What Do Roofing Warranties Cover?
Last Updated on 12/14/2023 by Matteo Lombardo
What Do Roofing Warranties Cover? Roofing warranties cover the materials used and how well the roof is installed.
They make sure your roof stays safe and reliable for a long time. These warranties give you peace of mind. They promise your roof will remain in good shape if conditions are met.
This article will discuss why a roof repair warranty is important. We’ll explain how it helps homeowners.
Key Takeaways
| Type of Warranty | Coverage | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer’s Material Warranty | Defects in roofing materials | Covers manufacturing defects in materials; duration varies, often up to 30 years; may decrease over time (prorated). |
| Workmanship Warranty | Errors in installation | Provided by the roofing contractor; covers installation mistakes; duration varies, often 2 years to a lifetime. |
| Extended Warranty | Combines material and workmanship warranties | Covers both materials and installation for a longer period, often up to 50 years; usually at an additional cost. |
| Lifetime Warranty on Shingles | Performance of shingles for their lifespan | Covers as long as the property is owned by the original or second owner; may change upon transfer. |
| Roof Warranty Transfer | Transferability of the warranty | Depends on the manufacturer and warranty type; may require procedures and timelines to remain valid. |
Types of Roofing Warranties
In roofing, it’s important to know about different warranties. Each warranty offers different protection and lasts for various lengths of time. This helps meet the needs of all homeowners.
Manufacturer’s Material Warranty
This warranty covers any problems with the materials used for your roof. For example, architectural asphalt shingles usually have a 30-year warranty. If these shingles break or don’t work right because they were made poorly, the manufacturer will fix or replace them.
But remember, as time goes on, the warranty covers less. This is called prorating. The older your shingles get, the less the warranty covers. This is important to think about for your roof’s long-term value. With this warranty, you can feel good knowing your roof’s main parts are protected.
Workmanship Warranty
The Workmanship Warranty comes from the roofing contractor. It’s very important to make sure the roof is installed well. This warranty covers any mistakes made during the installation.
If there are problems like leaks or loose shingles because of bad workmanship, the contractor will fix them. They won’t charge you extra for these repairs. How long this warranty lasts can change a lot. It might be from 2 years to a lifetime, based on the contractor’s rules and how good their work is.
This means you should pick a contractor who offers a strong workmanship warranty. It shows they trust their work and will fix any problems.
With a good workmanship warranty, you can ensure your roof is put in right. It should work well for as long as it’s supposed to.
Extended Warranty
An Extended Warranty is a great choice for more complete coverage. It combines the manufacturer’s material warranty with the contractor’s installation warranty. This warranty covers roofing materials and how well they are put in. If there are problems with the materials or the installation, this warranty will help fix or replace them.
This warranty lasts much longer than usual, sometimes up to 50 years. This is good for homeowners who want their roofs to be secure for a long time. Extended warranties cost extra, but they are worth it. They show that the manufacturer and contractor believe in their work and products for many years.
Choosing an Extended Warranty means fewer worries about your roof in the future. It ensures your roof is safe from many problems for a long time, protecting your home and what you’ve invested in it.
Actions That Can Void a Roof Warranty
Understanding what voids a roof warranty is crucial for maintaining its validity. Common actions that can lead to voiding a warranty include:
- Improper Installation: The warranty may be voided if roofing materials are not installed following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Inadequate Attic Ventilation: Bad ventilation can lead to damage, like shingles wearing out and mold. This can cancel the warranty.
- Installing Antennas or Satellite Dishes: Drilling holes in the roof and putting these up can cause leaks. This might void the warranty.
- Skylights and Other Roof Additions: Making big changes to the roof can void the warranty if done wrong.
- Unauthorized Repairs or Modifications: If repairs or changes are made by someone other than the original contractor, it might void the workmanship warranty.
Lifetime Warranty on Shingles
A lifetime warranty on roofing shingles means the manufacturer guarantees the shingles for as long as you or the next owner have the house. If the house is sold, the new owner must tell the manufacturer to keep the warranty soon. This warranty usually covers homes, not businesses or other buildings.
Different shingle types and manufacturers offer different coverage. The warranty promises they will last a long time. But it might not cover issues from bad installation, insufficient air flow, or changes to the roof.
Homeowners need to know their warranty well. They should understand what it covers and what it doesn’t. This helps them use the warranty and not do anything to lose it. Knowing this helps keep the roof in good shape for a long time.
Roof Warranty Transfer
Are Roofing Warranties Transferrable? Yes, Many roofing warranties are transferrable, but it depends on the manufacturer and the type of warranty.
Transferring a roof warranty can make a house more appealing to buyers. This usually means following specific steps within a set time, often 30 to 60 days after selling the house.
The new owner must tell the manufacturer about the ownership change to transfer the warranty. If they don’t, the warranty might become invalid. Sometimes, the manufacturer might ask for a fee to transfer the warranty or want to check the roof first.
The terms of the warranty might also change when it’s transferred. For example, the coverage period or what the warranty covers might differ for the new owner. This makes the warranty a good selling point. It assures the new owner that the roof is in good shape and protected against problems.
Both sides must know the roof warranty when buying or selling a house. They should understand how to transfer it and what might change when they do. This helps keep the warranty valuable and ensures the roof stays a safe and reliable part of the house.
Final Thoughts on Roofing Warranties
A roofing warranty is very important when installing or maintaining a roof. It’s not just a simple formality. It helps ensure your roof stays in good shape for a long time. This warranty is like a safety net. It protects you from sudden problems and the high costs of fixing or replacing your roof.
As a homeowner, you need to know what your roofing warranty covers and what it doesn’t. You should also understand what can make your warranty no longer valid, how to transfer it if needed, and the different types of warranties. Knowing all this is important to keep your warranty valid. It also helps you use the warranty to protect your home’s roof.
A roofing warranty is a way to keep your mind at ease. It means that your roof, a very important part of your house, will be well-protected for many years.
