When considering a new roof, a common question is: “What’s the warranty on asphalt shingles?” Knowing about warranties is important for safeguarding your investment. The warranty outlines what’s included and the coverage duration, providing reassurance. This article will explain the different warranty types, what they cover, and how to select the best option for your roofing project. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Asphalt Shingle Warranties
When evaluating an asphalt shingle warranty, several factors need consideration. The coverage period is important, as many shingle manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty on architectural shingles; however, this often includes a non-proration period followed by prorated coverage. For instance, if Susan had a new roof installed, she should know the duration of the warranty and its specific coverage.
Additionally, understanding the differences between workmanship warranties and material warranties is necessary, as a basic warranty may cover defective materials but not issues related to workmanship. This impacts the overall value of asphalt shingles because poor workmanship could result in storm damage or other complications that aren’t covered, leaving homeowners responsible for labor and replacement costs.
To file a claim under a roofing warranty successfully, it’s important to maintain specific documentation, such as warranty details, proof of purchase, and samples of any defectivematerials. This process can provide reassurance and protection for the original owner of the house.
What is the warranty on asphalt shingles?
A warranty on asphalt shingles, like the basic warranty, typically covers defective materials and issues related to the shingles themselves. Homeowners should know that this coverage is not unlimited; storm damage, poor workmanship, and issues from unauthorized repairs can lead to denial of claims. The standard warranty period generally spans 25 to 30 years, depending on the type of shingles selected, such as architectural shingles, and the manufacturer’s policies.
Factors like inadequate installation by roofing contractors can affect warranty validity. To keep warranties intact, homeowners should follow maintenance guidelines and schedule regular inspections. If the roof is not checked or if a different contractor is hired for repairs, the warranty might be voided. Homeowners need to stay informed about their rights under these warranties and keep documentation, such as a sample of defective materials, for any potential claims.
This assurance is important for anyone investing in a new roof, providing protection throughout the warranty coverage period.
Types of Warranties for Asphalt Shingles
Roofing Material Warranty
A warranty on asphalt shingles protects against defective materials that can impact performance. Coverage varies among manufacturers such as CertainTeed and GAF. While some provide a basic warranty, others offer enhanced options for more assurance. Homeowners should be aware that many warranties come with a non-proration period, generally around 10 years, during which full replacement costs are covered.
After this phase, coverage shifts to prorated, meaning the amount covered decreases each year.
For example, if Susan’s shingles are damaged in a storm, she needs to know that if this occurs after the initial period, the warranty may only cover a portion of the replacement cost, as it doesn’t typically address labor or installation problems. Furthermore, if a homeowner sells their house, some warranties can transfer to the new owner, potentially increasing the property’s value. It’s also important for owners to recognize that certain conditions, such as proper installation by certified roofing contractors and consistent maintenance, can influence warranty coverage from brands like IKO.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty covers issues arising from errors made during the roof installation by the contractor. If leaks or problems occur, the warranty guarantees that the contractor will resolve them at no additional cost.
Typically, roofing contractors provide this warranty for 2 to 10 years, although some may offer it for up to 25 years. To initiate a claim, the homeowner must contact the contractor for repairs. If issues continue, they may need to present evidence of the problem, document the damage, and ensure it was reported within the warranty timeframe. CertainTeed and GAF shingles often have warranties covering defective materials, and homeowners should note that some warranties may become prorated after an initial period, meaning the coverage diminishes over time.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
A Limited Lifetime Warranty for asphalt shingles covers defects in materials and workmanship. If the shingles fail due to manufacturing flaws, the manufacturer will repair or replace them. This warranty often includes a non-proration period, usually around 10 years, during which it fully covers both materials and labor costs.
After this initial period, coverage becomes prorated, meaning the manufacturer will cover a decreasing percentage of costs based on the shingles’ age, leaving homeowners responsible for more expenses over time. To keep the warranty valid, homeowners must ensure proper installation by certified roofing contractors, perform routine maintenance, and register the warranty.
Typically, damage from storms or improper installation isn’t covered, emphasizing the need for homeowners, like Susan, to be aware of those limitations. Compared to basic warranties, Limited Lifetime Warranties may offer more comprehensive protection but differ in their coverage commitment, as higher-level warranties can extend non-prorated periods. Roofing contractors and manufacturers provide distinct warranties with varying terms and conditions, thereby affecting the reliability of roofing materials, including architectural shingles from brands such as GAF or IKO.
Pro-rated Warranty
The value of a pro-rated warranty on asphalt shingles, like those from major manufacturers, depends on several factors, including the warranty period and specific terms outlined in the contract. After the non-proration period, commonly lasting around ten years, the warranty shifts to prorated coverage. This means that if a homeowner encounters defective materials, they’ll receive only a fraction of the cost for replacement materials based on the remaining lifespan of the shingles.
This affects the homeowner’s financial responsibility significantly, as they may incur labor costs or additional expenses beyond what the warranty covers.
For example, Susan, who initially had a non-prorated warranty, might see her replacement coverage sharply reduced after a decade, leading to more out-of-pocket expenses during a storm. Full warranty coverage usually offers complete financial protection during the initial years, while prorated warranties may leave homeowners at risk since they are calculated based on years of service, resulting in less compensation for damages compared to higher level warranties.
