When buying a new roof, you need to protect your home and your wallet with a good understanding of roof warranties. A common type of warranty for roofing materials, particularly asphalt shingles, is the basic limited lifetime warranty, which covers defects in materials for as long as the homeowner owns the property. These warranties give you peace of mind by covering defects in materials and workmanship, but not all warranties are created equal. Knowing the differences will save you from costly surprises down the road.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about roof warranties and how working with an experienced Greenville roofer will get you the best coverage and long-term protection for your home.
Roofing warranties come in several forms and are essential protections for homeowners, covering different levels of material and workmanship defects, so it’s important to know the differences before you choose the right coverage for your home.
Manufacturer warranties cover defects that occur during the manufacturing process. These warranties are provided by the company that makes the roofing materials and covers issues like faulty shingles or material failure. The coverage duration varies, 20 to 50 years is standard, and extended warranties are available when installed by certified contractors. But keep in mind these warranties only cover the cost of replacing defective materials, not the labor to repair or replace.
A roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty focuses on the installation, not the materials, and covers issues caused by improper installation like leaks or material failure. The length of a workmanship warranty can vary greatly, from 2 years to 25 years or even a lifetime in some cases. Homeowners should look for contractors that offer at least a 10-year workmanship warranty, as this reflects the contractor’s confidence in their skills and commitment to customer satisfaction, providing ample protection for homeowners.
System warranties offer the most coverage by combining material and workmanship into one package. An extended warranty provides additional coverage when roofs are installed by certified contractors. These warranties are offered by the roofing material manufacturers and require all components of the roof system to be from the same brand. System warranties cover a lot, if any part of the system fails, the manufacturer will cover the material and labor costs of the entire roof. This type of warranty is great for homeowners who want total peace of mind but is usually contingent on using certified contractors and approved materials.
Knowing the difference between pro-rated and non-pro-rated warranties is important to understand how your roof’s coverage will change over time and what kind of financial protection you’ll have. A standard roofing warranty typically includes both pro-rated and non-pro-rated options, providing homeowners with a comprehensive understanding of their coverage.
Pro-rated warranties cover less over time. During the early years of the warranty, you’ll get full or near full coverage for material defects. As the roof ages, the amount the manufacturer will cover will decrease. By the later years of the warranty, the payout will only cover a small percentage of the replacement or repair cost. This type of warranty is common and seen in standard roofing material warranties where the coverage is front-loaded and decreases over time.
Non-pro-rated warranties cover full coverage for the entire warranty period. This means if a defect occurs within the warranty term, the manufacturer will cover the full cost of the material no matter the age of the roof. Non-pro-rated warranties are seen in premium or enhanced warranty packages and give homeowners more peace of mind by having consistent coverage throughout the life of the warranty. These are great for long-term homeowners who want dependable protection.
A roof warranty has specific exclusions that limit coverage, so homeowners should be aware of these common conditions to avoid voiding their warranty. Choosing a reputable roofing company can help avoid issues related to warranty exclusions.
Roof warranties usually exclude damage from natural events like earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other acts of nature. These are considered force majeure and are usually covered by the homeowner’s insurance and not by the roof warranty. Homeowners should not assume their roof warranty will cover severe weather damage and should review their insurance policy to make sure they are covered.
Fire damage is another common exclusion in roof warranties. Like acts of nature, fire damage is not a defect in the material or workmanship and is not covered by most standard warranties. Fire protection should be covered by the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Any repairs or modifications done without the approval of the original installer or manufacturer will void a roof warranty. This includes installing satellite dishes, solar panels, or other equipment that penetrates the roof. Homeowners should consult their contractors before making any modifications to ensure the warranty is still valid.
Neglecting to maintain the roof will also void the warranty. This includes not cleaning gutters, allowing debris to accumulate, or ignoring signs of wear and tear. Regular maintenance is key to keeping the warranty intact and to preventing damage to the roof.
If a roofing system is installed by a contractor not certified by the manufacturer, the warranty may be voided. Manufacturers usually require certified contractors to install their products to ensure that the installation meets their standards. Homeowners should check if their contractor is authorized to do the work under the manufacturer’s warranty terms.
Choosing the right roof warranty requires thinking long-term, contractor qualifications, and specific coverage options to make sure your investment is fully covered.
Before choosing a roof warranty, consider how long you will be living in your home. If you will be living in the property for a long time, investing in a more comprehensive warranty like a non-pro-rated or system warranty may be better for long-term protection. If you will be selling in a few years, a transferable warranty can be a selling point.
The quality is tied to the roofing contractor who installs the roof. Make sure your roofing contractor is certified by the manufacturer to install the specific roofing system you choose. This certification not only qualifies you for extended warranties but also ensures the installation meets the manufacturer’s standards to prevent issues that will void the warranty.
It’s important to understand what’s covered and for how long. Compare material, workmanship, and system warranties. Look for exclusions, limitations, and conditions that will affect your coverage. Make sure the warranty covers both materials and labor for a certain period and doesn’t prorate too soon.
If you want extra peace of mind, consider an enhanced roofing warranty. Enhanced roofing warranties usually provide longer coverage periods and more comprehensive protection, including non-pro-rated coverage for both materials and labor. These warranties require the entire roofing system to be from a single manufacturer and installed by a certified contractor. Although they may cost more, enhanced warranties give homeowners long-term security.
If you’re ready to protect your home with a reliable roof warranty and expert installation, trust the professionals at Lanier Roofing. A roof workmanship warranty ensures protection against poor installation, giving you peace of mind. Our experienced team will help you navigate your warranty options and ensure your roof is built to last.
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