LePage and Sons Roofing LLC

Roofing warranties protect you from additional expenses resulting from factory defects in the materials or workmanship errors. There are several types of roofing warranties, and each one varies depending on the roofing contractor and manufacturer. Regardless of the specific coverage they offer, these warranties are useful to any household or business. 

Here are tips on how to keep your roofing warranty valid.

What Is a Roofing Warranty?

A roofing warranty is usually provided when you purchase a new roof. It is designed to protect homeowners against possible roofing issues or damage caused by either a manufacturing defect or improper installation.

Contractors and manufacturers offer different kinds of roofing warranties, which can be categorized into two main types. A manufacturer warranty typically covers problems or flaws in the roofing materials while a contractor warranty covers workmanship errors. It pays to have both types of roofing warranties for more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind. To learn more about the specific warranties that come with your new roof, it is best to consult your local contractor.

Coverage Period

Knowing the coverage period of your roofing warranty is important. This information gives you an idea of how long you can count on the benefits of your roofing warranties. It can also give you the assurance you need when it comes to the health and serviceable life of your roofing system. 

A lifetime warranty may be provided for your roof, but make sure to ask your roofer what constitutes a “lifetime”. Does this mean you’re set for life when you get a roofing warranty and have all the emergency roof repair jobs covered? Not exactly. A lifetime warranty could mean that its coverage will last as long as you’re the owner of the property. So, if you sell your home, your roofing warranty would lose its validity, and it can’t be passed on to the new owner.

Fortunately, it’s common for roofing warranties to be transferable at least once. This means you could transfer the warranty to the new owner or your next of kin if your property will be inherited by a family member. To be sure, review the details of your warranty.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most roofing warranties are pro-rated. As time passes, the more your roof depreciates and the lower the costs that your warranty will cover.

Why Your Choice of Manufacturer and Contractor Matters

As mentioned earlier, different manufacturers and contractors offer varying warranties. However, there are elements that are standard in many roofing warranties. When reviewing a contract, you should look for these details and use them as your basis when choosing a roof replacement manufacturer and contractor for your project.

That said, the manufacturer’s quality of products, and the contractor’s level of workmanship matter. You should look into their reputation before signing your name on any contract. Remember that you won’t be able to get the most out of a high-quality roof if it is poorly installed. When this happens, your new roof will be susceptible to damage or early deterioration, and its warranty will lose its validity since the manufacturer-approved installation methods weren’t followed. So, make sure to hire a qualified and experienced professional to handle your roof replacement project.

Common Causes of Voided Roofing Warranties

Roofing warranties have highly specific terms and conditions as they are made to create a fair policy between the homeowner, the manufacturer and the contractor. Since your roof is one of your home’s main defenses against the elements, keeping your warranty valid can save you from additional expenses and the stress of dealing with roof repairs.

To be able to maintain the validity of your roofing warranty, it helps to know the common issues that could void it. Here are some of the most common reasons behind voided warranties:

Re-Roofing

Re-roofing is a common mistake among homeowners who are on a tight budget or those who unfortunately hired an unscrupulous or inexperienced roofer. In general, re-roofing is not recommended by roofing manufacturers. It’s best to completely remove the old layer of shingles before installing the new ones. Contractors who cut costs or take shortcuts simply lay the new shingles over the old layer. This practice will immediately void any existing material warranty and put your roofing system at risk. It can cause the old layer of shingles to accumulate moisture and compromise the new layer of shingles. Moreover, re-roofing shortens the lifespan of your roof, so you won’t be able to maximize its benefits.

Improper Installation and Usage of Non-System Components

This is the reason why you should only hire certified and reputable contractors to install your roof. Certain roofing materials have specifications that need to be followed during installation. This does not only guarantee the roofing system’s optimal performance, but it also ensures your warranties will remain valid. When contractors use non-system components in a roofing system that is designed to work with specific materials, this can void your warranty, preventing you from getting the most out of it.

Poor Roof Ventilation

Most roof warranties don’t cover the damage and effects on the materials caused by poor roof ventilation. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to manage and improve the ventilation in your attic. If your attic can’t properly vent hot and humid air, heat will accumulate in the space and affect the performance of the whole roofing system. Deteriorating shingles, moisture-related problems and energy efficiency issues are only some of the problems you’ll encounter if you have a poorly ventilated attic.

Schedule a Roofing Consultation Today!

With LePage and Sons Roofing LLC, you can say goodbye to all your roofing problems. From emergency roof repair to roof replacement, our experienced team handles each job with great attention to detail. Our roofers are experienced and professionally trained, so you can be sure that every installation is done according to manufacturer instructions.

We also provide top-notch after-sales service, so if you have questions or concerns after your roof installation, you can count on us to provide you with the information you need. Request a roofing estimate by filling out our contact form or calling us at (508) 295-6483.