A new roof is a significant investment. In fact, the average roof replacement ranges between $5,000 and $20,000 (which is between $4 and $40 per square foot).
So, the last thing you want is to have to turn over more of your hard-earned money because of improper installation or sudden damage due to defective roofing materials. This is where a roof warranty comes into play — and you’ll likely be able to get your hands on multiple warranties to cover things like:
- Defective materials
- Poor workmanship
- Improper installation
- Sudden damage
Of course, the type of roofing warranty or warranties that will be offered to you will depend entirely on the roofing company you choose to hire. As a homeowner, it’s essential that you inquire about the types of warranties available to you as well as understand exactly what they cover.
Below we’ll discuss the most common types of roof warranties, their terms, and more.
The 3 Types of Roof Warranties
It might seem as if there’s an entire list of warranties you can get your hands on with your new roof, but there are actually only three types:
- Standard manufacturer’s warranty
- Workmanship warranty
- Extended manufacturer’s warranty
Let’s dive in:
1) The Standard Manufacturer’s Warranty
Most roofing systems and roofing materials will come with a “basic limited lifetime warranty”. This is considered the roofing industry standard as it’s designed to cover your roofing materials for as long as you own your home.
Some of these standard warranties are transferable, which can add extra value to your home should you choose to sell. However, the level of protection you’ll receive from the standard manufacturer’s warranty will depend on how the manufacturer defines the term “limited”, meaning:
- The manufacturer will only cover the cost of defective materials. This means you would still be responsible for the labor costs associated with removing the defective materials and installing the new materials.
- The manufacturer will only cover the replacement costs of defective materials for up to a certain number of years. From there, they typically offer a prorated coverage. The initial coverage will include labor costs while the prorated coverage will not.
- The manufacturer will only cover materials that are defective due to factory flaws — versus improper installation causing the defects. This also excludes issues with other roofing components which may be covered by a separate manufacturer’s warranty.
Generally speaking, the standard manufacturer’s warranty lasts between 25 and 50 years. However, there are some that only cover your roofing materials for up to five years, so it’s important to know how long you’re covered.
2) The Workmanship Warranty
Also known as the contractor’s warranty, the workmanship warranty is usually offered by the roofing contractor themself. This warranty covers the installation of your new roof and the coverage length will vary based on the contractor. Some actually offer lifetime coverage.
While longer-term coverage for materials is ideal, installation coverage is just as important as it will protect the following:
- The cost of new materials
- The cost of labor
- The cost of any damages done to your home’s structure or interior, which includes everything from the walls and ceilings to your personal belongings and furnishings
The workmanship warranties also specifically exclude:
- Storm damage
- Water damage caused by ice dams, wear and tear, falling objects, and debris
- Post-installation roof alterations
- Issues caused by foot traffic
The lifespan of a workmanship warranty can range between 25 and 30 years, although, it’s more common to be offered coverage for between five and 10 years.
3) The Extended Manufacturer Warranty
Extended manufacturer warranties provide homeowners with the most comprehensive coverage regarding brand new roofing systems. Leading manufacturers like GAF and Owens Corning design their roofing materials to perform a certain way and to last for a certain amount of time. They also understand how the installation process is connected to all of this.
Therefore, they offer the option for an extended warranty to provide more value and reassurance to homeowners. Of course, you’ll only find these warranties through authorized roofing companies that are certified partners with leading manufacturers and trained to work with premium roofing materials.
Extended manufacturer warranties are also typically offered at an additional cost for new roofing systems as they’ll include coverage for the following roofing components:
- Starter shingles
- Field shingles
- Soffit and ridge vents
- Hip and ridge cap shingles
- Ice and water shields
- Underlayment
As for the amount of coverage you can expect from these types of roof warranties, they usually provide a range of protection that includes:
- Coverage for all roofing components with the exception of roof decking, fasteners, and flashing
- Continuous coverage for defective materials and the labor costs associated with them
- Workmanship coverage against improper installation. This part of the coverage may come with a lifetime term as well as a prorated period after a certain amount of time — but it still typically includes labor costs as well as disposal costs
Extended manufacturer warranties are also designed to last up to 50 years. Of course, the lifespan of this type of warranty will depend on:
- The roofing materials
- The roofing company
- The manufacturer
- The other roofing components installed
Are Roofing Warranties Worth It?
While most roof replacements will automatically come with certain warranties, you’ll always want to read the fine print and consider your options before signing off — especially when it involves the extended manufacturer warranty.
Arguably, the biggest consideration is whether or not you plan to sell your home. As mentioned earlier, the standard manufacturer warranty is often transferable and will last for at least five years. This type of warranty can give you an advantage when negotiations start.
However, if you plan to keep your home for the rest of your natural life, purchasing an extended manufacturer warranty is ideal as they offer up to 50 years of coverage.
When it’s time for a new roof, the best thing you can do is consult with a professional roofing contractor who can guide you through all of your options from materials to the right roof warranty for you. The professional contractors at Level Edge Construction will take the time to address all your options, needs, and concerns.
Give us a call today to get started — we’ll make sure your new roof is protected for years to come!