When replacing a roof, you’ll likely snatch up the warranty offered and if it’s a lifetime warranty, well you’ll likely be super ecstatic. You’ve replaced that old, battered roof and can look forward to the non-existence of leaks or other issues you had before. Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to read their full roof warranty which is very important. Sometimes there are stipulations that end up being a burden when it comes time to file a claim. Your typical lifetime roof warranty only covers the ‘normal’ element exposure and not significant situations or events. Therefore, before you accept any warranty you want to know exactly what it includes. The following problem points are those that can affect your roof warranty’s validity.
Undesirable Workmanship
Your roof can be made of the most durable and highest of quality materials and still have issues if installed incorrectly. This often happens with an unqualified roofing contractor because the way your roof is installed has a significant impact on its performance. That said, your warranty may not protect you if the problems stem from the roofer’s fault, instead of the roofing manufacturer.
Incorrectly Ventilated Attic
If your attic is not properly ventilated you could face a variety of problems including warping, premature aging, and rotting of the complete roofing system. This damage stems from the heat that becomes trapped. The temperature increases (sometimes to 160 degrees or higher) and the materials cannot withstand the high temperature, resulting in damage that will likely be costly to repair. Your roofing warranty won’t likely cover damage caused by an incorrectly vented attic so it’s important to make sure you avoid this potential disaster.
Roofing over Existing Shingles
Many homeowners that try to save money wherever possible, will likely have new shingles installed over old ones. While this is a money-saving option, it’s also a way to void your roof warranty. There are particular manufacturers that do not warranty a roof if it’s installed over existing shingles. In addition, the roofing contractor will have a hard time determining the condition of the roof if old shingles are still present. So to get the most out of your roof warranty, which alone will save you money in the future, it’s best to have the old shingles removed before installing the new ones. Your contractor can detect any issues happening on top or underneath the existing shingles before starting the installation.
Warranty Transfer
If you plan to sell your home eventually, your existing roof warranty may not be of any use for them. Lifetime warranties will typically cover the roof for as long as the owner is in the home. However, should you sell it and the new owners need to have any repairs done on the roof, the warranty may not be valid. Of course, at the same time, your warranty may not cover any repairs that come about in the future either; it all depends on the manufacturer and their specific offered warranty. If you do plan to sell at some point after having a new roof installed, it’s important to find out if the warranty is transferrable or not, should you want to have this option.
Structure Changes, Alterations, or Additions
Sometimes we face unexpected damage that comes from a variety of mishaps, for example an antenna or satellite that was installed incorrectly. Having this damage repaired won’t likely be in your roof’s warranty; this could actually void your warranty. Hence the reason we encourage you to examine the warranty offered and determine exactly what it does and does not cover. This way you can avoid potential problems down the road.
Don’t be discouraged as there are many roofing manufacturers that offer good, solid roofing warranties to help you stay covered for future repair costs. But, others have hidden clauses that could turn on you when it comes time to file a claim down the road. Always review the warranty, in full, to avoid costly repairs or delays in future work your roof may need. Also make sure that you get a qualified and experienced Minneapolis roofing contractor to do the work. Iron River Construction has 20 years of experience with roofing and other home remodeling projects in Minneapolis and Minnesota.
Contact us today to schedule your free roofing consultation!
