Having a new roof installed on a property you own is a major investment, and it isn’t a process that you should rush. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, you should take the time to ensure that you’re selecting the right roofing professionals and making a wise investment. One part of the process you shouldn’t overlook is roofing warranties.
A quality roofing warranty will protect you financially if something goes wrong with your new roof. However, these warranties can be quite complicated, and there are several different types of warranties that every homeowner should understand.
Here, we’ll look at the different roofing warranties you may encounter when working with roofing companies.
Types of Roofing Warranties
When you’re investing in a new roof for your property, there are a few different kinds of roofing warranties that you may encounter:
Standard Manufacturer’s Warranty
The most common type of roofing warranty is the standard manufacturer’s warranty. Typically, this type of warranty will be a lifetime warranty that lasts for as long as you own the property. A standard manufacturer’s warranty will usually cover the cost of defective materials when your roof encounters a problem. However, you will most likely be responsible for covering the labor cost for the repairs.
It’s also important to note that manufacturer’s warranties offered by roofing companies will only cover the cost of shingles and other materials with factory defects. For example, if the shingles fail due to a mistake made during installation, the warranty likely will not cover the damage. With most standard manufacturer’s warranties, defective materials will be covered fully for the first few years after installation. After that, the protection offered will be prorated.
Contractor Workmanship Warranty
When you invest in roofing installation or other roofing services, the contractor who handles the work will have a major role in the condition and longevity of the roof. Regarding reputable roofing companies, the contractor you work with during the installation will likely back their work up with a contractor workmanship warranty. This type of warranty is very common but can vary from one contractor to the next.
In some cases, a contractor workmanship warranty will provide lifetime coverage. This roofing warranty protects homeowners and property managers from material failures caused by worker errors and improper installation techniques. Typically, a contractor workmanship warranty will cover the complete cost of labor and material needed for the necessary repairs.
Extended Manufacturer’s Warranty
Many manufacturers of roofing materials offer extended manufacturer’s warranties, which help homeowners receive lasting value from their investment. Typically, this roofing warranty is available for an additional cost and can only be offered by authorized roofing contractors. Some of the benefits provided by extended manufacturer’s warranties include:
- Coverage for all roofing components except flashing, fasteners, and wood decking
- Long-term coverage for defective materials, which includes labor costs and can be extended up to 50 years
- Workmanship coverage for errors made during installation
Prorated vs. Non-Prorated Warranties
When you receive a warranty with your roofing installation, it will be either prorated or non-prorated. With a non-prorated warranty, your coverage will remain the same throughout the life of the warranty agreement. However, if the warranty is prorated, its coverage will gradually diminish. For example, a prorated warranty will provide you more coverage for a repair immediately after the installation than for a repair five years later.
If your attic isn’t properly insulated or ventilated, it will often be the warmest part of the house. And when the attic is hot, that heat is transferred to the roof, which can melt snow and create ideal conditions for ice dams.
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Roof Warranty Upgrade Options
In some cases, roofing companies will offer homeowners the opportunity to upgrade their roofing warranties. These upgrades can vary quite a bit, but they’ll typically involve additional costs to expand the warranty coverage. For example, suppose you’re concerned about paying for the removal and disposal of failed shingles due to inadequate workmanship.
In that case, you may need to upgrade to an enhanced warranty to gain that coverage. When getting free roofing estimates from different roofing companies for your roof installation, it’s always wise to ask about the warranty upgrades they offer.
What Voids a Roofing Warranty?
As a homeowner, landlord, or property manager, you need to be aware of what could void your roofing warranty. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware that their actions are voiding their warranties. Then, when they need roof repairs down the line, they find out the hard way that they have to cover the entire cost themselves. Listed below are a few of the most common things that may cause your roofing warranty to become void:
- Improper roofing installation
- Inadequate attic ventilation
- Antennas and satellite dishes
- Skylights
- Pressure washing
- Layering your new roof over an old roof
- Using spray foam insulation on your roof sheathing
Key Takeaways
As you can see, there’s quite a bit of information regarding roofing warranties. When you’re working with roofing companies and enlisting roofing services, it’s important to ask questions about their warranties. Hopefully, your new roof will be installed properly with quality materials and hold up well for many years.
However, if problems occur and you need to get your roof repaired, having a quality warranty and understanding your coverage will make the process much easier, cheaper, and less stressful.
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The Best Residential Roofing Contractors in MA
Altitude Roofing is family-owned and operated, with decades of experience and a passion for delivering honest, reliable roofing services. That’s how we became one of Massachusetts’s most trusted residential roofing companies, a Google Verified Business with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
We offer a 15-year limited warranty (half the lifespan of a new roof) on all our jobs. Our workmanship warranty is twice as long as other major roofing companies in MA. We proudly stand by our residential roofing work for a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
As part of this commitment, we have achieved certifications from some of the industry’s most well-known manufacturers: Carlisle, Atlas, CertaTeed, GAF, Firestone, and Genflex. You can count on our team of skilled professionals for exceptional service and quality craftsmanship. Contact us today for free roofing estimates!
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