Knowing what roof warranties are and how they function is important when purchasing a new roof. You should know that warranties are mainly a sales tool for roof manufacturers use and not a guarantee that your roof will last forever. In reality, some roofs wear out long before the warranty expires. If having a good warranty matters to you, consider the following when researching warranties:
What does the fine print say on the warranty?
Long-term roof warranties usually include language that severely limits the manufacturers liability should something go wrong. For example, the warranty may require some kind of specific maintenance to be performed, if not, the warranty is voided or the warranty doesn’t carry over to the new owner when selling a home, so the new owner isn’t covered, even on a new roof.
Is maintenance required or merely “recommended”?
If required, be sure to follow what the warranty says to a “T”. Keep detailed records stating precisely what was done, when, and by whom to prove you comply with the terms if you need to.
How long is the warranty for?
Most high-end roof manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, others can be as little as 10 to 40 years. This doesn’t mean your roof will last that long. Many people complain their roofs wear out long before the warranty expires mainly because warranties cover only product defects and not wear and tear or damage from weather.
Does the warranty cover product defects as the result of poor workmanship?
Roofing manufacturers claim that more than 2/3’s of homeowners roof problems are the result of poor workmanship, so many do not cover workmanship (Atlanta Roofing Specialists has it’s own workmanship warranty to solve this problem).
If my roof fails, does the warranty include labor costs when replacing the roof?
Some roofing manufacturer warranties will cover the cost of materials but not labor costs, read your warranty carefully to see if your warranty covers labor.
Did you save all your paperwork (receipts for materials, contractors invoice, original estimate and contract)?
You need all the paperwork generated throughout the process to file a claim against a roof warranty. You need to prove you were the owner at the time of the roof purchase as some warranties to not transfer to the new owner should you sell your home.
Questions about warranties or would like more information? Call ARS today at 770.419.2222!
