What Warranties Are Available for a New Roof?
When investing in a new roof, understanding the warranties
available can make a significant difference in the long-term value and
protection of your home. As part of your Roofing contract, Warranties not only safeguard your investment but also
offer peace of mind, knowing that youâre covered in case of issues. This guide
will walk you through the various types of warranties available for a new roof,
helping you make an informed decision as you prepare to hire a contractor.
Whether youâre searching for local roofing companies or the best roofing
company near me, knowing what to expect from roofing warranties is essential
1. Manufacturerâs Warranty
What It Covers: The manufacturerâs warranty is provided by
the company that makes the roofing materials. It typically covers defects in
materials, ensuring that if the shingles or other components are faulty, they
will be replaced at no cost. This warranty usually lasts between 20 and 50
years, depending on the material and manufacturer.
Statistical Insight: According to the National Roofing
Contractors Association (NRCA), most asphalt shingle manufacturers offer
warranties ranging from 30 to 50 years, reflecting the longevity and durability
of their products.
Example: “GAF, a leading roofing material manufacturer,
provides a limited lifetime warranty on its Timberline HDZ shingles, covering
manufacturing defects.”
2. Labor Warranty
What It Covers: Labor warranties are provided by the roofing
contractor and cover the workmanship involved in the installation of the roof.
This type of warranty typically lasts between 1 and 10 years. It ensures that
if there are issues related to the installation, such as improper flashing or
leaks due to installation errors, the contractor will address these problems.
Statistical Insight: A study by the Better Business Bureau
(BBB) indicates that clear and comprehensive labor warranties significantly
impact customer satisfaction and can prevent potential disputes.
Example: “The Charleston roofing company offers a
5-year labor warranty on all new roof installations, covering any
installation-related issues.”
3. Extended or Enhanced Warranties
What It Covers: Extended or enhanced warranties combine both
manufacturer and labor warranties into a single, more comprehensive package.
These warranties might cover additional aspects such as higher levels of
protection or longer durations. They are often available at an additional cost
and can provide more extensive coverage compared to standard warranties.
Statistical Insight: According to a report by Roofing
Contractor Magazine, enhanced warranties are becoming increasingly popular due
to their comprehensive coverage and added peace of mind for homeowners.
Example: “CertainTeedâs SureStart Plus Warranty extends
the coverage of its standard warranty to 50 years and includes coverage for
both material defects and labor costs, providing an added layer of
protection.”
4. Workmanship Warranty
What It Covers: This type of warranty specifically covers
issues related to the installation process. If the roofing contractor makes a
mistake during installation that leads to problems with the roof, this warranty
ensures that those issues will be fixed. It is often separate from the
manufacturerâs warranty and focuses solely on the quality of the installation.
Statistical Insight: Research from the National Association
of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that workmanship warranties are crucial in
protecting homeowners from potential installation defects and ensuring
high-quality roofing work.
Example: “The residential roofing contractors in Mount
Pleasant provide a 2-year workmanship warranty, guaranteeing that any
installation errors will be corrected at no extra cost.”
5. System Warranty
What It Covers: System warranties cover the entire roofing
system, including materials and installation. These warranties are often
provided by roofing manufacturers and ensure that all components of the roofing
system work together effectively. They might include coverage for issues
related to both the materials and the installation process.
Statistical Insight: The NRCA highlights that system
warranties offer comprehensive coverage and are highly valued by homeowners for
their extensive protection against both material and labor defects.
Example: “Owens Corning offers a system warranty that
covers the entire roofing system, including shingles, underlayment, and
accessories, for up to 50 years, providing extensive protection.”
6. Transferable Warranties
What It Covers: Transferable warranties allow homeowners to
transfer the warranty to a new owner if they sell their home. This feature can
be a valuable selling point and can increase the propertyâs value. Transferable
warranties often come with specific terms and conditions regarding how and when
they can be transferred.
Statistical Insight: According to a study by the National
Association of Realtors (NAR), homes with transferable warranties can sell for
up to 5% more than comparable homes without such warranties.
Example: “The roofing company in North Charleston
offers a transferable warranty option, allowing homeowners to transfer the
warranty to the next owner if they decide to sell their home.”
7. Pro-Rated Warranties
What It Covers: Pro-rated warranties offer coverage that
decreases over time. Initially, the warranty may cover the full cost of repairs
or replacements, but as the roof ages, the coverage percentage decreases. This
type of warranty can be less favorable as it provides less protection as the
roof ages.
Statistical Insight: Research from Consumer Reports
indicates that pro-rated warranties can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs for
homeowners as their roof ages, making it essential to understand the terms
before committing.
Example: “The roofing company near Summerville provides
a pro-rated warranty that covers 100% of material costs in the first 10 years,
but decreases by 10% each year thereafter.”
Understanding the various warranties available for a new
roof quote is crucial when preparing to hire a contractor. Whether youâre seeking
affordable roofing options or trying to find the best roofing company near me,
knowing what each type of warranty covers will help you make an informed
decision and protect your investment. From manufacturerâs warranties to
extended coverage and transferable options, each warranty type offers different
levels of protection and benefits.
