Learn the difference between standard and extended roofing warranties and workmanship warranties.

A new roof is a significant investment. It’s easy to get distracted by comparing different roofing shingles grades and choosing the best profile and color for your home. It is vital to ensure that you have adequate warranty protection.

Roof warranties can be overwhelmingly complicated. 

Understanding your coverage options is essential to making informed decisions about the material and installer.

Understanding the basics of roofing warranties

There may be many warranties available for roofing. However, there are only three main types.

• The standard manufacturer warranty covers products purchased
• A workmanship warranty provided by your contractor covers the installation
• An extended manufacturer’s warranty which covers contractor workmanship and provides additional coverage for the products

We’ll take a closer look at each type of coverage and explain what it all means in practice.

Manufacturers’ Standard Warranties

Most roofing shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty. This is the industry standard. A lifetime warranty typically guarantees that you will be covered if your house still stands. The manufacturer will determine your coverage. This aspect can vary depending on the manufacturer.

• Most manufacturer warranties cover only the cost of defective materials. Labor costs for removing and disposing of the damaged shingles and installing new ones are your responsibility.
• Manufacturers usually cover the cost of replacing faulty shingles within the first few years and then offer prorated coverage. If shingles are found defective within the first year, the manufacturer will replace them. The labor cost to replace the shingles is included in the initial range. However, it does not include the fees of tearing off or disposing of the shingles. If there is a failure within the prorated period, you will only receive a fraction of what it costs or a lower amount of new shingles.
• These industry-wide warranties only cover defects at the factory. These warranties do not cover shingles that are damaged during installation. These components may be covered by individual warranties depending on the manufacturer.

Warranties for Contractor Workmanship

Your roofing’s performance and longevity are directly affected by the contractor who installs it. Therefore, only highly skilled and reliable roofers will stand behind every job with a workmanship guarantee. 

This warranty’s length can vary depending on the contractor. However, some provide lifetime coverage. A more extended warranty period may be better. Still, an excellent workmanship warranty will safeguard you from material failures due to worker errors or poor installation techniques, regardless of coverage duration.

Most warranties cover the cost and materials required to repair the home. These warranties also cover damage to your personal effects and furnishings.

Contractor warranties usually do not cover issues not related to the installation of their craft.

• Storm, high winds, and impact damage
• Water damage due to ice dams
• If the roof is damaged after installation
• Damage due to foot traffic
• Leaks due to fallen tree limbs and wind-driven debris

Consider factors such as the length of a contractor’s tenure, their track record in quality work, and customer satisfaction. These are all important to consider when hiring a contractor such as Roofing Repair Milford MA.

Extended Manufacturer Warranty = Comprehensive Coverage

The direct relationship between the quality installation and the longevity of roofing products is something that leading manufacturers know well. As a result, they offer an optional extended warranty for homeowners who have their roofs installed by licensed contractors who are certified to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Extended warranties are commonly available at an additional cost. They require that a complete roof system be installed. This aspect includes certain coordinating elements such as:

• Water and ice barriers
• Sublayment
• Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles
• Soffit vents and ridge vents
• Field and starter shingles

Credible manufacturers offer the most comprehensive extended warranties. They provide many benefits such as:

• Coverage of all components of a roof system: Excludes flashing, wood decking, and fasteners
• Long-term, non-prorated, or continuous coverage for defective materials. Range typically includes labor costs for repairs and replacements. You can extend it for up to 50 years.
• Installation errors coverage: The term may be for life with prorating starting after a set number of years. It includes labor, tear-off, and disposal costs.

Register for your warranty today!

After choosing a roofing brand and an installer and determining that an extended warranty is the best option for you, review the requirements of your warranty manufacturer.

An authorized contractor may be responsible for installing your roof. However, they must register the warranty with the manufacturer within the specified timeframe.

Double-checking the requirements is an excellent way to avoid problems with non-registration in case you need to file a warranty claim.