Roof Warranty

It is important to distinguish between manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties, despite all the misunderstandings about roofing warranties.

Each has its own nuances. It’s crucial to know which insurance you have, what it promises, and what you have to do to maintain it. It is important to distinguish between manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties, despite all the misunderstandings about roofing warranties.

1. Manufacturer Warranties

Most roof warranties are provided by the manufacturer of your shingles. Asphalt shingles usually come with a 25-30 year warranty (though there are some options for 50 years and “lifetime” warranties).

Roofing materials are typically covered by a basic manufacturer’s warranty. It’s important to keep in mind that when you submit a claim in the future, the prices will be prorated, and the disposal cost won’t be covered.

The most important thing to remember is that basic manufacturer warranties do not cover workmanship. In order to do so, you would need to upgrade to an enhanced warranty. Depending on the manufacturer, these often cover the full replacement value as well as workmanship.

2. Contractor Warranties

Contractors may offer workmanship coverage in addition to manufacturer warranties.

It is important to keep in mind that these guarantees look very different from one contractor to the next. It is not always easy to keep track of project proposals as you collect them. Here are some tips on understanding contractor warranty coverage:

• Ask for a written explanation of what is covered and what isn’t. Consider looking elsewhere if the contractor cannot provide this copy.
• Find out if the warranty covers workmanship, materials, or both. A contractor’s warranty usually covers only workmanship.
• Investigate the history and track record of the contractor prior to signing a warranty.

Having a roof replacement warranty that is invalid is the last thing any homeowner wants to find out. It’s unfortunate that people assume their warranties cover them.

You can protect your coverage by following these four steps:

1. Regularly inspect your home

Regular roof inspections allow your contractor to identify minor problems with vents, flashing, shingle damage, caulking deterioration, and more. Maintaining warranty coverage means staying ahead of repairs and preventing major work in the future.

2. Keep your original contractor

It is common for contract language to void the contractor’s warranty if a separate company is hired to alter the original installation. Original installers can correct their own mistakes through continuity. Your investment will be protected and your warranty will be maintained by keeping a good roofing contractor as a lifelong partner.

3. Warranty Registration

Make sure you submit your warranty registration to the manufacturer. You may not have any coverage without it. Enhanced warranties, however, follow a different process. In order to provide the warranty and install the product, the contractor must be credentialed. Once the warranty has been registered, the contractor must sign on behalf of the customer. You need more than just a mail-in registration to receive this kind of upgraded coverage.

4. Take a look at the fine print

To provide the specified warranty, your contractor must be certified by the shingle manufacturer. You will lose your warranty if you fail to obtain that authorization. You should also be aware of the exact level of certification for your warranty. With the highest certifications, contractors can offer enhanced warranties and increase the likelihood of retaining coverage.

Your roof exists to protect your family and your possessions. As your roof protects your home, you must protect the warranty. These steps will keep you from being surprised by a voided warranty when you submit a claim.

The bottom line is that your warranty is an insurance policy. It has lots of fine print that is important to understand if you need to submit a claim. Ask for clarification from your contractor on the fine print and make sure you can trust the workmanship before beginning a roof replacement project.