Most new roofs come with two standard warranties – one from the manufacturer that covers the replacement cost of defective materials, and another from the roofer that covers repair costs due to improper installation. You may also have the option to purchase an extended manufacturer warranty which covers your entire roofing system including materials and installation by an approved contractor.
These warranties provide peace of mind that you won’t incur additional costs due to circumstances outside of your control. However, there are a few common mistakes that you must avoid in order to keep your warranty intact.
Improper Installation or Unapproved Materials Can Void Your Manufacturer Warranty
It’s no secret that proper installation is vital to any home project – especially one as important as your roof. You may not know, however, that manufacturers impose strict rules regarding how shingles are installed. These requirements can include the type of nails used, the number of attachments, and even the pattern in which the material is laid. If any of the guidelines are not followed, the warranty from your manufacturer could be voided.
In addition to stringent installation requirements, manufacturers specify which roofing materials can be used together. Some examples of these materials are underlayment and starter shingles. If the wrong combination of materials is used on your roof, the manufacturer may not cover the resulting damage – even if it arises from a manufacturing defect.
DIY installation or hiring an inexperienced roofer are the most common culprits of improper installation and materials. On the other hand, if you hire an experienced, licensed roofer to install your new roof, you can have confidence that it is done correctly. The right roofer is trained to install your materials correctly, will understand and follow all manufacturer guidelines, and will also guarantee their work in addition to the manufacturer protection.
DIY or 3rd Party Repairs Can Void Your Workmanship Warranty
A competent roofer will provide a workmanship warranty to cover any mistakes that were made during installation. However, this warranty only covers the work that the roofer performed. If you hire another roofer to complete repairs, or repair your roof on your own, the original installer will no longer cover the roof in most cases.
The risk of voiding your workmanship warranty is just one of many reasons you should think twice before calling a handyman or attempting DIY roof repairs. Instead, choose a trustworthy roofing company to install your roof. Then, continue that relationship with annual roof inspections and any repairs that need to be made.
Roofing Modifications Can Void Your Warranties
Another common mistake that can void your manufacturer and workmanship warranties is modifying your roof after installation is complete. The most common types of modifications include adding on to your current house, installing a satellite dish, adding a skylight, or attaching solar panels.
Modifications and additions like these often require attaching new fasteners to the roof or even worse, cutting through it to attach the new object. Since the original roof has been tampered with, both manufacturer and workmanship warranties will generally be voided.
To keep your warranty in place, discuss any modifications to your roof with your original installer or a trusted roofer before you agree to alterations. Your roofer can help you ensure that the modifications are completed safely and work with you to determine the effect on your warranties.
Improper Maintenance Can Void Your Roofing Warranties
Failing to keep up with regular maintenance can void both your manufacturer and workmanship warranties. That’s because leaves, limbs, and yard debris on your roof can cause significant damage to your shingles. It is important to remove these hazards promptly to preserve the longevity of your roof and keep your warranty intact.
Routine maintenance to keep your roof clean and free of damaging hazards is your responsibility as a homeowner. However, there are some cleaning methods that do more damage than good – like pressure washing. A concentrated spray of water can knock shingles loose and remove the protective granules that preserve your shingles. Improper maintenance methods of this nature can also void your warranties.
Protecting your roofing warranty is an important part of homeownership. To be sure you get the most comprehensive warranty and have the tools to keep it in place, choose the right roofer to install and maintain your roof. On the Gulf Coast, that company is Complete Roofing.
Choose Complete Roofing to Protect Your Warranty
When you need roof installation, repairs, maintenance, or replacement done right, contact the experts at Complete Roofing. We use high quality materials with industry-leading manufacturer warranties. Best of all, we stand behind our outstanding workmanship with our own warranty that protects your investment.
To contact a roofing specialist in your area, use the following links for our 3 general areas or click your city for express service:
Installation and Repair Services for Roofs and Gutters are available in the following locations:
- Coastal Alabama Main Office with local agents in:
- Coastal Mississippi Main Office with local agents in:
- Greater New Orleans Main Office with a local agent in: