Your roof is one of the most important features of your home. It offers protection against the elements and adds aesthetic value to your home. Getting a new roof is a big investment, so you want to ensure you’re getting a durable roof, as well as the best service and warranty you can.

A major roofing decision you’ll have to make is choosing warranty coverage. Most roofing manufacturers and contractors offer some form of warranty, but should you spring for upgrading it? In this article, we tell you the purpose of upgrading a roof warranty and how to go about getting it if you do.

Are Roof Warranties Worth It?

Everyone worries about warranties, especially when making those big purchases. Whether you’re buying a car, phone, computer, or electronic appliance, you’ll want to know what is and what is not covered in the warranty. This is no different when buying a new roof. New roof installations come with two warranties: manufacturer warranty and workmanship warranty.

A manufacturer warranty offers protection in the event the roofing materials are defective.

A roof workmanship warranty is provided by the roofing contractor who installs your roofing. This warranty offers protection against failure which occurs because of improper installation techniques or worker errors. Workmanship warranties usually cover both labor and material costs.

Can You Buy a Roof Warranty?

Yes. You can also often upgrade your warranty. As mentioned above, new roofs will come with standard warranties, but these are usually narrow in scope: they only cover the roofing material and not the entire roof system.

To provide peace of mind and lasting value, manufacturers offer warranty upgrades on roofs installed by certified contractors according to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. An upgraded warranty offered by a trusted manufacturer provides several benefits, including:

Lengthy, non-prorated coverage: The most basic of upgrades can provide additional coverage for up to 50 years. In addition, the warranty is non-prorated, which means you’ll get 100% coverage for the entire warranty period.

Coverage from standard warranties typically decreases with time. For instance, you may get 100% coverage for the first 5 years, then 90% by the 8th year, and so on. An upgraded warranty could give you continuous coverage for defective materials.

If you value peace of mind, you may want to purchase an extended roof warranty to protect your initial investment.

Coverage for all roof system components: Getting an upgraded warranty extends the coverage to apply to the entire roof system. Instead of just covering the shingles, the warranty will cover components such as:

Underlayment
Ice and water barrier
Soffit and ridge vents
Hip and ridge cap shingles

An extended warranty also includes coverage for workmanship. If your roof is found to have an installation error, you will be covered for replacement materials, labor, tear-off, and disposal costs.

Ability to transfer: An upgraded warranty can be transferred to the first subsequent property owner at any time during the warranty period. This is a great selling point to increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to potential home buyers. Even after you sell your home, the warranty extends to cover the new owner for the life of the roof.

What is a Lifetime Warranty?

Most roofing materials today carry a “lifetime” warranty against manufacturing defects. But this does not refer to your lifetime or your home’s lifetime. Also, this does not mean the warranty will cover every roof repair and maintenance expense. The fine print here is the coverage is available throughout the lifetime of the shingles.

What Do You Need to Do Before Upgrading Your Warranty?

Talk to Your Roofer to Learn the Options. Warranties can be confusing, which is why it’s important to talk to a reputable contractor who can explain your options and help you make a well-informed decision.
Understand the Base Warranty You Receive With Your New Roof. If you’re interested in buying an extended warranty, you need to understand what the standard manufacturer’s warranty and workmanship warranty will cover. The exact coverage will vary depending on the manufacturer and the roofing material you choose.
Is It Financially Worth It to Upgrade? In the end, you’ll have to decide if upgrading your roof warranty is a worthwhile investment. Look at the benefits which come with it and why they would matter to you. You also need to consider how long you’ll be staying in your current home.

If you need roofing services in Dallas and Ft. Worth, you can depend on KPost Roofing & Waterproofing for honest advice and quality workmanship. Our roofing experts will take you through all your options and take a consultative approach to help make the right decision in regards to replacing your roof system and getting an extended warranty. Contact us today to request a free estimate.