Owning a home is costly. In addition to the monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance, homeowners must set aside funds for repairs and maintenance. One way to offset these costs is to invest in warranties whenever possible. Furthermore, when having work done on the home, a person should ask their contractor whether a warranty covers the work. This guarantee protects the homeowner from unexpected costs related to the labor or materials used for the job. However, when speaking with local roofing companies, the homeowner must understand the different warranties that may be offered. What does a roofing warranty include?
Roofing Warranty Options
While manufacturers may refer to them by different names, homeowners should understand that there are three basic types of roof warranties. The products purchased to complete the job come with a standard manufacturer’s warranty. Contractors often provide a workmanship warranty that covers the installation of the materials, and an extended manufacturer’s warranty combines a workmanship guarantee with expanded product coverage.
Standard Manufacturer’s Warranties
Individuals find that most roofing shingles today come with a limited lifetime warranty. This warranty remains standard in the industry, but it only covers the homeowner at the time the roof is installed. When the home sells, this warranty won’t transfer to the buyer.
Furthermore, the definition of limited varies by manufacturer. Most manufacturers cover the replacement of defective materials, but homeowners remain responsible for any labor costs associated with removing and disposing of the defective shingles and installing the replacements.
They may also prorate coverage after a few years. For example, if a homeowner discovers after seven years that they have defective shingles, the manufacturer may only be liable for a portion of the cost of replacing the shingles. How does this work?
A manufacturer might pay for replacement materials for a short period following the installation of the roof. They will often cover the cost of new shingles and any labor costs to install them while leaving the homeowner responsible for any costs associated with removing the defective shingles and disposing of them.
When this initial period ends, the manufacturer may pay a portion of the cost for new shingles, leaving the homeowner responsible for any remaining amount. The homeowner is also responsible for installation and disposal costs. As a result, they may have an unexpected and expensive roof repair.
Homeowners must also understand which defects the manufacturer covers. The limited warranty typically only provides coverage for defects that occur during the factory’s production process. Manufacturing defects include the separation of the shingle layers or delamination. If cracking or thermal splitting occurs, the manufacturer should cover the cost of replacement. The same applies if there is a loss of granules resulting from a factory flaw. Shingles should not cup, curl, or buckle. If they do, the manufacturer will often pay all or part of the cost of replacing the shingles.
If the shingles fail due to improper installation or because other roof components fail, the warranty won’t cover any replacement or repair costs. However, suppose the failure is a result of defective roof components other than the shingles. In that case, the manufacturers of those components may cover all or part of the repair or replacement costs.
If a homeowner understands what ‘lifetime’ means when it comes to their roof warranty, they won’t be surprised to learn that their repair or replacement won’t be covered under this program. Shingles don’t last a lifetime, and the warranty only covers defects and premature aging. It won’t cover any damage resulting from normal wear and tear.
Workmanship Warranties
When contractors use proper installation techniques, roofs last longer and perform better. A reputable contractor stands behind their work and offers a warranty to protect the homeowner from unexpected costs. This individual or company determines the length of the warranty, but some now offer lifetime coverage.
Review this warranty carefully. People often focus on the coverage period while overlooking other aspects of the protection. Homeowners should confirm the warranty protects them against material failures resulting from worker errors or improper installation techniques.
Most contractor warranties cover the cost of materials and labor needed to restore the roof to optimal condition. Furthermore, they may cover any damage to the home’s interior and its contents. Nevertheless, workmanship warranties don’t cover everything.
Workmanship warranties don’t cover damage caused by weather events or an impact on the roof. Water damage from ice dam formation doesn’t fall under workmanship errors and, therefore, would not be covered, and any damage caused by foot traffic is the responsibility of the homeowner. If a homeowner alters the roof after installation, the contractor’s workmanship warranty will be voided.
People often focus solely on the provided warranty when choosing a roofing contractor. They should evaluate other factors when making this decision. Determine how long the contractor has been in business, their reputation, and their commitment to customer satisfaction. These elements are just as important as any warranty they offer on their work.
When comparing workmanship warranties, homeowners find these warranties vary in length from two to 25 years. Some contractors now offer lifetime warranties on workmanship, but the most common warranty term runs between five and ten years. Roofing experts recommend looking for a contract with a 25-year or lifetime warranty. At a minimum, require the roofing contractor to provide a 10-year limited lifetime warranty. These warranty terms show they stand behind the work they do.
Keep in mind the lifetime warranty doesn’t cover the roof entirely. It does not cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or human error. The homeowner remains responsible for any costs related to these situations and others.
Extended Manufacturer Warranties
Homeowners seeking the most comprehensive coverage should consider an extended manufacturer’s warranty. Manufacturers recognize that quality installation leads to better performance of their products over time. They often provide homeowners with the option of investing in extended warranty coverage, enabling them to maximize the value of their roof while enjoying peace of mind. To obtain this coverage, a homeowner must have their new roof installed by a contractor certified by the manufacturer. This certification shows the contractor uses installation methods authorized by the manufacturer.
Most extended warranties come at an additional cost, and a certified contractor must install the entire roofing system. The components the contractor will install include ice and water barriers, underlayment, soffit and ridge vents, starter and field shingles, and hip and ridge cap shingles.
Many benefits come with investing in an extended roof warranty. The homeowner knows that all roof system components are covered, except for flashing, fasteners, and wood decking, so they won’t face unexpected repair bills that break the budget. These warranties usually provide lengthy coverage for any defective materials, and the cost of the materials won’t be prorated. The warranty covers the full cost, including labor and other associated expenses. Homeowners may find that they can extend their warranties for up to 50 years. Workmanship coverage, however, may be prorated after a specified number of years.
Warranty Registration
Homeowners must understand the registration requirements if they opt to invest in an extended warranty. The certified contractor may be responsible for registering the warranty, and they typically must do so within a specific period. The homeowner should follow up and confirm this step has been completed to avoid problems in the future if a warranty claim must be filed.
Filing a Claim
Homeowners must know how to file a claim if something goes wrong with their roofs. The first step involves reviewing the warranty documentation. Gather the original warranty certificate, the detailed invoice from the roofing contractor, and all installation records.
Review the warranty to learn what is covered and any exclusions. The warranty paperwork should also provide coverage timelines, allowing the homeowner to determine whether the repair or replacement will be covered in full or prorated. Furthermore, look for any maintenance requirements or specific conditions outlined in the warranty paperwork.
Take multiple photos of the damage or defect from different angles. Wide shots help provide context, while close-ups reveal specific details. Write a detailed description of the damage or defect, when it was initially noticed, and additional information that may have led to the issue. This information might include weather events or other conditions.
Contact the manufacturer to initiate the claims process. Find the contact information on the warranty paperwork or the manufacturer’s website. The contractor may also be contacted if it appears the installation of the roofing materials contributed to the issue being experienced.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor
While it is essential to know the warranty offered by any roofing contractor, other factors should also be taken into consideration. Learn about the materials they use, their certifications, and their time in the industry. Ask about training for employees and whether they use subcontractors. Furthermore, ensure they are licensed and insured, as this protects the homeowner in the event that something goes wrong while they are working on the property. One can never be too careful when it comes to their property.
Understanding roofing warranties is essential to prevent unpleasant surprises in the future. Review all warranty documents carefully and ask questions about anything that appears unclear. Work with a reputable contractor and be diligent about conducting regular roof inspections and maintaining the roof. Homeowners who take these steps find that they are protected if something goes wrong with the roof. They have peace of mind knowing they have done everything possible to keep their costs down.
