When it’s time for a new roof, you get the distinct privilege of choosing your roofing material, deciding on what grade of roofing shingles you want, selecting a shingle color, and more. As you make the choices that will directly impact your home’s curb appeal, remember there is also an important feature to consider for the long-term high performance of your new roof: the warranties.
Roof repair or replacement can be a considerable investment. Opting for a full replacement with a local roofing company may depend on the cause of your roofing damage as well as the cost of installing a home roof. In order to make an informed decision about who will install your roof, take into account the warranty coverage that will come with it and be valid for years to come.
Types of Roof Warranties
What’s included in a home roof warranty depends on what type of warranty it is and who is honoring it. Here are some classic warranties you should get with your new roof, and what they include:
Manufacturer’s Warranty
The standard manufacturer’s warranty is the type of warranty that covers the products you purchase. It’s typically a “limited lifetime” warranty. A limited lifetime warranty normally means your roof is covered as long as you own your home.
If you get a “lifetime” warranty, be sure to clarify what that means. Some “lifetime warranties” only last up to 30 years. The amount of protection varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most cover the cost of any material defects, meaning you would need to cover any labor charges to remove faulty shingles and install new ones.
Manufacturer’s warranties vary between 20 and 30 years for shingles.
Most manufacturers cover the replacing of defective shingles for the first few years and then prorate coverage for the remaining time you own your home. Initial coverage includes replacement shingles and labor for the initial period after your roof installation.
Workmanship Warranty
This type of warranty is from your contractor and covers your roof installation. Reputable, detail-oriented roofers stand behind their installation with a workmanship warranty. The length of this warranty type varies depending on who you hire to do the work. Some contractors offer lifetime coverage. Workmanship warranties protect your roof against material failures that happen because of labor errors or wrong installation techniques.
Workmanship warranties cover the cost of labor and materials needed to make needed repairs. If your home interior was damaged as a result of the roofing errors, things like your home furnishings should be covered as well.
Workmanship warranties don’t cover things unrelated to installation including: high wind damage, storm damage, water damage, ice dams, and roof leaks occurring due to a tree limb falling.
Make sure you vet the contractor you plan to hire to install your roofing system. Their customer service, commitment to customer satisfaction, track record, installation practices, and length of time in business all matter as much as their commitment to honor their warranties. A good company stands behind their workmanship. A new roofing system is a major investment, so read reviews and find out as much as possible before you hire a roofing contractor.
When the professionals at Christian Brothers Roofing install your new home roof, it comes with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
Extended Manufacturer’s Warranty
This covers contractor workmanship along with expanded coverage for your roofing products. This comprehensive coverage gives homeowners peace of mind knowing their home roof will continue to be in great working order for years to come.
Installation quality directly impacts how well your roofing product will perform long-term. Optional extended warranty coverage is offered on new roofs installed by roofing contractors certified to install roofing systems in line with the strict installation standards set out by the manufacturer.
Extended manufacturer’s warranties are available at an additional cost, and most require that you have a complete roof system installed—which includes things like an ice barrier, an underlayment, ridge cap shingles, soffit and ridge vents, and shingles. The most comprehensive extended warranty gives you a wide range of advantages such as:
- Roof system component coverage (not including flashing, wood decking, and fasteners)
- Non-prorated coverage for defective materials—This is usually extendable for up to 50 years and includes the cost of labor, repairs, and replacement
- Workmanship coverage against installation errors on your roof system—Prorating may begin after an initial period and includes labor, tear off, and disposal costs
The Benefits of Protecting Your Warranties
You get the best long-term performance on your roofing system when you stay in the guidelines your warranties outline, protecting their coverage so you can enjoy the benefits of a new roofing system for years to come.
The Importance of Filing Your Warranties
Roof replacement is a sizable investment, and should always be followed up with the filing of a home roof warranty to ensure it is honored. Once you choose a roofing material and contractor, make sure you check the manufacturer’s requirements for registering your warranty. Timely registration of warranties is key to their coverage being honored.
Christian Brothers Roofing files your warranties for you to ensure you get the full warranty coverage you need and deserve. In case you ever need to file a claim on one of your warranties, be sure you double check that the warranty requirements were met in order to get the full coverage you deserve.
Get a Reputable Roofer in Kansas City
At Christian Brothers Roofing, we provide not only new roofing (along with maintenance tips on how to keep it in great shape), but also lasting roof repairs to protect your Kansas City home in the wake of storm damage.
When your home needs a roof replacement, it can seem overwhelming. Instead of worrying, look to our expert team at Christian Brothers Roofing. We’ll treat your home like it’s our own. Get residential roofing that gives you confidence, and know your home is well protected.