Factors Influencing Asphalt Shingle Warranties
Quality of Materials
Shingle manufacturers maintain quality by adhering to strict standards and conducting rigorous testing for their roofing materials, such as architectural shingles. This testing ensures that these shingles can endure storm conditions and resist damage over time. The quality of the materials significantly influences both the longevity and performance of the roofing system. Higher quality shingles often provide impressive warranty coverage, giving homeowners more confidence in their investment.
For instance, a lifetime warranty on roofing materials indicates they are well-constructed, frequently surpassing typical expectations for durability. Roofing contractors who use high-quality materials, particularly those certified by reputable shingle manufacturers, generally offer workmanship warranties that support their installation efforts. These warranties may vary from basic coverage to extended warranties with longer protection periods.
In situations involving defective materials, a homeowner, like Susan, may need to supply a sample to claim warranty coverage for a roof replacement, highlighting the importance of selecting quality materials throughout the process. The protection offered by these warranties features non-prorated coverage during the initial warranty period, ensuring the original owner is fully protected against defects.
Installation Process
The quality of the installation process significantly affects the warranty coverage for asphalt shingles. A roofing contractor’s workmanship is important because limited workmanship warranties often cover mistakes made during installation. If the shingles are installed incorrectly, the material warranty won’t cover the defective products.
For example, Susan discovered that her storm-damaged shingles were under a prorated warranty, but the labor wasn’t covered due to poor installation by her contractor. Certain installation practices should include using the right cement, ensuring adequate ventilation, and following the guidelines set by shingle manufacturers like IKO and GAF. To ensure that a roofing contractor is following these practices, homeowners can check if the contractor has a good reputation for proper installation. They can also ask for documentation or references from previous projects that demonstrate compliance with warranty requirements.
This diligence gives homeowners assurance that their new roof will be protected under the warranty, whether it’s for materials or workmanship, throughout its coverage period.
Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can significantly affect the lifespan of asphalt shingles and their warranties. Different shingles offer varying levels of resilience; therefore, intense storms might cause damage that certain warranties do not cover. If Susan’s roof, using architectural shingles, faces high winds or hail, the storm damage may not satisfy the requirements of her manufacturer warranties.
Coverage periods typically have non-prorated coverage for the first few years, but afterward, warranties might switch to prorated coverage based on the shingles’ age.
For example, defects in roofing materials resulting from severe weather events are generally restricted by the basic warranty, like IKO or Certainteed.
Common Terms Related to Shingle Warranties
Manufacturer’s Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty for asphalt shingles provides specific coverage for defects in roofing materials from certain brands.
For example, it guarantees repairs or replacements during the non-proration period, typically about 10 years, covering both labor and materials fully. After this period, homeowners experience prorated coverage, which means they receive reduced costs based on usage. There are limitations as well; common exclusions include damage from storms or improper installation, which can impact warranty claims related to workmanship. For instance, if Susan’s roof had failed due to a storm, the manufacturer’s warranty wouldn’t cover those damages. The warranty’s effectiveness largely depends on whether certified roofing contractors installed the shingles correctly and whether routine maintenance was carried out to keep the roof in good condition. The warranty coverage period usually lasts between 25 to 50 years, but various factors can affect that.
Opting for higher-levelwarranties often improves original protections. In the case of IKO or GAF, a homeowner can transfer the warranties only to the next owner of the house, providing additional peace of mind for anyone investing in a new roof system.
Installation Guarantee
The installation guarantee usually covers problems resulting from the roofing contractors’ workmanship, including errors made while installing roofing materials like shingles. If a problem arises, such as leaks or defects due to poor installation, the contractor is responsible for repairs or replacements, offering homeowners reassurance. This workmanship warranty typically lasts for a limited time, often between 2 to 10 years, depending on the contractor and the type of roof system.
For homeowners like Susan, if defects occur after this time frame, they may need to look to manufacturer warranties for defective materials. These warranties, such as those from shingle manufacturers like GAF or CertainTeed, can provide coverage for up to 30 years and may be prorated after their initial non-proration period, which means the homeowner could receive partial reimbursement for the cost of materials if repairs are needed and the warranty remains valid.
However, any issues related to the contractor’s workmanship will be addressed under their warranty during the coverage period.
What is the warranty on asphalt shingles? Key Takeaways
Warranties on asphalt shingles offer important protection for roofing projects, covering defective materials and workmanship. Material warranties typically last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, depending on the shingle manufacturer, such as Certainteed or IKO, and they vary in terms of coverage. Higher-level warranties may provide more extensive benefits compared to a basic warranty, often including a non-proration period where homeowners receive full coverage.
After this initial period, warranties become prorated, meaning lesser coverage for claims, which can significantly affect future costs when a replacement is needed. Workmanship warranties, provided by roofing contractors, are important in protecting against installation errors that might lead to leaks or other damage. The duration of these workmanship warranties can vary, generally lasting from 2 to 10 years.
