Every homeowner has a roof over their head, and some might even have a firm understanding of how their roof works after partnering with a knowledgeable and professional roofing contractor. However, one thing many homeowners don’t truly know the ins and outs of is their roof warranty itself. But we want to change that.
This guide will give you all the details and information you’ll need about residential roofing warranties. We’ll discuss a variety of different topics, including:
- The value of warranty coverage
- Different kinds of roofing warranties
- Definitions of warranty-related terminology
- Top tips & information to know about warranties
- Who to talk to about your roofing products and warranty opportunities
Are you ready to learn everything there is to know about your new roofing system and the warranties that come with it? Keep reading to find all of the details you’ll ever need.
Why Are Roofing Warranties Important?
A roof installation is a big investment. In fact, the average price of a new roof can cost anywhere between $5,500 to $22,000, and sometimes even more, depending on the size and slope of your roof and the type of materials you choose. With such a hefty price tag, it only makes sense that you would want some sort of warranty or guarantee to back up your considerable investment in case something goes wrong with your new roofing system.
So what is a warranty? Essentially, it’s a binding agreement between you and either the roofing manufacturer or installation contractor you hired. It protects you against any defects in workmanship or problems with the materials used to construct your roof. In other words, you’re covered if something goes awry with your roof that isn’t due to average wear and tear.
A roof warranty gives you peace of mind in knowing that you won’t have to foot the bill for any unforeseen repairs. It also shows that the manufacturer or contractor stands behind their products and craft. After all, they wouldn’t offer a warranty if they didn’t believe in their product, right? Not all roofing warranties are created equal, however, so it’s important to understand the different types of warranties available to you as a homeowner.
Workmanship Warranty vs. Manufacturer Warranties: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to roofing warranties, there are two main types: workmanship warranties and manufacturer warranties. Dive into the differences between both of them below:
Manufacturer Warranties Cover Materials 🧱
A manufacturer warranty is offered by the company that manufactures the roofing materials used on your home. This type of warranty covers any defects in materials that may have occurred during the manufacturing process. So, if shingles blister easily or crack because they weren’t made correctly, this warranty would have you covered.
Most manufacturer warranties will cover materials for a certain period of time, typically about 20 to 50 years. Some manufacturers will even offer extended coverage for an additional fee, but this type of coverage is typically only offered on high-end roofing materials and not on entry-level products. And while manufacturer warranties do not cover installation errors, they can be transferred to a new homeowner if you sell your house before the warranty expires.
While a Workmanship Warranty Covers the Installation Itself 🛠
Your roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty will differ from the manufacturer’s warranty in that it covers the actual work roofing contractors do during a roof replacement or when fixing damaged shingles instead of the roofing materials.
This type of warranty covers any defects in workmanship that may have occurred during the installation process. In other words, this warranty will have you covered if something goes wrong with your roof, like a shingle blowing off because the contractor didn’t install it correctly.
Most workmanship warranties will cover any repairs that need to be made for a particular time, usually 2 to 10 years. Unlike manufacturer warranties, however, workmanship warranties are usually non-transferable, which means they cannot be passed on to a new homeowner if you sell your house before the warranty expires.
FAQ: Everything You Want to Ask About Roofing Warranties
Now that you know the difference between workmanship warranties and manufacturer warranties let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly asked questions roofers receive regarding standard roofing warranty coverage.
❓ What Does a Roofing Warranty NOT Cover?
As we mentioned, workmanship warranty coverage does not typically cover normal wear and tear. So, if you have an issue with your roof that is not the result of defective workmanship, you will likely have to pay for the cost of repairs on your own.
In addition, most roofing warranties do not cover damage caused by severe weather, such as:
- Hurricanes 🌀
- Tornadoes 🌪
- Hail storms 🧊
- Snow & ice ❄️
- Wind 💨
If a severe storm damages your roof, you will likely have to pay for repairs out of pocket or file a homeowners insurance claim to cover storm damage.
Finally, roofing warranties do not typically cover damage caused by neglect or lack of maintenance on the homeowner’s part. So, if you fail to properly maintain your roof and it becomes damaged as a result, you will be stuck footing the bill for those repairs.
❓ What Is a Limited Lifetime Warranty?
A limited lifetime warranty is the most comprehensive type of warranty available. It covers both the materials and workmanship of your roof, as well as any leaks or other problems that may occur. However, it is important to note that a limited lifetime warranty typically only applies to the original owner of the roof. So, if you sell your home, the new owner will not be covered by the warranty.
In addition, a limited lifetime warranty typically has a maximum coverage period of 20-30 years. So, if your roof lasts longer, you will likely have to pay for repairs out of pocket once the warranty lapses.
❓ How Do I Register My Roof Warranty?
In most cases, you must fill out a warranty registration form and send it to the manufacturer or roofing contractor who installed your roof. Once your registration form has been processed, you will receive a confirmation letter with your warranty information.
It’s essential to keep your warranty information in a safe place so you can easily find it if you ever need to make a claim.
❓ How Do I Make a Claim on My Roof Warranty?
If you ever need to make a claim on your roof warranty, the first thing you should do is contact the manufacturer or roofing contractor who installed your roof. They will likely have a specific process for filing a warranty claim, so follow their instructions carefully.
In most cases, you will need to provide proof of purchase and photos or videos of the damage to file a successful claim. Once your claim has been approved, the manufacturer or roofing contractor will typically send someone to inspect the damage and make repairs.
❓ What Should I Do if My Roof Warranty Claim Is Denied?
If your roof warranty claim is denied, the first thing you should do is contact the manufacturer or roofing contractor who installed your roof. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue and get your claim approved.
If you still have trouble getting your claim approved, you can also contact the Better Business Bureau or your local consumer protection agency.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Warranty
If you are in the market for a new roof, you might be wondering how to choose the right warranty for your needs. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:
- Make sure you understand what is and is not covered by the warranty.
- Read the fine print carefully before signing any paperwork.
- Get everything in writing, so you have a record of what is covered.
- Choose a reputable manufacturer or roofing contractor with a good track record.
- Ask family and friends for recommendations on manufacturers and contractors in your area.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible roofing warranty for your needs. And if you still want to take a closer look at a real roof warranty to get a better idea of what they entail before selecting your own, you can explore various warranties online from the industry’s leading roofing material brands, including:
Talk With Your Roofing Contractor About Warranties Today
If you have a new roof installed, be sure to talk with your roofing contractor about the types of warranties available. They can help you choose the right warranty for your needs and budget.
And here at DuraShield Contracting, we offer some of the best warranties in the game— both for materials and workmanship. We believe in our work and the products we use, only offering the best warranties to support that.
Contact us now to learn more and get started on your next roofing project with the professional roofing contractors you can trust.