When you invest in a new roof, understanding the warranties available is crucial. A roofing warranty protects your investment and ensures peace of mind. Sterling Roof Systems aims to guide homeowners through the details of roofing warranties, helping you make informed decisions.
What is a Roofing Warranty?
A roofing warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer or contractor that covers specific aspects of the roofing system, including materials and workmanship. Knowing the terms and conditions of your roofing warranty can save you from unexpected costs and hassles later. A roofing warranty is essential because it offers financial protection and assurance that the roof will last for a significant period. It provides a safety net for homeowners, ensuring that any defects or issues will be addressed without additional costs. Moreover, it adds value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.
Types of Roofing Warranties for Homeowners
Manufacturer’s Warranty
A manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in roofing materials, typically lasting between 20 to 50 years, depending on the material. It is essential to read the fine print to understand what is covered. These warranties often cover manufacturing defects and premature aging of the roofing materials. Some premium warranties may also include additional coverage for specific issues like algae resistance. Manufacturer warranties vary in length, depending on the quality of the materials used. Additionally, some of these warranties are transferable to new homeowners, which can be a selling point if you decide to sell your home.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor and covers installation errors. This type of warranty typically lasts between 1 to 10 years, ensuring that the installation process was done correctly. These warranties cover errors made during the installation process, such as improper sealing or incorrect placement of roofing materials. Proper installation is crucial for the roof’s overall performance and durability. Addressing installation errors through a workmanship warranty ensures that your roof functions as intended and provides adequate protection.
Roofing Warranty Insights: What is Covered?
Roofing warranties cover specific issues, which can help you understand when to claim a warranty and what to expect. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in roofing materials, such as cracking or splitting, excessive granule loss, and warping due to manufacturing flaws. Addressing these issues early through a warranty claim can prevent more extensive damage and costly repairs in the future.
Workmanship warranties cover errors made during the installation process. For instance, incorrect shingle alignment, improper sealing around vents, chimneys, or skylights, and insufficient underlayment can lead to leaks and reduced protection. Ensuring these errors are covered by the warranty provides peace of mind and maintains the roof’s integrity.
Home Roof Warranty Essentials: What is Not Covered?
While warranties offer significant protection, there are limitations. Most warranties do not cover damage caused by extreme weather conditions like hurricanes or hailstorms. It is crucial to check your homeowner’s insurance for such coverage. Weather exclusions often include damage from hailstorms, high winds, and natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes. To protect your roof, ensure your homeowner’s insurance policy includes coverage for weather-related damages, and take preventive measures such as regular maintenance and inspections to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Neglecting regular maintenance can void your warranty. Ensuring your roof is inspected and maintained regularly is essential to keep the warranty valid. Examples of maintenance neglect include clogged gutters, debris accumulation, and delayed repairs. Keeping gutters clean, scheduling professional roof inspections at least once a year, and addressing any issues or damages promptly can extend the life of your roof and keep your warranty valid.
Tips for Homeowners on Roofing Warranties
Before signing any contracts, read the warranty thoroughly. Understanding the terms and conditions can save you from future disputes. Key areas to review include coverage details, the length of the warranty, and whether the warranty can be transferred to a new homeowner. Regular maintenance is also vital. Schedule regular roof inspections and maintenance, inspect shingles for signs of wear or damage, check seals around vents, chimneys, and skylights, and remove debris, moss, and algae to prevent moisture damage. Proper upkeep can extend the life of your roof and keep your warranty valid.
How to File a Warranty Claim
Filing a warranty claim involves several steps. Firstly, all receipts, contracts, and warranty documents should be kept in a safe place, as documentation is crucial when filing a claim. Without proper documents, the process can become complicated. Next, reach out to your contractor or the manufacturer to initiate the claim process. They will guide you through the necessary steps and paperwork. Typically, a detailed description of the problem is required, and photos or videos of the damage should also be provided. After that, an inspection may be scheduled by the company. During the inspection, the damage will be assessed. If the issue falls under the warranty coverage, repairs or replacements will be arranged. Therefore, it is important to cooperate fully during the inspection. The claim process can take some time, so patience is often needed.
Conclusion
Understanding roofing warranties for homeowners is essential in protecting your investment. At Sterling Roof Systems, we believe that informed homeowners make better decisions. Knowing the types of warranties, what they cover, and how to maintain your roof can provide peace of mind and long-term benefits. For more information on our roofing services and warranties, contact Sterling Roof Systems today. We are here to help you with all your roofing needs.