You have worked extremely hard to be able to put a roof over your head. And not just any roof, but one that is good and sturdy – one that you are confident could last you for ages. But is your roof, in fact, one that is guaranteed to last for as long as you expect?
No one wants to see their hard-earned money go to waste. That’s why choosing quality roofing is important; you expect your investment to go a long way, and your roof to last for as long as possible. Sometimes, however, we neglect to check the conditions outlined in our roofing warranty…and end up paying through the nose for repair or replacement we thought was covered. The best way to protect yourself is to know what to look for in a roofing warranty. In this blog, let’s look at the things that are essential for you to know.
Manufacturer warranties: Warranty against material defects
There are industry standards that every company must follow regarding any materials used (asphalt, wood, stone, etc.) A standard roofing warranty should always cover the quality of materials (eg. shingles) used. These warranties are often provided by the manufacturer of the materials themselves. Usually, materials in the market, when from a reputable company, undergo a series of quality tests to minimize defects. This allows them to confidently issue you workmanship guarantees or warranties on their products. That being said, this type of warranty typically does not cover installation.
Contractor warranties: Warranty coverage against workmanship errors
Perhaps even more important than your materials warranty is the workmanship warranty. Because material defects are quite rare, roofing problems often occur as a result of the contractor’s work; as a result of errors in craftsmanship. For this reason, it is always best to hire someone with the proper professional certifications. Pick a contractor who’s a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to do the job for you. For more details on that, you can check this link: http://staticcontent.nrca.net/consumer/steep.pdf
Your Smartest Options
Hiring a company that can provide you with both types of coverage is your smartest, most hassle-free option.
When you hire a roofing professional to do the work on your home, it is very important that he understand you and your budget limits. And no matter how small or large your budget is, you should be able to get the best possible service for your money’s value. There are different kinds of roofing warranties – and honestly, some cover less than others. What is important is that you understand exactly what is covered prior to having any work done. Most products and services nowadays protect themselves through disclaimers found in the fine print, so you need to pay more attention to these things. Does the warranty include replacement, repairs, or both? How extensive is the coverage, and for how long? Are the set of conditions the same for a single-detached unit and a duplex, for instance? If the basic information you need is not readily available, ask for it! And ask to see it in writing, too.
One good tip is to find a company that can offer you various warranty options instead of just one. These are the companies that seek to provide you with the best quality they can offer within your budget. Check the company’s history, too. How long have they been in business? After all, what’s the point of having a 50-year warranty in hand if the company that issued the warranty isn’t even likely to last that long?
Be wary, too, of misleading word play. “Lifetime”for example, can mean anything from five to 15, 20, 25, or even 50 years or more. Make sure you’re clear on what the limitations of your coverage are.
GAF-certified companies like Arry’s Roofing, for instance, provide the most comprehensive warranties. They offer several options, such as is shown in the guide below:
Keep in mind as well that whatever the coverage offered, you should have it all in writing. This way, should any problems occur, you will be armed and protected by your warranty, and thus be spared from future headaches and unnecessary expense.
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Author Bio:
Matthew Housh works at Arry’s Roofing, a family-owned and operated company that provides all types of roofing services for your roofing needs. He is enthusiastic and passionate about sharing his knowledge through writing. Check out some of his articles on http://www.arrysroofing.com/blog/
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