Roofing Warranties: Understanding How They Work and What They Cover
When investing in a new roof, one of the most critical factors to consider is the warranty that comes with it. A roofing warranty is a safeguard that can protect you from unexpected expenses down the line, offering peace of mind that your investment is secure. However, not all warranties are created equal, and understanding the different types of roofing warranties, what they cover, and how they work is essential to ensuring that you’re getting the best protection for your home. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about roofing warranties.
Types of Roofing Warranties
There are generally three main types of roofing warranties: manufacturer warranties, contractor warranties, and extended or enhanced warranties. Each of these warranties covers different aspects of your roofing system and comes with its own terms and conditions.
1. Manufacturer’s Warranty
What It Covers:
A manufacturer’s warranty (also known as a material warranty) covers the roofing materials themselves. This type of warranty guarantees that the roofing products are free from defects in manufacturing. If the materials fail prematurely due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer is typically responsible for providing replacement materials.
Key Points:
Coverage Duration: Manufacturer warranties often range from 20 to 50 years, depending on the product. Some high-quality roofing materials may even come with a lifetime warranty.
Prorated vs. Non-Prorated: Some manufacturer warranties are prorated, meaning that the coverage diminishes over time. Non-prorated warranties, on the other hand, provide full coverage for the duration of the warranty period.
Limitations: Manufacturer warranties usually don’t cover installation errors or damage caused by external factors such as extreme weather or poor maintenance.
2. Contractor’s Workmanship Warranty
What It Covers:
A contractor’s workmanship warranty covers the installation of the roofing materials. This warranty ensures that the roof was installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and industry standards. If a leak or issue arises due to improper installation, the contractor is responsible for repairing the problem.
Key Points:
Coverage Duration: Workmanship warranties typically range from 1 to 10 years, though some reputable contractors may offer longer warranties.
Importance: A workmanship warranty is crucial because even the highest-quality roofing materials won’t perform well if they’re not installed correctly.
Exclusions: This warranty usually does not cover issues related to material defects (which are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty) or damage caused by external factors.
3. Extended or Enhanced Warranties
What It Covers:
Extended or enhanced warranties are often offered by manufacturers and provide additional coverage beyond the standard material warranty. These warranties may include coverage for both materials and workmanship and can extend the length of the warranty period or offer more comprehensive protection.
Key Points:
Enhanced Protection: These warranties often cover additional aspects, such as the cost of labor for repairs or the full replacement of the roof if necessary.
Requirements: To qualify for an enhanced warranty, you may need to use a certified contractor approved by the manufacturer and adhere to specific installation guidelines.
Cost: Enhanced warranties typically come at an additional cost, but they can provide significant peace of mind by offering more robust coverage.
What Roofing Warranties Typically Cover:
Understanding what is and isn’t covered by your roofing warranty is essential to avoid surprises if you ever need to file a claim. Here are some common aspects covered by roofing warranties:
Material Defects: Most manufacturer warranties cover defects in the roofing materials themselves, such as shingles that deteriorate prematurely or don’t meet the manufacturer’s quality standards.
Installation Errors: A contractor’s workmanship warranty covers issues that arise from improper installation, such as leaks or other failures resulting from the contractor not following the correct procedures.
Labor Costs: Some warranties, particularly enhanced warranties, may cover the labor costs associated with repairing or replacing defective materials. This is an important consideration, as labor can be a significant expense.
Full Roof Replacement: In cases where the roofing system fails completely due to covered defects, some warranties may offer full replacement of the roof. This is more common with enhanced warranties.
What Roofing Warranties Typically Don’t Cover
While warranties provide valuable protection, they also come with limitations. Here are some common exclusions:
Damage from Weather Events: Most roofing warranties do not cover damage caused by extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or hailstorms. Homeowners insurance typically covers these situations.
Improper Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain your roof can void your warranty. This includes things like not cleaning gutters, allowing debris to accumulate, or neglecting necessary repairs.
Third-Party Damage: Damage caused by actions unrelated to the roofing materials or installation, such as falling trees, animal activity, or work done by other contractors (e.g., HVAC installation), is generally not covered.
Wear and Tear: Warranties typically do not cover normal wear and tear over time. For example, minor granule loss on shingles or slight fading of color is considered normal aging and is not usually covered.
Non-Transferable Warranties: Some warranties are non-transferable, meaning they are only valid for the original homeowner. If you sell your home, the new owner may not be covered unless the warranty is explicitly transferable.
How to Maintain Your Roofing Warranty
To ensure your roofing warranty remains valid, it’s important to follow certain practices:
Hire Certified Contractors: Use a certified or authorized contractor for your roof installation and any repairs. Many manufacturer warranties require that the roof be installed by a contractor who has been trained and approved by the manufacturer.
Follow Maintenance Guidelines: Regularly inspect and maintain your roof according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This may include cleaning gutters, removing debris, and addressing minor repairs promptly.
Keep Documentation: Save all documentation related to your roofing project, including the warranty itself, the contract with your roofing contractor, and any maintenance or repair records. This paperwork will be crucial if you ever need to file a claim.
Understand the Terms: Read and understand the terms of your warranty, including the coverage period, what is covered, and any exclusions or limitations. Knowing these details upfront can prevent misunderstandings later.
Register Your Warranty: Some manufacturers require you to register your warranty within a certain time frame after the roof is installed. Failing to do so can result in the warranty being voided.
Filing a Roofing Warranty Claim
If you experience an issue with your roof that you believe is covered under your warranty, the process for filing a claim typically involves the following steps:
Contact the Contractor or Manufacturer: Begin by contacting the contractor who installed your roof or the manufacturer of the roofing materials. Explain the issue and provide any necessary documentation.
Inspection: The contractor or manufacturer will likely send a representative to inspect your roof and assess the issue.
Review of the Claim: The company will review the claim to determine if the problem is covered under the terms of the warranty.
Resolution: If the claim is approved, the contractor or manufacturer will arrange for the necessary repairs or replacement, depending on the terms of the warranty.
Payment: Depending on the type of warranty and the issue, you may be responsible for certain costs, such as labor or a deductible.
Roofing warranties are an essential part of protecting your investment in a new roof. By understanding the different types of warranties, what they cover, and how to maintain them, you can ensure that your roof remains protected for years to come. Whether you’re considering a new roof or just want to better understand the warranty on your existing roof, being informed about the ins and outs of roofing warranties can help you make the best decisions for your home and your peace of mind.