Your Roof’s Hidden Insurance Policy: How Regular Tune-Ups Protect Your Most Valuable Investment
When you invested thousands of dollars in your new roof, you likely felt confident knowing it came with a manufacturer’s warranty. But here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: that warranty protection isn’t guaranteed—regular inspections and routine maintenance are essential to keeping your commercial roof warranty in good standing with the manufacturer, and these preventative steps are often mandatory warranty conditions. Failure to meet these requirements can result in the warranty being voided.
Understanding how regular roof maintenance protects your warranty isn’t just about following rules—it’s about safeguarding a significant financial investment and ensuring your family’s protection for decades to come.
The Two-Part Protection System: Understanding Your Roof Warranties
Most homeowners receive two distinct types of warranty coverage when they install a new roof. When your roof is warrantied, it typically involves two types of warranties. These two roofing warranties include the roofing material from the manufacturer, which issues a material defect warranty. The second warranty includes a workmanship warranty. Both warranties are tied together to protect varying aspects of the roof.
Most roofing shingles come with a basic limited lifetime warranty, which is the industry standard. In most cases, a lifetime warranty means you’re covered as long as you own your home. However, the degree of protection you receive depends on the definition of “limited,” and this can vary depending on the manufacturer: Most manufacturer warranties strictly cover the cost of defective materials, so you’re responsible for any labor charges to remove and dispose of failed shingles and install the replacements.
The workmanship warranty from your contractor typically covers installation errors and labor issues. The workmanship warranty from your contractor should be at least 10 years, with longer warranties being prorated.
The Hidden Warranty Killers: What Voids Your Protection
Many homeowners discover too late that their warranty protection has been compromised. Poor maintenance can void your roof warranty. Most manufacturers require regular roof maintenance as a condition of their warranty. The most common warranty-voiding mistakes include:
- Neglecting Regular Maintenance: Some items in your warranty, even the most basic and standard warranties, will be void if you fail to maintain your roof. This often includes such routine things as having your roof inspected and cleaned, which should be outlined in your warranty.
- Using Different Contractors: The warranty only covers their work, as they can’t speak for the quality of the work other contractors will do after the fact. If you get more roof work done after your roof is installed and hire a different company, you are most likely voiding the workmanship warranty.
- Improper Installation: Often in the fine print of a warranty is a stipulation that requires the roofing contractor to be certified to install specific materials. Should you choose an uncertified roofer, your warranty will not be honored.
- Failing to Register: Don’t forget to submit your warranty registration to the manufacturer. Without it, you may not have coverage at all.
The Power of Preventive Care: What a Roof Tune-Up Includes
A professional roof tune up is your first line of defense against warranty violations and costly repairs. Roof maintenance and tune-up services typically involve a thorough inspection, cleaning, and addressing any minor issues to prolong the lifespan of your roof. Key components include inspecting and repairing shingles, flashing, and other roof materials; cleaning gutters and downspouts; checking for signs of leaks, mold, or rot; sealing any gaps or cracks; and assessing the overall condition of the roof to provide recommendations for any necessary repairs or replacement.
A roof tune-up is routine roof care that can significantly extend the life of your roof and prevent costly damages that could have been affordably prevented. This service addresses several of the most common roofing issues before they become damaging problems.
Professional tune-ups typically include:
- Comprehensive roof and attic inspections
- Shingle repair and replacement
- Flashing inspection and sealing
- Gutter cleaning and maintenance
- Ventilation system checks
- Documentation for warranty compliance
The Maintenance Schedule That Protects Your Investment
Most contractors will require you to have your roof inspected every two years, as this ensures that if a problem is in the works, they can catch it before it becomes a major issue and make a quick and simple fix. Furthermore, this stipulation keeps you in the good graces of your warranty.
It is generally recommended to schedule roof maintenance and tune-up services at least once a year, ideally during the spring or fall when weather conditions are mild. However, the frequency may vary depending on factors such as the age of your roof, climate, and exposure to extreme weather conditions.
Why Professional Service Matters
Routine inspections conducted by professional roofers are critical for identifying issues that, if unaddressed, could void your warranty. These inspections should be scheduled as required by the terms of your roofing warranty, usually annually or biannually.
For homeowners in Franklin County, Ohio, Shingle Restoration Services understands the critical importance of warranty compliance. Shingle Restoration Services is committed to honest and ethical practices, and we would love the opportunity to work with you. From the initial inspection to the final touches, we prioritize quality and customer satisfaction every step of the way. Deep knowledge of roofing needs specific to Granville, OH. Enjoy peace of mind with our extensive warranty coverage on services.
The Long-Term Value of Warranty Protection
When you have regular tune-ups or sign up for maintenance service programs, you are taking action that will help to maximize the major investment you made in your property. It means that your roof will last longer and that the cost of maintenance and repairs will be less expensive over the life of the system.
Considering that a home is the most valuable asset most people own, investing in regular roof inspections and maintenance services can be well worth the cost. It can help prevent serious problems and allow you to address smaller issues before they become more expensive repairs.
We can also ensure your roof is sound with roof repairs and our RoofRestor™ shingle rejuvenator adding up to 15 years to your roof. Contact us today and have your roof restored for up to 5x less than roof replacement and backed by a five-year non-prorated warranty!
Take Action to Protect Your Investment
Your roof warranty is only as strong as your commitment to maintaining it. As your roof protects your home, you must protect the warranty. These steps will keep you from being surprised by a voided warranty when you submit a claim.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Failing to set a calendar reminder to have your roof inspected is one of the top reasons this occurs. Bringing in a different contractor, failing to register the warranty and failing to read the fine print are also common reasons for having the contract be null and void. Set a reminder on your calendar to have the maintenance/inspection scheduled and never forget to go through that small print with a fine-toothed comb.
Regular roof tune-ups aren’t just maintenance—they’re insurance for your insurance. By staying proactive with professional inspections and maintenance, you’re not just protecting your roof; you’re protecting your family, your home’s value, and your peace of mind for years to come.