A workmanship warranty is a way to reduce your risk during a roof repair, replacement or new installation. Without a reliable warranty, you may be responsible for expensive costs related to the improper installation of your roof. You should shy away from hiring any roofing contractor that does not offer a workmanship warranty.
While there are other factors to consider as well, finding a roofing contractor with a reliable workmanship warranty (and manufacturer warranty) is a great first step to ensuring your roof is properly repaired or replaced. The following is a review of why a workmanship warranty is important and what to look for in your workmanship warranty.
Why Is A Workmanship Warranty Important?
A workmanship warranty covers you from any installation errors. New roof installation is a complex job that requires a lot of workmanship (skill). A roof that is not properly installed could cause problems within a year after the job is complete.
This could lead to expensive roof repair or roof replacement costs to correct the error(s) and any damage that may have resulted from the improper installation.
What To Look For In Your Workmanship Warranty
Every workmanship warranty is different. It is important to understand what your workmanship warranty covers, how long it lasts and what the differences are between a workmanship and manufacturer warranty.
By learning about these elements of a workmanship warranty, you can ensure you are adequately protected if something were to occur during the installation process or if errors are noticed months after the installation is complete.
What The Workmanship Warranty Covers
Your workmanship warranty may not cover everything. It is vital to determine precisely what is and what is not covered in your warranty before signing it. If there are any common errors that are not included in the workmanship warranty (i.e., roof leaks), then having these added into the coverage is important. The ideal workmanship warranty should cover a broad range of common roof issues that could result from the contractor’s installation.
How Much The Workmanship Warranty Covers
Most workmanship warranties only cover up to a certain amount. If the amount is lower than you would like, then you could potentially negotiate a higher limit. In any case, understanding the warranty coverage limits allows you to plan accordingly and know the risks that you possess and what the contractor is responsible for if an error were to occur during installation.
How Long The Workmanship Warranty Lasts
The average workmanship warranty lasts for about a year, but it can be much shorter or much longer than this. It is best to opt for the longest warranty coverage that you can reasonably afford. This is because many installation errors are not noticed right away. You may not detect there is a problem until the first storm hits, which could be months after installation.
Workmanship Warranty Vs. Manufacturer Warranty
A workmanship warranty is often confused with a manufacturer warranty. However, the two are completely different. A workmanship warranty covers errors related to the installation of the roof. A manufacturer warranty primarily covers the building materials.
A workmanship warranty does not cover materials and a manufacturer warranty does not cover the workmanship, so often both are required for optimal financial protection. Another way to view it is that the workmanship warranty refers to the labor involved, whereas a manufacturer warranty refers to the materials used on the roof.
Questions To Ask The Contractor Before Signing A Warranty
It is helpful to prepare a list of questions to ask the contractor before you sign the warranty. This helps you remember all of the important elements that go into a workmanship warranty. Good questions to ask the contractor before signing include:
- Am I receiving a workmanship or manufacturer warranty?
- How long will the workmanship warranty last?
- What damages are included in the warranty?
- Does the workmanship warranty include indoor damages?
- How can I maintain my roof so I don’t void my warranty?
Of course, these are just example questions, and you should feel free to ask whatever is important to you. If the roofing contractor you are considering does not offer a reliable workmanship warranty, then you should consider looking at other contractors to handle the project. Otherwise, you could be responsible for costly damage repairs due to installation errors.
Speak With An Experienced Northern VA Roofing Contractor
You can reach one of our Northern Virginia roofing contractors today by phone to discuss your roofing needs. We offer a roofing inspection if you are unsure of what your needs are. At Adelphia Exteriors, we pride ourselves on exceptional workmanship and honesty, and you can trust that the job will be done to the finest of standards. We also honor workmanship warranties if any mistakes do occur during the installation process.
For more information about workmanship warranties or to schedule a free roof repair, replacement or installation estimate, give us a call at (703) 386-7357 or fill out our online contact form.