What You Need to Know About Roof Warranties
Your roof is more than just a structural component of your property. It's an investment. Whether you're managing a commercial building, multi-family property, or residential home, protecting your investment means understanding the nuances of roof warranties.
Here are two essential questions to answer regarding roof warranties:
Do you currently have a manufacturer's warranty in place on your structure?
Are you aware that if you do, this warranty usually requires a minimum of 1 certified roof inspection per year by an authorized applicator?
Knowing exactly what's covered and what's not can save you significant money, time, and headaches down the road. It is equally important to understand what it takes to keep your existing warranty in good standing. Let's explore the ins and outs of roof warranties.
Your Guide to Roof Warranties
Types of Roof Warranties:
- Manufacturer's Warranty: A manufacturer's warranty covers the materials used in your roofing system. It protects against defects or failures due to manufacturing issues. Typical durations can range from 10 to 30 years or even more, depending on the materials used.
- Workmanship Warranty (Contractor's Warranty): A workmanship warranty is provided by your roofing contractor, covering the installation itself. This warranty guarantees that the roof was installed correctly and will typically range from one to five years, with some reputable contractors offering even longer durations. At Latite Roofing, for example, our reputation and experience allow us to offer superior workmanship warranties, giving our clients peace of mind that their roofs are built to last.
At Latite Roofing, for example, our reputation and experience enable us to offer superior workmanship warranties, providing our clients with peace of mind that their roofs are built to last.
What Roof Warranties Usually Cover:
Understanding what warranties typically include is crucial. Most manufacturer warranties will cover the following:
- Defects in roofing materials
- Premature aging or weathering under normal conditions
- Specific components of roofing systems, such as shingles, tiles, membranes, or metal panels
On the other hand, workmanship warranties commonly cover:
- Improper installation techniques
- Issues due to workmanship errors
- Immediate or near-term leaks resulting from incorrect installation
What Roof Warranties Typically Do Not Cover
Roof warranties aren't all-inclusive. Property managers and owners need clarity on common exclusions:
- Poor Maintenance: A warranty will not cover damage from improper maintenance or neglect.
- Storm Damage or Natural Disasters: Damage caused by extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, or floods usually isn't covered. Insurance, rather than your warranty, typically addresses this.
- Unauthorized Repairs: Repairs or modifications made by unauthorized contractors can void your warranty entirely.
How to Ensure Your Warranty Stays Valid
To maintain the integrity and validity of your roof warranty, there are a few key things you should consistently do:
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Most manufacturers require routine roof inspections, usually at least once a year. Regularly scheduled maintenance by professional roofing contractors like Latite Roofing helps identify and prevent potential problems early.
- Proper Documentation: Maintain clear, comprehensive records of all inspections, repairs, and maintenance performed on your roof. Detailed documentation can protect you should warranty issues arise.
- Choose Authorized Contractors: Always hire contractors authorized or certified by your roofing manufacturer. Latite Roofing holds certifications from leading manufacturers, ensuring your warranty stays intact and valid.
Choosing the Right Warranty for Your Roof
Selecting the right warranty means assessing your needs, budget, and property type. Some factors you should consider:
- Roofing Material Lifespan: Align the warranty period with the expected lifespan of your roof materials.
- Property Use: High-traffic or industrial properties may require more comprehensive warranty coverage than residential properties.
- Budget and Costs: Understand the cost-benefit balance. Investing in an extended warranty can be cost-effective if you plan to retain ownership of the property long-term.
Why Latite Roofing?
Property managers and owners trust Latite Roofing throughout South Florida for good reason:
- Extensive Experience: With decades in the industry, we know roofing warranties inside and out.
- Authorized and Certified: Our expert team is authorized by industry-leading manufacturers, meaning your warranty coverage remains secure.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Latite Roofing stands by our workmanship with warranties designed to deliver peace of mind.
Your roof warranty is a critical safeguard for your investment, and choosing the right contractor is key to ensuring comprehensive, long-lasting protection.
Latite Roofing supports the protection of your investment through RoofSaver Maintenance Plans. Our RoofSaver plan can help ensure your factory warranty remains in place and in good standing while helping to improve the life-cycle cost of your roof system through:
Comprehensive multi-point inspection
Maintenance items such as re-caulking of counter-flashing, sealing of pipe boots,
Additional maintainable items are included within a building-specific scope of work.
Ready to protect your investment?
Contact Latite Roofing today to learn about Roofsaver Maintenance Plans that can support the requirements of your roof warranties.