Whether you’re planning to replace missing shingles, you’re probably also wondering if your roofing warranty would cover the cost of the job.
Whenever you have a new roof installed, it’s always advisable to ask about the warranties that come with the work. The strongest warranties are often available when you buy the top-rated roofing materials and hire a manufacturer-certified contractor.
Whether it’s fascia or flashing replacement or anything in between, you want to work only with licensed and certified contractors. Not only will they carry a manufacturer’s warranty for the material, but they will also back their own workmanship with a separate warranty.
All that being said, warranties are not without limits. That’s why the answer to your question of whether your roofing repair or replacement is covered depends on a few factors. There are some things you might do that can void your warranty. Here are some of them:
Install a New Roof Over the Old One
In some areas, this is acceptable. In most areas, however, it’s illegal. A reputable contractor is not likely to recommend it, let alone do it. It’s supposed to help you save money and time, but a new roof over an old one is not likely to last long. There may be moisture and rot trapped underneath. The roofing structure will also have to bear twice the weight it was designed to carry. This is one sure way to have your warranty voided.
Do a Poor Job of Installing the Roof
There’s a reason roofing systems are installed by trained and certified pros. It doesn’t matter if they’re replacing the entire system or working on something smaller, professionals just know better.
You may be a DIY enthusiast with years of experience, but you probably don’t have the expertise of a professional. Hiring a regular handyman without a license and certification, and who hasn’t been doing this long, is also a deal-breaker. The same is true if you try to lower costs by hiring a contractor that likes to take shortcuts. A poorly installed roof is a shortcut to a voided warranty.
Install Something That’s Not Part of the Roof
The best example of this is a TV antenna or a satellite dish. Find somewhere else to install them. You can even erect their own structure. But don’t install them on your roof if you want to keep that warranty. Drilling into your roof for such things means, at the very least, your warranty won’t cover leaks any longer.
Fail to Consider Adequate Roof Ventilation
Inadequate ventilation leads to superheating, which can bake your shingles and drastically shorten their life. It can also lead to ice dam buildup during winter, which, eventually, leads to water damage. The manufacturer’s warranty may not cover the damage if it’s proven that your roof lacks ventilation.
Poor Cleaning Practices
If your roof has moss on it, and you’re worried that the moss might cause damage, talk to your contractor regarding the right way to clean it. They can give you pointers on what to use that won’t damage the roof. Don’t take a hard-bristled broom or brush to your roof. And, don’t use a pressure washer. Using damaging equipment, tools or chemicals can destroy your roof and worse, void your warranty.
Using Third-Party Components
Roofing manufacturers typically make more than just the shingles. They also make the components that complete the roof’s installation to ensure its performance and safety. If you use components that are not part of the system, such as an underlayment from a different manufacturer, your warranty will be voided because the manufacturer cannot speak for the performance of that component and it might not work perfectly with the rest of the system.
Remember, it’s better to be cautious about how you treat your roof than risk having it damaged and your warranty voided.
AQ Roofing LLC can install, inspect and maintain your roof. We never take shortcuts and we always make sure our work is top-notch. Call us today at (501) 951-1683, or use our contact form to get your free quote.