What Your Siding Warranty Actually Covers (And What It Doesn’t)
The warranty that matters most isn’t the one from the manufacturer. It’s the one from the people who installed it.
Two Warranties, Two Very Different Things
Here’s something most siding companies don’t explain clearly: there are two warranties on every siding project. One from the manufacturer. One from your contractor. They cover completely different things. And the one that matters most is usually the shortest.
I want to break this down so you actually understand what you’re getting — because I’ve talked to too many homeowners who thought they were covered, only to find out the hard way that they weren’t.
Material Warranty vs. Labor Warranty
Who gives it: The manufacturer (Hardie, LP, etc.)
Covers: Defects in the product — cracking, delamination, premature failure
Doesn’t cover: Installation errors, water damage from bad flashing
Typical length: 15–50 years
Who gives it: Your contractor
Covers: Installation workmanship — nailing, flashing, gaps, sealing
Doesn’t cover: Product defects (that’s the material warranty)
Typical length: 1–5 years (huge range!)
90% of siding failures are installation failures, not product failures. The boards are fine. The way they were installed is the problem. Water gets behind improperly flashed windows. Boards buckle from missing expansion gaps. Nails pop because they were overdriven. None of that is covered by the material warranty.
Labor Warranty Ranges in Seattle
| Contractor Type | Labor Warranty | Visit Fee | What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large National Companies | 1 year | $100–$150 | You’re on your own after 12 months |
| Mid-Size Regionals | 2–3 years | Sometimes free | Read the fine print carefully |
| Quality Local Contractors | 5+ years | $0 included | They stand behind their work |
| GP General Corp | 5 years | $0 always | We fix it. Period. |
Manufacturer Warranties by Brand
| Brand | Product Warranty | Transferable? | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie | 30 years (non-prorated) | Yes, once (no registration required) | Must be installed per Hardie’s written instructions |
| LP SmartSide | 5yr workmanship / 50yr substrate | Yes | Must follow LP installation specs |
| Cedar (natural) | Varies by mill, often none | Varies | Proper finishing and maintenance |
| Metal (Aluminum/Steel) | 20–40 years paint finish | Varies | No physical damage |
| Vinyl | “Lifetime” (prorated after 10yr) | Sometimes | No impact damage, color excluded |
What Voids Your Siding Warranty
Warranties aren’t automatic. These things can void your coverage entirely:
- Improper installation that ignores the manufacturer’s written instructions (Hardie’s warranty excludes it)
- Painting with non-approved products (voids color warranty)
- Not maintaining required ground-to-siding clearance
- Power washing at too high PSI (damages fiber cement)
- Failing to repaint cedar on schedule
- Installing without proper WRB or flashing (contractor’s fault, your problem)
Your siding fails at year 3. The manufacturer says it’s an installation defect — not covered. Your contractor’s 1-year labor warranty expired. You’re stuck paying for a full repair out of pocket, even though the failure wasn’t your fault. A 5-year labor warranty prevents this.
Why “Lifetime Warranty” Doesn’t Mean What You Think
The word “lifetime” almost never means “as long as you live.” It usually means the expected useful life of the product as defined by the manufacturer — and they define what that means.
Most “lifetime” warranties are prorated. The longer you’ve had the product, the less they cover. A “lifetime” vinyl warranty might cover 100% in year 1 but only 20% in year 15.
Always read the warranty document itself. Don’t take anyone’s word for it. If a contractor won’t show you the written warranty before you sign, that tells you everything.
What Our Warranty Actually Looks Like
If anything we installed fails due to workmanship within 5 years, we come fix it. No questions, no trip fees, no fine print.
Some companies charge $100+ just to look at a warranty issue. We don’t. If it’s our work, it’s our responsibility.
Siding Warranty FAQ
What is the difference between a material warranty and a labor warranty?
A material warranty comes from the manufacturer and covers product defects like cracking or delamination. A labor warranty comes from your contractor and covers installation workmanship — nailing, flashing, gaps, and sealing. Since 90% of siding failures are installation failures, the labor warranty is usually more important.
How long is a typical siding labor warranty in Seattle?
Labor warranties range widely. Large national companies typically offer 1 year. Mid-size regionals offer 2–3 years. Quality local contractors like GP General Corp offer 5+ years with no service visit fees.
What voids a siding warranty?
Common warranty-voiding issues include improper installation that ignores the manufacturer’s written instructions, painting with non-approved products, not maintaining required ground-to-siding clearance, power washing at too high PSI, failing to repaint cedar on schedule, and installing without proper WRB or flashing.
Does a “lifetime warranty” really last a lifetime?
No. “Lifetime” usually means the expected useful life of the product as defined by the manufacturer. Most lifetime warranties are prorated — the longer you have the product, the less they cover. Always read the actual warranty document before signing.
Need Siding Help?
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GP General Corp · WA License #GPGENGC830KD · King & Snohomish Counties