It can be daunting to look through the fine print of your roofing warranty. There are different warranties for different roofs, and each one comes with various terms and stipulations that you need to know about to make sure you get the most out of your warranty. New home buyers need to study their warranty details too. The Federal Trade Commission says that “if you’re considering a home warranty it’s important to understand what it covers, how to make a claim, and the process for resolving disputes that may arise between you and the warranty company.”
Coverage
There are different kinds of warranties, which include warranties made by manufacturers and those made by the roofing contractors themselves. Warranties that are long-term are sometimes offered by the roofing contractor but are typically offered by the manufacturer. Long-term warranties primarily cover you for 10 years, but some range through the life of the roof, and will fix major structural defects. Usually “major structural defects” is defined as a poorly constructed roof that makes it unsafe to live in the structure. Short-term warranties are usually 1-2 years but can go up to 5 years in some cases. They can be offered by both the manufacturer and the roofing contractor depending on the type of roof and materials used. These types of warranties usually cover materials and workmanship. Pay special attention though; most warranties are only valid if the roofer installs exactly to manufacturer’s specifications. Roofing contractors and manufacturers may have service fees associated with these repairs, so check with your contractor or manufacturer for these details. It’s important to note that most warranties do not cover
- Water damage done to furniture, carpet, and other items
- Cost of having to move out of one’s home while repairs are being made
- Household appliances
- Small cracks in brick, tile, cement or drywal
- For contractor’s warranty: components covered under a manufacturer’s warranty
How to make a warranty claim
Step 1: Read it again
Read through all of the details of your warranty. You need to have read the fine print before you talk to your College Station roofer or your manufacturer. This is so that you know what part of the warranty you need enacted, but also so that you sound like you know what you’re talking about when you get someone on the phone or meet them in person.
Step 2: Follow directions
Follow the directions on the warranty when you are filing your claim. This will ensure that your claim gets in the hands of the right person. Make sure during this stage you put your request in writing! This gives you documentation of your claim, and makes it official in the eyes of the manufacturer or roofing contractor.
Step 3: Save everything
Keep all records of correspondence. You never know when a dispute might arise between a home owner and a manufacturer or roofing contractor. If a dispute occurs, be sure to stay calm and keep your cool, your behavior may impact whether or not you get what you are seeking. A rude and unruly customer is not as likely to be treated as nicely as a polite customer would. If a dispute cannot be solved with a mediator, then a claim may need to be made with a court. But, you won’t have to worry about this if you go with an experienced College Station roofer, like Schulte Roofing. Schulte Roofing offers a Bulletproof Roof Guarantee, that ensures that every one of their customers is always satisfied.