What Homeowners Get Wrong About Roof Warranties (And How to Avoid It)
When a storm rolls through here in Louisiana, your first thought might be, “Is my roof okay?” The second? “Is this covered?”
That’s where roof warranties come in. Or at least, that’s what most homeowners hope they’re there for. But far too often, we talk to customers who thought their warranty would cover everything… only to find out it didn’t.
If you’re a homeowner in our neck of the woods, here’s what you need to know about roof warranties, before you’re
caught off guard.
1. Not All Warranties Are Created Equal
There are usually two kinds of warranties involved with roofing:
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Manufacturer warranty: This covers the roofing materials (like shingles).
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Workmanship warranty: This is the warranty from your roofer and covers how the roof was installed.
Some homeowners assume their warranty is all-inclusive, but it’s not. Most manufacturer warranties
only kick in if the materials fail due to a defect, and many don’t apply if the installation wasn’t done to spec. That means if your roofer cut corners, the manufacturer’s warranty could be void.
What this means for you: Always ask for both types of warranties, and read the fine print. If your roofer can’t explain them clearly, that’s a red flag.
2. Improper Installation = Voided Warranty
We’ve seen it too many times: Shingles nailed in too high, flashing poorly installed, or ventilation ignored altogether. These “small” details can void a manufacturer warranty entirely.
That’s why at JW The Builder, we follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to the letter. We also walk you through what’s covered and why, because you shouldn’t need a law degree to understand your roof.
3. Storm Damage Isn’t Always Covered
Hurricane winds, hail, and heavy rains are a reality here. But if your warranty only covers defects (not weather events) you might be out of luck. That’s where insurance comes into play, not your warranty.
Confusing the two is a common and costly mistake.
Pro tip: File an insurance claim for storm damage. Use your warranty for defects. And when in doubt, call us. We’re happy to help you figure it out, no pressure.
4. Warranty Maintenance Requirements Are a Thing
Some warranties require periodic inspections or basic maintenance (like cleaning off debris or treating algae). Skip those, and you could void the coverage without even knowing it.
In Southeastern Louisiana, algae, humidity, and heavy rains can wear your roof down faster than in other regions. Knowing what your warranty expects from you is key.
5. You Might Not Be Registered
Some warranties don’t activate until they’re registered by the contractor or homeowner. And others require transfer paperwork if you’ve recently bought the home.
If you’re not sure your warranty was registered, or you’re not even sure who your roofer was, we can help you investigate.
How to Avoid These Mistakes? Work With the Right Roofer.
When it comes to your roof, communication matters just as much as craftsmanship.
At JW The Builder, we don’t just install high-quality roofs. We make sure you know exactly what’s covered, what’s not, and how to protect your investment. We do business like family, which means we don’t leave you guessing.
Every roof we install comes with a workmanship warranty, and we register your manufacturer warranty on your behalf. For homeowners looking for even more protection, we also offer upgrades to limited lifetime warranties, because your peace of mind should last as long as your roof does.
Not sure if your roof is still under warranty? Or if your last roofer even did it right?
Give us a call. We’ll take a look, no pressure, and walk you through what we find.
