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Home Improvement & Renovation

Renovations, repairs, and upgrades come with their own warranties — from the contractor's workmanship guarantee to the manufacturer's coverage on materials. Know what's protected before you start.

What Homeowners Need to Know

🏗️ Contractor Workmanship Warranties

Most reputable contractors offer a 1-2 year workmanship warranty covering installation defects. This is separate from the product warranty. Always get it in writing before the project starts, and verify the contractor is licensed and insured in your state.

📋 Building Material Warranties

Materials purchased for renovation projects carry their own manufacturer warranties. Roofing shingles (25-50 years), siding (20-40 years), windows (10-20 years), and flooring (15-25 years) all have separate coverage. Registration is often required within 30-60 days of installation.

⚠️ Common Warranty Pitfalls

DIY installation can void product warranties that require professional installation. Using non-approved materials or skipping permits may void both contractor and manufacturer coverage. Always keep receipts, contracts, and photos of completed work.

Pro tip: Before any home improvement project, use My Home to document what you currently have. After the project, update your profile with new products and brands so you can track warranty registration deadlines.

Windows & Doors

A
Andersen Windows
Key coverage: 20-year glass warranty, 10-year non-glass components. Owner-to-owner transferable. Must register for full coverage.
Products: Windows, Patio Doors, Storm Doors, Skylights
P
Pella
Key coverage: Limited lifetime warranty on wood, fiberglass, and vinyl windows. 20-year glass warranty with SunDefense option. Transferable to one subsequent owner.
Products: Windows, Entry Doors, Patio Doors, Sliding Doors
M
Milgard
Key coverage: Full lifetime warranty on vinyl windows (non-prorated). Fiberglass and wood lines carry 10-year warranties. Industry-leading coverage.
Products: Vinyl Windows, Fiberglass Windows, Patio Doors

Roofing

G
GAF
Key coverage: Lifetime limited shingle warranty (non-prorated for first 10 years). GAF Certified installers unlock enhanced warranties with full system coverage up to 50 years.
Products: Asphalt Shingles, Roofing Systems, Ventilation, Ridge Caps
OC
Owens Corning
Key coverage: Lifetime limited warranty on Duration and TruDefinition shingles. Preferred Contractors offer extended coverage including workmanship. Transferable once.
Products: Asphalt Shingles, Roofing Accessories, Attic Insulation
CT
CertainTeed
Key coverage: Lifetime limited shingle warranty. SureStart protection covers 100% replacement cost for first 10 years. Must use Integrity Roof System for full coverage.
Products: Shingles, Starter Strips, Hip & Ridge, Solar Roofing

Flooring

S
Shaw Floors
Key coverage: Lifetime limited warranty on many hardwood and LVP lines. Waterproof warranties on LifeGuard products. Professional installation required for most coverage.
Products: Hardwood, Laminate, LVP, Carpet, Tile
M
Mohawk
Key coverage: Limited lifetime on RevWood Plus and SolidTech. All Pet Protection warranty covers all pets, all accidents. Must be installed per guidelines.
Products: Hardwood, RevWood, LVT, Carpet, Tile

Siding & Exterior

JH
James Hardie
Key coverage: 30-year non-prorated substrate warranty. ColorPlus finish carries 15-year warranty against peeling, cracking, and chipping. Must be installed per guidelines.
Products: Fiber Cement Siding, Trim, Soffit, Panels
CT
CertainTeed Siding
Key coverage: Limited lifetime warranty on vinyl siding (non-prorated). Cedar Impressions carries SureStart with 100% replacement for 10 years. Transferable once.
Products: Vinyl Siding, Polymer Shake, Trim, Soffit

Paint

SW
Sherwin-Williams
Key coverage: Lifetime limited warranty on Duration and Emerald lines. Covers peeling, blistering, and fading when applied per instructions. Receipt required.
Products: Interior Paint, Exterior Paint, Stains, Primers
BM
Benjamin Moore
Key coverage: Limited lifetime warranty on Regal Select, Aura, and ben lines. Coverage applies to material defects only — surface prep and application method matter.
Products: Interior Paint, Exterior Paint, Primers, Stains

Planning a home improvement project?

Set up your home profile so you can track warranties on all new materials and installations.

Set Up My Home Profile →