When it comes to securing your property, one aspect that often comes into the limelight is the roofing system. As a critical barrier against external elements, your roof stands as a cornerstone of safety and security for your business operations. And while partnering with local roofing companies to install high-quality roofs is one part of the equation, understanding the warranties that accompany your roofing material is another crucial aspect.
Related Article: How To Choose the Right Roof Protection Plan for My Property?
In this article, we delve into the types of warranties that manufacturers offer, assisting you in understanding what they cover and the peace of mind they can provide. As you navigate the world of roofing services, having a firm grasp of these warranties can go a long way in safeguarding your investment.
Material or Manufacturer's Warranty
At the most basic level, virtually all roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s or material warranty. This warranty essentially covers any defects in the roofing materials themselves. In other words, if you find that your roofing materials are failing prematurely under normal weather conditions and proper maintenance, the manufacturer may cover the cost of new materials.
However, keep in mind that a material warranty does not cover the cost of labor to remove the defective materials or install new ones. Moreover, they often require that the installation is performed by certified installers to ensure the correct application of the material.
Roof Pro Local Uses Certainteed!
Certainteed offers 5-Star coverage and ensures a 50-year of protection against shingle manufacturing defects, covering removal, disposal, installation, and labor. Plus, we offer a 25-year warranty for your contractor’s workmanship.
Workmanship or Installation Warranty
Unlike a material warranty, a workmanship or installation warranty is provided by the roofing contractor, not the manufacturer. This warranty covers errors in the installation process. If a problem arises because the roof was not installed correctly, the roofing contractor is responsible for making the necessary repairs at no additional cost.
When selecting from local roofing companies, be sure to inquire about their workmanship warranties. The length and terms of these warranties can vary widely, making them an essential factor in your decision-making process.
System Warranty
For the utmost coverage, a system warranty might be the best fit. This type of warranty covers both the materials and the workmanship. Most importantly, a system warranty often includes both the roof membrane and other integral parts of the roofing system, such as the insulation and fasteners. In other words, if any part of your roofing system fails due to material defects or installation errors, the necessary repairs or replacements will be covered.
System warranties can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer’s specifications and the specific products used. Some require periodic inspections or maintenance by certified professionals, while others may require that all components of the roof system are produced by the same manufacturer.
To ensure you choose the right warranty for your needs, it’s always a good idea to consult with experienced roofing services providers, like us at Roof Pro Local. Our team can guide you through the warranty selection process, helping to ensure that your roof is protected for years to come.
Understanding your roofing warranty is an important part of managing your property. By being informed about what each warranty covers, you can make an educated decision that balances both cost and coverage. In the world of roofing, a well-informed owner is always a step ahead.
Roof Pro Local Uses Mule-Hide Products!
At Mule-Hide, our Gold Shield Warranty offers unparalleled protection against manufacturing flaws in our roofing materials since 1985, encompassing the costs of removal, disposal, reinstallation, and labor expenses. We take pride in supporting the skill and expertise of your contractor by offering a thorough guarantee of their workmanship.
Trust in Mule-Hide for roofing solutions that stand the test of time.
What Does a Roofing Workmanship Warranty Cover?
A roofing workmanship warranty, also known as an installation warranty, is a guarantee provided by the roofing contractor that covers any defects or problems that result from improper installation. Essentially, it covers the labor component of a roofing job.
Here are some of the key elements of roof warranties that a roofing workmanship warranty may cover:
Installation Errors
If your roof shows signs of leakage, deterioration, or failure that can be traced back to errors in the installation process, the contractor is responsible for correcting those mistakes without charging additional fees.
Leaks
Leaks that occur due to improper installation are usually covered under a workmanship warranty. If a leak is traced back to a mistake made during the roofing installation, the roofing contractor is obligated to repair the leak.
Costs of Repair
The warranty should cover the labor costs associated with repairing or re-doing faulty work. This includes removing the defective materials or sections of the roof and reinstalling them properly.
However, it’s important to note what a workmanship warranty does not cover. This typically includes:
Material Defects
If the roofing materials themselves are faulty due to manufacturing defects or issues, this would not fall under the workmanship warranty. This scenario is typically covered under a separate manufacturer’s warranty.
Damage from Severe Weather
Damage from extreme weather conditions or natural disasters is usually not covered under a workmanship warranty.
Neglect and Lack of Maintenance
If the roof’s issues arise from a lack of regular maintenance, neglect, or abuse, these problems will not be covered by a workmanship warranty.
Unforeseen Structural Changes
If there have been changes to the building or roof that affect the integrity of the roof installation, these won’t be covered.
