As you begin the process of buying a new roof, one step you do not want to overlook is roof warranty. It is important to understand the kind of warranty you will receive once the job is complete. While all manufacturers will offer basic warranty, additional warranty options might be available either through your contractor or the roofing manufacturer.
Here is what you need to know when selecting a warranty:
Understanding the Basics of Roofing Warranties
Although it may seem as though there’s a wide range of warranties offered on roofing, there are three main types:
- The standard manufacturer’s warranty that covers the products you purchase.
- A contractor warranty from your contractor that covers the installation.
- An extended manufacturer’s warranty that covers contractor workmanship along with expanded coverage for the products.
Manufacturer's Product Warranties
It's typical for a reputable roofing materials manufacturer to come with a basic, limited roofing warranty, and usually at no additional cost to the homeowner. Additionally, some manufacturers offer better coverage if you choose to install not just shingles, but also qualifying accessory products. Under this category, your degree of protection depends on the manufacturer.
Contractor Warranties
The contractor who installs your roofing plays a key role in its longevity and performance. In addition to basic manufacturer warranties on the roofing products, many contractors may choose to offer their customers coverage for issues with your roof arising out of mistakes the contractor made during the installation. The details and terms of these types of warranties may vary greatly from contractor to contractor. It is important to vet your contractor thoroughly. Factors to consider are length of time in business, quality of work, commitment to customers, and customer satisfaction.
Contractor warranties typically cover the cost of labor and materials needed to make repairs, and many also cover any related damages done to the home’s interior, as well as your furnishings and personal effects.
Enhanced Manufacturer's Warranties
For the most comprehensive coverage, find out whether your roofing contractor can offer you any enhanced warranty options backed by the roofing manufacturer. Although most enhanced warranties are available at an additional cost, they usually offer longer and better coverage against defects in the product and may also provide coverage for installation errors.
The most comprehensive extended warranties offered by trusted manufacturers provide a range of benefits, such as: coverage for all roof system components, lengthy, or continuous, coverage for defective materials, and workmanship coverage against installation errors of the roof system.
When you understand the full scope of coverage provided by enhanced manufacturer's warranties as compared to that offered by standard warranties or contractors warranties, it's easier to see how they can be valuable in the long run.
When starting a roofing project, be sure to talk to your contractor about warranty options available. As GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractors, Alliance Roofing Company can provide you with the highest level of coverage when you have a new GAF shingle roofing system installed. Learn more about our GAF Warranty. We are happy to answer any of your questions on these various warranties, as well as free roof repair and replacement estimates. Contact Alliance Roofing Company today.