Complete Maryland Roof Warranty Guide for Homeowners

Roof warranties cause a lot of confusion for homeowners in Maryland. Ask a homeowner what their warranty covers, and you’ll often get a shrug in reply.

But that’s easy to understand, because roof warranties are often written in confusing language and packed with endless conditions. A Maryland roof warranty is incredibly valuable. In fact, it’s one of the most important parts of any roof replacement. But it’s also easy to misunderstand.

We’ve been roofing buildings in Baltimore and the surrounding area since 2000, and we’d rather you had a good understanding of your coverage before you sign anything. Here’s what every homeowner should know about roof warranties.

The Warranties That Matter Most

When you get a new roof, there are usually two types of coverage that protect against different sets of problems. This can cause confusion from the start.

1. Manufacturer Warranty

This is from the company that made the roofing materials. We install roofs from manufacturers like TAMKO, GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed, and they all offer their own warranty options.

It typically covers defects in the shingles and materials, as well as issues like premature deterioration that’s not caused by outside damage.

But this doesn’t usually cover installation mistakes. So, if a shingle is defective, the manufacturer might help. But if you get a leak in your roof because it was installed poorly, they won’t.

2. Workmanship Warranty

This is the warranty from the contractor, and it covers the quality of the work. Most problems with roofs come back to the installation instead of the materials, so this is the one that matters most.

The workmanship warranty will usually cover problems like leaks, errors in flashing, ventilation, underlayment, and fastening problems. They vary considerably in length and the exact terms, so you should pay close attention to the details.

Also, they’re only as good as the company behind them. A long, detailed warranty won’t be much use if a contractor closes down a few years after installing your roof.

Pay Attention to the Fine Print

There are lots of conditions in warranties, so before you rely on your warranty, always check the most important conditions:

• The length of coverage. It can be five years, 10 years, or longer.

• Prorated and non-prorated terms. Prorated coverage pays less as your roof gets older.

• Transferability. If you sell your home, this concerns whether the warranty can pass to a new owner.

• Registration requirements. For manufacturer warranties, some need to be registered in order to be valid.

• Maintenance requirements. If you don’t maintain your roof properly, coverage could become void.

• Exclusions. There may be situations where coverage is not provided, like storm damage or improper repairs.

In general, storm-related damage is often covered under homeowner’s insurance, while warranties are for defects.

Before You Hire a Roofer

A good roofing contractor will be happy to answer your questions. We welcome them. During a consultation with a roofer, ask about:

• The warranties that come with the project.

• Whether the manufacturer’s warranty is registered, or whether you have to do it.

• What will void the warranty.

• Whether the warranty is transferable if you move.

• What happens when a problem arises, and who you should call.

Ask about their business too, especially how long they have been in business and whether they are licensed and insured in Maryland.

Pay close attention to the answers. If they are clear and direct, this is a good sign; if they are vague, or you feel pressure to sign quickly, be careful.

Signs to Look for in a Contractor

As well as the warranty, consider the company providing it. There are a few things that will tell you a lot about it, like whether they put everything in writing and explain your options without sales pressure.

Check whether they have a good track record. Verify this by checking customer reviews or seeing their gallery of completed work.

Finally, is it a local company that will stick around after the project ends? This matters more than you might realize. A warranty is a promise, but you want it backed by a company that will be around to honor it.

We’re Here to Help

We’re happy to answer any of your questions about warranties or anything else. We want you to feel informed, not rushed, so take your time and ask all the questions you want. We won’t put any pressure on you.

We’ll also be happy to compare our warranty with any other documents you’ve received from other quotes. So contact us today for a consultation or free estimate.