What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor’s Warranty

When you’re in the market for a new roof, you want to hire a reputable contractor to help ensure its quality and longevity. Specifically, you want to look for roof warranties that protect your investment and ensure your roof lasts for years to come.

Before investing in a new roof, learn what to look for in a roofing contractor’s warranty so you can choose the most protective coverage.

What Are the Different Types of Roof Warranties?

To understand contractor warranties, you must first differentiate between workmanship and material warranties. Both serve to protect your roof, but the coverage for each differs.

Contractor Workmanship Warranties

A workmanship warranty safeguards you from future problems caused by improper installation. If you experience faults such as a leaky roof or failing materials, the contractor may be liable to fix it under warranty.

Roofing Material Warranties

Roofing materials come with a standard manufacturer warranty. You’re covered for defects on shingles and other roofing components. However, standard warranties have limitations. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Warranties may prorate, meaning the manufacturer pays less over time.
• Each warranty only covers the supplier’s specific materials. Mixed roof systems will have different warranties for different components and brands.
• Manufacturers often limit coverage to flashing and roof surfaces. This excludes other roofing components.

If you want more protection, you may prefer an extended roofing material warranty. To qualify, all components must be from the same manufacturer. Extended warranties cost extra and depend on installation by an authorized contractor.

Generally, the benefits of enhanced warranties include:

• A non-prorated or continuous material defect guarantee covering work, repair and replacement.
• Comprehensive coverage on all roofing components, except wood decking, fasteners and flashing.
• A workmanship warranty for faulty installation, including labor, disposal and replacement costs.

What Does a Contractor Roofing Warranty Cover?

The roofing contractor team that installs your roof is pivotal in its longevity. Reputable contractors back their work with a workmanship warranty that protects you from faults arising from improper installation or worker error.

Workmanship warranties typically cover the following:

• Cost of labor and materials for repairs.
• Correcting roof failure related to improper installation.
• Damage to home interior or personal effects resulting from roofing work.

Guarantees exclude issues not related to installation, including:

• Problems arising from alteration after installation.
• Leaks that happen from natural causes, like damage from falling trees.
• Any damage caused by the elements, including storms or ice dams on the roof.

To enjoy an extended material warranty, look for a manufacturer-certified contractor.

How Long Does a Contractor Roof Warranty Last?

The length of workmanship warranties varies depending on the company. Some contractors offer a lifetime warranty, covering the lifetime of the roofing components. Life span differs between materials. For example, architectural asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years, while metal shingles can last between 40 and 80 years.

A workmanship warranty tells you a lot about the contractor. Those confident in their materials and craftsmanship offer lengthier warranties. Roofers using lower-quality materials may have shorter warranties to indemnify them against risk.

When purchasing a new roof, you want it to last as long as possible. The longer the warranty period, the more protection you’ll have as a homeowner. Check with your contractor to see how long your warranty period is.

What Issues Void Roof Warranties?

You’ve chosen an experienced contractor with a lifetime warranty and purchased the extra peace of mind of an extended material warranty. The last thing you want is for something to happen that nullifies those warranties. If your warranty is voided, you may have to pay for the damage out of pocket.

Here are five common issues that void roof warranties:

1. Improper installation: Manufacturers have strict installation guidelines for their materials, which may be as specific as the nail length and number of nails per shingle. An inexperienced or underqualified roofer may make mistakes or fail to follow instructions, leading to a voided material warranty. This is one of the many reasons why choosing a reputable contractor is crucial.
2. Inadequate ventilation: Your roof needs proper ventilation to perform at its best. Constant airflow prevents moisture buildup and regulates the roof’s temperature. Heat rises from the attic and can cause shingles to overheat or break, and a damp environment caused by trapped moisture is a perfect breeding ground for mold. Improper ventilation may also lead to ice dams in winter. Ventilation issues may void warranties.
3. DIY or alternate contractor alterations: Performing roofing work yourself could void warranties. The same applies to using a contractor different from the original installer. Depending on the specific warranty, this may only void the area worked on. Check the fine print in your roofing warranties before attempting DIY fixes. If under warranty, professional repair is the most sensible and cost-effective option.
4. Pressure washing: Beware of pressure washing when dealing with algae or dirt on your roof. The power of the water can strip the protective granules off the shingles. Generally, damage caused by washing isn’t covered under workmanship or material warranties. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning your roof and staying compliant with your warranty.
5. Placing a new roof over an old one: Installing a new roof over an existing one voids the existing roof’s warranty. Make sure your contractor properly removes your existing roof before installing your new roof.

Schedule Free Inspection

Read through the fine print of any warranty you have so you’re familiar with what’s covered. It’s easier — and less expensive — to ask your contractor before adding to or altering your roof. They can guide you to ensure you don’t void any warranties.

Contact America’s Roofing Professionals for High-Quality Roofing Work and Warranties

At AmeriPro Roofing, we’re so sure of the quality of our work that we offer a limited lifetime workmanship warranty. We use the best materials and craftsmanship to prolong the longevity of your roof. Whether you need to repair your current roof or replace it with a new one, you can rest assured it will stand the test of time — just ask our more than 150,000 happy customers!

We’re proud to be GAF Master Elite® licensed and certified. We are also a Platinum Preferred Contractor for Owens Corning Oakridge shingles, offering a limited lifetime warranty and an algae resistance guarantee of 10 years for their shingles.

Choose AmeriPro Roofing for your residential roofing project. Schedule a complimentary inspection through our scheduling form or call us at (800) 200-8151.