What type of warranty can you expect on your roof?
When spending a lot of money on construction or repairs, understanding your roofing warranty is an essential way of ensuring that your investment is protected. What type of warranty can you get on your roof? We will help you see more clearly by also explaining the importance of a warranty, its duration and what it includes or excludes.
The Importance of a Roofing Warranty
Renovations or repairs on your roof constitute a major expense of several thousands of dollars. Protecting your investment is crucial: without a warranty, you will have no recourse in the event of damages that are not your responsibility. This could result in new significant expenses that could potentially add up to another couple thousand dollars or more…
With a warranty, you are protecting your financial assets. If the materials used are not of the quality they should be, you will be reimbursed partially or fully in the event of premature wear, for example. You also won’t have to pay for any mistakes done by the roofer!
The warranty will allow you to proceed with complete peace of mind and −mostly- could help you avoid significant expenses.
What does the warranty include?
There are actually two types of warranties, or two parts to the warranty:
- The warranty on workmanship: this is the warranty offered by the roofer, protecting you from defects and problems related to the installation.
- The warranty on materials or manufacturing defects: this is the warranty offered by the manufacturer, which covers problems and defects related to the materials themselves or the manufacturing process.
Depending on where the problem originates, you might be covered by one or the other. If you notice signs like discoloration, the edges of the membrane flipping upwards or deterioration in the materials, it could mean a manufacturing defect.
When it comes to poor installation, it could cause water infiltration in the attic or in a junction, or a leak, for example.
In short, the manufacturer guarantees the quality of the materials used while the roofer guarantees workmanship quality.
A Warranty on a Flat Roof
Warranties on materials will vary from one manufacturer to another, and also according to the materials used and their quality.
Given that each product and installation process is unique, it is not possible to come up with a general rule. However, you should know that the manufacturer could offer a prorated warranty, taking into account the roof’s depreciation over time.
If the installation was not completed properly, the roofer himself will generally take care of the repairs. What you should do is take the time to read the warranty thoroughly to familiarize yourself with what it includes or excludes before you sign. There can also be different warranties offered according to your needs or preferences. It is important to choose a roofer in whom you trust, so that you don’t end up with nasty surprises!
To find out more about our warranties, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
How long does a warranty last?
The duration of the warranty will depend on the materials used and the roofer. As a general rule, a warranty on workmanship generally lasts from 5 to 10 years. This is a non-prorated warranty, which means that the amount covered will not lessen with time and will cover the initial amount.
As we have mentioned, the duration of the warranty on materials will also depend on the type of materials used and their quality. For example: a TPO membrane is guaranteed 20 years by the manufacturer, but you could also choose to add another warranty to this one. It all depends on your needs!
Is someone selling a product with a lifetime warranty? You will want to make sure you understand exactly what that means. Firstly, the term “lifetime” generally refers to a roof’s lifespan… which can be interpreted in several different ways!
Sometimes a lifetime warranty will cover your roof for 20 years, and other times for over 30 years. Often, there is a pro-rated amount applied after a certain number of years. It is important that you know exactly what you are getting into before signing. A warranty that seems more advantageous might not actually be.
What is not included in the warranty for my flat roof?
Overall, the warranty will cover anything related to material defects or workmanship.
If the damages are your responsibility like, for example, if they are due to poor maintenance or to a specific incident, the roofing warranty will not cover the repairs. You could compare it to a car: the engine warranty won’t be valid if you forget to get your oil changed regularly, for example.
Similarly, if you decide to get some work or modifications done to your roof and this causes the materials to deteriorate, you will be the only person responsible for these damages. The warranty on your flat roof could also be null and void if:
- The roofing material has not been installed properly
- Your ventilation system is not adequate
- Your roof is poorly insulated
- Mold or mushrooms are the root cause of the problem
- Damages have been caused by severe weather
A natural catastrophe is more likely to be covered by your home insurance.
If you want to be sure that your warranty remains valid, take the time to read your contract in detail so that you can know what exactly is included and what isn’t it, or ask for more information if needed.
FAQ
What is a roofing warranty?
The warranty will vary according to the roofer, the materials used and the manufacturer. Warranties usually cover 10 to 30 years and include a protection against installation related problems.
Who to call for roof repairs?
Roofers are professionals who have been trained to repair roofs. At Clinique de la toiture FCA, we repair all types of flat roofs.
When has the time come to change your roof?
When your roof is showing significant signs of wear or damages, it means the time has come to change it or at least have it inspected. Discover our tips and trips to find out more on when to have your roof redone .
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