Understanding Roof Warranties: What's Covered and What’s Not?
A roof warranty can be a homeowner's best friend, offering peace of mind and protection against potential defects and damages. However, the specifics of what is covered and what is not can often be complex and confusing. In this blog post, we’ll break down the different types of roof warranties, what they typically cover, and the common exclusions you should be aware of. We'll also explain how Treat Roofing can assist you in navigating warranty claims for your roof in Oklahoma City.
Types of Roof Warranties
There are generally three types of roof warranties:
Manufacturer’s Material Warranty: This covers defects in roofing materials themselves. Depending on the manufacturer and the product, these warranties can last from 10 years to a lifetime.
Workmanship Warranty: Offered by the roofing contractor, this warranty covers errors in installation. Workmanship warranties can vary greatly depending on the contractor, typically ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Manufacturer’s System Warranty: Sometimes called a full system warranty, this covers both materials and labor in case of defects. These are less common but offer the most comprehensive coverage and can last from 10 to 30 years.
What's Typically Covered
Material Defects
Coverage: Most material warranties cover defects in the roofing materials that cause them to fail under normal weather conditions. This means if your shingles prematurely decay or break down due to faulty manufacturing, the cost of replacement materials could be covered.
Limitations: These warranties usually start with 100% coverage but often depreciate over time, meaning the longer you have your roof, the less coverage you have.
Workmanship Issues
Coverage: If leaks or other problems occur because of poor installation practices, a workmanship warranty should cover the cost of repairs necessary to fix those issues.
Limitations: Workmanship warranties usually do not cover issues arising from external damages like severe weather or mechanical damages caused by equipment or foot traffic on your roof.
System Coverage
Coverage: These warranties are extensive and are designed to cover the entire roofing system, including mishaps in both materials and installation.
Limitations: Even full system warranties have limitations, often excluding specific components of the roof or damages from certain causes.
Common Exclusions
Understanding what your roof warranty does not cover is as crucial as knowing what it covers. Common exclusions typically include:
Damage from Unusual Events: Events like tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other acts of God are usually not covered.
Improper Maintenance: Most warranties require the homeowner to perform regular maintenance. Neglecting these duties can void your warranty.
Alterations or Improper Repairs: Any changes or repairs made to the roof by unqualified personnel can void the warranty.
Age of the Roof: As the roof ages, coverage may diminish, and some issues may no longer be covered under older warranties.
How to Ensure You're Covered
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Regular inspections can help identify and address maintenance issues that could void your warranty. Treat Roofing offers inspection services that can help keep your roof in warranty-compliant condition.
Proper Documentation
Keep all documentation related to your roof’s installation and maintenance. Receipts, work orders, and warranty documents should be organized and accessible. This documentation is often required to file a warranty claim.
Understand Your Warranty
It is crucial to read and understand your warranty’s terms and conditions. If there is anything you do not understand, ask your roofing contractor or the manufacturer for clarification.
Are you considering a new roof or maybe you're not sure about the current status of your roof warranty? Treat Roofing can help. We offer expert roofing services, from installation to maintenance, all designed to ensure your roof stays within warranty guidelines. Plus, we can help clarify the complexities of your roof warranty, ensuring you understand what is covered and what is not.
Don’t wait until you have a problem to think about your roof warranty. Contact Treat Roofing today at or visit our website to schedule a consultation. Let us help you maximize the benefits of your roof warranty and keep your home protected for years to come.
