warranty Documents and Registration Info Handy

After your roof is installed, register your warranty with the manufacturer and store a copy of the paperwork. This becomes essential when you’re dealing with any warranty-related service in St. Joseph County or nearby areas like Plymouth, Kendallville, or Granger.

The length of the warranty varies by brand and materials used, so keeping complete documentation on hand makes the claim process far easier. Think of it like having a map of your roof’s history—critical for homeowners looking to protect their investment.

Know What Is and Isn’t Covered in Your Warranty

Standard warranties typically exclude damage from storms, pests, or moss accumulation—especially in tree-lined neighborhoods around parks like Centennial Park in Plymouth or Elkhart’s Island Park.

Many roofing materials are durable, but their performance can be impacted by improper maintenance or the freeze-thaw cycles and lake-effect moisture common in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan.

As you sort through the details, remember that your warranty may be limited to specific defects or installation errors outlined by the manufacturer. Knowing what is and isn’t covered helps you make informed decisions about additional layers of protection.

Don’t Wait to Ask Questions About Coverage Terms

Whether you’re buying a house near Kendallville’s historic Main Street district or investing in upgrades for a business property in downtown Fort Wayne, it’s smart to clarify all warranty terms before finalizing your roofing contract.

Ask how long the labor is covered, whether the warranty includes performance guarantees, and if any defective materials would be replaced. Understanding these details helps ensure that your investment in roofing protection pays off over the life of your roof.

How to Protect Your Roof Warranty Through Smart Maintenance

Warranties are only as strong as the roof maintenance behind them. To keep your coverage intact and your roof performing at its best, here’s what you should be doing after installation:

Schedule Annual Roof Inspections from a Certified Contractor

Routine roof inspections by a certified roofing contractor prevent problems from escalating into costly warranty issues. Our certified crews look for installation-related concerns and verify that all components are performing as expected.

This proactive approach matters even more in areas near Forest Park in Mishawaka or residential neighborhoods around Plymouth’s River Park Square, where seasonal weather shifts can test the durability of shingles and other roofing components.

Address Minor Issues Before They Become Major Warranty Problems

Early signs of defects—like loose shingles, pooling water, or cracked flashing—should be addressed right away. Ignoring small issues can snowball quickly, but catching them early keeps your warranty protections solid.

Even in quiet towns on the outskirts of Elkhart County, such as Bristol or Middlebury, summer storms can accelerate wear. Protecting your warranty means addressing every issue promptly, especially when labor and material coverage depend on a timely response.

Avoid DIY Fixes That Could Compromise Warranty Terms

DIY repairs may save upfront costs, but they often void warranties—particularly if unapproved tools, building materials, or installation techniques are used. Roofing contractors understand the specific standards that manufacturers require.

For homeowners around the South Bend Civic Theatre district or Fort Wayne’s Arts Campus, hiring a local certified contractor helps ensure your labor and material coverage remains intact under all warranty terms.

Keep Your Roof and Gutters Clear of Debris Year-Round

One of the most overlooked threats to roof warranties is neglect, especially clogged gutters and debris buildup.

Shaded areas around Elkhart’s Cobus Creek County Park or wooded neighborhoods in Granger often encourage moss growth and pooling water, which can void warranties due to improper maintenance. Regular cleaning helps protect roofing products, maintain performance, and avoid disputes caused by preventable damage.

Document All Maintenance and Repair Work on Your Roof

Keeping invoices, inspection reports, and photos on hand makes the warranty claim process far easier.

Whether you live near historic Harter Heights in South Bend or Kendallville’s Orchard Park neighborhood, staying organized shows manufacturers and contractors that the roof has been maintained correctly.

This level of diligence reassures warranty representatives that your claim is legitimate.

When It’s Time to Call Your Roofing Contractor About Warranty Concerns

Warranties are designed to protect you and your home—especially when small concerns are handled before they grow. If you’re seeing any of these signs around your Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan home, it’s time to get your roofing contractor involved:

You Notice Shingle Curling or Bald Spots on Your Roof

If you see curling shingles or balding spots—especially on roofs with asphalt shingles installed in the last few years—it may signal defective materials or improper installation.

In many neighborhoods throughout Northern Indiana, where roof conditions vary depending on age and product type, this is a key trigger for contacting your roofer about a potential warranty claim.

Leaks Reappear After a Previous Repair

Recurring leaks near roof valleys, vents, or skylights—especially on buildings in older parts of the region like South Bend’s Chapin Park Historic District or Fort Wayne’s West Central neighborhood—are common signs of workmanship issues. A roofing contractor can assess whether a previous roof repair failed due to poor labor or faulty components.

These problems often qualify for workmanship warranty protection when reviewed promptly.

You Hear or See Unusual Lifting or Movement After Wind Events

If your roof seems to lift or flap after a major weather event—common in areas around open fields or near Four Winds Field in South Bend or Parkview Field in Fort Wayne—it could signal improper fastening or damaged shingles.

Because weather patterns vary greatly across Michiana, roofs exposed to winter winds or open terrain often experience more stress than others.

You Discover Moss or Algae Spreading Across Shaded Roof Areas

In neighborhoods rich with tree cover—such as neighborhoods in Granger or wooded areas near Edwardsburg, Michigan—moss can take hold and deteriorate roofing materials over time.

Although not always covered under a standard roofing warranty, issues affecting the underlayment or other core roofing components may still qualify for manufacturer review.

Flashing or Roof Penetrations Show Early Signs of Rust or Gaps

If flashing around chimneys, skylights, or attic vents begins to rust or separate, it can signal faulty installation, especially in homes that recently received a new roof but now show early wear.

In areas with a rich architectural past, like Mishawaka’s Edgewater neighborhood or Plymouth’s historic East Jefferson Street district, addressing small signs early helps protect the structure long-term.

Protect Your Roof Investment With Help From A&M Home Services

Your roof is a substantial investment, and your warranty is only as strong as the team standing behind it. At A&M Home Services, we help Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan homeowners get the most out of their roof warranties through expert installation, detailed inspections, and dependable maintenance.

If you’re unsure about your current warranty coverage—or suspect issues that may be covered—our team is ready to provide a free inspection and clear guidance on your next steps.

We’re proud to serve Northern Indiana and nearby Southern Michigan communities with award-winning service and trusted protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exclusions are common in a standard roofing warranty that might surprise homeowners?

A standard roofing warranty often excludes damage from foot traffic, satellite dishes, or non-approved repairs. Ask your contractor during your visit to explain how exclusions could affect your long-term protection.

Does a roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty apply if multiple companies work on the roof?

A roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty usually applies only to work done by their team. If other companies are involved, coverage may be limited or voided depending on the terms.

What should you know about roofing materials when installing a new roof in Michiana?

Roofing materials should match Michiana’s freeze-thaw climate. Choose products rated for the region, with warranties backed by companies known across the country for their nationwide performance and lifetime coverage.

Can certified companies extend warranty benefits beyond what’s standard?

Yes. Certified companies can offer upgraded warranty benefits. For example, enhanced plans may include lifetime coverage, extended labor protection, and added peace of mind with fewer restrictions on claim eligibility.