Installing a new roof is a major investment for any homeowner. While you want your new roof to last as long as possible, problems can sometimes occur even with professional installation. This is where a reliable roofing warranty becomes essential.
When shopping around for a roofer, one of the first things you should ask about is the warranty they offer. The warranty terms can vary widely depending on the roofing manufacturer and contractor. Visit our website to know what is and isn’t covered by the warranty is crucial before signing any contracts or finalizing your roof installation.
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Warranty Length and Coverage
The first major factor that varies across roofing warranties is the duration of coverage. Typical asphalt shingle or metal roof warranties range from 20-50 years. However, some premium or specialty roofing products are now being warrantied for the lifetime of the house.
The specific defects and damage covered under the warranty can differ as well. Most warranties will at minimum cover any manufacturer defects with the roofing materials or leakage issues traced back to the contractor’s installation workmanship. Premium warranties go above and beyond to include additional protection though such as:
Coverage for wind damage up to certain speed thresholds
Hail damage coverage based on hail stone sizes
Algae resistance
Appearance defects like color change or streaking
When comparing roofing warranties, go through the terms line-by-line to see what scenarios or damage types are actually included. Don’t assume you know what’s covered based on the warranty duration alone.
Workmanship vs. Material Warranties
Another key distinction to understand is the difference between a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer’s material warranty.
A workmanship warranty covers any installation or construction defects caused by the roofing contractor. For example, this would include leakage issues stemming from improperly installed shingles, flashing, ventilation issues, and more. Workmanship warranties generally range from 1-5 years.
A manufacturer’s material warranty is broader and extends the coverage timeframe much longer in most cases. This type of warranty guarantees the roofing products themselves against any defects or abnormal wear. Issues like cracking, splitting, curling, or color loss would all be covered under a material warranty.
Warranty Transferability
What happens if you decide to sell your home 5, 10, 15 years down the line? Can the valuable roof warranty transfer over to the next homeowner? Understanding warranty transferability is crucial if you don’t plan on occupying the house for the full warranty period.
Many roofing warranties today are indeed fully transferable to subsequent homeowners with just minimal paperwork filed. However, some warranties stipulate that coverage value decreases incrementally when transferred or requires a transfer fee to be paid.
Warranty Claims and Limitations
No homeowner ever wants to file a roof warranty claim. But realistically issues can pop up despite your best efforts. Before installing a new roof, understand exactly how the claims process works and any limitations.
For example, most warranties require you to notify the manufacturer or contractor about any defects within a short time frame . Failure to do so or completing repairs without proper approval can void the coverage entirely in some cases.
Choosing the Right Roofer
At the end of the day, even the best roof warranty around means very little if you select the wrong installation company. Only reputable local roofers will stand behind their original workmanship for years to come should any leakage or defect issues emerge.
When requesting quotes for a new roof installation job, here are some key questions to ask prospective contractors regarding warranties:
What specific manufacturer material warranties do you offer?
What length of workmanship warranty is included?
Who handles warranty claims and what is the exact process?
Can I speak to past clients about their warranty experience with your company?
Don’t Wait to Learn More
Never assume you fully grasp what is and isn’t protected by a roof warranty agreement. Taking the time to research and compare all available warranty options before settling on a particular roofer and roofing product is essential.
Mark is an avid home blogger, with the goal of helping his readers find inspiration and ideas for their next project. He writes about everything from small design projects to large renovations. His goal is to help people transform their homes into something that reflects who they are.
