The warranty provides peace of mind when you invest in a new roof or when roofing work is being done. However, there is nothing worse than discovering that it was voided due to something of which you have been unaware. Let’s find out what voids a roof warranty and how you can prevent such errors.
Understanding Roof Warranties: Types & Why They Matter
To understand what voids your warranty, it is useful to know that there are typically two warranties involved:
- Warranty of Manufacturers / Material:
This includes roofing material defects: shingles, underlayment, flashing, and so forth. - Warranty of Workmanship (or Installer):
This includes the quality of installation: was it done well, according to specification, and in a skillful way?
One is essential, and one is the rule. Violation of those rules, even accidentally, can be expensive.
Read more: How Long Do Wood Shingles Last?
What Voids a Roof Warranty: Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Improper installation
This is among the largest offenders. In case roofing materials have been installed improperly: improper nail type, improper amount of fasteners, improper installation, improper underlayment or flashing, manufacturers do not want to hear it. ALWAYS adhere to installation instructions.
2. Working with improper or inappropriate materials
Your individual interpretations can invalidate warranties in case you combine brands that should not be mixed, or use any components that were not approved by the manufacturer. Even minor dissimilarities count.
3. Absence of adequate roof ventilation
The lack of attic or roof ventilation holds heat and moisture. This damages shingles during the course of time, it warps and leaks, as well as wears out. Manufacturers frequently need certain ventilation set-ups; otherwise, you may lose your warranty.
4. Illegal repair or modification
Repairs or installing add-ons without instructions can be disastrous to the workmanship warranty on a repair or, in some instances, the material warranty, if the work is done by any other person other than the original installer.
5. Poor maintenance or neglect
Homeowners may also have to perform simple maintenance and care: they have to clear brush, maintain gutters, check the roof occasionally, and repair minor problems before they develop further. Failure to do this may be used as a basis for rejecting warranty claims.
6. Aggressive cleaning or pressure washing
Pressure-washing, along with other cleaning techniques, may strip off protective granules from shingles or even damage materials. Such types of damage are not usually covered. Wash carefully or use light washing.
7. Coating old material with new material
Adding a new roof over the old one can appear economical, but it can also lower the performance and is not allowed by warranties, quite often.
8. Failure to file or transfer warranty
In some cases, warranties have to be registered with the manufacturer following installation, or transferred rightfully in case of a house sale. Failure to meet or failure to comply with the process of the deadline may void the warranty.
Read more: How to Shingle a Hip Roof with 4 Dormers?
How to Make Sure Your Roof Warranty Stays Valid
- Engage an experienced roofing contractor or a certified one dealing with your type of roofing material.
- Review the warranty document in its entirety prior to installation: identify what was excluded, what needs maintenance, and what is permitted/forbidden.
- Retain purchase records, photographs of installations, and records of maintenance.
- Before making any change or repair, first check with the original installer or with the warranty provider.
- Always use proper shortcuts, such as layering over old roofs or using cheaper / non-approved parts.
- Check ventilation, flashing, and underlayment precisely as per instructions.
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Final Thoughts
It is not about being afraid of what voids a roof warranty, but being informed. Sometimes, a small diligence at the beginning goes a long way towards securing your investment. At ONLY Roofing, we trust in doing things right so that your warranty is something you can actually feel rather than a piece of paper you lost. In case you need some help with the warranty check, or with making sure that your roof work won’t nullify the warranty, contact us. Stay dry and stay protected!
