Storm Damage Thats Not Addressed
Its important to pay attention to weather that may impact your roof. Storms that may have caused damaged especially hailstorms need to be documented. If the storm was bad, its best to have your roof inspected soon afterward and not wait until your next regularly scheduled maintenance visit. You definitely want to have before-and-after photos and reports on file. Since storm damage may not cause your roofing system to leak immediately the membrane may start to crack down the road your best bet for warranty coverage is to have a documented history on file.
In the past, hail damage used to void warranties completely but now roofing materials have improved and so have warranty coverages. Why not keep yours as intact as possible and your roofing system lasting as long as it can? Its smart property maintenance and smart asset management, too. If you need advice on warranty issues or any other commercial roofing repair or re-roofing issues, please feel to give us a call.
Roof Warranties: Words Of Advice
Lost, forgotten, and voided: Hopefully, these three words dont describe the state of your buildings roof warranty. The investment in a new roof is significant, and with the hopes that it will last 10, 20, or even 30 years, its important to hold on to the warranty protecting it. Unfortunately, knowing where it is located isnt enough to comply with its guidelines.
When shopping for a new roof, the menu of warranty options can be as daunting as the roof systems available to you. You might be wondering how something so simple could be so confusing. Theres really nothing typical about a warranty. There are so many different types, explains Thomas W. Hutchinson, principal, Hutchinson Design Group Ltd., a Barrington, IL-based roof consulting company. The three most common types of warranties issued today are material warranties, material and workmanship warranties, and full-system warranties . There are monetarily limited system guarantees and no-dollar-limit roofing system warranties as well. First and foremost, buy the right roof for your application. Secondly, select the warranty that most closely matches your needs.
The following 10 steps may help:
Also, make sure that the terms included are clearly defined. For example, if the warranty includes wind coverage, question what the speeds of gale-force winds are.
Review the clause carefully to make sure it specifies the number of times the warranty can be transferred and what is required to do so .
Two Main Types Of Roofing Warranties
For all the misunderstandings about roofing warranties, there are only two main categories to distinguish betweenmanufacturer warranties and contractor warranties.There are nuances to each. Knowing which youre covered by, what it promises, and what you need to do to maintain coverage is critical.
1. Manufacturer WarrantiesThe majority of roof warranties come from the manufacturer of your shingles. With the common asphalt shingle, you can expect a 25-30 year warranty . Typically, a basic manufacturers warranty will cover roofing materials. However, its important to note that when you go to submit a claim in the future, the prices will be prorated, and the cost of disposal wont be covered.Most importantly, basic manufacturer warranties dont cover workmanship. For that, you would have to upgrade to an enhanced warranty. While these vary based on the manufacturer, they often cover the full replacement value as well as workmanship for a period of time.
2. Contractor WarrantiesIn addition to a manufacturer warranty, contractors may offer some sort of coverage for workmanship. The problem is that these guarantees look vastly different from one contractor to another. As you collect project proposals, it can be difficult to keep them straight. To get a clear understanding of contractor warranty coverage, you can:
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What Voids A Roof Warranty
Installing a new roof on top of your old roof will void or shorten your warranty in most cases. There are a couple reasons for this. A second layer of shingles will expend heat more slowly, which will shorten the shingle lifespan. It can also cause the new shingles to stick to the old shingles, causing bulges.
Installing New Shingles Over An Existing Roof
A skilled roofing contractor would recommend a complete tear-off when its time for a new roof. It involves removing the old roofing material before installing the new one. However, some companies offer an overlay, which means installing new shingles over the existing ones. The latter option will not only void your shingle warranty but also reduce the life of the shingles and compromise the structure of the roof.
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How Do I Know If My Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Finding Out the Age of Your Roof
What Do I Need To Know About Roof Warranties
The most important thing that you need to understand as a homeowner is that there are two types of standard warranty coverage:
A product warranty is set in stone by the manufacturer, and it cannot be altered by any actions of the homeowner or the contractor. Similarly, the workmanship warranty provided by your roofing contractor cannot be influenced by the manufacturer.
As the homeowner it is in your best interest to read both warranties and follow up with the manufacturer or contractor with questions about coverage.
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What Should I Look For When Selecting A Commercial Roof Warranty
When selecting a commercial roof warranty, look closely at the duration, whats covered, and any limitations on the dollar amount of the coverage. The warranty should be with a reputable manufacturer that doesnt have hidden clauses in the fine print. You also must remember that annual maintenance by a certified roofing contractor is required by most manufacturers to maintain the roof warranty and those costs, although minimal, should be included in your building maintenance budget.
