If you are getting ready to re-roof your home you have a few big decisions to make. Selecting a roofing contractor and the type of material that best suites your project are the first major choices. Another factor that is often over looked is selecting the type of warranty coverage for your new system. Depending on the type of roofing material and system you choose you could qualify for an upgraded system warranty that will add extended protection over your home for years to come.
Types of Residential Roofing Warranties
Standard Material Warranties
A standard material warranty is provided by the manufacturer and guarantees the quality of their products against defects. This warranty does not cover the entire roofing system such as underlayment, flashings, vents, and other accessories. A typical standard material warranty on a composition shingle is now 50-year limited lifetime coverage. Most manufacturers provide 100% coverage for the first 10 years and from years 11-50 the value of the warranty prorates out.
System Warranties
Hiring a roofing contractor that is certified by the manufacturer provides great benefits. A certified contractor can offer “system warranties.” This warranty extends the policy over every component installed. As an example, GAF/ELK Roofing Corporation provides a Weather Stopper warranty for their system. Using 4 components they design to work together to waterproof the home they will provide a 100% guarantee for 50 years. They also back up the installation of their contractor for 2 years. Compare that to the standard material warranty and the difference is immense. Ask your contractor about installing a complete roofing system on your home!
5 Star Or Golden Pledge Warranties
There is yet another level of warranty offered by manufacturers. Two examples are CertainTeeds 5 star warranty and GAF/ELK’s Golden Pledge coverage. Each manufacturer has a very small handful of roofers in each state that they train and allow to offer their highest level of warranty. The Golden Pledge requires the use of all GAF products exclusively and extensive install specifications. They send out one of their inspectors after the job is complete to grade and check for quality assurance. GAF then offers a 25-year labor and workmanship warranty in addition to 50 years of non-prorated material coverage. This puts the roof into the hands of the manufacturer for a minimum of 25 years.
Contractor Workmanship Warranty
In addition to the manufacturer warranties, every contractor of any trade is also required to guarantee their work. Contractor warranties range from 5 to 20 years depending on the system installed. The average workmanship warranty is 5 years. This is an important question to ask your contractor during the hiring process. Keep in mind that hiring a contractor that has been in business for more than 5 years is important as it establishes a track record of longevity. If a roofing company goes out of business they will no longer be required to honor their warranties.
Hire A Reliable Roofing Contractor
Roofing contractors like All Roofing Solutions are a safe choice. They have been in business for over 20 years and have established a reputation of safety and reliability. If you are in Delaware or Pennsylvania contact them for a free estimate!
This article was provided by Joel Beattie of Chase Construction North West, Inc.-Roofers Tacoma, WA.