What should homeowners ask about warranties before a roofing or exterior project?

Short Answer

Homeowners should ask: What warranty covers this product? Is it a material warranty, a workmanship warranty, or both? What is the coverage period? Is it prorated or non-prorated? What is excluded? What requirements must be met for the warranty to be valid? Who backs the workmanship warranty — the manufacturer or the contractor? What is the claim process? Getting clear answers to these questions before the project prevents surprises later.

Detailed Explanation

Warranty questions should be asked before signing a contract, not after the project is complete. Key questions include: What warranty covers this product or system? — understand whether you're getting a manufacturer's material warranty, a contractor's workmanship warranty, or an enhanced warranty that covers both. What is the coverage period? — warranties have specific time limits, and 'lifetime' is a defined term, not forever. Is the warranty prorated or non-prorated? — a prorated warranty pays less over time (the coverage decreases as the product ages), while a non-prorated warranty pays full coverage for the entire period. What is excluded? — warranties have exclusions for things like improper installation, lack of maintenance, storm damage, and normal wear. What requirements must be met? — enhanced warranties may require certified installation, complete system components, product registration, and proper maintenance. Who backs the workmanship warranty? — if the contractor backs it (not the manufacturer), the warranty is only as good as the contractor's longevity. What is the claim process? — understand who to contact, what documentation is needed, and how claims are handled. A contractor who answers these questions clearly and provides documentation is demonstrating transparency. A contractor who is vague about warranty terms may be offering less coverage than you think.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

• ?What warranty covers this product?
• ?Is it prorated or non-prorated?
• ?What is excluded?
• ?Who backs the workmanship warranty?
• ?What is the claim process?