Ben's Construction Inc

A new roof is a key investment for any homeowner, so it only follows that one should have measures against poor quality, manufacturing errors and subpar craftsmanship. For the most part, a good warranty is worth investing in — that is, an investment for an investment. In today’s post, Ben’s Construction Inc. shares insight on why a good roofing warranty is important.

The Basics of Roofing Warranties

Roofing warranties are essentially a promise from manufacturers and contractors to stand behind their materials and workmanship, respectively. Warranty coverage typically falls into two categories: manufacturer’s warranty, which covers manufacturing defects, and workmanship warranty, which covers craftsmanship and installation errors.

Most, if not all roofing products come with some form of manufacturer’s warranty. The bottom line is if the material is defective — which is usually indicated by premature wear and blistering (caused by excessive moisture during manufacture), to name a few — the manufacturer must rectify the issue by replacing the roofing product. It’s important to note that some manufacturers may not provide coverage for the costs of labor required to tear down and install the replacement roofing.

Workmanship warranties cover issues caused by issues stemming from the roofer’s handiwork. Major roofing manufacturers may provide coverage for workmanship or installation if the roof is installed by a certified roofer. Others may provide coverage through a separate quality guarantee.

What Makes a Warranty a Good Warranty?

So what are the qualities that you should look for that would signify a good warranty?

First, there’s the duration. Typically, manufacturer warranties for materials range from 20 to 50 years, sometimes with limited lifetime coverage, at cost. Tiered warranties give homeowners the option to choose the level of coverage that works with their budget. Workmanship warranties are generally shorter. However, issues caused by poor workmanship usually make themselves known within the first couple of years, so a two-year workmanship coverage is not unusual.

There’s also the matter of the costs that warranties may cover. We touched upon how labor costs may not always be covered when factory defects are involved, but some manufacturers may offer coverage depending on certain conditions. Prorated coverage also exists, but usually for commercial roofing systems. It starts with full coverage but gradually reduces over time, so the property owner ends up paying more for warranty repairs as the roof ages.

Let our team at Ben’s Construction Inc. help you choose the right warranties for your new roof. Give us a call at (508) 962-2417, or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.