When you buy a new home, you’re buying not only a roof over your head but also a place to make memories with cherished family members and other loved ones. It’s a long-term investment, and for most people, it’s the most significant investment they’ll make in their lifetime. Your home is also an asset and if the real estate market cooperates you’ll be able to sell it for more than you paid.
Protecting your home is a critical part of homeownership. At Shamrock Roofing and Construction, we understand this. That’s why we make it our business to understand roof warranties, helping guide our customers through the confusing paperwork when necessary.
A warranty is one of the best ways to safeguard your home. Every new roof comes with a warranty of some kind. Sometimes the roofing contractor who does the installation also offers a warranty. And then there are third-party home warranties that may also cover roof work. Roofs are expensive and highly vulnerable to storm damage in Kansas, so understanding the type of warranty you have and knowing what it covers and what it doesn’t is paramount. Here are some tips for getting the most from this important document.
Coverage Details
Warranties differ on what they cover, and reading through the coverages is essential. Some warranties cover damage to the tangibles (like shingles and other materials), while other contracts include faulty workmanship as part of the package. Be aware, though — many warranties have hidden stipulations that may void these coverages if you’re not careful. Hiring a trusted Leawood roofing company to help you sort through the contract details is a smart move.
Maintenance Clauses
Many warranty contracts specify that the homeowner must continue to do routine maintenance for the warranty to remain valid. Warranty providers don’t care to assume repair costs for a negligent owner, so carefully recorded maintenance visits are often requested when claims are filed. A reputable Leawood roofing company will help you document any damage or work done to the roof so that you can prove your side of the argument, if necessary. Much of this documentation can take place during a free roof inspection.
Unauthorized Upgrades
Even when you’ve hired the best roofers in Leawood, warranties are not forgiving when it comes to roofing upgrades that are not authorized by the insurance company prior to the work being done. Improvements like solar panels, skylights, and satellite dishes are often dubbed no-no’s when it comes to roofing improvements covered under your contract. Knowing whether or not your warranty endorses these modifications is a crucial step in keeping your home adequately insured.
Other Fine Print
There are many other considerations when it comes to understanding your warranty. Many companies list exclusions such as natural causes, weather, or negligence. Some warranties can get quite detailed, quoting scenarios like power washing or failure to provide adequate attic ventilation as actions that can void the agreement. These specifics are often hard to spot, so make sure you thoroughly review the paperwork before signing on the dotted line.
Need Help Navigating? Call Shamrock Roofing!
Navigating the details of a roof warranty can be daunting, but Shamrock Roofing and Construction is here to help. Whether you need assistance with warranty clarification, filing a claim, or scheduling a free roof inspection to satisfy your contract, our team boasts some of the best roofers in Leawood and the surrounding metro area. Contact us today!