When you invest in a new roof for your Asheville home, you’re not just paying for the materials and installation – you’re also receiving a warranty that should protect your investment for years to come. But how many homeowners truly understand what their roofing warranty covers? As we’ve discovered through years of working with Western North Carolina homeowners, warranty confusion is surprisingly common and can lead to unexpected expenses down the road.
Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, our roofs face unique challenges that homeowners in other regions might not encounter. From heavy snow loads in winter to intense summer thunderstorms, and everything in between, Asheville roofs take a beating from Mother Nature year-round. That’s why understanding exactly what your warranty covers – and perhaps more importantly, what it doesn’t – is essential for protecting your home and your wallet.
Walking the neighborhoods around Summit Street and throughout Asheville, we’ve seen countless beautiful homes with quality roofing installations. But we’ve also heard stories from homeowners who discovered too late that their warranty didn’t cover what they assumed it would. This guide aims to clear up the confusion and help you fully understand your roofing warranty protection.
The Two Types of Roofing Warranties You Should Know About
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand that most roofing systems come with two distinct warranties:
Manufacturer’s Warranty: This covers the roofing materials themselves and is provided by the company that made your shingles, metal panels, or other roofing products. These typically range from 20-50 years depending on the material quality.
Workmanship Warranty: This covers the installation work and is provided by your roofing contractor. At Lane Roofing and Restoration, we stand behind our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty on all installations – significantly longer than the industry standard.
These two warranties work together to protect different aspects of your roof, but they have very different terms and limitations. Let’s break down what each typically covers.
Manufacturer’s Warranty: The Fine Print Matters
That “lifetime” or “30-year” warranty on your shingles sounds impressive, but what does it actually cover? Here’s what you should know:
What’s Typically Covered:
Manufacturing defects are the primary coverage in most material warranties. This means if your shingles start crumbling, blistering, or degrading much earlier than they should due to a flaw in the manufacturing process, the warranty would likely cover replacement materials.
Some premium warranties also cover the cost of labor for replacing defective materials, but this is less common in standard warranties. When we install premium shingles from major manufacturers in Asheville homes, we always explain the specific labor coverage details to our clients.
What’s Typically Not Covered:
Normal wear and tear is almost never covered. Your shingles will naturally age and weather over time – this is expected and not considered a defect.
Weather damage is another major exclusion. Those fierce mountain storms that roll through Western North Carolina? Damage from wind, hail, fallen tree limbs, or other weather events typically isn’t covered by the manufacturer’s warranty (though it may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance).
Installation errors aren’t the manufacturer’s responsibility. If your roof leaks because of improper installation, the manufacturer won’t cover that – which is why choosing a quality Asheville roofing contractor with a solid workmanship warranty is crucial.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that improper attic ventilation can void a manufacturer’s warranty. In Asheville’s climate, proper ventilation is especially important to prevent heat and moisture buildup that can damage roofing materials from below.
Pro-rated Coverage
Here’s something many homeowners miss: most “30-year” or “lifetime” warranties are heavily pro-rated after the first few years. This means that after a certain period (often 5-10 years), the warranty only covers a percentage of replacement costs, with that percentage decreasing over time.
For example, a typical 30-year shingle warranty might provide 100% coverage for the first 10 years, then drop to 80% for years 11-15, 60% for years 16-20, and so on. By year 25, you might only receive 20% coverage for replacement materials.
Workmanship Warranties: Your Local Protection
While manufacturer warranties cover material defects, workmanship warranties protect against installation errors. This is where choosing a reputable Asheville roofing contractor makes all the difference.
What’s Typically Covered:
Leaks or other problems caused by improper installation are the main focus of workmanship warranties. If your contractor made a mistake during installation that leads to a roof leak, they should repair it at no cost to you under their workmanship warranty.
Flashing installations around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes are common areas where installation problems occur, and these should be covered under a good workmanship warranty.
What’s Typically Not Covered:
Damage you cause yourself, such as walking on the roof improperly or attempting DIY repairs, typically voids workmanship warranties.
Weather events and acts of nature fall outside workmanship warranty coverage. While a properly installed roof should withstand normal Asheville weather conditions, extreme events like hurricane-force winds or large falling trees are beyond the scope of workmanship warranties.
Modifications by other contractors can also void your workmanship warranty. If you hire someone else to install a satellite dish, solar panels, or make other changes to your roof after the initial installation, your original roofer’s workmanship warranty may no longer apply.
The Local Advantage
One significant benefit of a workmanship warranty from a local Asheville roofing company like ours is accessibility. If warranty issues arise, you need a contractor who’s still in business and willing to honor their warranty. National chains come and go, but established local companies have reputations to maintain in the community.
This becomes particularly important in Western North Carolina, where our unique mountain weather patterns create specific challenges for roofs. Local roofers understand these challenges and how to address them properly.
Transferable vs. Non-Transferable Warranties
If you’re planning to sell your Asheville home in the future, pay attention to whether your warranties are transferable to the new owner. Many manufacturer warranties can be transferred once to a new homeowner, though there may be a transfer fee and notification requirements.
