Every roof comes with some form of warranty coverage, but they’re not all the same. Your roof is an important investment so it only makes sense to look for a warranty that will cover virtually every eventuality. Here are the things you should look for in a roofing warranty.
1. Reputable Manufacturer
Major roofing manufacturers like GAF offer better-than-average warranties because they have the means to back it up. In most cases, going with a manufacturer-backed warranty checks many items in this list. Filing a warranty claim through manufacturer-backed warranties is also much easier if the roof is installed by a manufacturer-credentialed roofer.
2. Workmanship Coverage
Workmanship warranties provide coverage for problems caused by installation errors. This is typically covered by the roofing contractor, though some manufacturers offer warranties that cover both.
3. Years of Coverage
Pay attention to how many years the roofing warranty will cover. Material or factory warranties should cover at least 10 to 15 years after installation, which is usually half the roof’s expected lifespan. Workmanship warranties are generally shorter because problems caused by installation errors typically make themselves known within two to five years after installation.
4. Exclusions
These are terms that are not covered by the warranty as well as conditions that may render it void. For instance, most roofing warranties require regular maintenance and timely repairs as requirements. Neglecting to do so would be considered as an exclusion and, therefore, could void warranty coverage.
5. Transferability
Transferable warranties are warranties that can be transferred to the next homeowner in the event the house is sold. This can make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Even if you’re not planning on selling your home, transferable warranties are nevertheless worth having.
6. Claims Process
Filing a warranty claim can differ depending on the product and contractor. Some manufacturers may require you to contact them directly for factory warranty claims and contact the contractor for workmanship-related problems. Others like GAF have a much simpler claims process: you only need to contact your roofing contractor whether it’s material or workmanship-related.
Pritchett Bros is your leading provider of roofing repair and installation services. Give us a call at (812) 275-3185. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Bloomington, IN, and surrounding communities.
