July
Understanding Your Roof Warranty
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you’re probably focused on choosing the material, color, and style. However, there’s one often-overlooked aspect that many homeowners don’t think about: the roof warranty. Understanding your roof warranty helps prevent expensive surprises down the road while giving you peace of mind about your investment.
Roof warranties protect you from certain issues after installation, but they aren’t all created equal. They vary by material, manufacturer, and installer. Let’s take a look at the different types of roof warranties, what they cover, and what they don’t, so you can make the best decision possible. Your Greensboro, NC roofer can guide you in this decision as well.
Types of Roof Warranties
There are three main types of roof warranties: manufacturer, workmanship, and extended.
1. Manufacturer’s Warranty
Provided by the roofing material manufacturer, this type of warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves, such as shingles that prematurely cracked due to a manufacturing flaw. The manufacturer’s warranty typically covers replacement materials.
- Coverage period: Ranges from 10 years to a “lifetime,” depending on the product.
- What’s covered: Defects in the roofing materials under normal conditions.
- Limitations: Often prorated over time and may not cover labor or removal of defective materials.
2. Workmanship or Installation Warranty
Provided by the roofing contractor, this warranty covers errors that arose due to installation. This coverage is important, as even the best quality materials won’t perform well over time if they were not installed properly.
- Coverage period: Typically ranges from one to 10 years, depending on the contractor.
- What’s covered: Leaks or problems caused by poor installation practices.
- Limitations: Often voided if the roof is altered by another contractor or improperly maintained.
3. Extended or System Warranty
Some manufacturers offer premium extended warranties when their products are installed by certified contractors. These warranties usually cover both materials and labor, and often include inspection and maintenance requirements.
- Coverage period: Up to 50 years or more.
- What’s covered: Materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal costs.
- Limitations: Must use all components from the same brand and follow strict installation guidelines.
What Is Covered
Be sure to read the terms of your warranty to know specifics, but here’s a look at what most include:
- Leaks caused by defective products
- Manufacturer defects in shingles, underlayment, or other components
- Premature aging or granule loss due to faulty materials
- Installation errors (if there is a workmanship warranty)
- Blow-offs or damage within certain wind speed ratings
If you have an extended warranty, it may cover these things in addition:
- Full replacement cost
- Tear-off and disposal of old roofing materials
- Transfer of the warranty to a new homeowner
What’s Not Covered
Not all roof warranties cover everything. Here’s what is not usually included:
- Storm damage: Hail, wind, and falling tree limbs are covered under homeowners’ insurance rather than the roof warranty.
- Unauthorized repairs or alterations: You can void the warranty if you use non-certified contractors or modify the roof.
- Improper maintenance: Coverage may be voided if you fail to clean gutters or remove debris.
- Normal wear and tear: Aging that occurs naturally over time is not usually covered.
- Ponding water: If you have a flat roof and haven’t properly addressed drainage, resulting damage may be excluded.
Again, reading the fine print is essential before signing any warranty. If you’re not sure about something, ask your Burlington roofer to explain the terms.
Make an Informed Choice
In the end, a roof warranty is an important layer of protection, but don’t assume they’re all the same. Take the time to understand the type of coverage you have so you can make smarter decisions about roofing materials, contractors, and maintenance.
Contact Redeem Roofing in Burlington & Greensboro, NC
Our Greensboro roofers are happy to walk you through your warranty options and explain what’s covered so you can purchase a new roof with confidence. Contact us for a free quote today.
Redeem Roofing was Amazing. They worked with my insurance company, so I did not have to. They were professional, easy to work with, Showed up on time and most of all did an excellent job. Love my new roof. - Astrid W.
- Category: Roofing