Whether your home’s roof was recently damaged in some way and you are interested in finding out if your warranty might cover the issue, or you simply want to be prepared for any problems that may arise with your roof in the future, you have found the right guide. The following information is meant to help you understand what types of roof warranties there are and what they typically cover.
It is, however, critical for you to make sure you understand that not all roof warranties are written identically. You must read your specific warranty — or warranties, in some cases — to know precisely what coverage you personally have. Nonetheless, the information you see here will set you on the right path to discovering more about roof warranties in general and, perhaps, your roof warranty in particular.
Manufacturers’ warranties
Almost all roofing material brands, no matter what they make, offer some type of manufacturers’ warranty. Whether you invest in affordable asphalt shingles, costly slate tiles, or something in-between like ceramic or metal roofing, the company that made the product is likely to provide you with some type of protection against defects.
It is worth noting, though, that manufacturers’ warranties almost always cover only those issues that are the manufacturers’ fault. Often, a recall of some sort will be issued if there is a known issue with whatever roofing product you purchased.
Installation warranties
Installation warranties — sometimes known as contractors’ warranties in the home renovation industry — generally cover significantly more than perfunctory manufacturers’ warranties. Nonetheless, they still often expire before the life of the roof ends.
As an example, modern asphalt shingles typically last for 20 to 25 years if extenuating circumstances, such as hurricane damage on the Carolina coastline, do not arise. A contractors’ warranty, though, is likely to run out after five or ten years.
Manufacturers’ warranties, on the other hand, usually span the roof’s expected life, but, as stated, simply do not cover nearly as many issues that could potentially occur with any given roofing material.
Extended warranties
Both manufacturers’ warranties and installation warranties sometimes include an option to extend the coverage, for a price. Some homeowners report paying as much as $3,000 for an extended roof warranty, but depending on your circumstances, you may find this price tag to be worth it to ensure that you have peace of mind for years, or even decades, to come.
Homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance is absolutely not a roof warranty. That said, your coverage can work in tandem with any warranties you may have on your home should some sort of natural disaster or other damage occur. Homeowners insurance can often step in to pay for damages that warranties do not cover, specifically in the event of weather-related damage to your property.
If you are thinking about having a new roof installed on your house in North Carolina or South Carolina in the near future, the team at Hatch Homes is here to assist you. No matter what type of roof you are interested in, we can answer any questions you may have regarding your upcoming project.