Getting a new roof is a significant investment, and it’s crucial to understand your roofing warranties. While workmanship warranties might be familiar to you, material warranties also safeguard your investment. So, what does a roofing material warranty cover? How long do they last?
In this article, we’ll outline the details of roofing material guarantees, ensuring you know what to expect. Let’s make sure you’re well-informed about your new roof!
Understanding Roofing Material Guarantees
Homeowners need to review the coverage details of roofing material guarantees, including which defective materials are included and the length of the coverage period. Many warranties for asphalt shingles offer either a prorated warranty after a specific time or a lifetime warranty that can be transferred to a new owner. This transferability can add significant value if homeowners choose to sell their homes.
Material warranties cover issues like defective materials and specific protections for wind resistance or algae resistance, while workmanship warranties protect against future problems during installation. When evaluating options, homeowners should consider the reputation of the roofing company and whether they offer enhanced warranties that cover a complete roof system. This ensures peace of mind, as the right warranty can cover roof repair costs or even replacement shingles, protecting the investment in a new roof for the long term.
Whether dealing with synthetic shingles or stylish architectural shingles, understanding these factors is important for making a wise choice in any roofing project.
Types of Roofing Material Guarantees
Material Warranty
A material warranty mainly addresses defects in roofing materials like asphalt and synthetic shingles, ensuring homeowners are safeguarded against these defects. However, it typically excludes damages caused by improper installation or severe weather.
The length of the material warranty can differ; for instance, architectural shingles often come with a standard warranty of up to 30 years, while other types may provide a lifetime warranty, which could also include extended coverage in certain situations. Homeowners should keep in mind that after a specific duration, many warranties transition to prorated terms, which means the coverage reduces over time, particularly when replacing shingles or facing future issues. When the roofing company offers an enhanced warranty, it usually incorporates improved coverage terms, offering reassurance to homeowners investing in a new roof system.
Warranties for wind resistance and algae resistance are also frequently provided by shingle manufacturers, thereby further safeguarding the roof investment.
Workmanship Warranty
The workmanship warranty addresses future issues stemming from improper installation by the roofing contractor, such as leaks or defects resulting from mistakes made during the installation. This warranty usually lasts from two to ten years, although some roofing companies may extend a lifetime warranty. Homeowners’ failure to maintain their roof or enlisting another contractor for repairs can impact its validity.
If there are concerns about whether a new roof adheres to the warranty standards,homeowners should initially contact the roofing company for evaluation. An inspection can determine if the roof falls under the workmanship warranty terms. If defective materials or installation are found, coverage for necessary repairs or replacement shingles may be provided. Having a dependable warranty offers homeowners reassurance, particularly with the knowledge that a trustworthy roofing contractor supports their work.
Furthermore, materials like asphalt and synthetic shingles typically include separate warranties from manufacturers that cover defective materials and more.
Common Features of Roofing Material Guarantees
Coverage Scope
Roofing warranties generally cover different components, including materials, workmanship, and warranties specific to asphalt and architectural shingles. These warranties shield homeowners from issues related to defective materials and workmanship. However, certain limitations apply, such as exclusions for damages from improper installation or environmental events like severe storms, which might lead to a prorated warranty.
Coverage periods can range from 25 years to a lifetime warranty, but homeowners should stay attentive to maintenance requirements, as neglect could void the warranty. Contractors with top certifications may provide enhanced warranties that address additional concerns, such as wind and algae resistance, helping to safeguard the investment against common issues.
Duration of Coverage
Roofing material warranties typically offer coverage periods ranging from 25 to 50 years, varying among shingle manufacturers and the type of roofing materials used. For instance, asphalt shingles usually come with around a 30-year warranty, while architectural shingles may offer even longer protection. Homeowners should be aware that certain factors, like using components from multiple manufacturers, may affect warranty length.
An enhanced warranty can provide greater coverage, protecting homeowners from defective materials over a longer duration. In contrast, workmanship warranties from roofing contractors generally last from 2 to 10 years, although some may extend to 25 years for exceptional contractors. This difference helps homeowners understand that while material warranties cover defects in roofing materials, workmanship warranties address future problems arising from installation errors.
Having both types of warranties gives homeowners peace of mind regarding their roof investment, ensuring that both labor and materials are protected in their roofing project.
Importance of Roofing Warranties
Roofing warranties offer homeowners protection for their roofing investments. These warranties address future issues that might arise from defective materials, assuring homeowners of their roof’s longevity. When a contractor provides a strong workmanship warranty along with a material warranty, it indicates that any problems, such as failing asphalt or synthetic shingles, will be addressed by the manufacturer or contractor without extra costs.
This reassurance alleviates concerns about expensive repairs or premature shingle replacement. Furthermore, a roofing company that offers enhanced warranties can increase a home’s resale value, as potential buyers favor the added confidence of having their investment protected.
With coverage periods often extending over decades, including lifetime or prorated options, homeowners can feel secure knowing they are protected, making their property more appealing in the market by showcasing reliability against future repairs related to wind or algae resistance.
What to Look for in a Roof Warranty
Clarification of Terms
Clear definitions in roofing material guarantees are important for homeowners to know what is protected. A material warranty from a manufacturer generally covers defective materials like asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, and synthetic shingles. In contrast, a workmanship warranty addresses future issues related to the contractor’s installation. Roofing warranties often include specific terms about their coverage periods, such as prorated warranties that lose value over time.
