A warranty is a promise made by the manufacturer or seller of a product that ensures it will perform as expected. This promise details what the product must do, what happens if it doesn’t, how long the warranty lasts, and what it covers. We will provide details on different types of warranties, what they are and how they can protect you as a consumer. If you’re looking to buy a new appliance, car, or other items, understanding the warranty that comes with it is an integral part of the buying process.
Who Issues Roof Warranties?
The material manufacturer is typically the issuer of roof warranties. More specifically, roof manufacturers utilize long-term warranties as a marketing tool. Since warranties are not insurable, a warranty is only as good as the ability of the issuer to keep its obligation. This is troublesome when a manufacturer that issues a long-term warranty goes out of business. In this case, a consumer could be left with a problem roof and an ineffective warranty. For example, if a material manufacturer goes out of business, the warranties it issues may no longer be valid or enforceable.
How Does Coverage Work?
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) says that people think they’ll be covered for any roofing problems regarding long-term warranties. Most roof warranties don’t guarantee that the system won’t leak or that it is suitable for the consumer’s installation needs. The warranty covers only issues and causes specified in the document and only if the consumer follows the instructions. This can lead to confusion and frustration for consumers, who wonder whether they’re covered.
Why Do Warranties Fall Short?
There are many steps and procedures to maintain compliance under a roof warranty. Adhering to a variety of provisions can take time and effort. Any misstep could render the warranty useless and leave the purchaser on the hook. Additionally, warranties typically exclude covering issues unrelated to materials, such as design, application, flashing, building movement, weather-related damage, or vandalism. To maintain compliance, it is important to be aware of all the requirements and provisions in a roof warranty. The warranty covers some issues but not others. The purchaser will have to pay for repairs or replacements if the warranty does not cover issues. To avoid this, follow the warranty steps and terms.
The cold, hard reality is that most roof warranties are designed and intended to protect all parties except the consumer. Unfortunately, responsibility can be played like a shell game, leaving no one accountable.
Keep a Roof System Performing and Watertight
So, how can purchasers of roofs protect themselves? It starts at the beginning of the project by having an inspector ensure that every aspect of the installation is done correctly. This is why roof consultants like RAM USA are called upon more often to oversee entire roof system installations from beginning to end. The unbiased, objective opinion of an RCI-approved Registered Roof Consultant (RRC), such as RAM, can alleviate roofing concerns.
The roof consultant works as the consumer’s advocate to ensure the proper design, materials, and installation are used for their particular needs. The consultant uses specifications to make contractor bids. This way, everyone has the same chance, and the customer gets the best quality for the best value. This saves money and future headaches. Finally, the RRC can manage complete projects, ensuring everyone’s success. Studies have shown that proper project monitoring can double the life of a roof!
The consultant can help the parties involved by being honest and accountable and reducing the risk of future failures. Upon project completion, an RRC can perform routine maintenance keeping the roof system in tip-top shape and in compliance with the manufacturer’s warranty. The bottom line is that keeping a roof watertight and free of failure is worth so much more than relying on what a warranty “may” provide post-failure.
