16. How important is the warranty of workmanship and materials?

There are two types of warranties that you will come across when getting estimates for your roofing project: workmanship warranty and manufacturer material warranty. Having both warranties will give you comprehensive coverage in case something goes wrong in the future. Workmanship warranty covers the work performed by the contractor including any installation errors and the manufacturer warranty covers the materials themselves.
While roofing warranties protect against defects, these days material defects are rare. As long as you choose products from a quality manufacturer, there is very little risk your shingles will age prematurely. Sloppy work is a bigger risk, which makes workmanship warranties important. They show that your roofing contractor stands behind their work, and ensure you’ll be fairly compensated if your house starts leaking because your roof was improperly installed.
When looking at the different warranties offered by roofing contractors in the Portland metro area, keep in mind that defective materials or a poor installation will be noticeable within a couple years or even months. Many contractors offer long warranties to look more appealing and to increase profit margins. Instead of looking at the length of the warranty, focus on the reputation of the roofing company, their responsiveness during the quoting process and what the warranty actually covers.
Both, workmanship and materials warranties are important but neither of them covers wear and tear. Your roof goes through all sorts of stress – rain, snow and ice wear it down over time. No roofing company can guarantee your roof will resist a hurricane, a falling tree or even an extremely persistent squirrel, so it’s unlikely that they will cover such events. If your home does suffer damage due to a storm or any other act of nature, it is worth contacting your homeowner’s insurance to see if they cover the damage.
Your roof’s biggest enemy isn’t poor craftsmanship, defective materials, or weather – it’s neglect. Over time, debris can start to clog your gutters, and prevent your roof from properly draining, which can lead to damage, particularly in the winter. Small problems that would be easy to fix, like cracked flashing or a damage shingle can end up leading to major problems if they’re not caught and addressed quickly.
Warranties are important, but they’re only one factor in keeping your roof healthy. With quality materials, a reputable roof contractor and regular servicing, your roof will perform for many years. For more information on tips about regular maintenance of your roof, read our article: “How to maximize the life of your roof?”