6 Reasons your Roof Warranty will be Voided

A great warranty can be a selling point when choosing your new roof. However, if you ever need to file a claim, you first have to make sure that you or your roofing contractor have not done anything to void the warranty.

GenSun has seen countless number of homeowners lose both their workmanship and material warranty due to making these simple mistakes

In this blog post, we are discussing manufacturer’s warranties because, unfortunately, there are many cases where they can be voided. While every warranty will have its own specifications, here are six things that will likely void any roofing manufacturer’s warranty.

1. IMPROPER INSTALLATION

The most common way that a warranty is voided is through an error in installation. Most warranties are particular about how the product should be installed. Inexperienced contractors and DIY attempts make up the majority of installation issues. Make sure your contractor has a long and positive service record that shows their experience.

GenSun has installed over 8,000 roofs in 3 decades. 

2. INPROPER VENTILATION

Your roof works as a system with your insulation and ventilation to keep your home a consistent temperature. Without the right ventilation, moisture can become trapped under the roof, creating an environment perfect for mold and mildew. If you experience issues with a roofing product, but the actual problem stemmed from ventilation, your roofing product warranty will not cover it.

3. ADDING ANOTHER LAYER OF ROOF SHNIGLES OVER OLD LAYER

It can seem like an inexpensive fix to simply layer new shingles over the old ones. But this will absolutely void any manufacturer’s warranty and you will not receive a warranty for the new shingles. If shingles are not installed over a new underlayment, they will not lay flat and will fail faster. Additionally, the extra weight puts a strain on your decking and joists. If a contractor even suggests layering new shingles over the old ones, you should pass on them.

Furthermore, if you are planning to sell your home, you will not have a warranty to transfer to the potential buyer.

Many potential buyers will require an updated roof before purchasing.  The great thing about a new roof is that it will increase the value of your home substantially.

4. PRESSURE WASHING

Routine maintenance is key to making your roof last as long as possible. However, pressure washing is a controversial topic among shingle manufacturers. Some will state that their shingles can withstand pressure washing, while others will void the warranty. Pressure washing can remove asphalt granules and even push water up underneath the shingles, creating a damp spot that doesn’t dry out properly and leads to mold, mildew, and rot and more leaks!

5. INSTALLING NEW HARDWARE ON THE ROOF

Any time you are drilling holes into your roof, there is a chance that it will void your warranty. New holes are essentially new spaces that can be prone to leaks. If you are considering installing a satellite dish, antenna, skylight, or even solar panels, make sure to read the fine print on your roof manufacturer’s warranty first.

6. USING DIFFERENT BRANDS

Your roof is comprised of multiple layers. Manufacturers will engineer shingles, starter shingles, ice/water barriers, and underlayment that work best together. If your contractor uses different brands, it could void the manufacturer’s warranty because it compromises the roof’s overall integrity. Make sure to ask your contractor for clarification if the contract states that they will be using materials from different manufacturers.

Every warranty will have unique details, so be sure to look over yours carefully before signing a contract. Your roofing contractor should be familiar with the manufacturer’s warranty and be able to provide contact information for the manufacturer to answer any further questions you may have.

At GenSun we offer both a lifetime Workmanship and Manufacturers warranty.

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