How Do Roofing Warranties Work?

Written by Masie Pitchard

Installing, renovating, and replacing your residential or commercial roofing is an expensive undertaking. It isn’t just the material that is expensive, but also the labor and time involved that can all add to the final cost. Therefore, it is important that when repairing, replacing, or installing new roofing, you always inquire about the type of roofing warranties being offered and what they cover.

There are two types of roofing warranties: Manufacturer Warranties and Workmanship Warranties. Manufacturer warranties typically last anywhere from 20-50 years. Workmanship warranties protect against workmanship and installation errors and generally last 1-2 years. Roofing warranties vary in terms of the coverage and protection they offer, based on the manufacturer or roofing contractor you choose.

There is a lot more to choosing a roofing warranty that is best suited for your roofing project. To better understand how roofing warranties work and what things you should be looking out for when trying to find the best roofing warranty near you, you have landed at the right place.

Types of Roofing Warranties & How They Work

There are two types of roofing warranties that you should be concerned with. These are:

1. Manufacturer warranties
2. Workmanship warranties

Manufacturer Warranties
Most manufacturer warranties only replace defective materials, leaving you responsible for labor charges to remove and install replacements.

During the initial period, manufacturers will cover the cost of replacing defective shingles, including labor for installation. However, tear-off and disposal of the faulty shingles are not included in this coverage. As the warranty enters the prorated period, you'll receive only a portion of the cost or fewer replacement shingles.

It's crucial to note that these standard manufacturer warranties only protect against factory defects. They won't cover issues arising from installation mistakes or problems with other roofing components like underlayment, flashing, or ventilation. Those components may have individual warranties against defects, depending on the manufacturer.

To ensure complete protection, consider hiring a roofing contractor that offers a full system warranty that covers both materials and workmanship for a specific period. This way, you can rest assured that your investment is safeguarded from all angles.

Stay informed, and your roof will thank you in the long run!

Workmanship Warranties
When it comes to roofing, the amount of experience your contractor has can make all the difference in the world. Reputable and skilled roofers take pride in their work and back each installation with a valuable workmanship warranty. However, the question remains what exactly does this warranty entail?

The length of a workmanship warranty can vary widely from one contractor to another, with some offering lifetime coverage while others offer a couple of years only. Apart from the duration, the true essence of a good workmanship warranty lies in its ability to protect you against material failures caused by worker errors or improper installation techniques, regardless of the coverage term.

A workmanship warranty typically covers the cost of labor and materials needed for essential repairs, which takes off a lot of burden from your shoulders. Additionally, it goes the extra mile by also covering damage to your home's interior like the furnishings you got done over the years and your beloved personal belongings.

On the other hand, certain exclusions do come with this sort of warranty.

Contractor warranties usually exclude issues not related to their installation workmanship, such as storm and high wind damage, water damage from ice dams, damages resulting from alterations made after installation, harm caused by foot traffic, and leaks triggered by falling tree limbs or debris.

Remember, a contractor's credentials and commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction should take precedence over any warranty claim.

Before hiring a roofing contractor, be sure to thoroughly view their reputation, track record, and level of experience. All this information will be handy in the long run.

How Do Lifetime Roofing Warranties Work?

Many modern asphalt shingles come with an alluring lifetime warranty, promising protection for as long as you own your beloved home. But here's the catch - within that lifetime guarantee, there's a specific non-prorated period, usually around 10 years. During this initial decade, you're fully covered in case of any issues. However, once those 10 years pass, things change.

Pay attention because this is where it gets crucial: Beyond the initial period, you might be required to share a portion of the replacement cost, and the amount is determined based on the age of the shingles. So, it's not entirely carefree!

For your peace of mind and to make an informed decision, make sure to read the warranty carefully, cover to cover.

Is Hail Damage Covered By Roofing Warranties?

One common concern among homeowners is whether hail damage is covered by their roofing warranty.

Well, the answer depends on the manufacturer's materials warranty. In most cases, regular warranties do not cover hail damage. But fret not! Your homeowner's insurance policy should step in to cover any hail-related damages unless it's specifically excluded.

Some manufacturers also offer impact-resistant roofing materials, and if your roof is equipped with these, you're in luck! In the event of hail damage, these forward-thinking manufacturers will have your back and cover the repairs or replacements free of cost!

Don't take chances with your roof's protection. Stay informed about your warranty and insurance coverage, and opt for impact-resistant materials to ensure peace of mind, especially if you live in an area that is prone to high winds and hailstorms.

What Is Not Included In Roofing Warranties?

It is not a surprise that, like homeowner's policies, roof warranties also have limitations. This means there are some things they might not cover. Thus, It is important to know these exclusions because they could make your roof shingle warranty invalid.

These exclusions include damage to your home's structure or belongings, standing water damage, natural disasters like earthquakes, tornadoes, lightning strikes, storm damage, fire damage, improper roof cleaning, negligence, and improperly installed solar systems and satellite dishes.

