Roof Replacement Warranties: What to Look For

The roof is one of the most important parts of our home. It protects us against storms and helps to regulate the temperature within our homes. However, as your roof ages, it is more likely to experience some problems. With your roof, you don’t want to ignore any problems, no matter how small they may seem. But roof repairs can be expensive, and sometimes we put off the needed repair until we can more easily afford it.

This is where roof warranties come in. With the right roof warranty, you can have the necessary roof repair completed before it turns into a larger problem. There are a lot of different kinds of roof warranties though, so with that in mind, here is what to look for in order to get the best roof replacement warranty. 

Material Coverage

When it comes to types of roof warranties, there are really two major options. The first is a materials-only warranty. With this type of warranty, you’ll be covered for the materials provided by the manufacturer. This will protect you against any manufacturing defects. 

However, if there is an installation problem, this type of warranty will not cover it. So, for example, if you find that you have a leak in your roof, you might be sent a kit to repair it, and no further inspection will be done. 

The other type of warranty covers both materials and labor. You’ll have to make sure your installation is completed by a licensed contractor in order to get this type of warranty, along with getting it inspected by the manufacturer. This is a much more comprehensive warranty, typically making it the better option. 

Cost Coverage

Next, you’ll want to think about cost coverage. In this area there are three options: A no dollar limit, prorated, and original cost. Here’s what each of these means.

A no dollar limit assures that the manufacturer will spend whatever is necessary to repair or replace your roof. There are no cost restrictions, so you can rest a little easier knowing that whomever is repairing your roof won’t cut any corners or use any sub-par materials in order to save money. 

An original cost warranty allows the manufacturer to spend up to the total cost of the original purchase. A prorated warranty is similar, except the value diminishes over time. Both of these options are typically cheaper to get than a no dollar limit warranty, but they are also less comprehensive. If something major happens to your roof, and you’re on either an original cost or prorated warranty, you may find you need to pay money out of pocket in order to get the full repair or replacement. 

Term Length of the Warranty

No roof is going to last forever. The wear down over time, and eventually it will need to be replaced. The key to selecting a good warranty is to find one that will last as long as your roof. When considering any warranty, you should discuss with the provider how they are determining the length. This will help you to decide if it’s the correct length, or whether you need something longer. 

While going over the warranty, you should also look at any included maintenance packages (if there are any). Rather than having to replace the entire roof, sometimes simple maintenance can keep the roof in good shape for a long time to come. Having a maintenance package included in the warranty will help to extend the life of your roof and could save you some money down the line. 

Where You’re Getting the Warranty

Finally, you’ll want to think about who is providing the warranty. There are really two options. First, there is the manufacturer. This is typically where you’re going to get your warranty from, and it’s what we’ve based the information above on so far. 

There is another option though, and that’s to get a warranty from the contractor. While this option is open to you, the manufacturer warranty is typically better. This is because the manufacturer has better financial stability to cover the warranty, and because they are less likely to go out of business in the near future. 

Choosing the Warranty That’s Right for You

There’s no one set answer for the type of roof replacement warranty you should get. You’ll have to consider all of the factors – from where you live, to how long you expect the roof to last, to how much you’re willing to spend. The best thing you can do is explore all of your options and educate yourself. If you can do this, you should have no trouble choosing a warranty that is right for your home.