A roofing certification can be a warranty, but typically, contractors will introduce a separate formal warranty that covers any potential roof damage.
For many first-time home buyers (and even long-time homeowners), concepts like roofing insurance policies, warranting warranties, and roofing certifications can be very confusing.
Of course, everyone knows that the roof is a vital component of the entire structure. Still, few people understand the subtle nuances of after-installation roofing protection.
Two common concepts that confuse one another are roof certification and roof warranty. While these ideas are very similar, it’s essential to know their subtle differences. When you don’t understand the difference, you may think your roof is covered in case of damage when it isn’t.
And your roof is something you don’t want to leave to chance. Roofer’s Guild compares roof warranties and certifications in the following post.
The Difference Between A Roof Certification and A Roof Warranty
It’s easy to see how people confuse certifications with warranties. The concept behind both is essentially the same. But one offers protection in the case of damage, and the other does not.
Take a look at each concept, and you will see how they differ:
Roofing Certification
A roofing contractor issues a roofing certification that thoroughly inspects your roof. They must be licensed in your state and offer inspection services.
They check your roof and make sure it is devoid of defects that would prevent it from functioning as intended.
If they find no defects, they will certify that it will perform as intended for a certain period. The certification period can be anywhere from 1 to 5 years.
It is simply a document that contains a contractor’s certification that your roof will function appropriately for a certain amount of time. It does not provide any insurance if damage occurs.
Roofing Warranty
A roofing warranty can take many forms, but the concept is always the same. You get a roofing warranty when a licensed roofing contractor works on your roof or installs a new one.
The warranty lasts for a certain period, just like a certification.
But unlike a certification, a warranty will stipulate that the costs of certain repairs or material failures will be covered by the contractor who issued the warranty or by the manufacturer that issued the material warranty.
As you can see, a warranty is a document that saves you money if something goes wrong with your roof. A certification is simply a document that says your roof should be fine for a certain amount of time.
You should also note that a warranty is not an insurance policy. An insurance company does not issue the document.
Instead, it is an agreement between you and your contractor that the work they do will hold up for X amount of time. They will be responsible for repairs or re-roofing if it does not hold up.
Different Kinds of Roofing Warranties
There are many different types of roof warranties. Still, they usually fall into two categories: labor warranties and manufacturer warranties.
So let’s take a look at both kinds:
Labor Warranty
A labor warranty (sometimes referred to as a workmanship warranty) is a promise made by your contractors that they will cover any repairs needed due to poor workmanship.
This type of document covers things like faulty installations and substandard repairs. The warranty is issued directly from the roofing contractor.
Manufacturer Roofing Warranty
The manufacturer warranty is issued from the producers of the roofing materials used in your installation or roof repairs. This guarantees that the roofing materials will function properly for X amount of time. If they don’t, the manufacturer will be responsible for replacing the materials.
The manufacturer warranty coverage length will vary greatly depending on the roofing materials used. With some materials, you can get 50 years or even lifetime warranty coverage.
When is A Roofing Certification A Warranty?
A roofing certification can come with a warranty in some instances. However, you will have to ask the contractor or carefully review the certification document to ensure that it includes warranty terms.
Certifications usually carry a warranty when licensed contractors carry them out for purposes other than insurance claims and home purchases/sales.
What is A Roofing Certification Used For?
For the most part, roofing certifications are more for roofing insurance claims and can also be required when selling a home. In cases like these, though, the roofing certification will not carry with it a warranty.
You may need a roofing certification in addition to a roofing warranty if you are selling a property that is of a certain age. Home selling is usually when roofing certifications are required as they more or less let the buyer know how long the roof will be problem-free.
Your insurance carrier may also require a roofing certification after repairs or new roof installation. In addition, some insurance carriers will use the roofing certification to inform potential amendments to your roof insurance policy.
What to Look for In a Roofing Warranty
As we mentioned earlier, there are many different kinds of roof warranties.
While you should always review the warranty carefully with your contractor or insurance provider, here are some general things to keep an eye out for:
- Transferable: One of the most basic coverages for roofing warranties is transferability. This guarantees that if the owner of the house changes, the coverage will still stand for the allotted time.
- No Prorating: Your roofing warranty coverage limit shouldn’t diminish with time. Make sure that the warranty will not be prorated.
- Comprehensive Coverage: As much as possible, try to get a warranty that covers as many different types of repairs as possible. Some warranties specifically cover things like wind damage and leaks, so try to get a warranty covering as much roof as possible.
In summary, a roof certification can include a warranty, but it usually doesn’t. As a result, ensure you understand the difference between a certification and a warranty before your next roofing project.
