Exploring Roofing Shingle Warranties: Understanding Your Options
When it comes to roofing shingles, durability and longevity are key factors to consider. Roof replacement or repairs can be a significant investment, and homeowners want to ensure that their roofing materials will stand the test of time. One important aspect to evaluate when choosing roofing shingles is the warranty offered by the manufacturer. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of warranties available for roofing shingles to help you make an informed decision for your home.
Material Warranty
The most common type of warranty for roofing shingles is the material warranty. This warranty covers defects in the shingle materials themselves. Material warranties typically have a duration of 20 to 50 years or more, depending on the quality of the shingles. Oftentimes, the use of “second shingles” is not covered under material warranties. Second shingles are roofing materials that did not pass quality control during the manufacturing process. These shingles may have cosmetic imperfections, structural flaws, or both, making them less reliable and durable compared to their first-quality counterparts. While it might seem like a cost-effective solution for roofing companies, the use of second shingles can have severe consequences for homeowners. Because these shingles are considered defective prior to selling them, the manufacturer does not cover them under their warranty.
Here’s what you should know about material warranties:
Coverage:
Material warranties typically cover manufacturing defects that could cause your shingles to fail prematurely. This may include issues like granule loss, cracking, or curling of the shingles.
Proration:
Some material warranties are prorated, which means that the coverage decreases over time. For example, if you have a 30-year material warranty that’s prorated after 15 years, the manufacturer may offer less coverage for replacement materials after that point.
Full vs. Limited Coverage:
Some manufacturers offer both full and limited material warranties. Full coverage means that the manufacturer will provide replacement materials and cover the cost of labor for reinstallation. Limited coverage may only include replacement materials, requiring you to cover the labor costs.
Workmanship Warranty
While material warranties cover the quality of the shingles themselves, workmanship warranties focus on the installation process. These warranties ensure that the shingles are installed correctly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Here’s what you need to know about workmanship warranties:
Duration:
Workmanship warranties are generally shorter in duration compared to material warranties, typically ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Coverage:
Workmanship warranties cover issues arising from improper installation, such as leaks or shingle misalignment. If a problem arises due to installation errors within the warranty period, the contractor who installed the shingles may be responsible for fixing it.
Transferable vs. Non-transferable Warranties
Another important consideration is whether the warranty is transferable to a new homeowner if you decide to sell your house. Transferable warranties can add value to your home and provide peace of mind to potential buyers. Non-transferable warranties are tied to the original homeowner and typically do not offer the same benefits when the property changes hands.
Manufacturer-Specific Warranties
Keep in mind that the terms and conditions of shingle warranties can vary widely between manufacturers and even between different product lines from the same manufacturer. To understand the specifics of a particular warranty, it’s crucial to read the manufacturer’s documentation or contact them directly.
Choosing the right roofing shingles involves more than just considering aesthetics and cost. Understanding the different types of warranties for roofing shingles is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring the long-term performance of your roof. When evaluating shingle options, pay attention to material warranties, workmanship warranties, transferability, and the manufacturer’s reputation. At 1 Day Roof, we believe in our people and the materials we work with and guarantee both the labor and materials to give you peace of mind.