Understanding Roof Warranties: What You Need to Know Before You Sign
A roof is a significant expense. It keeps all the stuff in a home safe. When a homeowner installs a new roof, taking the roof warranty seriously shields that costly investment.
This article considers what warranties are, what they guarantee, what they don't guarantee, how workmanship warranty operates, why the roofing contractor counts, and how to eliminate surprises. It speaks very plainly so the reader feels as though a friend is telling them, rather than a textbook.
Key Takeaways
- A warranty is not just one thing. There is a manufacturer's warranty and a workmanship warranty. They cover different issues.
- Standard guarantees usually protect against flawed services but might not protect against labor or installation mistakes.
- Lifetime protection typically refers to "as long as you own the home" and is limited. It does not necessarily imply eternal.
- The reputation of the roof contractor, being certified, installing correctly, and utilizing quality roofing material, matters greatly.
Understanding Roof Warranties: Complete Homeowner Guide
A roof warranty is more than just paperwork. It protects a homeowner’s substantial investment by covering defective materials, installation errors, and sometimes labor costs. This guide takes a closer look at the warranties offered, explains how using quality new materials can extend the life of your roof, and shows homeowners what is covered and what is not.
What is a Roof Warranty and Why It Matters
Each homeowner who buys a home or puts on a new roof wants to feel secure. A roof warranty is a guarantee that the roofing product manufacturer issues or that is issued by the roofing contractor. The guarantee is that if anything does not function properly, it will be repaired or replaced under certain rules.
Because a roof is such a costly item, knowing warranty provisions facilitates homeowners being able to plan today and tomorrow.
There are two types of warranties to know:
- Manufacturer warranty (also known as product warranty or material warranty)
- Workmanship warranty (also known as contractor warranty or installation warranty)
Also read: Is Roof Replacement Covered by Insurance? to see how insurance and warranties can work together for homeowners
What is a Manufacturer's Warranty
A manufacturer's warranty is from the brand or manufacturer of materials for roofing, such as asphalt shingles and other types of roofing materials.
- Covers faulty materials or material deficiencies such as shingles cracking, curling, fading, or blistering.
- Does not typically cover labor guarantee or the cost of removing the old roof.
- Typically stated as standard warranties like "limited lifetime warranty." The use of "limited" suggests coverage varies depending on brand specifications.
- Most are prorated. This means coverage tapers off over the years. A shingle with a 30-year warranty might only give token help after 20 years.
- Some have a non-prorated introductory stage, then prorate afterward.
- Some need to be installed by an experienced roofing contractor with the whole roofing system. In the event of installation errors, the warranty may be invalidated.
If you are planning a new roof, using a roof replacement cost calculator can help you understand how warranties affect overall expenses. It is smart to compare not just the price but also the protection that comes with it.
What is a Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor. It guards against installation errors.
- Includes installation errors like faulty sealing, improper nailing, improper flashing, or ventilation errors.
- Guards homeowners from issues resulting from faulty work by the roofer, and not faulty materials.
- Typically, it has labor coverage for the repair if the roofer has created the issue.
- Length will depend on the contractor. It could be 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, or a lifetime.
- Only if the contractor uses quality standards and does not cheat.
The Complete Roof System and Warranty Coverage
A roof is more than shingles. A complete roof system consists of several parts, such as underlayment, flashing, and vents. Some warranties include these; some do not.
Comparison Table
| Component | Manufacturer Warranty Covers | Workmanship Warranty Covers | Common Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shingles (asphalt or other) | Yes, if defective materials | Yes, if failure is caused by installation errors | Storm, hail, or wear over time |
| Underlayment, flashing, vents | Sometimes, if included by the brand | Yes, if the contractor installed incorrectly | Damage from animals, misuse |
| Labor to replace or fix | Rare under standard material warranty | Usually yes | Often excluded by the manufacturer |
| Removal and disposal | Usually not included | Sometimes included in workmanship | Disposal is often left to the homeowner |
| Interior damage from leaks | Usually not covered | Sometimes covered if due to installation errors | Storm or maintenance neglect |
Also read: Roof Replacement Estimate vs. Final Invoice: What Changes?
What Are Standard, Extended, and Lifetime Warranties
- Standard warranties protect against minimal things, such as defective shingles. They are usually provided at the time of purchase.
- Extended warranties provide additional protection. They may protect additional components, labor, or duration. They are an additional cost and may require certified installers.
- Lifetime protection is as long as the homeowner remains in the home. It is not forever. Many times, it is prorated after a specific period.
What Can Invalidate a Roof Warranty
Even the best warranty won't cover if regulations are disobeyed. The most common culprits are:
- Disobeying the manufacturer's installation guidelines.
- Hiring a non-certified contractor when certification is mandatory.
- Crossing brands or using modified products.
