A Guide to Shingle Warranties

Agassiz Roofing Winnipeg

One of the most significant investments you will ever make in your home is replacing the roof. A brand-new roof comes with a warranty. Most of the roof warranties are provided by the shingle manufacturer. Roof or shingle warranties can be perplexing, but they have a significant impact on the performance of the roof and the resale value of the house.

Significance of Shingle Warranties

The shingle warranty from the manufacturer covers you against the product or manufacturing defects for a set period. This ensures that the manufacturer will make the necessary replacements or repairs to defective parts during that time. Shingle warranties intend to protect you against manufacturing defects rather than normal wear and tear.

Shingle manufacturers provide long-term warranties extending from 25 to 50 years, or even a lifetime. When homeowners check the warranty period of their shingles, they also presume and mistakenly believe that this is how long the roof will last. But that may not be true at all times, and the actual lifetime may be way beyond the warranty tenure.

An essential manufacturer’s warranty usually covers roofing materials. However, keep in mind that if you submit a claim in the future, the prices will be prorated. Thus, it will not cover the disposal costs. The value of the prorated warranty decreases over time. Some warranties may be prorated initially, while others may be non-prorated at first and then become prorated subsequently.

Above all, standard manufacturer warranties do not cover the workmanship part. Homeowners have to upgrade to a better warranty for that. While warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, they typically cover the total replacement cost as well as the workmanship for a set period.

Benefits of Shingle Warranties

  1. Shingle warranties give you peace of mind. You do not have to worry about the roof damages and defects as they provide coverage for them.
  2. Along with quality craft, the right shingle warranty assures that the investment you’ve made in your roof will protect the house for the long haul.
  3. With a correct shingle warranty, you can rest assured that the manufacturer will support and stand behind their product. Offering solid, comprehensive warranties can be a manufacturer’s way of reassuring you that their shingles are made to industry standards.

Shingle Warranties: What You Need to Know

Lifetime Warranty

“Lifetime” refers to the period during which the original owner of the home on which the shingles were installed owns the home. People often get confused with this term and think that ‘lifetime’ means the entire lifecycle of the shingles.

Although shingle warranties can sometimes be transferred between homeowners, you should always read the documentation carefully to understand any restrictions and requirements that come with your particular warranty.

Symptoms of Manufacturer Defects

Signs of manufacturing defects or problems caused by manufacturing defects are more visible within the first few years of installing the shingles. The following are indications that the shingles may be defective. Also, it is important to keep in mind that as the roof ages, the problems mentioned here are more likely to occur because of normal wear and tear.

  • Cracking, spotting, and blistering in abundance
  • Algae
  • Curling
  • Definable bald patches

Warranty Coverage

Pay attention to the details when reading the terms of the shingle warranty. Check whether your manufacturer covers all manufacturing defects or just those that cause leaks, minor problems, or otherwise simply affect the performance of the shingles. Generally, a shingle warranty does not cover the following types of damages:

  • Damage caused by weather-related events.
  • Roofing shingles affected by structural distortions in the home’s roof deck, foundation, or walls.
  • Damages caused by installing home accessories and other equipment.
  • Damages caused to the interior and exteriors of the house due to leaky roofs and impaired shingles.
  • Unapproved repairs and improper procedures or materials used during installation can nullify the manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Discolouration caused by algae and insufficient ventilation can shorten the warranty duration prematurely or void the warranty.

It matters who you buy from

With so many roofing companies providing similar services, it’s easy to assume that they’re all doing the same stuff. While the products these roofing contractors install may be similar, the level of service you receive is not. Working with certified roofing contractors gives you better shingle warranties.

The best way is to have access to a specialist who can guide you through the terminology and options available for both material and warranties. Choosing a roofing contractor with proper certifications ensures the highest quality of work.

How to Protect the Warranty

No homeowner wants to hear the news that their shingles warranty has expired while filing a claim. However, this is precisely what happens when people believe their warranties cover them. Here are some steps that one can follow to keep the warranty coverage valid:

Obtain Timely Inspections

Inspecting your roof properly every one or two years allows your contractor to catch any minor problems. Maintaining your warranty coverage is as simple as staying on top of repairs and avoiding major work in the future.

Abide by your Original Contractor

Continue working with the original contractors only. This will help the original installers to correct their errors. Many contracts contain language that nullifies the contractor’s warranty. This happens when you choose a different company to change the original installation. Having a good roofing contractor as a long-term partner will protect the investment and ensure warranty coverage.

Pay Attention to the Warranty Agreement

Your contractor must be accredited by the shingle manufacturer and approved to offer the warranty you’ve requested. The warranty will be void and worthless without that permission. Also, make sure you know what level of certification your warranty has.

Extended Warranites

Agassiz Roofing has been a Certified ShingleMaster for CertainTeed for many years and can offer 3-Star and 4-Star extended warranties with a complete Integrity Roof System. Ask us how you can ensure you have the best warranty for your roof!

Takeaway

The roof is something that keeps your hard-earned home belongings and, most importantly, your family safe. Just as the roof protects your house, you must protect the warranty. When you file a claim, take all the necessary steps to avoid being disappointed by a voided warranty. In the end, your warranty serves as an insurance policy. It has a lot of fine print that you can read if you need to file a claim.

Before starting a roof replacement project, ask your contractor to clarify the fine print and make sure you can trust the workmanship. Associating with a company like Agassiz Roofing, you get the best consultation with quality roofing materials.