When it comes to home maintenance, the roof is one of the most critical components. It protects your home from the elements, contributes to energy efficiency, and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your property.
Given its importance, it’s understandable that roofing can be a significant investment. This is where the concept of roofing warranties comes into play.
A roofing warranty is a manufacturer’s or contractor’s promise to stand behind their product or workmanship.
It’s a safeguard that protects your investment, ensuring that any faults or failures within the specified period are addressed without incurring additional costs.
Types of Roofing Warranties
There are two primary types of roofing warranties: the manufacturer’s warranty and the workmanship warranty.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty, as the name suggests, is provided by the manufacturer of the roofing materials. This warranty typically covers defects in the roofing materials themselves.
For instance, if your shingles start to deteriorate or fail prematurely, the manufacturer’s warranty would cover the cost of replacing the defective materials.
However, it’s important to note that these warranties often come with conditions and may not cover the labor costs associated with replacing the faulty materials.
Examples of Manufacturer’s Warranties
Here are four examples of manufacturer’s warranties in the roofing industry:
- GAF’s Weather Stopper System Plus Ltd Warranty: This is a comprehensive warranty offered by GAF, a leading roofing manufacturer. It covers material defects for all major GAF components on your roof (not just your shingles), giving you the peace of mind of knowing that, if any covered roofing component fails, it will be covered by the warranty. The warranty is also transferable, making it a great selling point if you decide to sell your home.
- CertainTeed’s SureStart PLUS Warranty: CertainTeed offers this extended warranty coverage which not only covers manufacturing defects in the roofing materials but also offers full replacement costs, including labor, for a period of up to 50 years. The warranty is also transferable to subsequent homeowners for up to 12 years.
- Owens Corning’s Standard Product Limited Warranty: Owens Corning offers a warranty that covers any manufacturing defects that result in leaks for a period of 10 years. This warranty is applicable to their standard shingles. They also offer extended warranties that provide coverage for a longer period.
- Tamko’s Limited Warranty: Tamko’s warranty covers certain roofing products against manufacturing defects that cause leaks. The warranty period varies depending on the specific product, with some products having coverage for as long as 50 years. The warranty is limited to the cost of the materials and does not cover the cost of labor.
Remember, the specifics of these warranties can change, and there may be conditions or exceptions that apply. Always read the warranty documents carefully and ask the manufacturer or your roofing contractor if you have any questions.
Workmanship Warranty
On the other hand, a workmanship warranty is offered by your omaha roofing contractor and covers errors in installation.
If your roof starts to leak or experience other problems because it wasn’t installed correctly, the workmanship warranty should cover the cost of repairs.
Unlike manufacturer’s warranties, workmanship warranties typically cover the labor costs associated with fixing the issue.
However, the coverage period for workmanship warranties can vary significantly from one contractor to another.
Examples of Workmanship Warranties
Here are four examples of workmanship warranties in the roofing industry:
- Home Depot’s Roofing Installation Warranty: Home Depot offers a workmanship warranty that covers the installation of your roof for a period of up to 25 years. This means that if there are any issues with the way your roof was installed, Home Depot will repair it at no additional cost to you.
- Lowe’s Installation Warranty: Lowe’s provides a one-year labor warranty for the installation services. If any problems arise due to the installation process within this period, Lowe’s will provide the necessary repairs free of charge.
- Tesla Solar Roof Warranty: Tesla offers a unique warranty for its solar roofs. In addition to the product warranty, they offer a 25-year workmanship warranty. This covers the removal of defective solar roof tiles and the installation of new ones.
- Roofing by Curry Workmanship Warranty: Roofing by Curry, a roofing contractor based in Florida, offers a 10-year workmanship warranty. If there are any leaks caused by installation errors during this period, they will perform the necessary repairs free of charge.
Remember, the specifics of these warranties can change, and there may be conditions or exceptions that apply. Always read the warranty documents carefully and ask the contractor if you have any questions.
What Can Void Your Roofing Warranty?
While roofing warranties provide a sense of security, it’s crucial to understand that certain actions or circumstances can void them.
For instance:improper maintenance, installation by non-certified contractors, or even changes to the structure of the house can potentially void your warranty.
Here are ten reasons why a roofing warranty might be voided:
- Improper Installation: If the roof is not installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, the warranty may be voided. This is why it’s crucial to hire a reputable, certified contractor for the installation.
- Poor Ventilation: Proper ventilation is critical for a roof’s longevity. If a roof doesn’t have adequate ventilation, it can lead to heat and moisture buildup, which can damage the roof and potentially void the warranty.
- Improper Repairs: If repairs are not done correctly or by a certified professional, the warranty may be voided. Always hire a professional for any roof repairs.
- Lack of Maintenance: Regular maintenance is often a requirement for keeping the warranty valid. Failure to perform regular inspections and maintenance can void the warranty.
- Installation of Additional Structures: If you install additional structures on your roof, like a satellite dish or solar panels, without the approval of the manufacturer or contractor, it could void your warranty.
- Transfer of Ownership: Some warranties are not transferable or may require specific steps to transfer the warranty when the property is sold. If these steps aren’t followed, the warranty may be voided.
- Use of Non-Approved Materials: If you use materials or components that aren’t approved by the manufacturer during repair or maintenance, it could void your warranty.
- Severe Weather Damage: Some warranties do not cover damage caused by acts of God or severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or hailstorms.
- Walking on the Roof: Unnecessary foot traffic can damage the roof and potentially void the warranty. Always consult with a professional before walking on your roof.
- Alteration of Roof Structure: Any significant alterations to the roof or building structure without the manufacturer’s approval can void the warranty. This includes changes like adding a new level to the building or installing a new HVAC system on the roof.
It’s essential to read the fine print of your warranty and understand all the conditions and exclusions.
Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Your Roofing Warranty
In conclusion, understanding your roofing warranty is vital to protect your investment.
It’s not just about having a warranty; it’s about knowing what it covers, what it doesn’t, and what can potentially void it.
By understanding these aspects, you can ensure that your roof is adequately protected, and any issues that arise will be handled without unnecessary expenses.
Remember, a well-maintained roof with a valid warranty not only protects your home but also contributes to its value.
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