The cost of a roof replacement can start at $15,000 + . When you’re spending that much money to safeguard your home and increase value, it’s nice to have some sort of protection for your investment. Luckily, warranties are a great selling point for roof replacement contractors.

Don’t be so easily swayed by a 25, 30, or even 50 year warranty, though. It may seem like you’ll get a new, free roof in case of an issue, but that’s not usually the case.

The reality is that roof replacement warranties are complicated. But with the right guidance, you can cut through the noise and understand your true coverage.

TWO MAIN TYPES OF ROOFING WARRANTIES

For all the misunderstandings about roofing warranties, there are only two main categories to distinguish between—manufacturer warranties and contractor warranties.

There are nuances to each. Knowing which you’re covered by, what it promises, and what you need to do to maintain coverage is critical.

1. Manufacturer Warranties
The majority of roof warranties come from the manufacturer of your shingles. With the common asphalt shingle, you can expect a 25-30 year warranty (though there are some options for 50 year and “lifetime” coverage).

Typically, a basic manufacturer’s warranty will cover roofing materials. However, it’s important to note that when you go to submit a claim in the future, the prices will be prorated, and the cost of disposal won’t be covered.

Most importantly, basic manufacturer warranties don’t cover workmanship. For that, you would have to upgrade to an enhanced warranty. While these vary based on the manufacturer, they often cover the full replacement value as well as workmanship for a period of time.

2. Contractor Warranties
In addition to a manufacturer warranty, contractors may offer some sort of coverage for workmanship.

The problem is that these guarantees look vastly different from one contractor to another. As you collect project proposals, it can be difficult to keep them straight. To get a clear understanding of contractor warranty coverage, you can:

  • Request a written explanation of what’s covered and what’s not. If the contractor can’t provide this copy, you may want to look elsewhere.
  • Ask whether the warranty covers workmanship, materials, or both. In most cases, a contractor’s warranty will only cover workmanship.
  • Research the credibility of a warranty by looking into the contractor’s history and track record.

Contact us today in regard to your roofing or all exterior projects.