Top Factors That Can Void Your Roofing Warranty
December 21, 2020 by Amy Andrews
Like most things that undergo wear and tear, residential roofing systems are covered by warranties. These, however, come with exceptions that encourage the need to perform routine maintenance to avoid these structures from getting voided. Heres a general list of factors that can void your roofing warranty.
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Installing A New Roof Over The Old One
Roof overlay, also known as reroofing, involves the installation of a new roof directly over the old one. It is a cost-saving measure because it eliminates the need to tear the old roofing materials and dispose of them. However, this method can lead to a myriad of problems. For example, reroofing takes away the ability to inspect the old roof structure for existing problems like rot or mold and perform necessary repairs.
How To Use Your Commercial Roof Warranty
You should know how to make a claim for your roof warranty and the steps you can take to get the ball rolling on repairs:
Step 1: Begin the claim process right away once anyone notices damage in the roof. This could be because of a noticeable leak, or it could be during a semi-annual inspection. Inspect the source of the leak, document damage, and call the warranty claims department listed on the warranty. We also have provided links below to the warranty claims page for most major roofing manufacturers. You should have a good practice of keeping all roof related documents together including the warranty, maintenance agreements, and any other paperwork relating to repairs of modifications made to the roof. Having all this information will greatly expedite the process.
Step 2: The warranty department will dispatch the roofing contractor who originally installed the roofing system to investigate the roof leak. If your roof was installed more than 2 years ago, you have the ability to request a different roofing contractor be sent to make the repair. Otherwise, the contractor will contact you to setup a time to look at the problem.
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Understanding Your Roof Warranty
Its important to understand the different types of roof warranties and how they work. Knowing what kind of protection homeowners can expect from a roof warranty and how to avoid voiding it is a complicated question, but one that can save you a lot of trouble down the line.
There are manufacturer warranties that cover the materials themselves, and there are workmanship warranties offered by the roofing contractors that install the work. Sometimes these warranties overlap, but thats certainly not always the case. Just what kind of roof warranty do you need, and what does each kind protect you against?
The most common kind of roof warranty is a shingle warranty or manufacturers warranty, which may cover you for 20 to 50 years. However, this type of warranty only protects you against defects in the roofing materials themselves, causing them to break down or fail before they should. And a manufacturers warranty may be void if the homeowner cannot demonstrate the roof has been periodically maintenance.
If you want roof work, contact the company that installed the roof first. Your original roofing company can help you understand if the work you want done will void your warranty before you hire someone to start drilling holes through shingles. Also, your roofing company can coordinate with the contractor doing new work to make sure your warranty stays valid. If you didnt like your original roofer or he or she is no longer in business, contact a reputable roofing contractor.
What Voids A Commercial Roof Warranty
Roof warranties are essential to protect yourself and your building from faulty products and costly repairs. While a roof warranty is a great way to protect yourself, its important to make sure that you keep your roof warranty valid, or else you may be stuck with the bill.
At West Roofing Systems, our team of experts helps customers with new and existing warranties every day. But what should you do after your original roof warranty expires?
In this article, we will cover types of commercial roof warranties and what can cause your roof warranty to become void.
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My Roof Warranty: What It Is And What It Covers
A new roof is a substantial investment that typically costs thousands of dollars so its only natural that you will want to know what warranty coverage is provided with the products you purchase.
Due to the quality standards of todays manufacturing processes, it is highly unlikely that you will have a problem with your roof shingles. In the rare case that you do its important that you understand the standard warranties that protect your roof.
Common Causes Of A Voided Roofing Warranty
Whether youre having a new roof or siding installed, its important to hire a contractor who offers comprehensive warranties. A roofing warranty protects your new roof in case something bad happens to it. However, the things that you do and dont do for your roof can void your warranty.Here are some of the common causes of a voided roofing warranty.
Layering New Shingles Over Old Ones
Some contractors may claim that its more cost-effective and less labor-intensive to install new shingles over the old roof. But doing so can actually cost you more over time because this type of installation can void your roofing warranty. Without removing the old material, your contractor wont be able to check if the material underneath the shingle is deteriorating. Also, the added weight of the new shingles can compromise the structural integrity of your roof.
Poor Maintenance
Your manufacturers warranty may state routine maintenance as part of the terms. This may include tasks such as keeping the roof debris-free and making sure that the drainage system is unclogged to ensure proper water flow. Regular maintenance can help prolong the life and avoid significant roof repair costs.
Improper Installation
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Roof Warranty : What You Need To Know
June 14, 2021 by Colin Clark
When you have a commercial roof installed, youre making a major investment. Although its easy to forget about the new roof up there on top of your home, it still needs attention. The same is true of your commercial roof warranty. However, when it comes to commercial roofing warranties, some property owners dont always understand what exactly it entails. In this post, commercial roofing company, Dynamic Roofing Concepts Inc., explains what a roof warranty is and what voids it.
