Roofing Basics -- Defrehn Corporation -- Roofing and Restoration

     THE DeFREHN CORPORATION
     P.O. Box 622
     Newtown, PA 18940
     Phone: 215-860-1000
     Fax: 215-579-2489

Roofing Basics | Material Defects | When to consider re-roofing
Roof Structure | Warranty Basics

Warranty Basics

Workmanship warranty
There are two warranties that cover a shingle system: the workmanship warranty and the manufacturer's warranty. Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for one year or more. Longer warranties are not more valuable than shorter warranties. The length of the workmanship warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the roofer to stand behind his warranty. Usually, most problems of either workmanship or material show up very quickly. Therefore, the near-term warranty given by the contractor or manufacturer is more important than the warranty coverage during the later years of the warranty.

Even if problems of workmanship arise after the workmanship warranty has elapsed, a reliable contractor usually will want to stand behind his work.

Manufacturer's warranty
The roofer will warrant his workmanship, whereas the manufacturer warrants the roofing material against defects. Some manufacturers warrant shingles only against defects that cause leaks, whereas others warrant their products against any manufacturing defect. Look for manufacturers' warranties that provide full coverage for labor and materials in the first five or more years after application. And don't forget to examine the manufacturers' stipulations on ventilation and warranty validation. Shingle roof system failure as the result of inadequate ventilation may limit, or invalidate, the shingle warranty.

Extended warranties
For an additional fee, some manufacturers offer extensions or enhancements to the non-prorated portion of their warranties. Before agreeing to an extended warranty, be sure you thoroughly understand all of the terms and conditions.

CertainTeed's SureStart™ PLUS protection, which can be purchased under certain conditions and for a specified fee, will repair or replace any shingles proven to be defective during the next five-year period subsequent to the SureStart protection period. SureStart is CertainTeed's up-front warranty, which protects most products for the first five years.

Proration and transferability
Carefully review the manufacturers' warranty stipulations about proration and transferability. Proration is the reduction over time of the manufacturer's contribution to the homeowner for repairing or replacing defective shingles during the warranty period. Select products carrying a warranty that does not prorate during the first five or more years after installation. Transferability enables the original property owner to transfer the shingle warranty to a subsequent owner. The terms and duration vary, so be sure to read the warranty carefully.

All of the current warranties on CertainTeed shingles are transferable from the original property owner to the subsequent homeowner under specific conditions that are detailed in the actual warranty.

The above information was supplied courtesy CertainTeed Corporation.

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