Understanding Roof Warranties & What They Cover

What Do Standard Roofing Warranties Cover?

Most roof warranty documents offer a basic limited lifetime warranty. While this is a standard amount of coverage, the word "limited" may be defined differently from one warranty to the next. Most manufacturer warranties cover the cost to replace defective materials but do not cover the cost to remove old, defective shingles.



This coverage is typically offered through an initial period, then after that period, the manufacturer company may offer only a portion of the cost of new shingles or a smaller amount of new shingles.

Roofing Material Warranty

Manufacturer warranties only provide coverage for factory defects. If your roofing shingles fail due to mistakes made during installation, your manufacturer's warranty will not cover these failures.

Roofing Workmanship Warranty

In addition to the manufacturer warranty, your contractor may offer a workmanship warranty to guarantee the longevity and performance of their installation. Workmanship warranties vary, but as a consumer, you can measure the confidence that the roofer has in their workmanship based on the warranty they offer.

Good contractors should have total confidence in their installations. It's a red flag when contractors do not guarantee their work or offer a warranty.

Workmanship warranties typically cover the cost of labor and materials to make repairs. When you're evaluating the contractor's warranty, look for coverage for damage done to your home's interior, furnishing, and personal effects.



The contractor's warranty is likely to exclude issues that aren't related to workmanship, such as damage caused by high wind and impacts from flying or falling debris.

Extended Warranties

Some shingle manufacturers offer extended warranty coverage. To tap into this coverage, you usually have to hire an authorized contractor to install the new roofing material. Typically, these extended warranties cost extra and may require you to install coordinating roofing materials like underlayment or ice and water barriers.



Extended coverage may offer a range of benefits, including lengthy coverage for non-defective materials (instead of full coverage that only lasts through an initial period), coverage for all roof system components, and workmanship coverage.

What Voids Your Roofing Warranty?

Several things can void your roof warranty. Knowing what voids the warranty can help you avoid these problems.

• Incorrect installation. Incorrect installation practices can void your roofing warranty. Hiring a contractor with experience and expertise in roofing installation can help you avoid this problem. When you're installing a new roof, vet contractors to hire the best roofing professional for your job. Don't shop by price alone when you're looking for a professional. If a contractor says they can do the work for an unusually low price, it's a red flag. Good roof installation is performed by trained, careful professionals who charge a fair price for their work.

• Poor attic ventilation. Attics need ventilation to expel moist air from the home. Poor attic ventilation allows condensation to build up in your attic, which can lead to rot and mold. This can shorten the lifespan of your roof. Sometimes, homeowners inadvertently cover their attic vents through improper insulation placement. If you're installing new insulation in your attic, have it done by a professional.

• DIY roof repair or roof work performed by another contractor. Homeowners who try to do their own roof repairs can void the workmanship and manufacturer warranty on their new roof. If your roof needs repair following your roof installation, hire the same contractor who installed the roof to begin with. If your roof needs work unrelated to repair (like the installation of a skylight), have the work done by the same contractor that installed the roof. Don't hire a different contractor to get the roof done.

• Pressure washing. Algae streaks can form on roofing materials. These streaks are a cosmetic problem and overall harmless to your roof. However, some homeowners don't like the way algae streaks look. The only way to remove these algae streaks is to wash your roof. Some homeowners choose to do this with a pressure washer. Unfortunately, pressure washing your roof will remove granules on your shingles, dramatically shortening their lifespan. Pressure washing your roof can void your manufacturer and workmanship warranty. If your roof develops algae streaks, hire a professional to clean your roof.
  

Roof Warranties Vs. Insurance

Roof warranties are not insurance policies. A warranty is a guarantee from a manufacturer or a contractor specifically stating that your roof is properly installed and the shingles will last for a length of time. Under the terms of the warranty, if the shingles or installation is defective, the repairs will be covered by the manufacturer or the original contractor (or both).

Insurance is a policy that can protect several systems in your house when a covered event occurs. Insurance can pay to repair or replace your roof under certain conditions.



For example, if your roof is damaged by a tree that falls during a wind storm, your home insurance company may pay to repair or replace your roof. Contact your insurance company to find out what is covered under your insurance policy and what is not.

Key Takeaways

Are you installing a new roof in your home? Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind about your roof warranty:

• You may have multiple roof warranties, including a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty.
• It is possible to void your roof warranty (or warranties) by engaging in practices that are prohibited by the warranty(ies). Read each warranty to learn more.
• Vet roofing contractors thoroughly. Ask about their workmanship warranty to ensure that the contractor you hire will install your roof correctly and guarantee their work.

Want more information about getting a new roof? Request a quote from FTC Oury Group. Call today.