Home › Learn From The Pros › Key Things to Look for in Your Roofing Warranty Key Things to Look for in Your Roofing Warranty September 25, 2020 Every roof comes with a warranty, but these are not all the same. This is why reviewing and comparing warranties is just as important as choosing roofing customization options or your roofing contractor. Here are the things you need to look for when comparing roofing warranties. Manufacturer Warranty Sometimes referred to as factory or material warranty, manufacturer warranties provide coverage for roofing issues caused by manufacturing defects. Warranties from reputable manufacturers like GAF, CertainTeed® and Owens Corning® offer better-than-average coverage, and choosing them checks many other items we will discuss below. Filing warranty claims through manufacturer-backed warranties is also much more streamlined if the roof is installed by a credentialed roofer. Workmanship Warranty Workmanship warranties cover roofing problems caused by installation errors. Generally, it is the contractor that provides the coverage, sometimes as a separate “quality guarantee”. Some manufacturers offer workmanship coverage through credentialed contractors. Years of Coverage This is one of the first things you see on a standard roof replacement warranty. A typical manufacturer warranty would cover at least 10 to 15 years after installation while workmanship warranties should cover at least 2 years. The latter is usually shorter because most installation-related problems make themselves known within this period. Exclusions Exclusions are the terms that are not covered by the warranty, such as damage caused by wind speeds that exceed for what the roof is rated. Exclusions also list conditions that may void warranty coverage as is often the case with homeowners who neglect scheduled roofing maintenance. Transferability Warranties are considered “transferable” if the warranty coverage can continue with the next homeowner if the house is sold. Some warranties include sale of the house as part of its exclusions, which means the roof would be effectively out of warranty once ownership is transferred. Even if the house isn’t for sale, a transferable warranty can help increase the house’s value. Claims Process The warranty claims process can vary between manufacturers and contractors. Some manufacturers make the distinction between factory and workmanship warranties. Others let their credentialed contractors do both. Many homeowners find the latter less complicated while others prefer having separate points of contact depending on the cause of the roofing problem. If you’re not sure which one works for you, you can ask your prospective contractor to explain the process during consultation. [company_name] is your leading provider of roof repair and installation services. Give us a call at [company_number]. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Pequot Lakes, MN, and surrounding communities.