Investing in a high-quality roof for your home is one of the best ways to ensure it remains well-protected against damage caused by the elements. Like most significant purchases, it comes with a warranty, which provides you additional security and peace of mind should any potential issues in the future arise and repairs become necessary.
As with any investment, you need to understand the details associated with your roof warranty’s coverage before selecting a provider and making a purchase. However, with so many types of warranties to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which type best suits your needs. Expert home improvement contractor Villwell Builders, LLC explains all you need to know about roofing warranties in this guide.Roofing Warranties: An Overview
Roofing warranties come in many forms and from a variety of sources. The two most common types are manufacturer warranties, which cover defects in the materials and installation labor for the lifetime of the roof, and home service warranties, which provide coverage should any repair become necessary after installation. Factors such as your location, the age of the roofing structure, the roof type, and the local climate may influence the type of warranty that comes with your roofing system. It can also dictate if general coverage is available.
Benefits of Home Service Warranties
Home service warranties are typically sold through roofing contractors and can provide substantial benefits to homeowners. These warranties guarantee coverage for any necessary repairs, maintenance, or replacement that may become necessary due to damage your roof suffered over its life span. Home service warranties typically cover parts, labor, and even cleaning services associated with the repair process in some instances.
What Is and Isn’t Covered by a Roofing Warranty
Generally, roofing warranties will not usually cover regular maintenance activities, including inspections or cleaning. They also won’t cover repairs caused by negligence, user error, or failure due to weather-related events that cause damage, such as hurricanes or hail storms. This coverage will also not include items not directly related to your roof, such as exterior painting projects. Since coverage specifics can vary greatly from contractor to contractor, it’s helpful to read all available documentation thoroughly before signing any agreement.
How to Obtain a Home Service Warranty
Before selecting a home service warranty, take some time to shop around and compare the plans available from different roofing contractors. We list a few key questions to consider when evaluating coverage:
- What type of roof is covered? Flat or pitched? Metal or shingles?
- Will the warranty cover both parts and labor?
- Is the warranty agreement transferable if you sell your home? If so, does this process include an additional cost from the manufacturer?
- Are specific maintenance services provided, such as window washing?
Choosing a reputable contractor that provides comprehensive and quality repair services can add significant value to your purchase. If necessary, they can also provide additional protection, such as a siding repair.
Terms: Limited vs. Lifetime Warranty
Understanding the details of your roofing warranty is essential to maximizing its protection and taking advantage of its available benefits. When discussing your potential warranty, you may come across two terms: limited and lifetime.
- What Does a Limited Warranty Mean?
A limited warranty is issued by the manufacturer or contractor and provides coverage only for specific instances where defects in materials, installation labor, or workmanship are present. While a lifetime warranty typically covers any issues that arise with your roofing system during the life of ownership, limited warranties limit such protection to two years or less. Depending on the issuing company, details outlining what type of coverage is provided will vary. As such, you should understand all the elements before making any purchase decisions.
- What Does a Lifetime Warranty Mean?
A lifetime warranty guarantees repair services from the original issuer if any problem should arise within the duration of ownership of your home and roofing system. Coverage typically begins upon completion of installation. This option provides homeowners with peace of mind, as they know this type of plan could potentially cover repairs needed due to normal wear and tear.
- Understanding Which Warranty Is Right for You
Depending on the coverage specifics outlined by each company, it may be beneficial to consider additional factors when selecting one plan over another. These may include cost, transferability, customer service ratings if problems arise later, and the scope of activities covered.
As part of this decision process, it’s a good idea to request a written explanation of all elements included in the coverage. This will include what needs to be done if a repair or replacement is required and how long you have before filing a claim. Should any issues arise in the future, keeping a copy of the written contract can also be helpful.
How to File a Claim With Your Roofing Warranty
If you ever need to file a claim with your roofing warranty, contact the issuing company as soon as possible. Explain the issue in detail and provide any evidence necessary. This can be actual photographs of damage or quotes regarding repair costs. Depending on coverage specifics, it may be necessary to obtain multiple estimates from qualified contractors before submitting your claim. Keep a log of all communications related to filing the claim and keep any receipts, correspondence, or documents associated with repair services in a safe, easily accessible place until payment has been issued.
Choose Villwell Builders, LLC for All Your Roofing Needs
Along with a top-quality roof, having the right roofing warranty can provide extra protection for your home. It can also give you added peace of mind should any issue arise. If you’re unsure about what coverage is best for your residential or commercial property, turn to Villwell Builders, LLC.
For over 15 years, our team of qualified professionals has helped thousands of homeowners in the Connecticut area find a roofing warranty that fits their needs. As a GAF, LEAD, and EPA-certified roofing contractor, we are also experts in roof repair, re-roofing, and other specialty projects such as building renovation. Call us at (475) 271-1242, or fill out our online contact form to learn more about our services.
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