Installing a new roof is one of the most important investments you will make as a homeowner. Besides protecting your family from the elements, the roof offers structural support and safeguards your home’s interior. That is why installing a new roof needs careful planning, starting with choosing the right roofing warranties.
Roof warranties represent a commitment from the manufacturer or roof installation company that your roof will meet specific performance standards. But with various warranty options, how do you know which one is right for your home? Keep reading to learn more about the different types of roof warranties, what they cover, and how to maximize warranty benefits.
Types of Roofing Warranties
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Most manufacturers will offer some sort of warranty for their products in line with industry standards. These warranties provide coverage against factory defects but not roofing failure arising from poor workmanship, wind damage, hail damage, or a lack of proper maintenance.
If the manufacturer states that they offer a system warranty, then this warranty will cover manufacturer products such as edge metal and insulation. The coverage period ranges from 10 to 30 years, or more, with some manufacturers offering lifetime warranties. Make sure you read the fine print to determine the extent of coverage as well as exclusions.
Workmanship Warranty
Most reputable roof installation companies will provide a warranty that covers the installation process. This guarantee is known as a workmanship roofing warranty and will usually provide coverage for future roofing problems caused by installation errors.
Contractor workmanship roofing warranties cover the cost of labor and materials needed to make the necessary repairs. The coverage period varies widely with some contractors offering lifetime warranties. Because most manufacturer’s warranties do not offer coverage for poor workmanship, make sure you are working with a reputable installer who is ready to stand behind their work with a workmanship warranty.
Material Defects Warranty
A basic material defects warranty usually covers defects in the roofing materials. The coverage period varies by manufacturer, and depending on the type of roofing materials you can expect a 10-to-50-year warranty with some manufacturers offering lifetime warranties.
Full coverage is usually available for the first few years, followed by prorated coverage for the remaining years. Unfortunately, manufacturer warranties come with several limitations.
Coverage will usually not include damage due to neglect, poor workmanship, and acts of God. Make sure you read the warranty itself to understand the extent of coverage.
What Warranties Don’t Cover
Roofing warranties have some limitations that you should be aware of. Common exclusions include:
- Acts of God
- Normal wear and tear
- Improper maintenance
- Secondary damages
Roof failure or damage arising from any of these exclusions will typically not be covered by standard manufacturer, workmanship, or materials warranties.
How to Maximize Warranty Benefits
Roof warranties provide valuable protection against defects and damage. Most importantly, having a roof warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that you will not be hit by sudden roofing repair and replacement bills. Take these steps to make the most out of your roofing warranty:
- Proper documentation. This includes reading the warranty itself, filling out and submitting any required documents, and keeping proper records of receipts and estimates
- Proper roof maintenance to avoid voiding the warranty
- Working with reputable contractors who can guarantee their work
How Solar Optimum Can Help
A good roofing warranty is designed to protect your investment. Understanding the specific details of your warranty including the coverage details, limitations, and exclusions will help you avoid future misunderstandings. To ensure maximum protection, carefully review warranty terms and consult with a reputable roof installation company.
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