The roof is an essential part of your home that provides shelter from the elements all year round. Investing in good roofing is quite a huge undertaking because of the high upfront costs involved in terms of labor, materials, and installation. That is one of the reasons why reputable roofing companies back up your investment with a lifetime guarantee. Homeowners need to understand what a lifetime guarantee entails to avoid misunderstandings in the future. In this article, we will be discussing what exactly is a lifetime guarantee when it comes to roofing and its benefits.
Lifetime Guarantee: Definition and What is Covered
A lifetime guarantee is a promise often made by a seller or a manufacturer to replace or repair a product for a period that is considered the expected lifetime. To some, it could mean the manufacturer will make any necessary repairs or replacements for as long as the customer owns the product. Most often, a lifetime guarantee is offered on high-quality products that are built to last.
A new roof when installed properly can last a lifetime
When it comes to roofing, the lifetime guarantee could cover defects in workmanship or materials used in construction. However, a lifetime guarantee may not cover accidental damage, normal wear and tear, or damage caused by misuse. You need to follow the instructions carefully when claiming a lifetime guarantee such as photos and videos of the defect or proof of purchase.
Types of lifetime guarantee
- Standard lifetime guarantee
This type of lifetime warranty covers costs associated with defective roofing materials such as shingles and flashing. However, the standard manufacturer warranty doesn’t cover labor costs pf replacing or removing the defective materials or any damages that were caused by natural elements. For some manufacturers, the term “lifetime” could mean 25 to 30 years or a certain period that they suggest a product would maintain its integrity. The cost of damages that need to be covered in standard manufacturer lifetime warranties could also be shared between homeowner and the manufacturer as years pass by. This means that the manufacturer only pays a certain percentage instead of the entire cost of replacing any defective materials.
- Contractor workmanship guarantee
The contractor workmanship guarantee covers defects caused by improper roof installation for the period you own your home. What makes this type of warranty different from the standard lifetime guarantee is the fact that it is transferrable to the next homeowner. Some of the items that can be covered include missing shingles, leaks, or improper flashing. A lifetime workmanship warranty does not cover the defects in the roofing materials. Depending on the contractor, some of these warranties may be transferable while others are not. A few limitations of this type of warranty are that the repairs may not be covered if it was caused by modifications not made by the contractor and improper maintenance.
- Extended Manufacturer Warranties
These are optional warranties that provide more comprehensive coverage than the standard manufacturer warranties. You can always purchase extended warranties in addition to the standard manufacturer warranty to get longer coverage periods. It is ideal for homeowners who want to be protected from costly replacements or repairs in the future or live in areas that are prone to hail or high winds. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing an extended lifetime guarantee for your roof to ensure there are no misunderstandings when making a claim in the future.
- The importance of lifetime roofing guarantee?
A lifetime guarantee is essential when purchasing high-quality roofing because it protects your investment for the period it is expected to last or how long you will own the home. Knowing that your roofing is covered gives you peace of mind whenever you encounter defects associated with workmanship or materials used during installation. Not only does a lifetime roofing guarantee provide cost savings in case of expensive repairs or replacements but could also increase the value of your home. A lifetime guarantee that can be transferred to a new homeowner makes it more attractive for potential buyers to seal a deal.
It is important to understand what is covered in your lifetime guarantee when investing in high-quality roofing as it helps to avoid misunderstandings in the future. Choose a reputable roofing contractor who is not only licensed but also insured to ensure they are always reliable whenever you make a legitimate claim for a lifetime guarantee. Keep in mind that certain things could be excluded from some warranties so you can always ask about exclusions before signing anything.