Remember, warranties can vary widely from one contractor to another. It’s vital to thoroughly read your contract and ask the contractor to clarify any points of uncertainty before signing.
Tips to Protect Your Roof Warranty
Maintaining the validity of your roof warranty is as crucial as having one in the first place. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your roof warranty remains intact:
Regular Maintenance: Perform regular inspections and maintenance on your roof. Most manufacturers stipulate regular maintenance as a condition of their warranty. Keep a record of all maintenance activities to demonstrate that you’ve kept up with your responsibilities.
Professional Inspections: Have professional inspections done periodically by certified roofing contractors. They can identify and fix minor issues before they become significant problems. An annual inspection is usually a good rule of thumb.
Qualified Contractors: Always use certified or approved contractors for any repairs, replacements, or modifications to your roof. Unapproved contractors may not follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, which could void your warranty.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all inspections, repairs, and communications with both the roofing manufacturer and the roofing contractor. This documentation will be helpful if you ever need to make a warranty claim.
Avoid Unapproved Modifications: Be cautious about making modifications to your roof, such as installing new equipment or fixtures. Any unapproved modifications can potentially void your warranty.
Understand Your Warranty: Familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your warranty. Knowing what is and isn’t covered can save you from inadvertently voiding your warranty.
Promptly Address Issues: If you notice an issue with your roof, address it promptly. Waiting too long could cause further damage and may impact your warranty coverage.
Ensure Proper Installation: This starts at the very beginning. Ensure your roof is installed by a professional, certified contractor. Improper installation can lead to issues down the line and can potentially void your warranty from the outset.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can maintain your warranty and ensure your roof is protected for the length of its expected lifespan. Remember, your roof warranty is there for your protection, so it’s in your best interest to keep it intact.
What Warranties Don't Cover
While warranties provide substantial protection and peace of mind, it’s essential to understand that they don’t cover everything. Each warranty will have its own specific terms and exclusions, but here are some of the common things that warranties typically do not cover:
Damage from Extreme Weather: Most warranties do not cover damage caused by extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, or earthquakes.
Improper Maintenance: If a roof is not properly maintained, the warranty can become void. Warranties typically require that the owner conduct regular inspections and maintenance.
Improper Repairs or Modifications: Warranties often become void if repairs or modifications are made to the roof by non-approved contractors or if they don’t follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for such work.
Damage from Other Construction Work: If your roof is damaged by workers carrying out other construction or renovation work on your property, this typically won’t be covered by your roof’s warranty.
Ponding Water: Some warranties specifically exclude damage caused by the accumulation of standing or “ponding” water on the roof.
Materials Not Included in the Warranty: Some warranties may only cover specific materials or parts of the roof, leaving others excluded.
Aging and Normal Wear and Tear: While a warranty covers defects and certain issues, it does not cover the normal aging process and wear and tear that all roofs will inevitably experience.
Remember, it’s essential to read and understand your warranty thoroughly, asking your local residential and commercial roofing company any questions you might have about what is and isn’t covered. Also, keep in mind that a warranty is not a substitute for a good insurance policy, which can cover many of the situations a warranty does not.
What happens if I need a repair, but do not want to work with the original roof contractor?
If you find yourself needing a repair but are hesitant to work with the original installer, you do have options. However, it’s crucial to proceed carefully to avoid voiding any warranties you have on your roofing system.
Firstly, check the terms of your warranty. Some manufacturers’ warranties require that any repair or maintenance work be completed by a certified or approved contractor to keep the warranty intact. If this is the case, you’ll need to find an approved contractor to do the work. This might not be the original installer, but it will be a contractor who meets the manufacturer’s requirements.
If your warranty allows for repairs by any qualified professional, you’re free to choose any roofing company you trust. It’s always a good idea to research and select a reputable, experienced, professional roofing contractor, with positive customer reviews and a strong track record in residential and commercial roofing.
Remember, communication is key. If you’re unhappy with the original installer for any reason, it can be helpful to communicate your concerns to the manufacturer. They may be able to help resolve the issue or recommend other approved contractors for your repair work.
Regardless of who does the repair, keep detailed records. This includes the reasons you chose not to work with the original installer, the selection process for your new contractor, and all correspondence and receipts related to the repair. This documentation can be helpful if any warranty issues arise in the future.
Please note that while this advice is generally accurate, the specifics can vary depending on your location, the terms of your warranty, and other factors. When in doubt, consult with a legal professional or a trusted roofing expert.
Reach out to us at Roof Pro Local for more insights, comprehensive coverage, and expert advice on residential and commercial roofing warranties. We’re here to help you navigate the sometimes complex world of roofing, ensuring that you make the best decisions for your business.
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