What to Expect From a Roofing Warranty

​Warranty is a term homeowners hear when hiring a contractor. And you should know what the warranty coverage that comes with your roofing materials and installation entails.

Don’t forget that installing a new roof costs a lot of money. So, understanding warranty the warranty coverage on roofing materials and installation is essential.


​Do you know why this is important? It’s simple. When things go wrong for your new roof, you should fall back to your warranty coverage.

But if the terms of the warranty aren’t clear, you may end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs. You see, taking some days to read and digest warranty coverage isn’t such a bad idea after all. 

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Roofing Warranty Basics
 
A roofing warranty covers you from a potential defect in material or installation. It makes manufacturers and contractors take responsibility if materials or roofing installation fails.

Most homeowners believe that the longer the length of a warranty, the better. But this is a wrong assumption that has cost many homeowners.

Don’t allow a contractor to seduce you with the length of a warranty. Instead, try to understand the warranty. And you should know the commitment of a contractor or manufacturer in a warranty.

Roofing warranties aren’t the same. They vary, depending on the situation surrounding your home installation and the materials.

Your roofing contractor should give you details about the warranty during sales process. Such information should include the roofing materials and installation warranties. Also, you can read more about the material warranties on the manufacturer’s website.
 
Material Warranties
 
Shingles

Most asphalt shingles come with manufacturer warranties. The duration of these warranties vary depending on the shingle grade you are using. But the least warranty for most asphalt shingles is 20 years. Also, the manufacturer warranty on shingles sometimes depends on the quality.
 
Underlayment

Fibreglass underlayment also has warranty coverage. This coverage protects your roof deck for about 50 years. But underlayment warranty comes with certain conditions.

One of such terms is to maintain a clean roof deck or manual installation on an extra base layer. You see, it has up to 50 years warranty. But the warranty is conditional which most homeowners may not meet.

 Vents
 Most ridge and intake vents carry a lifetime warranty as they are products of sturdy plastic. Power vents; have limited warranty because of the possibility of mechanical failure.

But this shouldn’t discourage yours from power vents. They help to give proper ventilation to your attic. Most roofs have moisture problems because of unventilated attic. And power vents can help to avoid this.

Installation

Installation warranty is sometimes complicated. Every product’s warranty has its installation requirements.

When your roofing installation is contrary to the manufacturer’s instruction, your warranty may be void. So, try to confirm from your contractor whether warranty includes replacing warranted materials. After all, the right contractor should be able to take responsibility for his job.
 
When Does a Roof Warranty Expire?
 
When your roof warranty expires depends on the contractor installing the roof and the materials used. Most manufacturers’ warranties are between 20 and 30 years.

 
Manufacturers may give you a lifetime warranty on some materials. Try to clarify what they mean by a lifetime, because it could be 25 years or less.

 Can I Transfer My Roofing Warranty When Selling My House?

Well, most manufacturers only allow a one time warranty. So, you may not be able to transfer your roofing warranty when selling your property. The warranty only ends with you.

There are instances when manufacturers allow you to transfer your roofing warranty. But you have to notify the warranty company within a time frame. And they may ask you to pay transfer fees to cover the administrative cost.

At Suburban Windows and Roofing LLC, you will get a 25 years workmanship warranty in writing after installing your roof. Sounds interesting? Get in touch so we can carry out a free roof inspection on your house.