Very often, replacing a roof comes with some type of roof warranty. In fact, the type of roof warranty offered by the manufacturer of the roofing materials or the contractor handling the installation may be a factor in deciding on which material or contractor to use for some people. While roof warranties certainly offer peace of mind to homeowners that are laying out large sums of money, it is important to understand a few basics so you know what you’re really getting (or not getting).
What Is A Roof Warranty?
A roof warranty can comprise some combination of conditions for roofing materials, roofing installation or both. The warranty is specified for a number of years and within that time frame, the manufacturer or installer will warrant the roof against certain defects and conditions. The main key to understanding what constitutes a roof warranty is to understand what exclusions apply, what requirements must take place to keep the it valid (such as periodic maintenance) and what voids the warranty.
Does a roof warranty indicate how long the roof will last?
Perhaps. But, many companies offer long term warranties on roofing materials and installations as a marketing tool. It makes their products appear that they are superior to other products, but whether they really are or not is unclear. Often, there are many loopholes in the fine print that can void a warranty or ensure that should problems arise down the road, they are not necessarily covered. And, even if they are covered, a warranty may not cover the damage that subsequently occurs from a faulty roof (such as if the roof leaks and damages interior belongings). Finally, if you lose the warranty or can’t remember that you have one down the road, the length of coverage doesn’t do you much good.
Different Types Of Warranties
There are a number of different types of warranties. A “material only” simply warrants the roofing material to be free from defects or problems, and if there is a problem, the warranty will only cover replacement roofing material but will not cover additional labor charges for repair and installation. In contrast, a labor only warranty may be offered by a contractor to cover any problems arising from the improper installation of the roof, but will not cover materials.
The problem with either of these two types of warranties is that it is easy for one company to cast blame on the other – the roofing material manufacturer can blame the installer for defects in the functionality of the roof, while the installer can blame a problem with the roofing materials. This makes it difficult to recoup losses if a problem occurs. In contrast, a material and labor warranty will cover both roofing materials and labor if a problem occurs. This is usually only available if the same company provides roofing material and labor or a contractor approved by the material manufacturer is used. System warranties provide coverage for the whole roof system, as well as any roofing components.
Common Exclusions
Very often there are a number of exclusions in the fine print of roofing warranties. This means that if damage occurs due to any of these reasons, the manufacturer is not responsible to cover the damage. Some of the more common exclusions include natural disasters, acts of God, excessive wind, hurricanes, ponding water, failure of other building components, or excessive traffic. Failure to perform routine maintenance as outlined in a warranty can also cause it to be voided.
What Do They Cover And What Voids A Warranty?
Very often, even a good roof warranty will not cover any damage that occurs to the interior of a building as a result of a failure of the roof, including interior finishes and belongings. Some warranties also include limits on coverage or dollar amounts based on the length of the warranty or other factors. Finally, some warranties will be rendered null and void if the owner does not use a licensed or specified contractor for installation or repairs, or makes any modifications to the roof without first receiving written authorization for any modifications or changes before they occur. Also, placing certain types of structures or equipment on a roof without prior approval from the manufacturer may void a warranty.
Maintenance Requirements
Depending on the type of roofing warranty you have, there may be stipulations about required maintenance that must be performed to keep it active. If this is the case, it is important to keep detailed records of all maintenance and repairs performed on the roof so should the warranty need to be invoked, you have proof that the required maintenance was performed.
Other Important Factors To Keep In Mind
If there is any problem with your roof, it is important to contact the manufacturer or installation company quickly. Most warranties require that you provide written notification within thirty days of the initial problem in order to be covered. This is done to avoid further damage from occurring from prolonged problems that might then be the responsibility of the manufacturer. Are warranties transferable?
Most warranties are not transferable, meaning that when you sell your home, the new homeowners are not covered by your initial warranty. There are some warranties that do offer the benefit of transferability, but even if that is allowed, there may be certain conditions that need to be met upon transferring the warranty to keep it active, such as an inspection, so read the fine print carefully.
If You Need To Invoke Your Warranty, What Typically Happens?
Often it is up to the manufacturer or installer (whoever is offering the warranty) to determine the best solution to the problem. In some cases, that might just entail fixing a small section of the roof where the leak or failure occurred, but in others it might warrant a completely new roof. It is important to keep up with periodic inspections, maintenance and repairs of small problems so that you don’t have to rely on the warranty. It is easier to ward off problems before they occur or to address small issues before they become big ones.
Do They Guarantee That Your Roof Will Remain Dry?
Absolutely not! While a long term and comprehensive warranty may give you the peace of mind to know you’re covered should a problem occur, nothing takes the place of routine inspections, maintenance and repairs. Find any problems at the outset and take steps to repair them quickly so they don’t turn into big problems. That’s the best way to ensure that your home or building doesn’t suffer damage due to leaks. What type of maintenance should be performed to keep roofs protected?
First, they should be inspected once or twice a year. When you get up on a ladder to clean your gutters, it’s a good time to inspect your roof. If there is any type of major storm or excessive winds, it’s a good idea to check out the roof afterwards to make sure there are no problems. Other maintenance activities include keeping drains, gutters, and surfaces free of debris, resealing joints where roofing meets walls and refastening and resealing metal flashing if needed.
