Navigating Your Roof Warranty: Key Elements and What They Mean
Navigating the world of roof warranties can often seem like a complex task.
However, understanding the protections that these warranties offer is a crucial aspect of maintaining the integrity of your roof and saving yourself from potentially costly repairs.
Today’s blog post will break down the different types of roof warranties, what they cover, and how you can make sure you’re making the most of your warranty coverage.
What is a Roof Warranty?
Roof warranties are designed to protect you against faults in the materials used and the installation process.
Warranties are offered by manufacturers and contractors as a sign of good faith that their products and services will last.
Types of Roof Warranty
There are generally three types of roof warranties available for new roofs:
- Workmanship Roof Warranty: A workmanship roof warranty is offered by the contractor to guarantee the labor and work they perform.
- Manufacturer’s Roof Warranty: The manufacturer’s warranty is provided by the manufacturer to protect against material issues related to the manufacturing process.
- Extended Roof Warranty: The extended roof warranty is usually offered at an additional price OR when a roof is installed by what is known as an authorized or certified installer. An extension adds more years to the typical warranty offered for both labor and materials.
What are the Key Elements of a Workmanship Roof Warranty?
The key elements of a workmanship warranty are:
- The duration: The average warranty is between two to five years. The longer the warranty, the less risk hiring the contractor presents.
- What it covers: Typically, labor or workmanship warranties cover leaks and replacement and installation of materials that fall off the roof during the life of the warranty.
If the contractor does not offer a workmanship guarantee, they don’t stand behind their work. Should the roof fail, you are stuck covering the costs.
What are the Key Elements of a Manufacturer’s Roof Warrant?
A manufacturer’s roof warranty covers the materials used.
These warranties vary greatly based on the materials and brand. There are several types of roofs available, including asphalt shingles, flat roofs, cedar, slate and tile, sheet metal, etc. Each has its own expected lifetime.
The key elements of a roof manufacturer’s warranty include:
- The duration: The duration of the manufacturer’s warranty is based on the expected lifetime the materials will last. This is typically based on a climate category related to your location.
- What it covers: Manufacturer’s warranties only cover the replacement of materials in case of material defects. They don’t cover defects related to improper installation. As a result, should the roof materials deteriorate sooner than expected, but it is related to improper installation, the warranty will not replace the materials. Some examples of what manufacturers cover include:
- Wind damage up to a specified mph
- Biological growth, such as algae
- Premature cracks, curling, rust, etc., depending on the materials
What are the Key Elements of an Extended Warranty?
Extended warranties extend the duration and types of issues covered.
However, coverage is either paid for or requires special installation. Requirements would include using additional specialty materials with labor provided by a certified roof installer. Certified installers are trained in using specific roofing methods. Also, the extended warranty usually applies to complete roof replacement coverage, including all elements of the roof, such as specialty underlayment, as opposed to just the shingles.
Roof Warranty Tips
To ensure your roof warranty isn’t voided, use these tips:
- Ask questions about roof warranties to understand what is required
- Ensure your roofing contractor stands behind their work with a 5-year warranty
- Follow the instructions to register the warranty
- Maintain the roof to prevent voiding your warranty
These tips will ensure your warranty covers your roof issues.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home roofing and remodeling company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
