Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. It protects your home and takes the brunt of the weather, the sun, and falling limbs, and because of this daily beating, the quality of the products has to be top-notch. Manufacturing warranties can help ensure the highest quality roofing materials.
What is a manufacturer’s warranty?
Manufacturer warranties cover the roofing product against defects in materials, but they vary tremendously. For instance, some are lifetime and some are limited warranties; some warranties will allow you to transfer the warranty to the next owner; limited warranties vary in what they will cover. So it’s very important to read the fine print. At M&K Renovations, we make sure our customers understand the different warranties associated with different types of roofing materials so they can choose what’s best for their needs.
How long do warranties last?
Again, this varies from product to product; however, there are some general rules. Generally, architectural shingles carry a “lifetime” warranty, meaning for as long as you own your home. Some will allow you to transfer your warranty to a new owner, although sometimes that transfer incurs a fee. Most 3-tab shingles carry 20-30 year warranties. Normally, roofing materials will last as long as their warranties, but it’s important to be covered for the unlikely event that something goes wrong.
What is not covered in a manufacturer’s warranty?
Typical limitations to a manufacturer’s warranty include:
- Damage to other parts of the home from leakage caused by manufacturing defects
- Damage caused by improper installation or by repairs specifically excluded under the warranty
- Weather-related events, such as high winds, storms, lightning, etc.
- Structural problems with your home that caused the damage to your shingles
- Damage caused by installing solar panels or satellite dishes, etc.
- Discoloration due to algae, mold, paints, or stains
- Inadequate ventilation that caused damage to shingles
- Damage caused by other components of the roof, such as gutters, flashing, etc.
What are extended warranties or system warranties?
Some manufacturers offer a variety of levels of warranties. These super-warranties go by different names, such as “extended” or “system” warranties, and may cover many of the issues above. Some may even cover the cost of repairs.
In addition, installers and contractors should provide clear warranties for their workmanship. At M&K Renovations, we offer our customers a workmanship warranty to give them peace of mind knowing that we stand by our work.
What other coverage options are there?
Many times, homeowner insurance policies will cover or partially cover damage to your roof, depending on the cause. “Home warranties” are a fairly new form of warranty that help cover the costs of repairs to major systems in the house, such as electrical, plumbing, and appliances. Depending on the policy, a home warranty may also cover your roof.
Do you have any other questions about a new roofing project? Contact us today at (610) 353-2895 for a free initial consultation to help you get started. As we partner with you, we’ll discuss your vision and your style, go over all the best roofing options to reach your goals, and help you choose the best warranties to protect your biggest investment – your home.