If you’re a Florida homeowner wondering what your roof warranty really means, or you’re about to get a new roof and want to make sure you’re not signing something you’ll regret, then this article is for you.
For starters, roof warranties are not as simple as they sound. In fact, they’re one of the most misunderstood parts of the whole process.
There isn’t just one type of roof warranty. There are a variety of them, and each covers something different. That’s where people start getting tripped up.
Most homeowners think that because they have a roof warranty, then if anything goes wrong, they’re covered. Well, not exactly.
Roof warranties usually come in two main categories:
- Manufacturer warranties: These come from the company that makes the roofing materials (such as shingles).
- Contractor or workmanship warranties These come from the roofer who installed everything.
And yes, both of these can have fine print, exceptions, and limitations that aren’t obvious at first glance. That’s why people get confused, and sometimes, disappointed when they find out their warranty doesn’t cover what they thought it did.
What’s Actually Covered in a Roof Warranty?
Let’s start with manufacturer warranties. These cover the materials themselves, such as shingles, underlayment, and other physical products.
When your roofing contractor purchases materials from suppliers, those transactions are typically governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), which includes implied warranties like merchantability (materials should work as reasonably expected) and fitness for a particular purpose (when the supplier knows the materials are needed for a specific use).
However, your contract with your roofing contractor for installation is typically governed by common law, not the UCC, since roofing contracts are primarily service contracts with materials included. This means the warranty protections you get depend on what’s written in your contract and applicable state law.
Manufacturers often try to limit their warranties through disclaimers. Under the UCC (which applies to material sales), disclaimers must be “conspicuous” – meaning they stand out through formatting like larger text, contrasting colors, or bold letters. All-caps text is one common method, but not legally required.
So if a company tries to hide warranty disclaimers in fine print, it might not hold up in court.
That brings us to contractor warranties, which cover the actual installation work. This is where things get even trickier. If the roofer messes up the installation, a material warranty won’t help you.
It’s the contractor’s workmanship warranty that covers things like poor sealing, misaligned shingles, or shortcuts that lead to leaks. And just like with manufacturers, some roofers try to limit their liability.
Questions Every Florida Homeowner Should Ask Before Signing a Warranty
Before you sign anything, make sure you ask and get answers to the following questions:
- What exactly does this warranty cover?
- Is this a manufacturer warranty or a workmanship warranty?
- Are there any limitations or exclusions I should know about?
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
- How long does the warranty last?
- Who do I contact if there’s a problem, the roofer or the manufacturer?
- What laws govern my roofing contract – common law or the UCC?
- Can I read the full text of the warranty before I sign anything?
Don’t just take verbal reassurances. Get everything in writing. And if any part of the contract uses bold, all-caps language about disclaimers, read it twice. That’s where your rights could be disappearing.
Save Yourself the Headaches; Work With a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
Warranties are supposed to protect you, but the truth is, they’re only as reliable as the company standing behind them. We highly recommend you rely on Bringman Roofing for all matters related to your roofing.
We’ve been serving Florida homeowners for years, and we know how to work with both manufacturers and insurers to make sure your investment is protected.
So if you’re looking for a roofing company that won’t disappear after installation day, that knows the ins and outs of warranties, and that actually picks up the phone when you call, then you’re looking for Bringman Roofing. We’re expecting your call.