Whenever you perform a home renovation, there is a good chance that many of the materials you use for the project will include warranties. Having a warranty on a product is undoubtedly a good thing, but sometimes the way warranties and guarantees work can be confusing. This is especially true of roofing warranties, which can sometimes have a wide range of caveats that can befuddle homeowners. As you read this guide, you will learn more about how roofing warranties function and what you need to know to understand yours.
Understand the two types of roofing warranties
When it comes to roofing warranties, the first thing you should be aware of is that there are two different types. The first, a manufacturer’s warranty, is provided by the company that produces the roofing material you selected. If, for example, you had asphalt shingles installed on your roof, the brand that made them would offer this sort of warranty. Most of the time, these warranties cover errors that occur during the manufacturing process, such as a run of shingles that were cut incorrectly and don’t line-up properly when installed. Even the most thorough quality checks are not always foolproof, so it’s useful that manufacturers provide this safeguard for buyers.
The second sort of roofing warranty is a contractor’s guarantee, which is sometimes known as a workmanship warranty. Many installers offer this, but not all, so if it’s important to you make sure you talk to your contractor about his or her policies prior to signing any paperwork. Typically, these warranties cover installation mistakes, such as failure to install flashing or other necessary materials that will help your roof function properly.
Know what your roofing warranty should include
There are several key points that every roofing warranty ought to include. Look for these before agreeing to any guarantee. First, the warranty should clarify exactly how long it is valid for. This can vary rather widely; some warranties, for instance, are good from the date a project begins, others from the date the material was installed, and still others from the time a project ends. Depending on how long your roofing job lasts, this can actually make a difference!
Secondly, the warranty should clearly state what is covered under its provisions. Some warranties, for example, will not pay for damage if the homeowner was not having regular maintenance, such as an annual inspection, performed on the roof. Others dictate that they will not cover problems that occurred because of natural disasters, like the hurricanes that sometimes ravage the Carolina coast; warranty issuers believe homeowners insurance policies should cover this.
At Hatch Homes, we know roofing materials. We’ve been serving families in North Carolina and South Carolina for many years and have installed many roofs. If you have any questions about roofing warranties, or if you’d like to talk about having a new roof installed on your house, the team at Hatch Homes would be happy to assist you. Just give our office a call to schedule a consultation with one of our team members. We look forward to working with you.