Ambiguity in terms can result in confusion regarding what repairs are included, leaving homeowners exposed to unexpected costs.
For example, if a wind resistance guarantee lacks a clear definition, homeowners might find out their roof investment isn’t protected after a storm. Enhanced warranties may offer better coverage, but if homeowners do not fully understand the terms, they could overlook important protections. Therefore, comprehending these terms brings peace of mind and ensures that homeowners are properly safeguarded during their roof replacement projects.
Transferability
For a roofing warranty to transfer to a new homeowner, all materials must come from a single manufacturer, and installation should be performed by a certified roofing contractor. Meeting these requirements allows for an enhanced warranty that can add considerable value by addressing future issues, potentially attracting buyers when selling the property. This transferability increases the home’s overall worth by ensuring confidence in the roofing investment.
However, there are potential drawbacks, such as the warranty being voided due to lack of maintenance, defective materials, or repairs made by an unqualified contractor. Limited coverage may also occur with prorated warranties, which decrease in value over time, affecting what new homeowners can expect. It is important to grasp the specifics of workmanship and material warranties, particularly with various roofing options like asphalt and synthetic shingles, to prevent complications later.
Top Roofing Material Guarantees in the Market
CertainTeed’s SureStart Plus
The SureStart Plus warranty provides strong protection for roof investments by covering both defective materials and contractor workmanship. Homeowners benefit from a long coverage period, typically enjoying warranties for 50 years on high-quality asphalt shingles, which is longer than many other roofing material guarantees.
This extended warranty often includes non-prorated coverage for the first decade, ensuring that if any material fails during this time, the manufacturer will cover replacement shingles fully. Homeowners gain peace of mind knowing they are protected against future problems, with enhanced coverage for wind resistance and algae resistance included. Choosing this warranty can be advantageous since it also often allows for transfer to new owners, making it a selling point when the home is listed.
This makes it easier to maintain the value of a home while ensuring that the roof system stays intact for decades, emphasizing the significance of selecting a reliable roofingcompany to install their new roof.
GAF’s Golden Pledge Warranty
The Golden Pledge Warranty provides strong coverage for both materials and workmanship, ensuring that if defective materials are found in roofing shingles, replacement shingles will be covered. This warranty also includes a contractor workmanship guarantee, giving homeowners peace of mind against future problems caused by installation errors.
In comparison to other roofing warranties, the Golden Pledge Warranty typically features a longer coverage period, often offering a lifetime warranty whenall components of the roof system are installed correctly. Homeowners should look for important features like the enhanced warranty option, which provides additional protection, such as covering all components from a single manufacturer. This means if any part fails, the entire roof can be replaced under the warranty. Homeowners should also consider if the warranty is prorated or non-prorated, as this affects the value they receive over time.
Understanding these details will help ensure their roof investment is well protected throughout the life of the roofing project. Roofing materials like architectural shingles and synthetic shingles often come with specific terms, including wind resistance and algae resistance coverage, making it important for homeowners to evaluate all details when choosing a warranty.
How to Make a Claim on Your Roof Warranty
Homeowners should gather the necessary documents like the original warranty, proof of purchase, and any records of roof repairs before starting a claim on their roof warranty. Each manufacturer outlines the process for submitting a claim, often including steps such as contacting them directly, explaining the issue, and providing the required documentation for review.
Common reasons for claim denials include improper installation by a roofing contractor, which might void the workmanship warranty, or failure to maintain roofing materials, leading to issues not covered by the material warranty.
Additionally, if homeowners use non-certified contractors or if problems occur due to defective materials outside the coverage period, claims could also be denied. Recognizing these challenges can help ensure that homeowners maintain confidence regarding their roof investment and its warranties. Roof replacement and future issues can be avoided if claims are submitted correctly and documented well, especially with more complex systems like architectural or synthetic shingles, which sometimes come with enhanced warranty options.
FAQ
What types of roofing materials typically come with guarantees?
Common roofing materials with guarantees include asphalt shingles (up to 30 years), metal roofing (lifetime warranties), and slate tiles (50 years or more). Always check manufacturer policies and consider professional installation for valid warranties.
How long do roofing material guarantees usually last?
Roofing material guarantees typically last between 20 to 50 years, depending on the type. For instance, asphalt shingles offer 20-30 years, while metal roofs can last 40-50 years. Always check the manufacturer’s warranty for specific terms and conditions.
What factors can void a roofing material guarantee?
Factors that can void a roofing material guarantee include improper installation, lack of regular maintenance, using incompatible roofing materials, severe weather damage, and making unapproved modifications. For example, failing to clear debris or ignoring leaks can lead to voiding the warranty.
What should I look for in a roofing material guarantee?
Look for a guarantee that covers both materials and workmanship, has a duration of at least 20 years, and includes protection against leaks and defects. Verify if it’s transferable and check for pro-rated depreciation terms. Examples include GAF and CertainTeed warranties.
Are there differences between a manufacturer’s warranty and a contractor’s warranty?
Yes, a manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in products for a specific period, while a contractor’s warranty typically ensures workmanship and materials used in a project. For example, if a roof leaks after installation, the contractor’s warranty may cover repairs, whereas a manufacturer’s warranty covers faulty roofing materials.
