Roofs are expensive, so no one anticipates wasting money on a faulty structure that will need pricey repairs or replacement soon. Getting a roof warranty now keeps you from paying out of pocket later.
Key Points
- Roof warranties protect property owners from paying out of pocket to replace defective materials and improper installation
- Different roofing warranties’ terms and agreements vary
- An extended manufacturer’s warranty is all-inclusive protection for a higher cost
- Property owners should get a roof warranty to supplement their insurance, not to replace it
The Importance of Roof Warranties
Every large purchase must have some reassurance or guarantee that if it needs repairs or maintenance, it won’t cost nearly as much money as the item itself, if any at all. Like expensive electronics, vehicles, and jewelry have warranties, so do commercial and residential roofing systems.
After all the time and money invested in roof replacement or new construction, you deserve guaranteed roofing services and solutions if problems arise prematurely. Without this contractual agreement, you could be responsible for fixing potential issues on your own, which can be financially overwhelming.
Understanding the Different Types of Roof Warranties
You don’t have a cookie-cutter building, so various roof warranties are available to suit your unique building requirements and budget. Regardless of what kind you get, having this vital investment is better than making a roof purchase without one. Since there are no one-size-fits-all roof warranties, you can choose which one’s most suitable for your building.
Roof warranties vary depending on the materials and the roofing contractor’s terms and agreements. It’s a great idea to consult with different contractors about their warranties and weigh your options. That way, years down the road, you can be confidence in the one you chose. Before you finalize your decision, learn more about the different types of roof warranties:
A Workmanship Warranty
As the name suggests, a workmanship warranty cover’s your contractor’s installation. Initial installation sets the tone for long-term roof functionality, so it’s critical to hire licensed and reputable professionals to get the job done. If anything went wrong while working on your roof, or if any missteps during the installation process led to damage, you’re not responsible for paying for repairs. Instead, your roofing contractor will fix it at no cost to you.
How long a roof warranty lasts depends on the company. They typically cover the cost of labor and any materials needed to address the issue. Workmanship roof warranties may also pay for any interior or related damage due to incorrect installation.
A Standard Manufacturer’s Warranty
A standard manufacturer’s warranty only covers the costs of their materials, so keep in mind that property owners must pay for repair labor. Material removal and disposal are not covered under standard manufacturer’s roof warranties. However, they pay for defective shingle replacement for at least the first few years of installation and offer prorated coverage from then on.
Most manufacturers offer a basic limited lifetime warranty on traditional materials, like asphalt shingles. However, a limited lifetime warranty means you’re only covered as long as you’re the homeowner. Speak to your roofing contractor about other warranty limitations you may be unaware of.
An Extended Manufacturer’s Warranty
Of all the roof warranties, this is the only one that offers property owners the best of both worlds: coverage for the contractor’s workmanship and extended coverage for the roofing materials. This comprehensive roof warranty considers how a roofing system only works properly with precise installation and high-performing roof materials. Extended roof warranties are offered to property owners only if they have a new roof installed with all the following features:
- A gutter system
- Underlayment
- Hip and ridge cap shingles
- Soffit and ridge vents
- Starter and field shingles
With an extended manufacturer’s warranty, property owners also benefit from:
- Coverage for each roof component,
- Long-term, non-prorated coverage for defective materials, including labor costs and repairs for up to 50 years
- Workmanship coverage for installation errors
Don’t let uncertainty about roofing costs keep you from starting your project.
Roof Warranties Are Insurance Supplements, Not Replacements
Just as it’s important not to neglect warranty registration, it’s also imperative to make sure your property or homeowners’ insurance is in good standing. But roof warranties don’t offer much peace of mind if the roofing materials have factory defects or if the installation was incorrect. Also, roof warranties don’t cover storm damage, fires, or natural disasters—that’s what your insurance is for.
Be mindful to keep an eye on your roof’s health by keeping up with annual inspections to remain aware of your roof’s condition. If any issues are discovered, like roof leaks or wind damage, notify your insurance company and file a claim immediately. Don’t let damage linger, or this will reflect negatively and could put you in jeopardy of claim rejection or coverage cancellation. Getting a roof warranty and staying up to date with annual inspections proves that you’re taking your roof’s health seriously and prioritizing proactive preventative measures.
Kirberg Guarantees Reliable Roofing Craftsmanship
Not all roofing companies are created equal. Kirberg’s been setting the bar for excellence for over 100 years, and we’re showing no signs of slowing down. We pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service and expert installation for each of our valued customers.
We understand the importance of using the best products to install your roofing system correctly the first time. Our trained and experienced contractors are dedicated to constructing a roof system that’ll stand the test of time. But we also know things happen that are out of your control. That’s why we offer a 2-year workmanship warranty to help alleviate your concerns about roofing issues in the near future.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and get started on your commercial or residential roofing journey.