When you install a new roof on your home, you don’t expect to have to worry about it for a very long time. In fact, new roofing materials and installation techniques have extended the longevity of the average roof to many decades. The average amount of time that a family spends in a home before selling has risen in recent years – but is still reported to be only 9 years. This means that with roof life spans far exceeding the expected duration of their ownership, most homeowners are not concerned about having to deal with their roof once they install a new one.
Still, there are many situations which may cause a Sarasota homeowner to need to rely on his roof warranties sooner than expected. These include improper roof installation, defective materials, or damage sustained during a major storm. Roof warranties are also helpful when selling a home, as they help the new owner to feel confident that they have protections against an unexpected roof situation – which can be very costly.
Why are Roof Warranties Important?
A new roof – or major roof repair – is likely to be one of the costliest improvements you make as a homeowner. Roof warranties help to protect your investment. Because a new roof is expected to last decades, you may not think you’ll need the warranty. But you can never plan too much for the unexpected, especially in a region which experiences severe weather annually.
What Types of Roof Warranties are Available?
Because there are several types of roof warranties available to the consumer, it is important to understand which coverages and protections are attached to your new roof. Not surprisingly, manufacturers often have pages of fine print to protect them, so you will need to understand your rights. Local Sarasota roofing contractors with strong community reputations will generally be happy to work with you to resolve any situation – but it is still important for you to understand what is covered by each roof warranty – and what is not.
Roofing Material Only Warranty: This lower-cost warranty only covers manufacturing defects and premature deterioration for the length of the warranty. Materials-only warranties generally only protect against problems with only the roof membrane and do not cover accessory materials such as flashings or adhesives. This type of warranty generally covers the cost of materials to repair the issue but does not cover labor or installation costs or errors.
Labor Only Warranty: This warranty covers only the labor required to fix a roof defect and not the cost of replacement materials. This warranty is generally offered through the roofing contractor or installer. These roof warranties are not roofing workmanship warranties, therefore they may not guarantee repairs for installation errors. Ask your roof installer about the roof workmanship warranties that they personally offer.
Full System Warranty: These roofing warranties most often cover all roofing materials, including all installed manufacturer-approved flashings, accessories, and metalwork. These types of warranties will also generally cover the total cost of leak repairs, including labor.
Questions to Ask About Roof Warranties
When having your new roof installed, be sure to ask your roofing contractor to clearly outline which warranties you are eligible for, and what they cover. Most Sarasota homeowners would be surprised by what their warranty may not cover – so be sure to ask the important questions:
- Are roof leaks covered by my warranty?
- Are installation errors covered – or will you guarantee your work personally via an installer warranty?
- Do my roof warranties include damage from high winds? (Many do not, so this is important to understand in our region!)
- What circumstances are not covered by my roof warranties?
- Are their circumstances which would cause my warranty to be voided?
Your roof is too important to leave its care to chance. Call Avery Roof Services to learn more about available roof warranties, and about how our dedication to excellence can guarantee your satisfaction. For Sarasota area roof installation or repair, call us today.
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