Roofing Warranties Explained: Your Essential Guide to Understanding Coverage Types and What They Really Mean for Your Investment
When investing in a new roof for your home, understanding the warranty coverage you receive is just as important as choosing the right materials and contractor. There are really just three main types: The standard manufacturer’s warranty that covers the products you purchase, a workmanship warranty from your contractor that covers the installation, and an extended manufacturer’s warranty that covers contractor workmanship along with expanded coverage for the products. Let’s break down what each type of warranty means for your peace of mind and your wallet.
Standard Manufacturer Warranties: The Foundation of Your Protection
Most roofing shingles come with a basic limited lifetime warranty, which is the industry standard. However, the term “lifetime” can be misleading. In most cases, a lifetime warranty means you’re covered as long as you own your home, but the actual protection varies significantly between manufacturers.
Industry-wide, these standard manufacturer warranties only provide coverage against factory defects: they don’t cover shingles that prematurely fail because mistakes were made during installation, or issues with any other components your roofer installed, such as ice and water shield, underlayment, flashing or ventilation products. Additionally, the cost of replacing defective shingles is usually only covered for the first few years after they have been newly installed. After that, the coverage is prorated.
Understanding the limitations is crucial. Even if you have coverage with a roofing material warranty, it may only cover the cost of the parts for the new materials. This leaves the homeowner footing the bill for roofing installation, which can also be costly.
Workmanship Warranties: Protecting Against Installation Errors
The contractor who installs your roofing plays a key role in its performance and longevity. Reputable, skilled roofers stand behind each installation job with a workmanship warranty. A workmanship roofing warranty covers any future problems caused by installation errors. If your roof leaks or the roofing materials fail due to improper installation, then your contractor is on the hook to fix the problem.
The length of workmanship warranties varies significantly. The length of this type of warranty can vary a lot depending on the contractor, but some offer lifetime coverage. We’ve seen most workmanship warranties range between 2 to 25 years. My recommendation is not to settle for anything less than a 10-year workmanship warranty. However, roofers who trust the quality of their workmanship should have no problem providing a lifetime warranty or close to it (20 years).
For homeowners in New Jersey, particularly those seeking a trusted Roofer Monmouth County, it’s essential to work with contractors who offer comprehensive workmanship warranties. A Russo & Son Roofing Siding & Gutters is a locally owned, family-run business that has been serving Monmouth and Bergen County, NJ for over 40 years. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and meticulous cleanup after every job sets us apart in the roofing industry. We offer a 30-year labor warranty and a 20-year workmanship warranty, underlining our confidence in the quality of our work.
Extended Manufacturer Warranties: Premium Protection
Leading manufacturers understand the direct connection between installation quality and how well their roofing products perform long-term. To help homeowners get lasting value and provide peace of mind, they offer optional extended warranty coverage on new roofs installed by authorized contractors who are certified to install the roofing system according to the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
These enhanced warranties provide significant benefits. To qualify for an enhanced warranty, all of your shingles and other roofing components must come from one specific manufacturer to form a complete roof system. After installation, you’ll register the roof with the manufacturer to get the 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty. This enhanced warranty ensures if just one of the manufacturer’s components fails, they’ll pay to replace your entire roof (both labor and materials).
Now probably the biggest advantage to an enhanced warranty like the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty is their coverage of Workmanship. These enhanced warranties certify that the contractor you get has been vetted and approved by the manufacturer for things like insurance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
What Warranties Don’t Cover
It’s equally important to understand what roofing warranties typically exclude. The standard product warranty does not cover storm damage from hail, lightning, or heavy snow, but will cover wind damage up to 10 or 15 years depending on the brand, as well as Algae stains for anywhere from 10 to 25 years. A roof warranty will not guarantee the roof’s performance against every imaginable threat; as with any form of insurance, there are carve outs exempting the provider from paying for repair or replacement that results from certain kinds of damage.
Protecting Your Warranty Coverage
Having a warranty is only valuable if it remains valid. Register Your Warranty: Don’t forget to submit your warranty registration to the manufacturer. Without it, you may not have coverage at all. While a manufacturers’ warranty is typically included with the purchase of roofing materials, customers usually must register and activate it within a set window of time after the sale if they wish to be covered. Too many homeowners fail to take this step and do not learn they don’t have warranty coverage until the moment they try to use it.
Stay with Your Original Contractor: Most contracts include language that voids the contractor’s warranty when a separate company is hired to alter the original installation. Continuity helps original installers correct their own mistakes. Keeping a good contractor as a lifelong roofing partner will protect your investment and maintain warranty coverage.
Making the Right Choice
The reality is that roof replacement warranties are complicated. But with the right guidance, you can cut through the noise and understand your true coverage. When selecting a roofing contractor, look for companies that offer comprehensive warranties and have a proven track record in your area.
At A Russo & Son Roofing, we are more than just roofing contractor in Monmouth County, NJ; we are an integral part of the community we serve. Our owner is personally present at every job site, ensuring that our work meets the highest standards of excellence. Whether you need a new roof installation, roof repair, or routine maintenance, we have the expertise and commitment to deliver outstanding results.
Understanding roofing warranties empowers you to make informed decisions about your home’s protection. Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best value when it comes to warranty coverage. Invest in quality materials, experienced contractors, and comprehensive warranties to ensure your roof investment is truly protected for years to come.