Don’t get tricked by deceptive roof warranties. A contractor gives homeowners the real scoop.
Here is a great article written by Kevin Stevens in 2011 – the original article can be found here.
Most roofing projects are pretty extensive and can run into the thousands of dollars. With such a huge investment in your home, it’s prudent to consider the various warranty ramifications.
Choose the Right Product
When it comes to choosing a roofing product, the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) has this advice:
“A roofing warranty’s length should not be the primary criterion in the selection of a roofing product or roof system because the warranty does not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roof system performance. The selection of a roof system application should be based on the product’s qualities and suitability for the prospective project. A long-term warranty may be of little value to a consumer if the roof system does not perform satisfactorily and leaks. Conversely, if a roof system is designed, constructed and manufactured well, the expense of purchasing a warranty may not be necessary.”
Know What is Covered in the Warranty
This varies by the manufacturer and by product, and also by levels of coverage. It is not uncommon to have a tiered structure with classes of coverage. What is covered in one class is often excluded in another. Usually the higher levels of coverage involve longer time frames, (50 years to “lifetime”), and also cover a number of “labor” costs. DIY Resource: http://www.networx.com/article/do-you-need-a-roofing-warranty
These warranties are full of exclusions to coverage and often have paragraph after paragraph of fine print. Common exclusions:
- Improper attic ventilation
- Improper installation
- Leaks
- Color changes
- Damage from Mother Nature like hail, wind and ice
- Damage from foreign objects or foot traffic
- Lack of, or improper, homeowner maintenance
- Damage to the home’s interior due to leaks, mold, etc.
Given such a wide list of exclusions, it would seem that there are many ways the consumer could be left without roofing warranty coverage.
Most warranties also have limitations on coverage due to age, and are pro-rated over the life of the roof. Additional conditions are imposed based on ownership transfer and the sale of the home. The warranty normally just covers manufacturing defects, which, in my experience as a contractor, is pretty rare. DIY Resource: http://www.hometalk.com
Best Practice
I had the roof replaced on my home about 10 years ago. I chose a product from a well-known manufacturer and had it installed by a long-established roofing company. I had them install it for the higher wind rating of 130 mph (6 nails instead of 4), and I have not looked back. A good product properly installed should not need a warranty. If you chose a product such as “Bubba’s Basic” and it is installed by a fly-by-night outfit then you may end up with problems, and the hope that a warranty will cover you may be just a fantasy.
If you have a roof issue, we are the professional roofers you’ve been looking for. We are honest and professional and take our jobs very seriously. We look to provide you the customer service you don’t expect from our industry.
To set an appointment for someone to come and look at your roof problem, please call 480-284-7338 or click here.
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