Residential roofing warranties are a promise made by the manufacturer or installer of a roofing system to repair or replace the roof under certain circumstances. These warranties give homeowners peace of mind, knowing that their investment in a new roof is protected.
Types of Residential Roofing Warranties
There are two main types of residential roofing warranties: manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties.
Manufacturer warranties: These material warranties cover the products made by roofing materials manufacturers, and will be offered regardless of the type of roof you’re installing. Shingles, metal roofs, shake roofing and all other roofing products come with manufacturer warranties of varying lengths, which you should ask about before making your selection. These warranties are provided by the manufacturer of the roofing material and cover defects in the product. They typically range from 20 to 50 years and can be pro-rated or non-prorated (more on taht later).
Contractor warranties: These installation/workmanships warranties are provided by the roofing contractor and cover the workmanship of the installation. These are generally much shorter in duration than materials warranties, and they require that you do your due diligence in maintaining your new roof, as homeowner negligence can invalidate installation warranty protections. They typically range from 1 to 10 years and can be combined with a manufacturer warranty. Contractor warranties cover issues such as leaks caused by improper installation, but they do not cover defects in the roofing material itself.
Besides the standard manufacturer and workmanship warranties, there are also “system warranties” offered by contractors certified by specific manufacturers. These advanced and comprehensive warranties cover all the individual components that make up your new roof. Since they provide the best and most complete protection available, it is recommended that you opt in if your contractor offers a system warranty.
Understanding Roofing Warranties: Pro-Rated vs. Non-Pro-Rated Guarantees
When asking contractors about their installation warranties, it’s very important to determine whether a given company is offering a pro-rated warranty or a non-pro-rated warranty. A pro-rated warranty means that the homeowner is responsible for paying a portion of the replacement cost based on the age of the roof. A non-prorated warranty means that the manufacturer covers the full cost of replacement during the specified warranty period.
You should always opt for a non-pro-rated warranty, since this ensures that the contractor remains responsible for all possible problems and potential defects relating to the roof. With a pro-rated warranty, the contract will contain exclusions and fine print that can absolve the contractor of any liability or responsibility under certain conditions.
Pro-rated warranties also tend to hide some expenses that you will have to shoulder if your new roof fails to perform according to your expectations. Contractors will still fix problems, but only for added costs if the work falls outside the boundaries created by the standard consumer protections.
Choosing the Right Warranty For Your New Roof
It’s important to note that warranties are not guarantees that the roof will last for the entire warranty period. They simply provide a level of protection against defects or workmanship issues that may arise. Homeowners should carefully read the warranty terms and understand what is covered and what is not. They should also make sure that the roofing contractor they choose is reputable and experienced, as their workmanship will play a big role in the longevity of the roof.
Always read the fine print before signing on the dotted line, since you’re legally obligated to abide by the terms and conditions of a warranty if you’re signed it. Roofing warranties may not be the most enjoyable reading you’ll do this year, but a thorough review is an essential part of your due diligence.
In summary, residential roofing warranties provide homeowners with a level of protection and peace of mind when investing in a new roof. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the roofing material and can be pro-rated or non-prorated, while contractor warranties cover workmanship issues and can be combined with a manufacturer warranty. Homeowners should carefully read and understand warranty terms and choose a reputable contractor for proper installation.
Always Hire a Reputable Roofing Contractor
If you’re looking for a contractor with shingle roofing installation expertise, consider All Roofing Solutions. We are a family owned & operated roofing contractor with 25 years of experience in roofing, siding, gutter, and windows installation. Fully licensed & insured, we service Delaware and neighboring Pennsylvania counties.
Backed by our expertise, we offer a 30-year workmanship guarantee and a complimentary extended material warranty on all of our full roof replacements!
At All Roofing Solutions, we’ve built a stalwart reputation for quality and reliability, and all our roofs are covered by generous, industry-leading warranties. We’ll be there to answer any and all questions you may have about your roof, even if it’s been 10 years since we installed it.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania. We offer Free Estimates and honest service, never take shortcuts, and ensure every step is done right!
Why Choose All Roofing Solutions
- Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
- Fully licensed and insured.
- Over 20 years of experience with roofing & siding installation and repair.
- A+ rated BBB member
- Complimentary Extended Material warranty
- 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
- Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
- Own crew—no subcontractors!
- Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
- Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
- Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
- Each roofing/siding project includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
- The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!
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