You’ve made the decision to replace your roof. The next daunting task is understanding the warranty options. The most common types of warranties are material warranties, material and workmanship warranties, and full-system warranties. Jon Tallman of Carrollwood Roofing believes in helping clients demystify roofing warranties. As a roofer in Tampa, he understands that the investment in a new roof is significant, and that a warranty offers additional peace-of-mind.
“Not all roofing warranties are the same,” Tallman warns. “Before selecting the material for your roof, ask about warranty coverage. Fully understanding what a warranty covers helps homeowners make the right decision. When a problem arises, an investigation into the problem begins. If it is covered by your warranty, the contractor should take the necessary remedial actions, no questions asked.”
The labor is the most expensive part of any roofing job. Shingles actually account for only 10-20% of the total cost of a new roof. So if your warranty only covers the cost to replace the shingles, then you could be stuck with an expensive labor bill. Most roofs have problems not because they have defective shingles, but because they were installed incorrectly. A written guarantee from your roofer may help. Tallman says, “We offer a five-year workmanship guarantee that if anything goes wrong due to poor workmanship, we will fix it for free. I’ve had this company for over 16 years and our company will be around for many more years. We stand behind our work. Most problems surface within the first few years, such as small leaks or loose shingles, and your roofer should fix it without hesitation. ”
Sometimes shingles are defective. Tallman looks for shingles that are blistering, splitting or cracking. Also, significant curling may indicate a problem, and bald spots where the granules are flaking off and exposing the asphalt beneath can also be signs of a defect. “Although shingles may be covered by a 40-year warranty, the manufacturer typically prorates the shingles based on the date of purchase and the original price. So if the pricing goes up, the owner would pay the difference, and it may not include the cost of installation,” states Tallman.
When deciding on a roofer, don’t forget to compare warranty terms. It may be worth paying more for a roofer who provides a solid written guarantee. And if you’re replacing your roof and intend to move soon, a transferable roof warranty is another feature that will improve the value of your home.