What is the first and foremost element of shelter? That which protects us from the elements – our roof -- is no doubt one of our homes’ important structural considerations, and understanding just how your roof is supposed to perform is a timely lesson in homeownership.
Some roofs tout "lifetime" warranties and others, 15-year roof guarantees. But just what does a roof warranty mean to you as a consumer? Reading in between the lines of a warranty for the various types of roofs available may reveal that a roofing warranty length should not be the primary criterion in the selection of a roofing product or system, since the warranty does not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roof system performance. The National Roofing Contractors Association tells us that choosing a roof should be based on the product's qualities and its suitability for the structure beneath its eaves.
Long-term warranties for roofs often contain restrictive clauses, undermining an original owner's concern for proper specifications and application, and a subsequent owner's responsibility for proper roof maintenance.
Consumers are wise to look for manufacturers who clearly and specifically state in accompanying literature and warranty verbiage what maintenance is not only recommended but also required during the projected service life of the roof and its warranty term and to inspect their roofs during dry weather to help diagnose potential problems early. They advise us to look for shingles or tiles that are out of place. In composite, shake and asbestos roofing, shingles may buckle, curl or blister, indicating the end of the product's life expectancy. Also look for loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations, and excessive debris from shingles, such as granules in your gutters, which give the shingles the added weight and protection for ultraviolet light.
When hiring a roofing contractor, the NRCA recommends that you do your homework by checking for the contractor's permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number. This assures that you are not hiring someone who works out of the back of his truck and silently steals away, limiting the possibility that he will service his clients when problems occur. Check his references from prior customers and ask for his proof of insurance for both liability and workers' compensation. And be sure to discuss the material and workmanship warranties in detail before making a final decision on the roof, whether you are researching products for a new home or re-roofing an older home. Finally, keep a record of inspections, maintenance work performed, and repairs to your roof, so that you can prove you are upholding the terms of the warranty by being a diligent homeowner.
To study up on roofing, visit www.nrca.net.
Dena Kouremetis is a veteran freelance real estate consumer journalist and California real estate broker. She may be reached by email at REritr@aol.com.
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