Stay attentive when it comes to such things, and also make sure you understand these exclusions to protect your roofing investment. Knowing what's covered and what's not will give you clarity and a better understanding of what to expect from your roofing warranties.

Top Tip: Warranty Registration
After considering and finalizing the company you want to hire, make sure to double-check the warranty requirements. This entails finding out exactly when your warranty is valid and understanding the terms of its coverage.

Make sure you get a written warranty and receipts from the manufacturer or roofing contractor you deal with. Keep the receipts and warranty card safe. It will come in handy should you ever need to make a claim.

How To Choose A Reputable Residential/Commercial Roofing Company?

When it comes to roofing companies, there are a lot of options available in the market. From local contractors to national chains, customers have plenty of companies to choose from.

While having options is great, it can make things tricky when it comes to finalizing who to go with.

As a rule of thumb, it is always recommended to look for roofing contractors that have great reviews, proven track records, and plenty of experience.

While finding the lowest estimate is important, what’s more important is finding a reputable and trusted roofing contractor that has the proper licensing, permits, insurance, and tools to carry out the project at hand.

Make sure to ask around your friends and colleagues if they have previously hired a roofing company and what their experience was like. Also, ask for references and speak to previous customers of the company that you are considering hiring.

Remember, roofing services are expensive, and you want to find the best deal and service out there. As such, always do your due diligence and, if possible, only look to hire a roofing contractor that offers a comprehensive manufacturer’s full system warranty.

While it may cost you a bit more, this warranty covers both materials as well as workmanship for a certain period helping you protect your investment and giving you peace of mind.

What Are ‘Ventilation Requirements’ In Roofing Warranties?

One of the misconceptions that people have about roofing longevity is that it is poor materials that result in damage. This is far from the truth.

In most cases, roofing damage occurs as a result of people ignoring the steps that could potentially damage their roofing and reduce its useful life.

One such step is having adequate ventilation. Roofing warranties have specific ventilation requirements that have to be maintained for the warranty to remain valid.

When it comes to roofing, it is crucial to have proper ventilation. The better ventilation and drainage your roofing has, the longer it will last.

Adequate roof ventilation helps prevent moisture and mold buildup. It can also protect against premature wear and tear. Not maintaining ventilation or making modifications to your roofing that affect its ventilation can result in your roofing warranty becoming void.

Therefore, it is essential that before you do any sort of roof repair or renovation work, you always check with your roofing warranty to ensure that the project doesn’t compromise the terms of your roofing warranty. Otherwise, you will be left unprotected in case of a claim.

The Different Types of Cost Coverage For Roofing Warranties

The following are three types of cost coverage:

Original Cost Coverage
When you’re availing an original cost warranty, the manufacturer only covers the repair cost up to the total amount of the original purchase. While this type of warranty does provide some protection, it might not fully cover all the expenses in case of major damage or structural issues that arise in the future.

Prorated Coverage
This type of warranty diminishes in value with time. As time passes, the amount of coverage you get decreases in value. Initially, this coverage can look cost-effective, but it is less reliable when it comes to the long run.

No Dollar Limit coverage
This is the most considered option. This type of warranty is also referred to as a non-prorated warranty. This is the closest thing to a full-coverage warranty that you can find for roofing, as the manufacturer or roofing company will cover all costs to repair your roofing system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) Do roofing warranties cover hail damage and other natural disasters?
Usually, standard roofing warranties do not cover damage caused by natural disasters like hail, earthquakes, fires, and tornadoes. Homeowner's insurance policies often handle these types of damages.

However, some manufacturers offer impact-resistant roofing materials that can be covered under the warranty if damaged during a hail event.

Q) Are all roofing warranties the same in terms of type and duration?
Roofing warranties can vary significantly based on the type of warranty and its duration. There are two main types of warranties: material warranties and workmanship warranties. Material warranties cover defects in the roofing materials, while workmanship warranties address installation and repair errors.

The duration of these warranties can range from a few years to a lifetime. It's crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions of each warranty to understand its coverage and limitations.

Q) Can roofing warranties be transferred if I sell my home?
Some roofing warranties are transferable, meaning they can be passed on to the next homeowner if you sell your house within the warranty period. However, there are often specific terms and conditions for the transfer, such as time limits and potential fees. Transferring the warranty can be quite beneficial for new homeowners and can sweeten the pot when it comes to closing the sale.

Q) How long do roofing warranties last?
Normally the time duration depends on and varies from contractor to contractor. Warranties can last for as low as 1 year to 25 years or more, depending on the manufacturer or contractor you do with. If you are lucky, you can find companies that even offer lifetime warranties in your area. The more you shop around, the better warranty terms you will likely find.

Final Thoughts

Roofing warranties play a vital role in safeguarding your roofing investment. Understanding the different types of warranties, their coverage, and maintenance requirements can help you immensely when it comes to making a more informed decision about which manufacturer or contractor to side with that offers the best value.

By shopping around and getting various estimates, you can have a much better idea of the cost and warranty terms available for the roofing job you have in mind. Always make sure to review the terms and conditions carefully, and you'll be well-prepared to face any roofing challenges with confidence!