The CertainTeed Warranty Master Guide

Unmatched Early Protection with SureStart™

Every CertainTeed shingle installed by A.B.L. Roofing & Construction is backed during its vital early years by SureStart™ Protection. Unlike standard manufacturer warranties that immediately begin depreciating from day one, SureStart provides true non-prorated coverage.



If CertainTeed determines that your shingles have a manufacturing defect during this initial window, they will, at their option, repair or replace the defective shingles at absolutely no charge, covering both the cost of replacement materials and the labor required. Furthermore, for shingle lines carrying a Lifetime warranty period, CertainTeed’s maximum SureStart liability also includes the reasonable costs of roof tear-off, metal work, flashing, and disposal expenses. Depending on the product tier, this robust SureStart window lasts for either 10 years (for Lifetime and 30-year shingles) or 5 years (for Patriot and XT25 products) from the original date of application.

Navigating Product Tiers and Long-Term Coverage

CertainTeed offers a variety of shingle tiers designed to fit every architectural style and durability requirement.

Premium Lifetime products—such as Landmark®, Landmark PRO®, Landmark TL®, Grand Manor®, Carriage House®, Belmont®, Highland Slate®, and NorthGate ClimateFlex®—provide extensive longevity for individual property owners using their premises as a personal residence. These elite shingles feature 30-year limited algae-resistant warranties and standard wind warranties that can be upgraded significantly.



For commercial properties, multi-family units, or non-individual ownership structures, the Lifetime warranty period is limited to a structured 50-year or 40-year term depending on the shingle series. Traditional 25-year options like the XT™ 25 provide reliable, economical performance backed by a 5-year SureStart period and a 60 mph wind warranty.

Transitioning Into Prorated Coverage

Once the initial SureStart Protection period expires, your warranty transitions into a prorated phase for the remainder of the warranty term. If a manufacturing defect is discovered after SureStart, CertainTeed's financial contribution is calculated using the reasonable cost of replacement shingles minus a monthly reduction figure (such as 1/600th per month for Lifetime products or 1/300th per month for 25-year products) multiplied by the number of months elapsed since installation. For Lifetime products, this reduction figure caps at 480/600th after 40 years, preserving 20% of maximum material liability for the remainder of the shingle's life. During this prorated phase, labor, tear-off, and disposal costs are no longer covered by the manufacturer.

Weather Defense and High-Wind Upgrades

Maine’s coastal gales and winter storms demand exceptional wind resistance. CertainTeed shingles carry standard wind warranties that can be upgraded to an impressive 130 mph or 160 mph (depending on the product line) during the first 15 years. To qualify for this high-wind protection, A.B.L. Roofing & Construction ensures strict adherence to installation guidelines: old roofing layers cannot be left on under a roof-over, corresponding CertainTeed starter strips (such as Swiftstart®) must be installed along eaves and rakes, and matching CertainTeed hip and ridge accessory products (such as Shadow Ridge®, Cedar Crest®, or Mountain Ridge®) must be used for capping.



Additionally, to secure full 25- or 30-year limited algae-resistant warranty coverage against unsightly blue-green algae streaks, matching CertainTeed algae-resistant hip and ridge accessories must be installed.

Critical Ventilation and Deck Standards

Proper attic ventilation is essential in Maine to prevent moisture buildup, interior condensation, and destructive ice damming.

Shingles applied to inadequately ventilated or non-ventilated roof decks are subject to a reduced 10-year warranty period and do not qualify for SureStart protection unless a defect is proven to be completely unrelated to ventilation issues. Roof decks must consist of sound structural plywood or Oriented Strand Board (OSB) with a slope of 2:12 or greater. Modern insulated nail-board deck systems and radiant barriers are fully supported when installed properly in accordance with local building codes.

Transferability and Home Resale Value

If you decide to sell your home anywhere across central and coastal Maine, or surrounding Maine areas, your CertainTeed warranty adds exceptional value to prospective buyers. The limited warranty is transferable once to the first subsequent property owner (with bank foreclosures and deed transfers counting as a transfer). If transferred during the SureStart window, the new owner receives the remainder of the SureStart protection, capped at a 50-year or 40-year maximum term. If transferred after SureStart has expired, warranty coverage continues for exactly two (2) years from the date of the property transfer on a prorated basis.

The A.B.L. Roofing & Construction Guarantee

Pairing CertainTeed’s premier manufacturing warranty with A.B.L.’s local craftsmanship gives you the ultimate peace of mind. As a dedicated local team, we ensure that:

• Owners Are On-Site: Company owners are present at every job to guarantee meticulous installation that satisfies all manufacturer specifications.
• No-Money-Down Policy: We require no money down until your roofing project is completely finished to your absolute satisfaction.
• Labor Warranties: We back our installations with a robust 5-Year Labor Warranty and a 10-Year Extended Labor Warranty on full roof replacements.
• The "Bright & Clean" Promise: We treat your property with total respect, leaving your yard spotless with zero nails or debris left behind.



Contact Us Today or call our team directly at (207) 592-7663 to schedule your consultation and get a Free Quote on a new CertainTeed roofing system in central or coastal Maine!