Your roofing system is one of the most important parts of your home. It boosts the curb appeal of your home and keeps your interior safe from outside elements such as rain and hail. A new roof is a major investment that you need to protect.
Should something go wrong during the installation or with the materials, you want to avoid paying thousands of dollars for repairs. For this reason, you should understand the warranty coverage that comes with your new roof before you make any final decision. To help you learn more about the ideal roof warranty, read this article from ImproveIT! of Atlanta, LLC.
What Is the Purpose of a Roof Warranty?
Your roofing warranty is there to protect you from defects in materials or workmanship. If the materials fail before the end of their estimated lifespan, or if your roof was improperly installed, the manufacturer and installer will be responsible for solving the problem.
However, every product and installation situation is unique, which means warranty coverage may vary for each scenario. During the sales process, your roofing contractor should provide you with all the information you need to know about the product warranty, including all essential warranty info for both the materials and the installation. You may also want to do your own research about the warranties on the manufacturer’s website.
What Are the Different Kinds of Warranties?
Some warranties that cover materials and some will cover the installation, which guarantees the roofer’s work for a certain amount of time. However, typical warranties are usually limited in what they cover. Consider the following important information to ensure that your roof is sufficiently covered under your warranty.
Manufacturers’ Warranties
When it comes to manufacturers’ warranties, most roof replacement or installation projects are covered. These warranties make sure that the materials used for your roof renovation are not defective or damaged. However, the warranty can still be voided if the materials were not installed or maintained effectively. Take the time to read about material warranties:
- Shingles. Asphalt shingle manufacturer warranties may range from 20 years to life, depending on the grade of shingle used. While basic strip shingles may have a weaker warranty, higher-quality laminated dimensional shingles may be guaranteed for the life of the roof. Thus, paying the additional cost for a better shingle quality may be worth it at the end of the day.
- Underlayment. Fiberglass underlayment can be warrantied to protect your roof deck for up to 50 years. Take note that warranty may be conditional and requires a clean roof deck or manual installation over an additional base layer. In windy regions of the country, manual installation is typically a requirement.
- Vents. Ridge and intake vents made from tough plastic often carry lifetime warranties. Power vents, on the other hand, may have short-term warranties because of the risk of mechanical failure. Still, you shouldn’t overlook the use of power vents. They may be extremely useful when your attic needs extra ventilation help. Don’t forget that an unventilated attic can lead to water damage to your roof.
It’s important to note that defective roof materials are rare, and they do not cause roof failure most of the time. As such, while manufacturer warranties may offer some protection, they might not offer much of a protection against more common causes of premature roof failure such as improper installation, poor maintenance or severe storm damage.
Installation and Contractor Warranties
Installation warranties offer more protection than the common manufacturer’s warranty, but they also vary greatly depending on the type of warranty and who is issuing it. For instance, many roofers may offer limited guarantees on their work. Should you hire a different contractor for roof repair or maintenance, you may void the warranty.
Asphalt shingle roofs usually have a lifespan that ranges from 25 and 30 years. This can be a problem as most contractor warranties expire long before that time, usually guaranteeing the roof for about five to 10 years. You may still be able to negotiate with your contractor for a longer warranty, but it’s likely going to cost you.
Nevertheless, remember that the cost of an extended warranty may be far less than the cost of premature roof replacement. Some contractors will offer guarantees for as many as 30 years or more. While an extended warranty is often reserved for higher-quality products, such as slate or metal roofs, you might still want to consider the investment. Not only can roof damage be quite a hassle, but it can also weaken the structural integrity of your home. Thanks to an extended warranty, you can have additional protection.
What Does Your Roof Warranty Cover?
There may be certain things your roof warranty won’t cover, even with an extended warranty. It may not cover storm roof damage unless you specifically request it. If you do, and you are willing to pay for it, your contractor can upgrade the installation to include protective features that can help your roof withstand extreme weather.
In addition, you can also void your warranty if you don’t properly maintain your roof, including roof inspections and repair. Make sure that you use the same contractor for your maintenance and repairs, or that your warranty doesn’t stop you from hiring another roofer.
When Will Your Roof Warranty Expire?
Every roof warranty has a different expiration date, so be sure to check your policy. It usually depends on the roofing company that installed the roof and what materials they used. If you’re thinking about buying a lifetime warranty, be sure to ask what they mean about a “lifetime.” In warranty terms, a lifetime may only be 30 years.
You might also want to ask if there is proration associated with your roof warranty. A prorated warranty means that the value of your roof may decrease over time. For instance, if an item fails before the end of the warranty period, the warrantor may only cover 60% of the associated costs of repair.
Who Benefits From Your Roof Warranty?
Aside from you, other people can benefit from your roof warranty. If you’re planning to sell your home, the new homeowner may also get to use your warranty as long as you have a transferrable warranty. However, most companies only allow a one-time transfer. If the new homeowner sells the home within the warranty period, the warranty cannot be transferred to the newest owner. The warranty company should also be informed about the change in ownership within a certain period as there may be a transfer window.
A new roof is truly a big investment. As such, it’s important that you know what goes into a good roof warranty. If you’re looking for a trustworthy roofing company for your new roof installation, get in touch with us at ImproveIT! of Atlanta, LLC. Call us today at (770) 612-5635 or fill out our contact form to set an appointment. We also proudly serve homeowners in Sandy Springs, Marietta, Alpharetta and other surrounding GA areas.
