Roofing Warranty and Guaranty

A manufacturer's warranty is applicable when a roof system allows water entry into the building and within the terms of the warranty. Manufacturer's warranties usually require a manufacturer-certified contractor to install their roofing system. Warranties may cover deficiencies in the installation and material finishes of a manufacturer. When deciding which manufacturer to choose, customers should understand the warranties and possible exclusions.

Inquire Ahead of Time

1. Is the warranty issued directly from the manufacturer or a third party?

2. Is there a repair contingency?

3. Does the warranty cover the material and workmanship, or material only?

4. Are monetary limits imposed on the cost of repairs?

5. What repairs are covered, and what repairs are general maintenance and the responsibility of the owner? 

6. Is the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) excluded?

7. Is there a dispute resolution procedure?

8. Does the roof meet the specifications of the warranty?

9. Does the warranty require notification of the warrantor of a change in building use or ownership?

10. Are exclusions in writing? (Example: acts of God, ponding water, gale-force wind, etc.)

11. Read the fine print. Warranties and extended guarantees are frequently used in the industry today as sales and marketing tools to compete with competition rather than for assurance. Roofing system manufacturers and distributors are under pressure to increase sales and meet quotas. One of the cheapest ways to meet goals is to lower pricing and offer the consumer an "extended" warranty on roofing products. Know what you're buying.

Contractor Guaranty

The contractor's guaranty or workmanship warranty covers deficiencies occurring from installation of the roofing system. A contractor's guaranty is only as good as the contractor supporting it. If a contractor goes out of business, a guarantee will no longer be active. Choosing a reputable contractor assures not only the quality of work but the effectiveness of the guarantee.

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Choose Carefully..

1. What is the length of the guaranty? Most are two to five years. 

2. What is covered in the guaranty? Faults or defects in workmanship should be 
   covered.

3. What is excluded? (Example: acts of God, foundation settlement, skylights, fire, clogged gutters, etc.)

4. How long has the contractor been in business? It is important to choose a contractor who stands behind their work and will be there if something goes wrong.

5. Does the contractor have a repair and maintenance department? If a contractor provides a repair and maintenance department, the better the chance of receiving quick response when needed.

6. Does the contractor offer maintenance programs? In order for the roofing system to last its life cycle, maintenance is important.

7. Thoroughly read the fine print and save warranty information for reference. Remember, roofing problems happen. That's why it is important to have a proper warranty and quality contractor to stand behind their work.

Common Warranty Exclusions

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1. Natural disasters

2. Excessive foot traffic

3. Abuse

4. Hailstone damage

5. Ponding water

6. Storage of material on the roof

7. Repairs or alterations without the warrantor's approval

8. Owner's failure to pay

9. Change of ownership of building without notifying manufacturer

10. Failure to properly maintain roof

11. Poor installation - choose your contractor prudently