Warranties in roof repair Dallas vary from one manufacturer to another. Some cover both labor and materials while others are limited to materials only. Certain warranties are transferable while others cover just the current homeowner.

Another important distinction between warranties are the ways that you can void them. Different manufacturers have different criteria on what acts could void warranties. Knowing what are covered by the warranties and ways by which these warranties are voided is an important knowledge for every homeowner.

The most common reasons why warranties are voided are listed below:

1. Improper Ventilation

Improper attic ventilation could nullify your roofing warranty. Ventilation system pulls air from the outside through intake vents found on lower parts of the roof. The air spreads inside towards the higher parts of the roof. Inadequate ventilation causes heat to be trapped below the roof and leads to premature wear of the shingles.

2. Antennas and Satellite Dishes

These devices that you installed on your roof could void your roof warranty. While the entire warranty may not be nullified by the installation of antennas and satellite dishes, that portion of the warranty dealing with leaks could be voided after you drilled holes on the roof to install these equipment.

3. Skylights and Solar Panels

Before starting any major improvement on your roof such as the installation of solar panels and skylights, read the warranty contract carefully to prevent voiding the warranty. Your contractor might drill holes on the roof to install the solar panels and in the process void your roof warranty. Always coordinate with your roofer before allowing any work to be made on the roof. Your roofer could take steps to preserve the warranty such as removing tiles or shingles and restoring them after the contractors finished their work. Any work to be made on the roof that involves roof penetration should be done with proper coordination of your original roofer.

4. Pressure Washing

People use pressure washing mostly to clean off moss that grow on their roofs. Left alone, moss will eventually shorten the lifespan of the roof because of increased frost damage caused by trapped moisture between the moss and roof’s surface. Using pressure washing to remove moss is not recommended because it could damage the roof from the strong force. Shingles cannot withstand the force of pressure washing applied in close range. Roofing granules built into the shingles could separate or deteriorate.

5. Installing New Roof on Top of the Old One

This process could either shorten or totally void the warranty. A second layer of roof leads to a slower rate of heat dissipation and eventually shorten the lifespan of shingles.

Having a new roof along with the usual warranty that goes with it could lead to a false sense of security for some people. Thinking that your roof is secured by the warranty could be farthest from the truth.

An article that appeared in the official consumer website of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) highlights the importance of thoroughly understanding roof warranties and hiring roofing contractors to install the new roof system. Whether the building involved is residential or commercial, always consider the following things before entering into contracts with roof manufacturers.

1. Don’t Forget the Fine Print

Read the fine print carefully. Most people never bother to read them, which could lead to misunderstanding in the future on the exact coverage of the warranty. Coverage differs from one manufacturer to another, although they may come in the usual 10-year warranty. Some warranties may cover “all defects” while another promises to “keep the roof watertight.” These are totally different things and could make a big difference when issues appear in the future.

2. Choose a Reputable Contractor

In most warranties, the first two years of the warranty period is covered by the roofing contractor who installed the roof system. Choosing a certified and reputable contractor is important to maintain this type of warranty, particularly if the manufacturer is strict on this matter. Make sure to hire a contractor who could stay in business to be able to respond to future problems.

The diverse provisions and coverage of warranties underlines the importance of choosing a roofing contractor whom you can trust. A good contractor will advise you on the important provisions in the warranty with emphasis on those that are often misunderstood by homeowners.

3. Take Good Care of Your Roof

Performing regular preventive maintenance is important not only to keep your roof in good condition and last a long time but to keep the warranty effective. Some warranties require regular roof maintenance otherwise they become invalid. Manufacturers expect homeowners to take reasonable care of their roofs that are subject to the warranty.

4. The Limited Value of Warranties

Lastly, never rely on warranty for a long-term sense of security. A warranty effective for 10 years does not mean your roof will remain in great condition after 20 to 30 years. The actual worth of warranties is for people who have plans of selling their properties in the near future. Warranties no longer matter after they lapse since people will care more about how well the roof is maintained.