The Homeowner’s Guide to Finding the Right Roofer – Part 4

By CertainTeed.

Understanding the warranties that protect your roofing investment and why they matter.

In part three of this series, we talked about how to discuss and make a contract with your contractor. Now, in this final installment, we will guide you through what to expect after your roofing work has been completed. A good warranty will protect your roofing investment, should you run into troubles in the future. There are two warranties that work together to protect your roofing investment: the warranties from contractors to warrant workmanship and the manufacturer warranties warranting the roofing material. For this reason, make sure to get a copy of both the contractor and manufacturer warranty. 

Contractor warranty 

Contractor workmanship warranties typically are for one to five years. In this case, the length of warranty is less important than what it covers. You’re looking for intent and the ability of a contractor to stand behind their work. 

If you are working with a CertainTeed-credentialed contractor, you may be eligible for an extended warranty. Contractors who have achieved the CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster™ designation can offer you a 5-Star extended warranty, where CertainTeed will cover their workmanship for 25 years. 

Manufacturer warranty 

The length of the manufacturer’s warranty is an indicator of performance and value. The upfront coverage in the first few years following application also is very meaningful. This is the time when problems caused by defects are most likely to occur. 

CertainTeed offers a full line of shingles with warranties that last from 25 years to lifetime-limited. CertainTeed’s SureStart™ protection provides the best coverage you can get in the vital early years after your new roof has been installed. In case of manufacturing defects, SureStart covers 100 percent of material and labor costs during the applicable period (five or 10 years) and is not prorated or otherwise reduced. SureStart protection can be transferred from the original homeowner to the subsequent property owner at no cost during the SureStart period, providing coverage for the remaining duration of the warranty. 

When reviewing warranty coverage, pay attention to manufacturer stipulations on exactly what types of defects are covered plus any exclusions or limitations contained in the warranty. CertainTeed warrants that its roofing shingles will be free from manufacturing defects, whereas most other shingle brands’ warranties stipulate that only defects which cause leaks or affect performance are covered.  

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Original article source: CertainTeed