Workmanship warranties vary widely in their transferability. Some local contractors, including Lane Roofing, offer transferable workmanship warranties that can add significant value when selling your home. This can be a strong selling point in Asheville’s competitive real estate market.
The transfer process typically requires paperwork to be completed within a specific timeframe after the sale. Missing this window could void the warranty for the new homeowner, so it’s important to handle this during the closing process.
Warranty Registration: Don’t Skip This Step
Many homeowners don’t realize that manufacturer warranties often require registration within a specific timeframe after installation (typically 30-90 days). Failing to register can limit your coverage to a basic warranty instead of the enhanced coverage you thought you purchased.
At Lane Roofing and Restoration, we assist our Asheville clients with warranty registration as part of our service, but not all contractors do this. If you’re handling registration yourself, mark the deadline on your calendar and don’t miss it.
Keep digital and physical copies of all warranty documentation, including:
– The original contract with your roofing contractor
– Manufacturer warranty documents
– Proof of warranty registration
– Records of any roof inspections or maintenance
– Receipts for materials and labor
Warranty-Voiding Actions to Avoid
Even the best warranty can be invalidated by certain actions. Here are some common warranty-voiders we’ve seen in Asheville homes:
DIY Repairs: Attempting to fix roof problems yourself almost always voids both manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Asheville’s slopes and elevations make DIY roofing particularly dangerous, too.
Pressure Washing: The high-pressure water can damage shingles and remove the protective granules. Despite this, we see many well-intentioned Asheville homeowners pressure washing their roofs to remove moss or algae.
Installing Over Existing Shingles: While building codes in some areas of Western North Carolina may allow for re-roofing over a single layer of existing shingles, doing so typically voids or reduces manufacturer warranties.
Poor Attic Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation can cause excessive heat buildup, which damages shingles from below and often voids warranties. This is particularly important in Asheville’s varied climate.
Satellite Dish Installation: Improper installation of dishes, antennas, or solar panels can create roof penetrations that lead to leaks and void warranties.
How to Make a Warranty Claim
If you believe you have a warranty-covered issue with your Asheville roof, here’s the process we recommend:
1. Document the problem with photos and notes about when you first noticed it.
2. Contact your roofing contractor first, especially if the roof is relatively new. They can help determine if the issue is installation-related or a material defect.
3. If it appears to be a material defect, your contractor can often help file the claim with the manufacturer. This is another advantage of working with an established local company like ours.
4. Be prepared for an inspection. Most manufacturers will want their representative to inspect the roof before approving warranty claims.
5. Keep all communications in writing and follow up regularly if the process seems delayed.
Extended and Enhanced Warranties
Beyond standard coverage, many manufacturers offer premium warranty options that provide more comprehensive protection. These enhanced warranties typically require:
– Installation by a contractor certified by the manufacturer
– Use of the manufacturer’s complete roofing system (not just shingles)
– Proper registration within the specified timeframe
For Asheville homeowners planning to stay in their homes long-term, these enhanced warranties can provide additional peace of mind and better long-term value. At Lane Roofing, we’re certified by major manufacturers to offer these enhanced warranty options.
Regular Maintenance: The Key to Warranty Protection
Many homeowners don’t realize that regular maintenance is often required to keep warranties valid. In Asheville’s forest-rich environment, this is particularly important as leaf and debris buildup can cause water damming and other issues.
We recommend:
– Annual professional roof inspections (especially important after major storms)
– Regular gutter cleaning to prevent water backup
– Prompt removal of any moss, algae, or lichen growth
– Trimming overhanging branches that could damage your roof
Documenting this maintenance can be crucial if you ever need to make a warranty claim. Keep records of all professional inspections and maintenance work performed.
The Real Value of Your Warranty
Understanding your roof warranty isn’t just about knowing what’s covered – it’s about recognizing the real value it provides. A quality roof properly installed by a reputable Asheville contractor like Lane Roofing and Restoration, and backed by strong warranties, offers:
– Protection against manufacturing defects
– Recourse for installation errors
– Peace of mind during Western North Carolina’s unpredictable weather
– Potential cost savings over the life of your roof
– Added value when selling your home
But these benefits only apply if you understand and maintain your warranty protection. That’s why we take the time to thoroughly explain warranty coverage to every Asheville homeowner we work with.
Making the Most of Your Roofing Investment
Your roof is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your Asheville home. Understanding your warranty protection is a crucial part of protecting that investment.
At Lane Roofing and Restoration, we believe in transparency about warranty coverage and limitations. We’ll help you register your manufacturer warranty, provide clear documentation of our workmanship warranty, and be here to address any concerns throughout the life of your roof.
If you’re unsure about your current roof’s warranty coverage or planning a new roof installation, we invite you to contact our team for a free consultation. Our deep understanding of Asheville’s unique roofing challenges, combined with our commitment to quality workmanship, makes us the ideal partner for your roofing needs.
Remember, the best warranty is one you never need to use – and that comes from quality materials, professional installation, and proper maintenance. But should problems arise, understanding your warranty coverage will ensure you’re protected when you need it most.