What Does a Lifetime Warranty Really Mean for Roofing & Siding?

“Lifetime warranty.” Two words that sound solid, but often leave homeowners scratching their heads when it’s time to file a claim.

At BD Exteriors, we install high-quality roofing and siding products with some of the strongest warranties in the industry, but even the best warranties have fine print. Let’s take a clear, no-fluff look at what “lifetime warranty” actually means for your roofing and siding, especially when you’re using CertainTeed, EDCO, LP SmartSide, or Royal Estate vinyl siding.

At BD Exteriors, we provide professional roofing and siding services across Central Minnesota. Our skilled crews have years of experience navigating product warranties for customers and installing products to the highest standards. Contact our local shop at (320) 229-2855 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.

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“Lifetime” Isn’t Always Forever

In the roofing and siding world, “lifetime” usually refers to the expected life of the product under normal conditions. It’s not your lifetime, and it’s rarely the home’s either.

The exact terms depend on:

The brand and product line
Who installs it
Whether it’s registered correctly
How well it’s maintained

Let’s break down how that plays out across the brands BD Exteriors trusts and installs.

CertainTeed Roofing Warranty: Strong Protection If Installed Right

CertainTeed’s SureStart™ PLUS Warranty is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, but only if you use a certified installer (like BD Exteriors) and install a complete CertainTeed roofing system.

What’s Included

Up to 50 years of full material AND labor coverage
Workmanship protection up to 25 years (with certified installers)
Non-prorated coverage during the SureStart period, then limited lifetime after
Wind warranties up to 130 mph with proper installation
Transferable to new homeowners (once)

What Can Void It?

Incomplete system installs (mixing brands)
Improper attic ventilation
Non-certified installers
Unregistered products

You get real labor coverage, not just materials. And when your contractor is CertainTeed Master Craftsman certified (like BD Exteriors), you unlock extended warranty protections that other contractors simply can’t offer.

LP® SmartSide® Warranty: Engineered Wood That’s Built to Last

LP SmartSide is a favorite for engineered wood siding because it blends beauty with durability, and its warranty backs that up.

What’s Included

50-Year Limited Warranty
5-Year Full Labor & Material Coverage
Treated with LP’s proprietary SmartGuard® process to resist rot, decay, and insects
Strong performance in Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles

What Can Void It?

Improper storage or installation
Failing to maintain proper clearances
Skipping paint or caulk maintenance over time

LP’s 5-year full coverage is a great buffer. After that, you get long-term protection against rot and decay, critical for Minnesota homes.

EDCO Steel Siding Warranty: Lifetime That Means Lifetime

EDCO steel siding is manufactured in Minnesota, and it shows in their true lifetime warranty that covers both performance and finish.

What’s Included

Lifetime Transferable Warranty
35-Year Fade Protection
Class 4 impact resistance (excellent for hail-prone areas)
No need to repaint—ever
Backed by a company that understands MN weather

What Can Void It?

Improper tool use during installation
Mixing with incompatible trim/flashing
Structural movement

EDCO covers color, performance, and hail resistance with clarity, and without gimmicks.

Royal Estate Vinyl Siding Warranty: Affordable + Protected

Royal Estate vinyl siding offers an outstanding balance between cost, curb appeal, and long-term protection, especially with a limited lifetime warranty.

What’s Included

Limited Lifetime Warranty
Fade-resistant up to 25 years
Transferable once (with some limitations)
No painting or refinishing needed

What Can Void It?

Exposure to high heat from reflective windows
Painting the siding
Installation errors

Best for: Low-maintenance exterior upgrades with strong color retention and budget-friendly installation.

Rely On Your Installer as Well as Your Brand

Even the best warranties fall flat if the product is installed incorrectly. That’s why BD Exteriors backs up top-tier materials with elite-level installation credentials and experience.

Here’s what sets us apart:

CertainTeed Master Craftsman certified – We’ve met CertainTeed’s highest standards for knowledge, skill, and installation quality.
Certified installers for full CertainTeed roofing systems
Manufacturer-approved install methods for LP SmartSide, EDCO steel siding, and Royal Estate vinyl
Deep experience with Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles, wind, hail, and moisture
Help with product registration and documentation so you’re fully protected

We also include our own workmanship warranty on every project, giving you layered protection from every angle.

Maximize Your “Lifetime” with BD Exteriors

If a contractor throws around “lifetime warranty” without explaining the terms, it’s a red flag. At BD Exteriors, we explain the real-world protections, help you register your materials, and install everything to the highest standards, so your investment is protected long after the job is done.

If you’re looking at replacing your roof or siding, work with a contractor you can trust. Maximize your “lifetime” with our expert installers. Fill out our contact form today or call (320) 229-2855 to get started!

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