For peace of mind, homeowners should consider both the non-proration period for a material warranty and the reputation of roofing contractors to ensure quality installations. Storms can challenge even the best shingles, so understanding the coverage details can help homeowners like Susan navigate potential roof issues with her new roof efficiently.
Choosing the Right Roofing Warranties
Reputable Manufacturers
Homeowners should consider the reputation and reliability of shingle manufacturers when selecting asphalt shingles. Reputable manufacturers, like CertainTeed and GAF, offer clear and helpful warranties, which provide peace of mind regarding roofing projects. Their warranties typically include a non-prorated coverage period, ensuring that replacement materials remain free from defects for a set time.
In contrast, lesser-known brands may provide basic warranties that lack the same depth of coverage. Customer feedback and industry reputation matter, as positive reviews often reflect a manufacturer’s commitment to quality. Knowing what past customers experienced can guide homeowners toward choosing brands that stand behind their roofing materials and workmanship warranties.
For example, if Susan found that her new roof’s shingles from a well-regarded manufacturer performed well in storm conditions, this strengthens the credibility of those manufacturers. A solid roof warranty, whether it’s a material warranty or contractor workmanship warranty, typically indicates that the company values its customers and takes responsibility for defective materials or installation errors.
Reading the Fine Print
Homeowners need to review the terms and conditions in roofing warranties, particularly regarding the coverage period and any exclusions.
For example, most basic warranties on asphalt shingles cover the materials but may not include defects from poor workmanship, which relate to the skills of the roofing contractor. Some companies like CertainTeed and GAF may provide a lifetime warranty, but these often have a non-proration period of about 10 years, after which coverage becomes prorated, meaning homeowners might incur a higher cost for replacement materials later. Limitations, such as damage from storms or improper installation, can greatly influence the assurance the warranty offers. To avoid surprises, homeowners should read the fine print carefully, ask the installer about specific coverage details, and recognize how the warranty could impact their roofing project in the future. A sample of defective materials may be required for claims, so maintaining records is also important.
Claims Process for Asphalt Shingle Warranties
Documentation Required
When filing a warranty claim for asphalt shingles, specific documentation is required. Homeowners often need to provide proof of the installation date, typically found in the contract with a roofing contractor or in the invoice from the shingle manufacturer. Documentation should also include a sample of the defective shingles, as well as photos of any storm damage that caused the issue.
To organize the necessary documents effectively, individuals can maintain a dedicated folder containing all relevant papers linked to the roofing project, such as warranties, receipts, and inspection reports. For some roofing materials, time-sensitive documents must accompany claims, including proof of regular maintenance performed on the roof system within the warranty period. This helps ensure the warranty coverage remains valid.
Additionally, roofing warranties often have a non-proration period where full replacement cost applies, so understanding all coverage details is important for peace of mind, especially when dealing with certain materials like architectural shingles from shingle manufacturers such as CertainTeed and GAF, or basic warranty coverage from IKO.
Timeline for Claims
To start a claim on an asphalt shingle warranty, the homeowner, like Susan, needs to contact the roofing contractor or the manufacturer directly, usually by providing a sample of the defective shingles and details about the installation. This step can take a few days. Once the claim is submitted, the warranty provider typically takes about 30 days to review and respond.
It’s important to remember that there may be specific deadlines to submit a claim, often within the warranty coverage period after the issue arises. Missing these deadlines could result in a denial of the claim. The warranty coverage, whether it’s a material warranty from CertainTeed or a workmanship warranty from GAF, requires that the original owner files for any replacement or repairs due to defective materials. Homeowners must stay updated with their roofing project and follow through to ensure they receive the necessary protection and peace of mind.
Deadlines vary by shingle manufacturers like IKO and can impact the overall warranty coverage significantly.
FAQ
What is the typical warranty period for asphalt shingles?
The typical warranty period for asphalt shingles ranges from 20 to 50 years. For example, standard 3-tab shingles often have a 20-30 year warranty, while architectural shingles may come with 30-50 years. Always check specific manufacturer warranties for detailed coverage.
Are there different types of warranties for asphalt shingles?
Yes, there are different types of warranties for asphalt shingles, including manufacturer’s limited warranty, prorated warranty, and extended warranty. For example, a limited warranty may cover defects for a specific period, while an extended warranty provides additional coverage for labor and installation. Always read details before purchase.
What does a standard asphalt shingle warranty cover?
A standard asphalt shingle warranty typically covers manufacturing defects, such as premature granule loss and leaks, for a specified period, often 20-50 years. It may also include a prorated coverage after a certain period. Always review specific warranty details for exceptions and requirements like proper installation.
How can I file a warranty claim for my asphalt shingles?
To file a warranty claim for your asphalt shingles, contact your roofing manufacturer’s customer service. Prepare your purchase receipt, installation details, and photographs of the damage. For example, if you have GAF shingles, visit their website for specific guidelines or call their support line directly.
Do asphalt shingle warranties transfer to new homeowners?
Yes, asphalt shingle warranties often transfer to new homeowners, but terms vary by manufacturer. Check with the manufacturer for specific transfer procedures and any required documentation. For example, some may require proof of installation or a fee to complete the transfer.
