As a consumer, you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is in good hands. However, even the best roofing contractors can make mistakes. A workmanship warranty acts as a safeguard for homeowners who want reassurance that if anything goes wrong following a roof repair or replacement, the issue will be remedied. While having a workmanship warranty can be invaluable, some warranties can be misleading. It’s important to know what your warranty covers and the time frame in which the warranty is valid.
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Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. A new roof is also a major investment. As you want your roof to last at least 20-plus years, take the time to find reputable roofing contractors who offer a workmanship warranty on their roofing installation and replacement services. A workmanship warranty, also known as a labor or craftsmanship warranty, is a guarantee provided by a contractor regarding the quality of the work or craftsmanship involved in a project. This type of warranty assures the customer that the work performed meets certain industry standards and will be free from defects related to the quality of the labor for a specified period.
What Does a Workmanship Warranty Cover?
A workmanship warranty typically covers defects or issues related to the quality of labor or craftsmanship involved in a project. The specific coverage can vary depending on the terms and conditions outlined by the contractor. However, common elements covered by a workmanship warranty may include:
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Defective Workmanship: The warranty typically covers issues arising from mistakes, errors, or substandard craftsmanship in the construction, installation, or manufacturing process.
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Materials and Installation: If the contractor supplied materials as part of the project, the warranty may cover defects in these materials as well as issues related to their installation.
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Structural Integrity: Workmanship warranties for construction projects often cover the structural integrity of the work performed, ensuring that the project will meet applicable building codes and standards.
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Repair or Replacement Costs: If defects covered by the warranty are discovered within the specified warranty period, the contractor or manufacturer is usually responsible for repairing or replacing the faulty work or product at no additional cost to the customer.
Before accepting a workmanship warranty, be sure to read through the document to check what it covers and what limitations exist. While you ideally want your warranty to cover everything, that’s not always realistic. Know that the length of the warranty should not be the primary factor when choosing a roofing product as long-term warranties are not always better than shorter ones. Find a contractor that offers a workmanship warranty that covers a wide range of common issues, such as leaks. Note that many contractors will only cover repairs up to a certain amount.