Types of Roof Warranties

The warranty from the manufacturer covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. In other words, it is the manufacturer’s guarantee that the shingles, tiles, or panels used on the roof are strong enough to last against the elements for a specific period of time. Standard manufacturer warranties normally offer coverage for a certain number of years, that number often falling between 20 and 50. Be sure to read the fine print. Some manufacturer warranties provide pro-rated coverage, meaning the longer the roof has been on, the less coverage you get. Other limited coverage may become even more limited after the initial period.

Unimpeachable materials can fail. Contractor workmanship warranties state that the installation crew follows proper practices and guidelines. These warranties can length of time vary widely, from a few months to many years. The longer the workmanship warranty, the more confidence it shows from a contractor in their work and in being willing to back it up. Make sure to clarify the terms regarding who would perform necessary repairs, who would pay for the labor if the materials fail, and what would void the warranty.

Extended warranties may provide coverage for both materials and workmanship beyond the standard. They may be a good choice if you want a little extra assurance. These warranties are generally supported by the manufacturer but could have an extra cost. Analyze costs and benefits before getting an extended warranty. Ensure that the extra expense is worth the extra coverage. Not everyone needs extended warranties—particularly those residing in areas with temperate conditions and little chance of extreme weather.

 

Key Considerations in Roofing Warranties

Be very clear about what is and is not covered under the warranties. Manufacturer warranties mostly cover defects in materials, while contractor warranties apply to the quality of installation—a crucial factor in the roof’s long-term performance and durability. Make sure you understand the scope of what’s covered. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions if needed. For example, does the workmanship warranty cover issues like leaks or improperly set seams? Are you protected if the design employed by the contractor doesn’t conform to manufacturing specifications?

Warranty documents often contain a list of exclusions and limitations. These are the situations in which coverage might fail to apply. Typical exclusions in manufacturer warranties are damage caused by natural events, such as hurricanes or earthquakes, as well as damage caused by improper maintenance or modifications. These exclusions are very important. For instance, if a hurricane strips some shingles from your roof, the manufacturer’s warranty will not help you. If you had solar panels installed and they damaged the roof, such circumstances might not be covered.

If you plan to sell your home in the near future, transferable warranties can be a selling point. Some roofing warranties allow benefits to be transferred to new owners, usually within a certain time period. This ability to transfer can add value to your home by giving potential buyers peace of mind regarding future costs. Transferability isn’t always easy and may involve extra fees or require certain conditions to be met. Make certain that any transfer details are very clear and thoroughly documented, should the need arise.

 

Understanding Voided Warranties

If you have repairs performed by unauthorized contractors, or your repairs are of a lower standard, your warranty could be terminated. Therefore, it is very important to use professionals who follow recommended guidelines and are approved by the manufacturer of your roofing material. Do not attempt repairs yourself or hire anyone who is not insured or certified, even for what might seem to be minor problems. Before you do any work yourself, always check the terms of your warranty for repair restrictions.

To remain valid, a warranty will often require regular maintenance and inspections. Failure to perform required maintenance could result in issues that the warranty would not cover. For this reason, it is imperative that you schedule inspections at regular intervals and keep records of all maintenance. When a claim is made, having complete documentation can help to prove that the wear and tear was not due to neglect but rather a defect covered by the warranty.

The addition of installations like skylights, solar panels, or antennas could potentially affect the validity of the warranty. If you are installing new equipment that will touch or penetrate the roof, it must be done properly to avoid the possibility of coverage being voided. Before any new installation, check with your warranty provider to make sure you are following all terms and conditions.

 

The Importance of Reading the Fine Print

Warranties frequently include complex legalese that are tough to swallow. If you find something unclear, consider having an attorney or a knowledgeable friend examine the papers. They can clarify the repairs that are included, the process for making claims, and the legalese that might be intimidating.

A manufacturer’s warranty usually offers limited lifetime coverage, while a contractor’s warranty may be for ten years or fewer. Always verify these time periods and be sure they meet your expectations.

There are a lot of steps for filing a claim, and they all have to be done right. Know the process inside and out, because some warranties can become void if claims are not made within a certain time or are not filed properly. Verify the necessary information, documents, and time frame for resolving the problem.

 

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

What steps must you take to ensure the warranties remain valid? Are there proactive things you should be doing, like regular inspections or certain maintenance tasks? Always know what is necessary for the continued validity of your warranty.

Does the contractor have relationships with or preferred partnerships with any material manufacturers? Knowing this can sometimes provide extra assurance that the components of your roof will be top quality and that the contractor has expertise in installing them.

What if there is a problem? Hearing how your contractor will work with the manufacturer to make things right will reassure you of his dedication to doing so quickly.