Roof Replacement

Roof warranties can sometimes be complicated to decipher so it’s important to have a little bit of know-how up front before you start warranty shopping. Purchasing a new roof is a big investment, and a warranty can be helpful in offering additional protection for your new roof as long as the warranty includes the right kind of coverage. Here are some tips for helping you understand roofing warranties.

Roof Warranty Basics

There are basically two types of roof warranties though some warranties, called extended manufacturer’s warranties, include a mix of both of these:

  • A Manufacturer’s warranty covers just the materials on your roof, such as the shingles. Manufacturers warranties will normally cover damage that occurs within a certain timeframe, such as 20 years, but some offer lifetime warranties. It’s important to note that there may be hidden costs associated with this type of warranty, such as the cost to haul away damaged materials.
  • Craftsmanship/ Contractor warranty. This type of warranty covers the labor and craftsmanship associated with your roof installation. It’s very important to understand that this type of warranty varies widely between roofing contractors, so you’ll want to get the finer points of the coverage details in writing.

Other Tips for Roofing Warranties

  • Do your research. When getting a new roof, you’ll want to pick the right roofing company to complete the work, so it’s important to check out reviews and find out who you’ll be dealing with. Additionally, take a good hard look at the company that is offering the warranty. You need to make sure both the contractor and the warranty company have good track records.
  • Don’t believe anything unless it’s in print. Unfortunately, there are times when someone tries to “sell” you on something that just isn’t in your best interests. As mentioned above, if anyone is trying to sell you a roofing warranty, get all of the details in writing to ensure you get what you pay for.
  • Gain a clear understanding of the types of defects that are covered. This varies from warranty to warranty but is an important thing to understand. Some warranties cover only shingles that leak for example, but not the roof underlayment beneath which can cause big problems if it’s not fixed. If you’re concerned about other potential issues, it may be best to opt for an extended warranty.
  • Find out if it’s transferable. If you think you may be selling your home at any time if the future, you may want to consider a roofing warranty that is transferable to a new owner of your home. This could be a selling point to potential home buyers.
  • Be sure that your contracting is qualified for the manufacturer offering the warranty. Shingle manufacturers often work with “preferred contractors” because it helps protect them against issues related to poor workmanship. If you work with a contractor that’s not certified to install those roofing products, your manufacturer’s warranty may be null and void.
  • Don’t forget to register your warranty. Although the process might be slightly different for different types of warranties, all of them require some form of registration. Ensure that you’ve registered your warranty so that it’s not voided.
  • Take a look at special stipulations. Some warranties require that homeowners take some action to maintain their roof warranty. Some require annual roof inspections and some type of maintenance. It’s best to stay ahead of repairs by doing ongoing maintenance on your roof to protect your roof and your warranty in the future.

Choose a Trusted NJ Roofing Contractor

Your roof is an important investment that keeps your home protected in the elements. Choosing the right contractor helps ensure the best quality materials and craftsmanship. Homeowners in Warren County and the surrounding areas have trusted Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding for roof replacement, repair and renewal for over 47 years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our residential roofing experts.

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