When it comes to installing and maintaining the health of your roof, you may be tempted to skimp on costs. After all, the important thing is that the job gets done. Why not hire your handy uncle for a tiny fraction of the cost you’d pay a professional roofing contractor?
Because it will almost certainly backfire.
Cutting costs is one of the easiest ways to void a roof warranty and end up costing you significantly more money in the future.
Learn how to avoid voiding your roof warranty and what to do instead so you can be confident that the cost of roof repairs or replacement will be covered when you need them most.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Roof Warranty: What’s Covered and What’s Not
There are two components of a roof warranty that offer different kinds of coverage:
The workmanship warranty is the component that assures that the roofer is skilled enough to install a roof to last for a certain amount of time, whether it be five, ten, or 25 years. If a roofer can’t guarantee that their work is careful and professional enough to last ten years, it’s best to steer clear of them.
The manufacturer’s warranty ensures that the materials used in the construction of your roof will last a given amount of time, usually somewhere between 25 and 50 years. If damage results from a defective product due to a factory error, the repair or replacement is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. If, however, the product has become defective for any reason that can be traced to the owner’s choice, there is no coverage.
New Generation Roofing boasts a team of trained professionals that carry an exceptional craftsmanship warranty and use only materials with an excellent manufacturer’s warranty. Call us today to learn how we can upgrade or fix your roof.
4 Common Mistakes That Can Void a Roof Warranty
Your first instincts might not always be the best guide when it comes to installing or repairing your roof. Be on your guard against rushing into the following mistakes that can void a roof warranty:
#1: Improper Installation Practices
Do yourself the favor of not hiring the cheapest roofer you can find. Inexperienced or improperly trained roofers often make mistakes or take shortcuts that lead to an improperly installed roof. This voids the manufacturer’s warranty, and understandably so, because the materials can’t be expected to perform their best when they are installed incorrectly.
#2: Use of Non-Approved Materials
There are several layers put down to complete a roof installation:
Underlayment
Shingles
Water barriers
Soffit
Fascia
Generally, a manufacturer of roofing material recommends only certain brands for these layers. If you use a material not approved by the manufacturer, you can void the warranty.
The most popular types of underlayment, for example, include felt, rubberized asphalt, and synthetics. Which one you choose will depend on your climate, roof type, local building codes, and the manufacturer’s recommendation.
#3: Lack of Regular Roof Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance is critical to keeping your roof warranties active. They will be voided if you fill to perform necessary measures to keep your roof healthy. Some of these may depend on the season, but regular roof maintenance typically includes:
Having any debris cleared away. Twigs, leaves, etc. can clog your gutters and downspouts and put extra weight on your roof.
Inspecting for winter damage, such as missing or loose shingles, leaks, cracks, or areas of ice buildup.
Checking for mold and algae growth and addressing it before it spreads.
Inspecting shingles for cracking, warping, or discoloration in the summer.
Ensuring there is adequate air ventilation in your attic.
Adding a fresh coat of sealant or reflective paint to protect your roof and home from UV rays and heat.
Trimming any branches that hang over your roof to avoid future damage.
Inspecting flashing, seals, roof valleys, skylights, and chimneys, as they are vulnerable to damage over time.
Inspecting and repairing worn-out attic insulation before winter.
Ensuring that no pests are nesting in your attic or eaves.
Although many roof installers do not offer maintenance services, New Generation Roofing does. We can perform these tasks for you to ensure your roof stays in good condition for years to come.
#4: Unauthorized Repairs or Modifications
Avoid trying to repair or modify your roof yourself or through the services of an uncertified contractor. Having someone other than the certified professional who installed your roof perform repairs will void the workmanship warranty of the roof.
How To Ensure Your Roof Warranty Remains Valid
Besides avoiding mistakes in roof installation and maintenance, homeowners can take the following steps to keep their roof warranty active:
Partnering With a Certified Roofing Contractor
Working with certified professional contractors offers many benefits that will be well worth the extra initial cost. Hiring someone whose past work others can vouch for and who have the necessary licensing, insurance, and training will give you peace of mind as you make such a large investment.
You can rest assured that they will comply with warranty requirements and install your roof to be completely safe, all in a timely fashion.
Scheduling Routine Inspections and Maintenance
Set up a maintenance schedule with your roofing contractor to find and repair damage before worse damage results. Bi-annual inspections will ensure that you catch any changes that occur due to seasonal incidents.
Reviewing Warranty Terms With Your Roofing Company
Be sure to thoroughly review the terms of your roof warranty. Ask your roofing company questions to clarify that you are abiding by them. New Generation Roofing wants you to view your coverage as part of our service. We encourage you to work with us to understand how we can collaborate to keep your roof in excellent shape.
How Long Do Most Roofers Guarantee Their Work?
Most roofers guarantee their work for at least ten years, but some offer a lifetime warranty, meaning they will fix problems that are caused by faulty workmanship until the material warranty expires.
Before beginning any work on your roof, discuss the proposed changes with your roofer. You want to be sure you are not doing anything to void the warranty.
Why Choose New Generation Roofing To Protect Your Roof Warranty?
New Generation Roofing is a trusted resource for homeowners seeking to maximize their investment on their roof. We provide the following services to help your roof last as long as possible and save you money over the course of your roof’s life:
Expert Installation by Certified Professionals
Our roofers are licensed, insured, and highly experienced to perform your roofing project safely, efficiently, and neatly. Licensed roofers have proven to have expertise by successfully completing an exam demonstrating their skills.
Comprehensive Maintenance Plans
Our maintenance services cover any issue that might arise to compromise your roof, including:
Pest removal/prevention
Removal of debris on or near the roof
Gutter cleaning
Moss/algae removal
And more
Trusted Guidance on Warranty Compliance
At New Generation Roofing, we hope our relationship with our clients extends beyond roof installation. We want you to feel confident about how your roof is faring, so we go the extra mile to ensure you understand how to abide by the terms of your warranty.
Contact us today to partner with us and learn how we can satisfy your roofing needs.
