Roofing warranties are legal agreements between homeowners and roofing manufacturers or contractors that guarantee the quality, durability, and performance of roofing materials and installation. They serve as a promise from the manufacturer or contractor that they will rectify any defects or problems that occur within a specified period.
Types of Roofing Warranties
There are three types of roofing warranties:
- Manufacturer’s warranty
- Workmanship warranty
- Extended warranty
Manufacturer’s Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty is a warranty that covers roofing material defects or irregularities. Defective materials can cause damage and leaks, which is beyond your control and doesn’t require external damage from storms or debris to cause it. If the material lacks integrity, it will be covered by this material warranty. The length of warranties depends on the roofing material’s expected lifespan.
For example, your basic asphalt shingle roof lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years, so the material warranty for those ranges between 15 and 25 years of coverage. A manufacturer who poses a longer warranty for their materials shows they really believe in their product and expect it to last as long as it is intended.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty is a warranty that covers the installation of the roofing material. It guarantees that the installation was done correctly and will withstand the life of the roof. This warranty is usually offered by the contractor who installed the roof. The length of the warranty varies depending on the contractor, but it usually lasts between 1 and 10 years.
Extended Warranty
An extended warranty is a warranty that extends the coverage of the manufacturer’s warranty. It is usually offered by the manufacturer and covers the same defects and irregularities as the manufacturer’s warranty. The length of the warranty varies depending on the manufacturer, but it usually lasts between 5 and 20 years.
What is Covered Under a Roofing Warranty?
Roofing warranties cover a range of issues that can arise with your roof. The coverage varies depending on the type of warranty and the manufacturer or contractor. Here are some of the things that are typically covered under a roofing warranty:
Materials
A roofing warranty covers defects or irregularities in the roofing materials. If the materials used in your roof are defective or lack integrity, the warranty will cover the cost of replacement.
Labor
A roofing warranty covers the cost of labor for repairing or replacing your roof. This includes the cost of removing the old roof, installing the new one, and any other labor costs associated with the repair or replacement.
Repairs
A roofing warranty covers the cost of repairs for any damage caused by defects or irregularities in the roofing materials or installation. This includes leaks, cracks, and other damage caused by the roofing system.
Replacement
A roofing warranty covers the cost of replacing your roof if it is damaged beyond repair. This includes the cost of removing the old roof, installing the new one, and any other costs associated with the replacement.
What is Not Covered Under a Roofing Warranty?
While roofing warranties cover a range of issues, there are some things that are not covered. Here are some of the things that are typically not covered under a roofing warranty:
Acts of God
Acts of God, such as natural disasters, are not covered under most roofing warranties. This includes damage caused by hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.
Negligence
Negligence on the part of the homeowner or contractor is not covered under most roofing warranties. This includes damage caused by failure to maintain the roof or improper use of the roof.
Wear and Tear
Normal wear and tear is not covered under most roofing warranties. This includes damage caused by aging, exposure to the elements, and other normal wear and tear.
Improper Installation
Damage caused by improper installation is not covered under most roofing warranties. This includes damage caused by installation errors, such as improper flashing or incorrect installation of the roofing material.
How to Claim a Roofing Warranty?
If you need to claim a roofing warranty, there are some steps you need to follow:
Steps to Follow
- Contact the manufacturer or contractor who provided the warranty.
- Provide them with the details of the problem you are experiencing.
- Schedule an inspection of your roof.
- Wait for the manufacturer or contractor to assess the problem and determine if it is covered under the warranty.
- If the problem is covered, the manufacturer or contractor will repair or replace your roof.
Documentation Required
When making a claim under a roofing warranty, you will need to provide some documentation. Here are some of the documents you may need to provide:
- Proof of purchase of the roofing materials.
- Proof of installation by a licensed contractor.
- A copy of the warranty agreement.
- Any other documentation required by the manufacturer or contractor.
Difference between a warranty and insurance
A warranty and insurance are two different types of contracts that offer protection to the buyer. A warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer or seller that the product will function as intended for a specified period. It covers defects in materials and workmanship and is usually limited to a specific time frame. On the other hand, insurance is a contract between the policyholder and the insurer that provides financial protection against losses due to unforeseen events such as accidents, theft, or natural disasters. It covers the cost of repairs or replacement of the insured item. While a warranty is usually included in the purchase price of a product, insurance is purchased separately and requires regular payments of premiums.
In the context of cars, for example, a warranty covers mechanical failures, such as a transmission problem, while car insurance covers damage and injuries caused by accidents.
frequently asked questions
A roofing warranty is a written guarantee that covers defects in materials and workmanship. It provides peace of mind and protects your investment in a new roof.
A manufacturer’s warranty usually covers defects in roofing materials. It can vary, but it often lasts for 20-50 years. Examples include shingle defects and premature deterioration.
A workmanship warranty covers the installation quality. It addresses issues arising from poor installation, such as leaks, flashing problems, and improper ventilation.
Some warranties are transferable, allowing you to pass the coverage to the new homeowner. However, check with your roofing manufacturer or contractor for specific transferability terms.
Yes, most warranties have exclusions, such as damage from severe weather, lack of maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. Read the fine print and understand the limitations.