Do you know what that means? Having a new roof installed is a big investment. Roofs are expensive; there’s no way around it. However, with so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to determine if you have good warranty coverage, or even if you have one at all. Let’s change that and let's find out the Manufacturer's warranty and the labor warranty for Contractors.
Understanding the principles of Roofing Warranties
Although it's going to seem as if there’s a good range of warranties offered on roofing, there are two main types:
The standard manufacturer’s warranty that covers the products you buy (shingles)
A workmanship warranty from your contractor that covers the installation
Manufacturer’s Warranty on your roof
A manufacturer’s warranty covers a defect within the material on your roof, as well as the sturdiness of the material that the roof is built on. A defect within the material isn't caused by hail storms or wind damage. It can be from the blisters on the shingles, cracking, curling, or with the granules remaining on the shingle.
The quality of the shingle depends on where it came from and if it was installed properly because it can take a lot of time for the defect to show up on your roof. That’s why roofing warranties last thirty, forty, or fifty years even.
Labor Warranty on your roof (Workmanship)
Any reputable roofing company offers a labor warranty (workmanship warranty). You ought to get a five-year labor warranty against leaks. But that warranty is good if the Roofing company you choose is a reputable and reliable one. Without a professional installation, your roof can fall flat and cause significant property damage.
If you’ve never used the company before and don’t know the owners, investigate their integrity online. As a customer, you need to choose a roofing contractor who provides guaranteed installations, coupled with a workmanship warranty. Remember, a labor warranty indicates that the roofing contractor will stand by their work, guaranteeing impeccable roof performance for a long time.
What voids a Roof Warranty?
Warning:
1. If your roof doesn't have enough ventilation, you've voided your brand-new roof’s manufacturer’s warranty.
There are still property owners out there that don't have proper ventilation on their roofs. Always inform your roofer how much ventilation you would need.
2. Improper Maintenance
Improper roof maintenance is just as bad as neglecting to have your roof maintained. Some homeowners attempt to clean their roof themselves without proper knowledge that somewhere along your cleaning process, you have caused damages to the shingles. So as a general rule, we always advise leaving your roof maintenance to a professional.
3. Installation Errors
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to reduce costs by hiring a contractor that offers lower labor fees. Don’t be fooled. These are a common tactic used by less qualified roofers to have more customers. The vast majority of contractors who offer low fees don’t have the knowledge to handle roof installations. So more often than not, these contractors end up making installation errors that can void your roof’s warranty. That’s why only qualified contractors should handle the roof installation.
The investment for a roof repair or replacement is often somewhere between $10,000 and $100,000. If you were purchasing a car you'd need a warranty thereon. So why would the thing that protects your entire home be any less important?
MELVYN HUCKABY
Lead Claims Consultant, IICRC Certified
APRIL C
OFFICE MANAGER