Understanding Roofing Warranties: What You Need to Know
Your roof is a significant investment in your home’s protection and value, and it’s only natural that you want peace of mind regarding its durability and performance. Roofing warranties play a crucial role in ensuring that your investment is secure, and understanding the terms and conditions of these warranties is essential. As a trusted roofing company, we’re here to provide you with insights into roofing warranties and what you need to know to make informed decisions about your roofing project.
1. Types of Roofing Warranties
There are typically two main types of warranties associated with roofing:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: This warranty covers the roofing materials themselves and is provided by the manufacturer. It ensures that the materials are free from defects and meet certain quality standards. Manufacturer warranties can vary in duration, often ranging from 20 to 50 years or more, depending on the type of roofing material.
Workmanship Warranty: Also known as an installation warranty, this warranty is offered by the roofing contractor and covers the quality of the installation work. Workmanship warranties can range from a few years to a decade or more, depending on the contractor.
2. What’s Covered and What’s Not
It’s crucial to carefully read and understand what is covered and what is not covered by your roofing warranties. Common items that may be covered include:
Material defects: Manufacturer warranties typically cover defects in roofing materials.
Installation errors: Workmanship warranties may cover issues arising from poor installation practices by the contractor.
Roof leaks: Depending on the warranty, roof leaks resulting from covered issues may be eligible for repairs or replacements.
However, it’s equally important to be aware of what might not be covered:
Acts of nature: Most warranties do not cover damage caused by extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes.
Negligence or lack of maintenance: Failure to properly maintain the roof or perform routine inspections may void certain warranties.
Unauthorized repairs or modifications: Making changes or repairs without the manufacturer’s or contractor’s approval can nullify warranties.
3. Transferability
Consider whether the roofing warranty is transferable if you plan to sell your home. A transferable warranty can add value to your property by providing the new homeowners with roofing coverage. Many manufacturer warranties are transferable, but workmanship warranties may not be. Check the terms to ensure you understand the transferability of your warranty.
4. Regular Inspections and Maintenance
To keep your roofing warranties valid, it’s often a requirement to perform regular inspections and maintenance. This includes:
Annual Inspections: Schedule annual roof inspections to identify and address any potential issues promptly.
Documentation: Maintain records of inspections and maintenance, including receipts and reports, to prove that you’ve fulfilled your warranty obligations.
5. Choose a Reputable Contractor
Selecting a reputable roofing contractor is essential to ensure that your warranties are honored. A qualified contractor should be certified by the roofing material manufacturer, have a strong track record of quality workmanship, and provide clear, written warranties for their services.
Conclusion
Roofing warranties provide valuable protection for your investment in a new roof. To make the most of these warranties, it’s crucial to understand their terms and conditions, perform regular inspections and maintenance, and choose a trustworthy roofing contractor. At Marathon Roofing, we’re committed to providing top-notch roofing solutions and transparent warranties to ensure your peace of mind and the long-term performance of your roof.