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Roof Warranty FAQs: Understanding the Fine Print in Missouri

As a Show Me State resident, you deserve answers to your most pressing questions about the “typical” roof warranty. For instance, you may have asked yourself, “Is a roof warranty transferable?” Perhaps you’ve wondered, “Do warranties transfer to new homeowners?” At Bill West Roofing, we are experts in solving questions about roofing warranties. We have decades of professional experience assisting Missouri homeowners with understanding roof warranties.

What Types Of Roof Warranties Exist?

In Missouri, most roof warranties fall into one of three categories:

Manufacturer (Material) Warranty

A reputable roofing supplier offers this warranty to protect against roofing or construction materials defects. This coverage typically does not apply to installation issues. However, depending on the roofing contractor’s affiliation with the supplier, there may be exceptions.

Workmanship (Labor) Warranty

An established roofing contractor may provide this warranty to guard against problems due to improper installation methods. In many cases, the installation error is not immediately known or understood. However, a homeowner can receive “just in case” coverage.

Extended Manufacturer Warranty

Under special circumstances, a roofing manufacturer might extend this warranty to encompass material defects and the labor cost for installation. This coverage is typically offered when a homeowner purchases a new roofing system installed by an authorized roofing contractor.

What Does A Material Roof Warranty Cover?

Most roofing suppliers will provide a manufacturer warranty to protect a Missouri homeowner against loss due to the cost of defective materials. However, the homeowner will likely be responsible for any labor expenses associated with removing and disposing of the failed materials and installing new roofing.

The supplier will cover the full replacement cost for the first few years and then provide prorated coverage thereafter. Warranty coverage can vary widely depending on the supplier and the type of roofing product installed initially.

What Does A Workmanship Warranty Address?

Skilled roofing contractors may offer this warranty depending on the service provided. In Missouri, most municipalities do not require roofers to provide homeowners with this coverage. A homeowner may need to shop around to identify a reputable roofing contractor with a track record of delivering a workmanship warranty.

A quality workmanship warranty will protect the homeowner against loss due to worker negligence, errors, or faulty installation. It may also compensate the homeowner for corresponding damages to the home’s interior.

What Is Included In An Extended Manufacturer Warranty?

An extended manufacturer warranty offers a viable alternative for a Missouri homeowner who wants comprehensive coverage for a lifetime of worry-free enjoyment of their new roof system. 

Accessing this warranty may require the homeowner to incur an additional cost and/or fulfill specific manufacturer requirements, such as installing a complete roofing system including components (underlayment, ice, water barrier, etc.) using the supplier’s products. This coverage may offer non-proration, unlimited transferability, and continuous protection against defects.

How Long Do Roof Warranties Last?

The coverage length depends on the roof warranty type and the party offering it. The average manufacturer will provide the homeowner protection for 20 to 50 years, while premium or luxury products may receive lifetime limited warranties. Most roofing contractors do not offer workmanship (labor) warranty coverage. Established roofing contractors could deliver a workmanship warranty of between 1 and 10 years. In rare instances, a roofer could provide some form of lifetime protection.

What Is Not Covered By A Roof Warranty?

Most roof warranties do not protect Missouri homeowners against loss due to normal wear and tear or aging. Additionally, homeowners do not commonly receive protection from Acts of God (weather events). Homeowners insurance is designed to compensate the homeowner when damage occurs because of an adverse outside force like hail or high winds.

A roof warranty will not typically cover interior damage to a Missouri home. The homeowner is responsible for exercising reasonable care and upkeep on their roof. Failure to maintain a roof is not justification for exercising warranty coverage. Finally, the warranty could be nullified if the homeowner makes unauthorized roof modifications.

Do Roof Warranties Transfer To New Homeowners?

A roof warranty will transfer ownership in limited circumstances. It depends on the manufacturer and the type of roofing product installed. Timing is also crucial, as many warranties provide this protection for a limited period. A Missouri homeowner should read the fine print and consult with the manufacturer’s representative or the roofing company responsible for installing the new roof.

Finding The Right Roofing Professional

Are you a Kansas City area homeowner with an aging roof that no longer functions as intended? Have you been considering a long-term solution for outdated aesthetics compared to modern trends? Is it an inconvenience for you to frequently maintain or repair your roof? If you need professional guidance for these concerns, look no further than Bill West Roofing. We are this region’s leading residential roofing contractor.

Contact Bill West Roofing today to learn more about our menu of roofing services and roof warranty protections or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

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