- Avoiding roof maintenance, such as gutters being cleaned or moss being removed.
- Unauthorized repairs or modifications done by the homeowner.
- Failure to register the warranty.
How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor for Warranty Protection
A roof warranty is just as good as the roofer who puts it on. The greatest roofing materials are useless if the work that is installed by the roofing contractor is substandard. That is why selecting the correct individual for the task is a huge part of guarding an extensive investment.
The variations among contractors matter. Certified roofers tend to unlock improved manufacturer warranties, while others might only offer a brief standard roofing warranty. The customer is better off if they look more carefully and ask the proper questions before they hire.
The following are a couple of easy questions to fill the conversation with:
- What warranties are provided on this roof?
- Does your workmanship warranty include installation mistakes?
- If material failures occur, do you work on the claim?
There are more rewards than just a sound roof when selecting the right contractor. It also provides peace of mind, knowing the warranty coverage will hold up, repairs will be taken care of, and the roof will serve for many years ahead.
How Warranties Influence Roof Costs
A roof costs a lot of money. Warranty conditions alter the amount of money homeowners can save or spend.
- Warranted defective materials save dollars on replacement shingles.
- Workmanship warranty saves dollars on labor if errors occur.
- A voided warranty can cost the full repair or replacement bill.
- Non-prorated warranties usually cost more initially but provide better protection.
- Transferable warranties increase resale value.
Planning a new roof? Use our free roof replacement cost calculator to see what fits your budget before you sign a warranty.
What Homeowners Need to Ask Before Signing
Before committing to any roof warranty, homeowners must ask:
- Who is the manufacturer and contractor? Are they certified?
- What is the warranty coverage? Shingles, flashing, vents, labor, removal?
- How long are both warranties good for? Are they prorated?
- Do I have to register the warranty? Who registers it?
- Is the warranty transferable if the home is resold?
Real Examples
A brand provides normal warranties on asphalt shingles. It claims a "limited lifetime warranty" but only for defective materials. Labor is excluded after a few years.
A roofer provides a 5-year workmanship guarantee. If a leak occurs due to flashing being installed incorrectly, repair is covered. But damage from storms is not.
It extends both workmanship and product warranty. It encompasses labor, disposal, and more than one roof part, but only if installed by a certified roofer using new brand-approved materials.
Using Warranty Info When Calculating Roof Replacement Costs
In utilizing a roof replacement cost estimator, homeowners ought to:
- Compare quotes of various materials and their warranties provided.
2. Verify whether the contractor offers a warranty of workmanship.
3. Include the cost of an extended warranty if necessary.
4. Account for risks of invalidated warranties.
5. Include resale advantage in case the warranty is transferable.
Conclusion
A roof warranty is not merely fine print. It defends the homeowner's big investment, provides peace of mind, and saves money when things go wrong.
The manufacturer's warranty and workmanship warranty are both important. A good warranty guards against defects, installation mistakes, and even labor sometimes. Homeowners always need to look at warranty coverage, understand what is covered, and recognize what is excluded.
Selecting an efficient roofing contractor, employing quality roofing material, getting the warranty registered, and maintaining the home properly keep the warranty intact.
Having a proper warranty, homeowners secure not only the roof but their home and wallet as well.
Want a quick idea of how much a new roof will cost with warranty protection? Try our roof replacement estimator today.
What does a roof warranty include?
Depends. Typically covered are material defects (faulty materials) and sometimes labor if an extended warranty or workmanship warranty. Components that may be covered can include shingles, underlayment, flashing, and occasionally vents.
What is excluded from a roof warranty?
Stuff like storm damage, hail, wind, foot traffic, missing maintenance leaks, mistakes if not installed correctly, components not of the same brand or modified, and inside damage due to wear and tear.
How long is a roof warranty valid?
Material warranty is usually 20-50 years or "limited lifetime." Workmanship warranty is usually 2-10 years, sometimes lifetime, depending on the contractor. Lifetime coverage means as long as the homeowner occupies the home.
Does a roof warranty include installation mistakes?
Only if there is a workmanship warranty or if some portion of the warranty includes labor or installation. If a material warranty only exists, installation mistakes typically are not included.
Can I pass on my roof warranty when I sell my home?
Sometimes yes. Some warranties can be transferred to the new owner. But often there is a charge, or time restriction, or paperwork required. Must review warranty terms.
Do asphalt shingle warranties vary from other types of roofing material?
Yes. Asphalt shingles are ubiquitous, so numerous warranties are written for them. But higher-end products or more unusual roofing materials might have shorter or longer warranties, varying coverage. Material quality, brand, and installation considerations.
What is a "limited lifetime warranty"?
Means warranty has a lifetime warranty, but with restrictions. There could be non-prorated time initially, followed by prorated; parts could be excluded, and labor could be excluded. Lifetime often means as long as the homeowner retains the home.