‘’Additionally, 25% of those surveyed experienced issues with their roof that could have been covered if they had a clearer understanding of their warranty details. This highlights the importance of comprehending warranty terms to ensure proper coverage and protection.’’
When the matter is about safeguarding your house, the roof has its paramount significance. Now why it is like that? It protects your living space from particles that are detrimental to the health of your home’s structural integrity and can lead to numerous other issues.
Hence, keeping in mind all this, it becomes crucial to invest in a good roofing system, but knowing your options regarding roofing warranties is as important. So, without giving it a second thought contact Smart Roofing Systems.
Here is a comprehensive guide to help the homeowner understand some key things about roofing warranties
Understanding Roofing Warranties
Roofing warranties are, in essence, a mutual sort of understanding between the homeowner and the contractor about the terms and coverage of the roofing system.
Hence, we have discussed the two kinds of roofing warranties:
Manufacturer Warranties
Did you find warranties cover defects? The manufacturer’s warranties will inspect them. For instance, if the shingles crack due to any manufacturing defect, that additional cost induced in replacing it would be covered under the warranty.
Contractor Warranties
These cover the workmanship of the installation. If a roof is installed in a manner that leads to things such as leaking, then the contractor warranty would usually cover the costs of such repairs.
Types of Coverage
Roofing warranties exist in many forms; each has certain coverage aspects, which include:
Limited Warranty
This kind of warranty covers a given period and usually encompasses some limitations. It may cover only certain defects while excluding others.
Lifetime Warranty
This sounds very alluring, but every individual should examine carefully about this thing. Because, oftentimes, this term refers to the lifetime of the original homeowner or the roofing material. However, this warranty could be allocated based on the amount of coverage that reduces with time.
Material Warranty
This comes with the detection of the material incorporated in roofing. But, this comes with a huge responsibility that the warranty is not subjected to overcome damages due to storms or poor maintenance issues.
Workmanship Warranty
This addresses the quality of installation. In such a case, when the roofing system fails due to incorrect installation, this warranty would cover the repair costs or the replacement of the same.
What’s Typically Covered?
This question creates a massive curiosity. While, in actuality, manufacturer warranties will cover defects in the materials themselves, such as shingle degradation or membrane issues.
Usually, contractor warranties will take care of installation problems like improper nailing or tight sealing. However, both types of warranties are common in excluding damage by external factors such as harsh weather conditions or poor maintenance.
Exclusions and Limitations
It’s equally important to understand what is not covered by your warranty, as finding out what is covered. Common exclusions may include:
Damage from Severe Weather:
Most of the warranties do not cover damage caused by harsh weather conditions, like hurricanes or hailstorms.
Improper Maintenance:
Failure to perform regular maintenance or neglect in the care of roofs can void the warranty.
Unauthorized Repairs:
If you or someone else performs repairs or modifications not approved by the warranty provider, coverage might be voided.
Acts of Nature
Events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions are often excluded from warranty coverage.
Transferability
If you’re selling your house, this may raise the question of whether your roofing warranty can be transferred to the new owner. Yes, most of the warranties are transferable, but with some specific conditions and prescribed fees. It would be worth inquiring from your warranty provider if your warranty is transferable and what steps you would need to undertake to make this possible.
Maintaining Your Warranty
Follow these steps to gain it:
Regular Inspections
It has become imperative to conduct daily inspections to detect problems before they become a headache. So, this way unnecessary repairing costs would be secured too, as most of the warranties will also demand periodic inspections to remain valid.
Proper Maintenance
Follow and execute the maintenance recommendations inculcated by the contractor as well as the manufacturer for every issue from scratch to the top.
Keep Records
You need to ensure that authentic records are kept about the repairs and maintenance performed. This becomes crucial for the future if a file warranty claim is required.
Filing a Warranty Claim
You must be aware of the fact what must be done in filing a warranty claim, so for your ease, we have jotted down the steps:
Document the Problem
Take clear photos of the problem areas and damage. Documentation provides evidence when filing a claim.
Contact the Provider
Notify the manufacturer or contractor of the problem. Instruct them specifically on how to handle your claim.
Submit Documentation
Provide all documentation, including but not limited to photos, proof of purchase, and maintenance records, the provider requests in support of your claim.
Cooperate with the Provider
Work with the warranty provider through their investigation process. They may dispatch an inspector to survey the damage for coverage.
Reputation of the Manufacturer and Contractor
Go for companies reputed to provide quality products and good service. Research customer reviews and ratings.
Warranty Terms and Coverage
You need to carefully and consciously go through the warranty terms. Moreover, make sure you comprehend well what is documented in it.
Cost vs. Value
While a more expensive warranty covers much better, consider the cost-value ratio. Sometimes, basic warranties may be sufficient to cover what you need.
Conclusion
A roofing warranty is integral to your protection when investing in your home. Homeowners are better prepared to handle any potential roofing problem when they understand the various types of warranties available, what is covered, and how to maintain and use them efficiently.
Always review options thoroughly regarding your warranty, properly taking care of your roof, and seek knowledge concerning your warranty terms for a safe, well-protected home for many years. In this regard, Smart Roofing Systems can better assist you.
