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As a homeowner, your house is likely one of your most significant investments. It’s a place where memories are made and comfort is found. However, keeping your home in top condition requires ongoing maintenance and care, especially when it comes to the roof.
This vital component serves as a shield, protecting you and your family from the harsh weather on the Gulf Coast year after year. Being such a huge investment both in terms of time and money, you don’t want your roof to get damaged due to improper installation or poor-quality materials. That’s where warranties come in.
These warranties not only protect your investment but also provide peace of mind. A good warranty ensures that your roof remains a reliable and sturdy fortress for years to come.
Today, we’ll break down the complexities of roof warranties, so if you are not familiar with what a warranty is and what it includes, you will get all the answers you need.
What Is A Roof Warranty? Why Is It Important?
When we talk about roofing, a roof warranty is a guarantee provided by the manufacturer or the roofing company, assuring the quality and performance of the roofing materials and workmanship. These warranties aim to offer you peace of mind, knowing that your biggest investment is protected against defects in materials, manufacturing, and installation for a specified period.
With a roof warranty in place, you can rest assured that any issues arising from faulty products or improper installation will be addressed, safeguarding the integrity of your home’s roof.
Benefits Of Roof Warranties
While we’ve discussed what a roof warranty is, it’s important to understand the invaluable benefits they offer homeowners. Having a comprehensive roof warranty can provide you with peace of mind and financial protection in several ways:
Cost Savings In The Long Run
A roofing system that comes with a good warranty can help you save in the long run. Roof replacements or major repairs can be incredibly expensive, often running into thousands of dollars. With a warranty in place, you’ll be covered for the cost of materials and labor, potentially saving you a significant amount of money over the life of your roof.
Quality Assurance
Reputable manufacturers and contractors stand behind their products and workmanship by offering standard or extended warranties. This not only ensures that you’re getting high-quality materials and expert installation but also gives you recourse if any defects or issues arise.
Protection Against Unexpected Issues
Even the most diligent homeowners can’t always predict when a manufacturing defect or installation issue may arise. With a warranty in place, you won’t have to worry about unexpected repair costs or the hassle of dealing with such problems out of pocket.
Increased Home Value
A well-maintained roof with a transferable warranty can be a valuable selling point if you decide to put your home on the market. Prospective buyers often appreciate the added protection and peace of mind that comes with a roof warranty.
Longevity and Durability
Roof warranties often require regular maintenance and inspections, which can help extend the lifespan of your roofing system. By following the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can ensure that your roof remains in top condition for years to come.
Types of Roof Warranties
What are the two most important things to consider when you decide to install or replace your roofing system? Your answer is most likely the type of roofing material and the quality of the labor installing it. This is what exactly your roof warranty will cover. The following are the two main types of warranties to know about:
Manufacturer’s Warranty/Product Warranty
This warranty will cover defects in the roofing materials themselves. Roofing materials are the uppermost layer of the roof and constitute a major part of your overall roofing cost. This warranty covers materials such as asphalt shingles, tiles, or membranes in case of a flat roof.
Reputable manufacturers, such as GAF or Owens Corning, will offer powerful warranties, often ranging from 20 to 50 years or more, depending on the product. These warranties typically cover manufacturing defects, such as premature deterioration, cracking, or buckling of the roofing materials.
Nowadays, many warranties may cover issues like wind resistance, algae resistance, or impact resistance, depending on the specific product and warranty terms.
Additionally, some manufacturers also offer extended warranties if your roofer has the necessary certifications and is associated with the brand or manufacturer.
Workmanship Warranty/Contactor Warranty
Now comes the other aspect, the quality of labor. A workmanship warranty (also known as the contractor’s warranty) will protect you against any installation errors or faulty craftsmanship. This type of warranty is typically provided by the roofing contractor and can span several years, commonly ranging from 2 to 10 years.
A workmanship warranty majorly covers the issue of faulty or improper installation. They may also cover other aspects such as flashing failures or other errors made during the roofing process. It serves as a guarantee that the contractor has followed proper installation techniques and adhered to industry standards, ensuring the longevity and performance of your roof.
Here is the difference between these two types of warranties summarized:
| Aspect | Manufacturer’s Warranty | Workmanship Warranty |
| Coverage | Covers defects in roofing materials, for example, defective shingles or tiles | Covers issues related to installation or workmanship |
| Duration | Typically longer, ranging from years to lifetime | Shorter, often ranging from 1-10 years |
| Transferability | Often transferable to subsequent homeowners | Usually non-transferable, valid for the original owner |
| Claims Process | Generally involves contacting the manufacturer | Typically involves contacting the contractor/roofing company |
| Cost | Included in the cost of the roofing materials | May be included in the contractor’s pricing or added |
| Prorated | Can be prorated, meaning coverage decreases over time | Usually not prorated, providing consistent coverage |
What You Should You Pay Attention To When Reading Your Roof Warranty
Roofing warranties can vary significantly in their coverage, so it’s essential to read the fine print carefully and understand what’s included and what’s excluded. Most warranties will cover the cost of replacement materials and labor for repairing or replacing defective roofing components, but some may exclude certain components or have specific requirements for maintenance and inspections that must be met to keep the warranty valid.
