Why Are Roofing Warranties Important?

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Is your roof protected by a great warranty? If not, you’re putting your financial future at risk. Replacing a damaged roof isn’t a cheap home repair. Depending on the size, the pitch, and the type of roofing materials used, roof replacement can soar well into the five-figures. Don’t count on your homeowner’s insurance to cover all these costs either. When it comes to acts of nature like windstorms, hail, snow, and lightening, your insurance kicks in. This isn’t the case when you’re faced with a roof defect. That’s why you need to make sure you have a superior roof warranty.

Don’t All Roof Materials Come With a Warranty?

The fact that your roof has a warranty isn’t the point. Yes, most roof materials come with a warranty. However, you want to make sure your purchase is adequately protected for many years. A five-year warranty isn’t sufficient. No one replaces their roof every five years. The average roof, barring any weather-related damage, lasts as long as 20 years. Your warranty should last twice as long.

Roof Risks and Warranty - Why Are Roofing Warranties Important

Roof Risks and Warranty

The warranty on your roof protects you from accidents that could damage it. For example, if the new roof you have installed on your home has a fault or defect originating from the manufacturing stage, then you’ll have to pay out of your pocket to repair that. If you have a warranty though, you won’t pay a single dime.

What Does a Roof Warranty Cover?

What Does a Roof Warranty Cover - Why Are Roofing Warranties Important

Knowing what your warranty covers is just as important as how many years of coverage you receive. Great roof warranties provide the following coverages:

Material defects: You need a roofing system that is built strong to take numerous lashings from Mother Nature and other harsh outdoor elements. If a roof begins to show early signs of wear and tear, this affects things such as your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. An excellent manufacture warranty goes into action in these situations and covers material defects due to premature wear and tear.

Long coverage: When purchasing shingles, not all warranties are equal. Whereas a 25-year warranty is fine for 3-Tab shingles, that won’t cut it for dimensional shingles. Dimensional shingles require a 50-year warranty for the best protection.

Insure against poor workmanship: Roof needs repair every once and a while for minor things. Maybe you need shingles replaced because a few started to warp. Or, perhaps the flashing popped up and needs to be nailed back down. Although these are straightforward repairs, sometimes repairs go wrong and compromise the integrity of the roof. Sometimes the wrong people install the new roof and problems start showing up a couple years down the line. Superior warranties protect homeowners who have been the victims of poor workmanship or installation.

Peace of Mind

The roof is arguably one of the most expensive parts of the home to replace and repair. The last thing you want is to spend a hefty sum on a new roof that with a defect or fault from the manufacturing stage. Warranties are peace of mind that whatever happens, your new roof system is protected and insured.

Work With a Leading Roofing Contractor

When you’re ready to replace your roof, only work with reputable roofing contractors who warrant their work and use roofing materials that come with excellent warranties. While many roofing companies warrant their workmanship, that warranty is only as good as long as the company stays in business. If the company goes under, your warranty protection disappears. This is why it’s always a good idea to make sure your material warranty covers installation problems.

5 Signs You Need Roof Repair

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Like everything else in your home, your roof will inevitably need repairs at some point. But sitting so high above your front door, the signs that it’s time for a repair aren’t always obvious. And while you should always have an expert examine your roof (since they can do so safely), there are things you can look for from the ground.

1. Visible Leaks

Visible Leaks - 5 Signs You Need Roof Repair

One of the most common signs that you need a roof replacement is an obvious leak. Roof leaks occur for many reasons, ranging from worn out materials to storm damage. As roofing materials weaken, water is able to seep in through the shingles and into the rest of the house. This leads to water intrusion, and often, visible puddles during rain storms. Sometimes small leaks can be patched or repaired by a roofing contractor, but in many cases, small leaks go undetected until they are much larger and require a bigger fix.

If you have a large, persistent roof leak, or there are multiple leaks throughout the roof, it’s time to consider replacing your roof. The best way to find out the extent of the damage is to have it inspected by a professional roofing company.

One way to save a lot of money and lengthen the life of your roof is to use rubber paint for roofs to seal your roof and stop leaks. Find a rubber roofing company near you to learn more.

2. Interior Water Damage

Interior Water Damage - 5 Signs You Need Roof Repair

A visible drip isn’t the only sign of a roof leak. Many times a leaky roof will manifest in the form of interior water damage. This often looks like streaks, stains, or water spots in the attic, or the ceiling or walls of your home. Water damage can be caused by other issues, like a burst pipe, leaking appliance, or faulty faucet, but if it’s showing up in the attic, on the ceiling, or near the tops of your walls, it is likely caused by a leaky roof.

In this case, the best course of action is to hire a professional roofing contractor to check your roof and determine if it’s the source of the leak. If a roof leak is present, they will determine the extent of the damage and the best solution. In many cases it will be a new roof.

