Roof warranties exist to manage expectations and outline all details about an installation project in writing, protecting all parties involved (the homeowner, contractor and manufacturer).
Understanding the basics of manufacturer and workmanship warranties can save you money in the long run. Understanding what constitutes these policies may seem confusing at first, but understanding them could save you hundreds in the future.
What is a Warrantor?
Warranty plans provide protection for both manufacturer defects and installation errors by roofing contractors.
When selecting a roofer, inquire about their warranty offerings. A reputable roofing firm should offer both workmanship and material warranties to protect you when hiring them.
Warranty coverage length can differ among manufacturers; “lifetime” guarantees may mean different things for each business.
Good manufacturers typically include transferable labor warranties that allow homeowners to pass it onto new homeowners should they sell their home, while contractors who advertise “lifetime” warranties without adequate labor coverage often advertise “lifetime” warranties with little coverage at all. Read the fine print carefully! And then choose wisely.
What is a Warrantor for?
A roofing warranty acts as an insurance policy for the homeowner to cover repairs and replacement of their roof. Reputable contractors usually include some form of warranty in their service package; if one doesn’t exist then look elsewhere; most standard warranties will void if proper roof maintenance is not carried out by someone approved by the manufacturer and not the home owner themselves.
Material or shingle warranties are among the most frequently purchased roof warranties, often provided by manufacturers themselves and typically lasting anywhere between 20-50 years of coverage. While this warranty doesn’t protect against improper installation (workmanship), but does cover materials themselves.
What is a Warrantor Limitation?
Roof warranties can have limitations that impact their value, such as misuse or abuse to the roofing system, natural disasters deemed Acts of God and lack of regular maintenance. Therefore, it’s essential that any roofing job be subject to an official contract and understand what its conditions are before proceeding with any work on a roof.
Another factor that can erode warranties is the contractor performing changes or repairs on a roof. Some contractors insist on their warranty remaining valid if they perform all inspection and repair work themselves; this practice constitutes an act of extortion which should not be tolerated. Furthermore, manufacturers sometimes limit transferability.
What is a Warrantor Transferrable?
Roof warranties can provide both parties involved with an opportunity for expectation management and clarity on expectations, rules, and procedures that help all involved parties. For example, if your area experiences high wind speeds then a contractor should offer a warranty that addresses this risk by specifying which shingles to use and their lifespans.
Reputable roofers offer two warranties, the manufacturer’s material warranty and workmanship warranty. The latter promises that any mistakes during installation will be rectified at no cost to you and that these warranties can even be transferred onto new owners when selling a home.
