Lifetime roof warranty often sounds like a promise of endless protection, ensuring your roof will remain worry-free indefinitely. However, in the roofing industry, the term “lifetime” can be somewhat misleading. It doesn’t necessarily refer to your lifetime or even the life of your home; instead, it typically refers to the expected lifespan of the roofing materials or the warranty itself. Here’s a closer look at what you’re actually getting when you invest in a lifetime roof warranty.
Understanding the Term ‘Lifetime Warranty’
The term “lifetime warranty” in the context of roofing typically refers to the lifespan of the roofing materials, not your own life or the life of your home. For example, certain products, like DaVinci synthetic shingles, come with a warranty that might last up to 50 years. While 50 years is a significant amount of time, it’s important to note that this warranty is tied to the product’s expected durability, not an indefinite period.
So, when we talk about a lifetime warranty, it’s really about the life of the product. The specifics can vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of roofing material. Some warranties cover only the materials, while others might include labor, disposal, and even the cost of permits and equipment. The key is to understand exactly what is covered under your warranty and for how long.
Details of Owens Corning and GAF Architectural Shingles Warranties
When it comes to Owens Corning and GAF architectural shingles, the warranties offer robust protection that goes beyond just the materials. These shingles typically come with a 30-year material warranty that covers not only the roofing materials but also 5-year labor warranty and associated costs. This means that if something goes wrong with your roof, you’re not just covered for the cost of the shingles themselves, but for the labor required to replace them, the disposal of old materials, and even the permits and equipment necessary for the job.
For homeowners, this type of all-inclusive coverage is crucial. It ensures that in the event of a problem, you won’t be faced with unexpected expenses. The 30-year material and 5-year labor warranties provided by Owens Corning and GAF give you peace of mind, knowing that both the product and the labor are covered, protecting your investment in the long term.
Different Types of Warranties
Roof warranties can vary greatly, and it’s crucial to know the differences before making a decision. Here’s a closer look at the types of warranties you might encounter:
1. Material-Only Warranty
A material-only warranty is just that—it covers the cost of the roofing materials if they fail. However, this type of warranty has significant limitations. If the product was installed incorrectly, or if other issues arise that aren’t related to the material itself, you’re out of luck. This warranty also doesn’t cover the cost of labor to remove and replace the defective materials, which can be a considerable expense.
2. Labor and Material Warranty
We offer a 5-year labor and 30-year material warranty for residential roofs, which covers much more than just the materials. This type of warranty includes the cost of labor, dumpsters, permits, and equipment—essentially, everything needed to replace or repair your roof. This extensive coverage ensures that if something goes wrong, you won’t be left footing the bill for hidden costs.
3. Commercial No Dollar Limit (NDL) Warranty
On the commercial side, the warranty we often recommend is a 25-year No Dollar Limit (NDL) warranty. The NDL warranty is a major benefit for commercial customers because it covers everything—materials, labor, and even the cost adjustments due to inflation. For instance, if you had a roof installed for $100,000 and 15 years later something went wrong, the NDL warranty would cover the full replacement cost, even if inflation had driven up the price to $150,000. This type of warranty provides peace of mind that you’re fully covered, without any depreciation.
What You Get with a Lifetime Roof Warranty
Now that we’ve discussed the different types of warranties, let’s focus on what a lifetime roof warranty typically covers:
- Duration: The “lifetime” in a lifetime roof warranty usually refers to the expected life of the product, which could be 25, 30, or even 50 years, depending on the materials used.
- Coverage: This warranty might cover just the materials or extend to labor and other associated costs. It’s important to read the fine print and understand whether labor, disposal, and other fees are included.
- Conditions: Warranties often come with conditions that must be met to remain valid. For example, regular maintenance might be required, and certain weather events might be excluded from coverage.
- Transferability: Some lifetime warranties can be transferred to a new owner if you sell your home. However, there may be a time limit on this transferability or a fee involved.
In Summary
A lifetime roof warranty can provide significant protection for your investment, but it’s essential to understand the details. Whether you’re looking at a material-only warranty or an all-encompassing labor and material warranty, knowing what’s covered and for how long can save you from unexpected costs down the road.
If you’re considering a new roof or need help understanding your current warranty, contact us today. We’ll help you manage the complexities and ensure you’re fully covered.
