It’s 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 that’s 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 manufacturer’s 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 manufacturer’s warranty may be void if the homeowner cannot demonstrate the roof has been periodically maintained.

Workmanship/Labor Warranty is provided by the contractor who installs your roof. These warranties cover against leaks usually for a specified period. Standard lengths for these warranties run anywhere from 2-15 years. This warranty protects you after the installation of your roof should you encounter a leak when it rains. However, these warranties usually carry a clause stating that the warranty is only valid if that contractor is the only one to work on the roof. If you bring in another contractor to fix something on the roof after the original labor, the workmanship warranty may be void.

4 Common ways you could potentially void your warranty.

1. Antennas and satellite dishes – If you drill holes in your roof to install an antenna or satellite dish you could possibly void at least part of your roof warranty. Since any leaking could be caused by the holes that you drilled.
2. Skylights and solar panels – Keep your warranty in mind before starting a home improvement project that involves major roof work, such as installing skylights or solar panels that require roof penetration or the removal of shingles
3. Pressure washing – Homeowners might choose to pressure wash their roof because of issues such as moss buildup. But they can severely damage their roof in the process because of the strong force of pressure washing.
4. Ventilation – Improper attic ventilation can also nullify your roofing warranty. Inadequate venting can trap heat in your attic and wear out your shingles.

In a nutshell, before installing that new satellite dish, solar panel or skylight, make sure you can do the work without turning your roof warranty into a useless piece of paper.

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 to be 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 didn’t like your original roofer or he or she is no longer in business, contact a reputable roofing contractor.

Click here for Total Home Roofing Warranty Terms & Conditions.

About Total Home Roofing 

Total Home Roofing is a Residential and Commercial roofing company based in Rockledge, FL – founded in 2006. Total Home Roofing has offices in the following areas: Brevard County, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Naples, Port St Lucie, Jacksonville, Atlanta GA, Phoenix AZ, Austin TX, San Antonio, Texas.