Check the following things before replacing your existing roof:
Is My Roof Warranty Prorated?
It’s important to note that not all warranties are created equal. When you install a new roof, you will see either of these two terms on your warranty form: prorated or non-prorated.
Prorated Roof Warranty
When you have a prorated warranty, this means that the warranty amount that you will get does not remain the same throughout, instead, the overall coverage decreases over time. For example, a prorated warranty might cover 100% of the costs for the first few years, then decrease to 75% coverage after five years, 50% after 10 years, and so on. While prorated warranties can still offer some protection, they may leave you responsible for a larger portion of the repair or replacement costs as the warranty ages.
Non-Prorated Roof Warranty
The other option is a non-prorated warranty. These offer the same level of protection throughout the entire warranty period. Non-prorated warranties are generally more valuable, as they provide full coverage for the entire term, regardless of how much time has elapsed since the roof was installed.
Can I Transfer My Warranty To Someone Else?
Another crucial consideration is whether the warranty is transferable if you plan to sell your home during the warranty period. Some manufacturers and contractors allow for warranty transfers to the new homeowner, while others may require a fee or have specific conditions that must be met for the transfer to be valid. If you anticipate selling your home within the warranty period, it’s essential to understand the transfer policy and factor that into your decision-making process.
What Is Not Included In Your Roof Warranties
In the previous section, we talked about what is covered under warranties and what you need to consider. Now, we talk about the things or the circumstances where your warranty will not help you!
Roof Storm Damage
You might think so, but no, roof warranties do not usually cover damages that your roof incurs due to storms. This is because, events such as hailstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other harsh conditions are classified as ‘natural disasters’ and are not covered under your roofing warranty.
The roof warranties offered by a roofing company or material manufacturer are designed to cover product defects and installation issues, not damage from natural calamities.
Do You Have Home Insurance?
So who will protect your property in case a storm or tornado strikes? The answer is homeowner’s insurance.
It’s crucial to have comprehensive homeowner’s insurance in place to safeguard your property against the potential devastation caused by extreme weather conditions. However, it’s important to carefully review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand the extent of coverage, deductibles, and any exclusions or limitations that may apply. Some policies may have higher deductibles for specific types of damage, such as wind or hail, or may exclude coverage for certain types of storms or natural disasters.
Accidental Damage
Most roof warranties exclude coverage for accidental damage or abuse, such as punctures from falling objects, damage caused by foot traffic on the roof, or any intentional acts that compromise the integrity of the roofing system.
Normal Wear and Tear
Like any other component of your home, roofing materials are subject to normal wear and tear over time. Roof warranties typically do not cover the gradual deterioration or aging of the roofing system due to normal exposure to the elements, such as fading, discoloration, or minor cracking that does not affect the overall performance of the roof.
What Can Void Your Roof Warranty?
While roof warranties provide valuable protection for your investment, it’s important to be aware of the circumstances that can potentially void or invalidate your warranty coverage.
- Lack of Maintenance: Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to ensure the longevity and performance of the roofing system. Neglecting to follow the recommended maintenance schedule can void your warranty.
- Unauthorized Modifications/DIY Repairs: Altering or modifying the roofing system without the manufacturer’s approval can also void your warranty. This is why DIY roofing is not advisable.
- Failure to Follow Instructions: Failure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, maintenance, and care of the roofing products can be grounds for voiding the warranty.
- Failure to Provide Proper Documentation: In the event of a warranty claim, you may be required to provide documentation such as proof of purchase or maintenance records. If you don’t provide this documentation, it can result in your claim being denied and the warranty becoming void.
We have covered these factors in more detail in our blog post: What Voids A Roof Warranty & What Doesn’t
Pro Tip: Make sure you hire a roofing professional to inspect your roof at least twice a year. This will likely maintain your warranty and make sure there are no issues present.
Trust The Best Roofers In Mississippi For Your Roofing Project
Understanding roof warranties is a crucial aspect of homeownership. Knowing about the different types of warranties, their coverage, and the importance of proper maintenance, will help you to make an informed decision and protect your investment.
If you are looking for a reputable roofing company in Mississippi that can take care of all your roofing needs and offer you the best warranties, look no further than the team of Renova Roofing & Construction. We are a licensed and fully insured company serving the Gulf Coast.
Our GAF Master Elite® contractor status allows us to offer the best warranties on asphalt shingles and other roofing components. Contact us today at (601) 647-3433 to learn more.
Remember, a well-informed homeowner is a well-prepared homeowner, and being aware will pay dividends in the long run.