When it comes to safeguarding your home, few investments are as crucial as your roof. That’s why your warranty is so important. Your roof’s warranty protects you from unexpected damages that require roof repairs or replacement.
In this comprehensive guide, we will:
- Explore the types of roofing warranties available.
- Walk you through the warranty claim process.
- Offer tips to help homeowners in Alberta and British Columbia maximize their roof warranty.
Your warranty is your safety net, guarding you against the unexpected. Whether you opt for a standard warranty or explore extended coverage, it provides peace of mind that your home investment remains protected.
Types of Roofing Warranties
Not all roofing warranties are created equal. Understanding their differences is a crucial part of choosing the best option for you and potentially navigating a warranty claim. Different companies and manufacturers will also have varying degrees of protection. Always check the terms and coverage to learn the specifics of your warranty.
Here are three warranty categories that homeowners in southern Alberta and southeastern British Columbia should be familiar with.
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: This warranty type comes from roofing material manufacturers and covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. This might include issues such as shingle defects or manufacturing errors. It also may cover instances when weather events cause significant damage to your roof. Manufacturer’s warranty coverage will vary between different roofing products.
- Workmanship Warranty: Sometimes, a problem happens due to improper installation done by your roofing contractor, such as leaks or structural problems. A workmanship warranty will cover work done to correct the issue. Roofing companies provide this warranty type to help guarantee their handiwork meets certain standards.
- Extended Warranty: There are also options to enhance your roof’s protection beyond the standard warranty. These may provide warranty coverage for an extended period or for additional roofing issues you may encounter. Extended warranties may be offered by both manufacturers and contractors.
Why Should You Get a Warranty?
Investing in your roof comes with a significant cost, which can make homeowners hesitant to put more money towards their roofing warranty. But, the substantial cost that comes with having a quality roof is exactly why you should consider your warranty options.
Most reputable roofing contractors will provide a standard workmanship warranty for their roofing services, and many materials suppliers will provide a standard manufacturer’s warranty for their products. The decision on whether to invest in an extended warranty beyond this is up to you.
Factors like local climate conditions and roofing material type are things you should consider when choosing your level of protection. For example, if you live in a region with exceptionally high winds, you may want to consider an extended warranty for your shingle roof.
The intended purpose of a warranty is to give you peace of mind when it comes to your roofing investment. Whether you decide to opt for a standard warranty or buy more coverage, your warranty is a safety net that protects you from the unexpected.
Making A Warranty Claim – Everything You Need To Know
So, the unexpected has happened and you need to go through the roofing warranty claims process. What exactly does that mean?
To ensure the warranty claim process goes smoothly, you’ll want to follow these steps:
- Document the issue you’re experiencing. You might take photos of the problem area(s) or call your roofing company to complete an assessment. The more details you have, the easier it will be to assess the situation.
- Contact your roofing company or manufacturer before attempting to resolve the issue. Be prepared to provide essential information about your roof, including the date of installation, the type of roofing materials used, and the nature of the issue. You may need to provide your warranty information and proof of purchase.
- Arrange for a roof inspection. They will verify the issue and assess its severity before recommending next steps.
If you’re unsure of your warranty type or who to contact, look at your copy of the warranty. It should have details on the warranty you received and information on who to contact in the event of a claim.
If you still aren’t sure, your trusted roofing company is a good place to start.
What Comes After the Claim?
Once the issue has been verified and your warranty coverage is confirmed, next steps will be coordinated. This might be repairs, a partial roof replacement, or a full roof replacement, depending on the extent of the damage.
The details around the fix will vary depending on the nature of the issue and the warranty type you have. The manufacturer and roofing contractor will work with you to outline timelines around completing the fix and closing the warranty claim.
How to Make the Most of Your Roofing Warranty
The best way to maximize the benefits of your warranty is to understand what it covers. Take the time to read up on your specific warranty before an issue arises. And know that warranties vary between providers!
Some things to keep in mind:
- Regular roofing maintenance might be a requirement of your warranty. Be sure to perform roofing inspections and keep records of all maintenance activity. If this is not done, your warranty might be deemed void.
- Warranties will always have parameters around them, such as time frames they’ll cover damage within and types of damage they’ll cover.
- Prompt response to any roofing issues is the best way to get a solution under warranty. When an extreme weather event happens, such as high winds or an aggressive winter storm, it’s a good idea to get an inspection done right away.
At C&M Roofing, we offer an 8-year workmanship warranty for our roofing services. Our team also uses materials that offer manufacturer’s and extended warranties. If you’re curious about your options, connect with us and we can map them out for you.