3. Curling, Missing, or Mossy Shingles

In some cases, roof damage is obvious from the ground. Shingles are the gateway to your roofing system, so if you notice missing, curling, or cracked shingles when you look at your roof, it’s probably time for a roof replacement.

Some of the most common forms of visible shingle damage include:

  • Cracked shingles
  • Damaged or curled shingles
  • Loose or missing shingles
  • Damage or discoloration around vents
  • Missing granules

4. Moss or algae growth

Moss or Algae Growth

It’s also a good idea to check your gutters for shingle debris. Debris in the gutters can indicate that the shingles are reaching the end of their lifespan and beginning to disintegrate.

If you see any signs of damage on your roof, it’s a good indication that it’s time for a roof replacement. Schedule an inspection with a roofing professional to help you determine the extent of the damage, and the best way to fix it.

5. A Sagging Roofline

Another way to know that you need a new roof is to look at the shape of your roofline. Your roof lines should be straight and strong. If you notice dipping, curving, or visible sagging it’s important to investigate the cause. While a sagging roofline could be caused by a framing issue, it can also be caused by a water-saturated roof deck. If this is the case, you may need a new roof to fix the problem.

If a sagging roofline is accompanied by visible shingle damage, leaks, or water damage, it’s important to act quickly to fix the problem before it gets worse. In some cases, a sagging roofline can lead to a partial or complete cave in.

4 Reasons You Should Only Work With an Insured Roofer

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The roof is one of the prominent home features that keep the family and property protected from various outdoor elements. Therefore, homeowners need to hire a roofer who is not only skilled, certified, and experienced but also insured.

Roofing is not a simple, straightforward job. It involves a considerable amount of risk, which should not be neglected while looking for the right contractor. Whether the home roofing project is big or small, hiring an insured roofer will save time and money and ensure a safe, high-quality installation.

Before signing any contract with a roofer, homeowners should look at the proof of valid workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. They help safeguard the homeowner’s interest if a mishap or an untoward incident occurs during the roofing project.

IMPORTANCE OF HIRING AN INSURED ROOFER

Roofing Contractor - 4 Reasons You Should Only Work With an Insured Roofer

Here are several reasons that highlight the need for working with an insured roofer for the next roofing project:

1. PROTECTS FROM BEING HELD LIABLE FOR WORKER INJURY

Roofing work is not free from hazards. Even the most experienced roofer can misjudge situations and accidentally fall from the ladder or injure themselves with a hammer while installing shingles. When the roofer has worker’s compensation insurance, it will cover all the medical or lost wages expenses if any roofer gets injured or falls sick while working. It also offers assistance to the worker’s family if the injury proves to be fatal. If the roofer is not insured, the homeowner can be held responsible and might end up paying all the injury recovery costs.

2. COVERS ANY ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE PROPERTY

Roofing involves the use of heavy-duty tools and materials. If a contractor accidentally drops a tile from the roof height, it can severely injure anyone standing beneath or damage the floor tiles, window, or a parked car. When a roofer makes any error while installing or repairing a roof and damages any nearby structure, the general liability insurance will cover it. It protects the homeowner from paying for any accidental property damage or injury to a non-worker during the roofing project.

3. BUILDS TRUST AND CREDIBILITY

When a homeowner looks for a roofer, they want someone who can be trusted with what is considered the most expensive home improvement project. A roofer with adequate insurance indicates that they are legitimate, take their work seriously, and stand behind the team. It keeps the homeowner stress-free.

Usually, general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance cover bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, medical payments, advertising injury, and wage replacement. Not all roofing contractors have the same insurance. Factors like the kind of work a roofer does and the state in which they operate govern the type of policy they have.

4. THEY SOLVE PROBLEMS IMMEDIATELY

In some situations, the damage to the home needs immediate temporary repairs. If a tree branch created a hole in the roof, you need a contractor who can apply emergency solutions to stop water from entering the home. The roofing contractor with insurance experience can do this.

They can document the problem immediately for insurance purposes. Then, they provide specific solutions to shore up the issue until insurance approves the claim for repair. This minimizes further damage to your home.

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY

Roof Insurance Company - 4 Reasons You Should Only Work With an Insured Roofer

Once you find a roofer you trust and feel is right for the job, contact your insurer. Be sure they agree with the contractor selected. Most insurers will not approve any contractor that lacks certification, insurance, and bonding.

COMMUNICATE WITH THE INSURER

Your insurer may wish to discuss the project with the roofer one-on-one. This is not common. However, the best roofing contractors understand the insurance world is complex and are willing to share information and guidance with your insurance company. That makes the process much easier for you.

THEY WORK TO GET THE JOB DONE

Some insurers require documentation of the completed project. They may require a formal inspection to ensure the work is complete. The contractor can work closely with the insurer to make sure this is on-spec.