Will Solar Panels Void My Roofing Warranty
Installing solar panels is a huge investment, but it’s one that saves you money in the long run. Solar panels are great for the environment and can effectively lower your carbon footprint. Before you purchase solar panels, it’s important to consider how they affect your roof’s warranty, which can be voided with modifications like solar panels and skylights, or any situation where shingles are removed. Let’s dig into the details.
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What Is Covered Under My Commercial Roof Warranty
If you have a roofing material manufacturers warranty, the original installing roofing contractor is required to provide a two-year workmanship warranty to cover issues resulting from the workmanship during the first 2 years of the roof installation.
The material manufacturers warranty can cover both labor and materials or just the materials from 10 years and up to 25 years depending on the type of warranty purchased. Repairs that are typically covered are those caused by deterioration of materials due to normal weathering, manufacturing defects, or workmanship in the application of the roof system.
It is extremely important to read the specific terms, conditions and limitations in the warranty carefully as they cover specific items such as length of coverage, exclusions to covered repairs and what circumstances can void the warranty.
Final Thoughts On Your Commercial Roof Warranty
Having a good warranty is the goal, but its also just as essential to protect it.
As former US president, John F. Kennedy said, The best time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining. Its vital to have your roof regularly inspected to ensure you dont have damage you are unaware of. This can also help prevent significant work on the roof in the future. We recommend that you have your roof inspected at least twice a yearonce in spring and once in fall.
A new commercial roof is a significant investment to protect your building and your business. Look at your roof warranty like an insurance policy designed to do the same. Ensuring you follow the maintenance guidelines, use authorized or approved contractors and installers, and understand the processes for filing a claim will ensure that your warranty is ready to cover you if the need arises.
If you are interested in learning more about how Schena Roofing and Sheet Metal can help you with your warranty work, or call 949-4777.
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What Isnt Covered Under The Commercial Roof Warranty
For the most part, roofing manufacturers stand by their products quality and durability, but certain things are not covered. For example, if a building owner adds new mechanical units or other items that require a penetration through the roof, a certified roofing contractor must properly seal those new penetrations and then report it to the roofing manufacturer so that it will be noted on the roof drawing for the warranty. If this process isnt followed, the roof manufacturer could void the warranty.
Another example is failure to use reasonable care in maintaining the roof system or materials. Most roofing material manufacturers require that annual maintenance be performed by an approved roofing contractor to ensure the proper performance for the life of the roofing system.
Other examples of exceptions are abuse to the roof that could cause damage such as dropping tools or dragging equipment and also severe weather events considered Acts of God, such as a tornado or hurricane.
Adding Antennas And Satellite Dishes
When any holes are added to your roof, whether from installing a new satellite dish or antenna, skylights, or other protrusions, your roof can be left susceptible to leaks in addition to a voided warranty. This does not mean youre forbidden from installing anything on your roof. Read your warranty closely and work with your roofing contractor to ensure your roof and warranties remain intact.
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Condition Of The Roof
Another key factor to consider is the current condition of your roof. Solar panels and typical asphalt shingles both usually last up to 25 years, so if you have an older roof, you might want to consider a whole replacement. Solar panels also add more weight to your roof, which could cause costly roof repairs if your roof isnât up to date.
Improper Or Irregular Maintenance
If you decide to do roof maintenance work yourself, its important that you read the shingle manufacturers manual. Remember: improper maintenance is just as bad as neglecting to routinely maintain your roof. If youre not sure about the cleaning instructions in the manual, its best to let a professional roofer handle all of the roofing maintenance work.
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What Voids A Commercial Roofing Warranty
1. The warranty may be voided on grounds of neglect if you fail to have your roof inspected regularly.
2. Performing unauthorized modifications on your roof such as adding mechanical equipment can also compromise your roofing system and void its warranty especially if the equipment wasnt installed by a professional.
3. Failure to address storm damage with the aid of a professional as it is your responsibility to mitigate the damage your roof sustains during strong storms.
Find a professional roofing contractor you can trust to help you stay in compliance. A good metal roofing contractor will maintain records of every inspection and service along with photo documentation as proof that the service and repairs have been completed, which can be provided to the manufacturer as proof of compliance. Stay on top of your roof, and make sure you understand how to take the best care of it. After all, a good warranty is never a thing to waste.
Here at Dynamic Roofing Concepts, we believe that our roofing repairs and replacements should stand the test of time. We know you have choices when its time to choose a roofing company, and we are committed to keeping all transactions honest and transparent so you know just what you are getting.
Call us today at 510-1166 or fill out our online request form for a free estimate, and to learn more about how we will earn your trust and become your preferred roofing company. We serve clients in Tampa, FL.
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