Understanding Manufacturer Warranties vs. Workmanship Warranties

Understanding Manufacturer Warranties vs. Workmanship Warranties

(What Ohio Homeowners Should Know Before Starting Their Next Exterior Project)

When investing in your home’s exterior—whether that’s new siding, roofing, or trim—understanding your warranty coverage is just as important as choosing the right materials. Many Ohioans assume a warranty automatically covers everything that could go wrong, but that’s not always the case.

At American Way Exteriors, we want to ensure every homeowner has clarity before making a decision. Let’s break down the difference between manufacturer warranties and workmanship warranties so you know exactly what to expect when you partner with a contractor.

What Is a Manufacturer Warranty?

A manufacturer warranty (sometimes called a product warranty) is offered by the company that produces the materials—like James Hardie or BRAVA Roof Tile.

This warranty protects you against defects in the product itself. In other words, if the material fails to perform as promised under normal conditions, the manufacturer will typically repair or replace it.

Examples include:

• Siding that warps, cracks, or deteriorates due to a manufacturing defect.
• Roofing shingles that lose granules prematurely or fail to seal correctly.
• Trim or panels that delaminate or blister under standard use.

These warranties often last 20 to 30 years (sometimes even longer) and may be non-prorated for a specific period—meaning you get full coverage for both labor and materials during that time.

However, there’s a key point many homeowners overlook:

A manufacturer warranty only remains valid if the product is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

That’s where your contractor’s workmanship comes into play.

What Is a Workmanship Warranty?

A workmanship warranty covers the quality of the installation—the actual work performed by your contractor.

Even the best materials can fail if they’re not installed correctly. A workmanship warranty ensures that if something goes wrong due to installation errors, your contractor will fix it at no additional cost.

At American Way Exteriors, we stand behind every project with a 5-year workmanship warranty, giving homeowners peace of mind long after the job is complete.

This type of warranty can cover issues like:

• Improperly fastened siding or flashing.
• Roof leaks caused by poor sealing or alignment.
• Trim or panels installed without proper clearance or weatherproofing.

Why You Need Both

Think of it this way:

• The manufacturer guarantees the materials.
• The contractor guarantees the installation.

Having both ensures you’re protected from all angles—because a warranty on materials won’t help if there were errors with the installation, and a workmanship warranty won’t cover a defective product.

When both warranties work together, there is a lot of confidence knowing your home’s exterior is fully protected for years to come.

Why Choose American Way Exteriors

Homeowners across Ohio trust American Way Exteriors because we combine great products with professional, certified installation.

We meet strict standards as an Elite Alliance James Hardie Contractor and a BRAVA Preferred Contractor, backed by strong manufacturer warranties. Add our own workmanship guarantee, and you get coverage that will last.

Our team focuses on doing the job right the first time—so you don’t have to worry about hidden fine print later.

Final Thoughts

Before signing a contract, always ask two questions:

1. What’s covered under the manufacturer warranty?
2. What’s covered under the workmanship warranty?

Understanding both helps you make a confident decision about your investment.

If you’re planning a siding or roofing project in Ohio, reach out to American Way Exteriors. We’ll walk you through your warranty options and ensure you get protection that’s built to last—just like your home.

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