MY ROOF IS GOING TO LAST FOREVER, RIGHT?

MY ROOF IS GOING TO LAST FOREVER, RIGHT?

That’s a really good question. And the answer is, no. When we make investments in our home, sure, we’d love these improvements to last forever. And, in reality, with all of the different weather we experience—hail, rain, snow, ice, tornados, hurricanes, intense heat, etc., no one can promise that anything exposed to the elements will last forever.

A lot of companies offer “lifetime” warranties on their products. I just bought a new garage door opener that came with a lifetime warranty. It sounds really great. So, what exactly does that mean? I’m still trying to figure that out!

When it comes to putting a new roof on your home, chances are the shingles you have installed will carry a lifetime warranty. To help you make an informed and educated decision, I’d like to set the record straight on what that means so that should you ever have an issue, you clearly understand what is covered and what is not.

What is Covered by a Lifetime Shingle Warranty?

If you’ve ever read a roofing warranty, you know they’re filled with tiny print and legal jargon. They can be difficult to understand. At its core, though, a warranty is simply a promise. It’s the manufacturer’s promise to protect you if something goes wrong with the product you purchased.

Let’s break down the basics of roofing warranties so you know what questions to ask your contractor before installing a new roof.

• Today, most shingle manufacturers offer “lifetime” warranties. In most cases, “lifetime” means for as long as you own your home.
• Every manufacturer covers defects caused during the manufacturing process. These defects may include excessive granule loss, press variations, or inadequate sealant.
• Nearly every manufacturer considers a problem a manufacturing defect only if the roof leaks or its performance is compromised.
• CertainTeed is the exception. It covers manufacturing defects even if the roof isn’t leaking. This is an important difference to consider when comparing roofing products.
• Most warranties include a non-prorated coverage period during the first several years after installation—typically around 10 years, depending on the manufacturer. During this time, if a manufacturing defect occurs, the warranty usually covers replacement materials and labor.
• After the initial coverage period ends, the warranty typically becomes prorated. That means the manufacturer only covers the shingles, and the amount decreases as the roof ages. For example, if a manufacturing defect causes your roof to fail in year 15, the warranty may only pay a portion of the replacement shingle cost. It generally does not cover labor, tear-off, or disposal costs.

This is where many homeowners become frustrated. A “lifetime” warranty often sounds like complete, bumper-to-bumper coverage for as long as you own your home. In reality, that’s rarely the case.

Because of that misunderstanding, contractors often find themselves caught between the manufacturer’s warranty terms and the homeowner’s expectations. Understanding how roofing warranties work before you purchase a new roof can help you avoid surprises and make a more informed decision.

What is an Extended Warranty and is it Worth it?

Your home is a reflection of you and your personality. Everything you do, from kitchen and bath, remodels, to additions, to exterior renovations say something about your style and taste. And, with the time and money you invest in your home, you want to make sure you’re getting great value and quality.

As you shop for your new roof and the contractor who will install it, go into the process with your eyes wide open. You now have the basics of roof warranties and what they cover, which should help as you do your research.

Replacing your roof is a big job and a big investment. And at the end of the day, if you find the right contractor, who installs a quality roof system and complements it with a solid extended warranty, you get a beautiful roof built to protect you and your family for many years to come.

Jay

Jay Butch joined CertainTeed Roofing in 1998 and is responsible for all contractor programs and marketing. By developing the Shingle Master credential, an enhanced SureStart PLUS warranty, and Roofers’ Rewards, he strengthened the Contractor’s EDGE offering. Jay adds valuable insight from his extensive interactions with contractors across the country.