One of the most crucial aspects of your home’s exterior is the roofing system. Apart from its ability to boost the architectural appearance of your living space, it is also responsible for shielding the residents and interior from elements during severe weather events, such as hail storms, heavy snow and torrential downpour.
When determining the real value of a roof, whether a roof replacement or new construction, an important thing to consider is the roofing warranty that comes with it. Since there are plenty of different warranties being offered, it is quite easy to make the wrong decision and end up with a warranty that is not the best fit for your roofing structure or long-term budget. Here is a guide to help you weed out the most suitable warranty options for your residential property.
What Type of Material Coverage Are You Looking For?
Material-only and material and labor are two of the main types of warranties that are offered on the market. A material-only warranty covers only the materials supplied by the manufacturer, meaning that you are covered from any manufacturing defects that can inflict damage to the roofing system and the entire house. However, this type of warranty does not cover installation or workmanship issues that can equally affect the integrity of your structure. If you have a material-only warranty, common roofing problems, such as persistent leaks in the ceiling and interior walls, will not be adequately addressed by the warranty.
Meanwhile, material and labor warranties include coverage not only for the roofing materials used in the construction but the workmanship as well. In order for this type of warranty to be applicable, the installation of the system must be performed by a licensed roof repair and installation contractor and then inspected by a qualified representative from the manufacturing company. Because material and labor warranties are much more stringent, getting your roof repaired or defective materials replaced is included in the coverage in most cases.
What Type of Cost Coverage Do You Need?
A common term in property insurance, replacement cost coverage refers to the primary valuation method for calculating the value of the insured property — which, in this case, is your home — to determine the amount your insurer will pay you to cover the loss. In this category, there are three types of warranty options to think about: original cost, prorated and no dollar limit.
An original cost coverage permits the manufacturer to repair problems up to the total cost of the original purchase. A prorated coverage, on the other hand, covers the cost of roof repair or roof replacement, but gradually diminishes in value over the course of its life. No dollar limit, which is often considered as the most favorable type of warranty, is non-prorated and can give the assurance that the manufacturer will cover the repair of your roofing system, no matter the cost, even if it requires complete re-roofing. You know that the manufacturer will not skimp on quality because of the cost limitations that are associated with the warranty. As a homeowner, you will feel safe and protected for many years to come.
Is The Warranty Going to Cover the Lifespan of Your Roof?
A warranty does not guarantee that your roof will last longer than the expected lifespan. Each roofing system and structure has a specific length of service life. It is important to ask the manufacturer or the contractor to explain the reasoning behind the warranty period to help you assess whether or not the warranty will provide sufficient coverage until the roof reaches the end of its life. Be sure to inquire about the exclusions of your warranty as well. Will you receive coverage for hail damage, wind damage or water damage?
The maintenance package that comes with your warranty may seem like a peripheral detail, but it can seriously impact the life of your roof in the long run, so make sure to check it out before purchasing from a roofing contractor. It is extremely rare that a product can be left to the weather elements for several years and survive without a little repair or maintenance here and there. Remember that your roofing system, from the shingles to the gutters, underlayment and flashing, is no different. By adding a routine maintenance plan to your warranty, you are ensuring that your roof will last for as long as it should.
Do You Need a Manufacturer or Contractor Warranty?
Roofing warranties from reputable manufacturers are commonplace in the residential roofing business, but contractor warranties are also an option to consider. Keep in mind, however, that roofing professionals strongly recommend getting a comprehensive and reliable manufacturer’s warranty. One of the most critical reasons is the financial stability of these manufacturers; they can shell out thousands of dollars to pay for the repairs should you need them. There is also the matter of longevity. Leading roofing manufacturers are likely to be around for an indefinitely long period of time.
If you are still uncertain which route to take, asking for references is a great technique to learn more about how warranties are handled by either provider. You can also reach out to your peers to find out who they would recommend.
Why Should You Choose a Reputable Roofing Contractor?
Of course, you also need to ensure that the roofing contractor who will install the new roof is reliable and experienced. A warranty on labor heavily relies on the skill and knowledge of the contractor you are working with. Choosing the right roofer will protect you from faulty workmanship or installation errors. Here are some tips to help you find the best roofing contractor from your local area:
- Get local referrals. There is less chance of scams and other potential issues when you select a contractor from your own community. They are more well-versed in the local regulations and building codes and have a relationship with installation teams and suppliers.
- Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. A popular scam in the roofing business is contractors appearing on doorsteps right after a storm offering discounted repair work. To avoid becoming a victim of a fraudulent scheme, look up the contractor on the BBB website and see if they have a good score. Contractors who do not exist on BBB.org are not to be trusted.
- Check for licensing and insurance. The roofing contractor should have proper insurance for all employees and subcontractors that will work on your home and be able to show a copy of their insurance certificate for proof. If the contractor does not possess any insurance at all, issues that may arise during the construction, such as an employee falling from the roof and sustaining serious injuries, could lead to litigation between the roof repair contractor and the homeowner.
Contact Us for Roof Repair and Roof Installation Today
A well-built roof can help enhance curb appeal, reduce energy usage and save on maintenance expenses. If you are looking to repair an existing roof or install a shiny new one, look no further than Anderson Restoration. As the premier source of roofing and restoration solutions in the Greater Houston area, our top-rated professionals are committed to providing the efficiency and comfort every residential and commercial client needs through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us at (281) 519-2021 or (817) 839-2247. You may also fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation consultation.
