Most people read a roofing warranty the way they read a software license: not at all.

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That works fine until the day a ceiling starts dripping, and you’re holding a document you’ve never opened, trying to figure out whether anyone owes you a phone call.

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So let’s open it early. Here is the definition of a workmanship warranty and three keys to determine how good a workmanship warranty may be.

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First, Which Warranty Are We Comparing?

A new roof typically has two promises and contains different things in each.

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First of all, what is the warranty about?

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There are two kinds of warranties on a new roof and they are very different.

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One comes from the shingle maker. It speaks to the material: if the product itself is defective, that’s their problem.

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The other comes from the roofer, and that’s the workmanship warranty. It speaks to the install. If water gets in because the flashing around a chimney was done badly, or the nails were driven in the wrong spot, the shingle company will point at the crew. The crew’s warranty is the one that answers.

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Mixing these up is the most common mistake homeowners make. A great shingle on a sloppy install still leaks.

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Question one: what exactly is covered?

Every contractor uses their own terms, so “covered” can mean different things. However, generally speaking, a workmanship warranty covers errors made when the work was being performed. For example, if flashing was installed improperly and caused leaks, roofing may be covered.

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These errors are often detected quickly, in many cases right after the first strong storm or hot summer. If something goes wrong with the work, it’s going to happen within the first couple of years.

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What it generally doesn’t cover is whatever the weather or time does later. Hail, a fallen limb, or twenty years of sun are insurance and maintenance territory, not installation errors. Be mindful of restrictions that cover damage done by individuals using your roof, such as the installation of a satellite dish, and the issues that arise due to unclean gutters.

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That’s not the contractor being sneaky. It’s just where the line sits. You’d rather learn it now than argue about it later.

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Question Two: How Long, and for Whom?

A longer number looks better on paper, but length alone doesn’t tell you much. Ask yourself two things.

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Will the company still exist? A ten-year promise from a business that closes in three is worth less than a five-year promise from one that’s been around the area a long time. When you’re comparing roofers in Raleigh, ask how long they’ve worked locally, and ask for references you can call.

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And does the warranty follow the house? If you sell, the buyer may want assurance that the roof remains protected. Some warranties may follow the original owner while others cease immediately after the sale. It’s a one-line question that’s worth asking before you sign.

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Question Three: What Do You Have to Do?

Warranties sometimes come with homework. You might need to report a problem within a certain time. You might need to tell the contractor before anyone else touches the roof. Some product warranties want registration paperwork.

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Read for these conditions. Look for these criteria. In case one is not fulfilled, a firm will definitely deny your application, regardless of the fact that the company is to blame.

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Additionally, consider the main question to be raised: in case everything goes wrong, who shall we contact for help, and is there an option chosen by us?

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Get It on Paper

If a salesperson says your roof is “covered for life,” that’s a nice sentence. This document may not constitute a contract document. Request all the details of the wording, including the amount of labor and materials included as well as conditions.

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Next, make sure to keep all documentation that has been signed together: the final statement of work, warranty, invoice, and photos of the new roof. When you’re snapping those, grab one or two of the flashing around vents and chimneys. If a claim ever comes up, a folder like that saves a lot of arguing.

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A Short List to Take with You

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Bring these to every estimate:

• What does the workmanship warranty cover, and what’s left out?
• How long does it last, and can I see it in writing?
• Does it transfer if I sell?
• What do I have to do to keep it valid?
• Who do I call if there’s a problem?

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Pay attention to how easily they answer. A company that’s confident in its work usually doesn’t mind the questions.

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The Bottom Line

A workmanship warranty protects you from installation mistakes. It won’t cover storms or old age, and it’s only as strong as the company behind it. Read it, ask about it, and keep it somewhere you can find it.

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If you’d like to talk through warranty questions for your own roof, A&M Premium Roofing is happy to walk you through what we offer. Call (919) 219-0422 or request an estimate on our website.