No matter if your roof suffered damage due to a storm or has passed its life and needs to be replaced, it can be difficult. When the work is completed and you feel that you can breathe once more, you are able to look toward the future. What are the best ways to safeguard this investment? If there is an issue with the product or an error in the installation process, a roofing warranty will cover you.

The roof's installation and the shingles, too, are covered by a variety of warranties that work in the same direction to protect your investment and your home. These are everything you need to be aware of.

Manufacturer vs. Roof Warranties of Contractors

There are two roof warranty types that usually are in play: the manufacturer's warranty and the contractor's warranty. The first comes from the roofing firm that constructed the roof. The other is provided by the company that manufactures roof materials. Together, these two warranties will cover the entire cost of your roof's new construction, from installation to replacement parts and labor.

Warranty from the Manufacturer: This warranty provided by the manufacturer covers your roof from damage to the roofing material itself. The manufacturer warranty lasts between 20 and 50 years, subject to the type of material. This warranty cannot be negotiated, and it is essential that both the homeowner and contractor go over all terms and conditions.

Warranties for workmanship or contractor: This kind of warranty is offered by the roofing contractor you hired and guarantees their craftsmanship in the process of installation. These usually last for two to five years. Warranty for roofing contractors is often flexible to meet the specific requirements of your business. Even if there are issues with the work after the roofing company's warranty expires, a reputable contractor could offer support.

The elements of a roof warranty

The two types of roofing warranties are required to be presented in thorough documents that are available for review in the clearest language that is possible. These documents should outline the parts covered by the agreement, as well as the length of the warranty and how issues will be dealt with.

Although the specific conditions that you'll receive from your roof warranty depend on the roofing company and the manufacturer, here's an overview of the things you should expect.

• Installation methods
• System performance
• The roof is finished and looks great
• Transferability of warranty

Exclusions from the typical roof warranty:

• Hail damage
• Standing water
• Inconsequential damage, for example, inadequate roof repairs and modifications
• Homeowners' efforts to clear the snow and ice from their property
• Acts of God

A note on roof leaks: Most roofing warranties cover both labor and material expenses for repairs to roof leaks; however, the circumstances have an impact. If the leak is the result of improper installation, it will be covered by the warranty of your contractor. If the cause of the leak is the weather, fire, hail, earthquakes, or vandalism, your warranty won't be able to cover the damages. Discuss with your contractor what's covered under your warranty and also any weather that is likely to cause problems in your location. For instance, if you reside in a region that is affected by hurricanes, you should discuss the wind speeds covered under your warranty from the manufacturer.

Examining the validity of roofing warranties

How can you tell whether a warranty is the best choice for you? The first step to evaluate the validity of a roof warranty is to study it thoroughly. The warranties for roofs can differ vastly, and it can be easy to get confused. To be able to understand the terminology, we suggest homeowners look over the warranties of their roof company. A reputable roofing company can assist with questions, explain the different warranties offered by the manufacturer, and can explain any language you aren't sure about.