If your roof was damaged following a storm or passed its life and needs to be replaced, it can be difficult. When the work is completed and you feel that you can breathe again, you can begin looking at the future. What are the best ways to safeguard this investment? If there is an issue with the product or a mishap during the installation process, a roofing warranty will protect you.

The roofing installation, as well as the roofing shingles themselves, are covered by a variety of types of warranties that work in the same direction to protect your investment as well as your home. These are everything you need to be aware of.

Manufacturer vs. Roof Warranties of Contractors

There are two roofing warranty types that usually apply: the manufacturer's warranty and the contractor's warranty. The first comes from the roofing company that installed the roof, and the other is from the company that manufactures roof materials. Both warranties should cover all aspects of the new roof, from installation to parts and labor.

Warranty from the Manufacturer: This warranty provided by the manufacturer covers your roof from damage to the roofing material. The warranty offered by the manufacturer can last between 20 to 50 years, dependent on the type of material. The warranty is not negotiable, and it is imperative that the homeowner and the contractor examine all terms and conditions.

Warranty for Workmanship or Contractor: This kind of warranty is provided by the roofing contractor that you work with and guarantees their craftsmanship in the process of installation. These usually last for two to five years. Warranty for roofing contractors is often adjustable to better suit your specific needs. Even if issues with work develop after the roofing company's warranty has expired, a reputable contractor could provide assistance.

The Essential Elements of a Roof: The Elements of a Warranty

The two types of roofing warranties are required to be presented in thorough documents that are available for review in the clearest language you can. These documents should outline the parts covered by the agreement, as well as the length of the warranty and the procedure for addressing problems.

Although the specific conditions that you'll receive from your roof warranty differ based on the manufacturer and contractor, here's an overview of the things you should expect to find.

• Installation techniques
• System performance
• The roof is finished and looks great
• Transferability of warranty

Exclusions from the typical roof warranty:

• Hail damage
• Standing water
• Damage that is consequential, such as roofing repairs that are not done correctly and alterations
• Homeowners' efforts to get rid of the snow and ice from their property
• Acts of God

A note on roof leaks: Most roofing warranties cover both labor and material expenses to repair roof leaks; however, the circumstances play a part. If the leak is the result of improper installation, it will be covered by the warranty of your contractor. However, if the cause is an extreme storm, fire, earthquake, or vandalism, the standard warranty won't take care of the damages. Consult with your contractor regarding the coverage of your warranty and also any other weather conditions that could affect your region. For example, if you are in an area that is impacted by hurricanes, you should discuss the wind speeds included in your warranty.

Examining Warranty Covers for Roofing

How can you tell whether a warranty is the best choice for you? The first step to evaluate the validity of a roof warranty is to carefully read the terms. Roof warranties can differ so vastly, and it can be easy to get confused. To understand the meaning of these terms, we suggest homeowners look over warranty terms with their roofing company. A reliable roofing contractor will answer your questions, provide information on the different warranties offered by the manufacturer, and provide explanations of the language you are unable to comprehend.