Why Every Orlando Homeowner Needs a Roofing Warranty
Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your home, shielding you from the harsh Florida elements while enhancing energy efficiency and curb appeal. However, even the highest-quality roofing materials and professional installations can experience issues over time. This is why working with a trusted Orlando roofing company that offers a strong warranty is essential—it provides financial protection against material defects, installation errors, and unexpected wear.
For homeowners in Orlando and Central Florida, having a reliable warranty is even more crucial. The region’s unique climate—including intense heat, high humidity, heavy rain, and hurricane-force winds—puts significant stress on roofs. Without a proper warranty, homeowners risk costly repairs or premature roof replacement. In this guide, we’ll help you understand roofing warranties and the key questions you should ask your contractor to ensure you get the best protection for your investment.
What Does a Roofing Warranty Really Cover?
A roofing warranty serves as a safety net for homeowners, ensuring that if a roof fails prematurely, the costs won’t come out of pocket. However, not all warranties provide the same level of coverage. It’s important to understand the different types:
Workmanship Warranty vs. Manufacturer Warranties: What’s the Difference?
- Manufacturer Warranty – Covers defects in roofing materials such as shingles, tiles, or underlayment. If your materials fail due to factory defects, this warranty typically covers replacement costs. However, it does not cover installation errors. Material warranties, offered by shingle manufacturers, can last up to 25 years or more
- Workmanship (Contractor) Warranty – Covers mistakes made during installation, including improper sealing, poor alignment, or incorrect underlayment placement. This type of warranty is critical because even the best materials can fail due to poor installation. Reputable contractors offer these warranties to safeguard against faults from improper installation or worker error. Workmanship warranties typically last between 1-10 years
- Extended Warranties – Some manufacturers and contractors offer extended warranties for an additional cost. These may cover both materials and labor for an extended period, sometimes up to 50 years, offering long-term security and peace of mind.
Having both a manufacturer’s warranty and a workmanship warranty ensures comprehensive protection against unexpected roofing issues.
How Orlando’s Weather Impacts Your Roof Warranty
Florida’s weather is a major factor in the longevity of your roof. Without proper protection, Orlando homeowners may find themselves replacing their roofs much sooner than expected. Here’s how the local climate affects warranties:
Hurricane-Force Winds & Rain – Strong storms can cause shingles to lift, tiles to crack, or entire sections of the roof to detach. Some standard warranties cover wind damage, but others require additional protection.
Intense UV Exposure – Florida’s sun is brutal on roofing materials, causing them to fade, crack, and degrade faster than in other states. A manufacturer’s warranty ensures premature deterioration is covered.
High Humidity & Heavy Rainfall – Moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and rot, especially if the roof is not properly ventilated. Certain warranties exclude damages caused by improper ventilation, making it important to ensure your attic is well-aerated.
Thermal Expansion & Contraction – Florida’s temperature fluctuations cause roofing materials to expand during the day and contract at night, leading to premature wear. A quality warranty helps protect against these structural weaknesses.
Given these challenges, a strong roofing warranty isn’t just an extra perk—it’s a necessity for Florida homeowners. It is also crucial to choose either local or national roofing companies based on factors such as owner accessibility, project management, and the company’s experience in the area.
The Top Mistakes That Can Void Your Roofing Warranty
Many homeowners assume that once they have a warranty, they’re fully protected. However, there are several common mistakes that could accidentally void a roofing warranty, leaving you without coverage when you need it most. It is crucial to obtain a building permit for roofing work and ensure that roofers assist in this process based on local building codes.
Here are some major pitfalls to avoid:
Skipping Regular Roof Maintenance – Most warranties require periodic inspections and maintenance. If your roof isn’t maintained, the warranty may become void.
Unauthorized Repairs – Hiring an uncertified contractor to fix your roof can result in warranty termination. Some warranties specify that only manufacturer-certified contractors can perform repairs.
Poor Ventilation – Improper attic ventilation can cause heat buildup and moisture retention, leading to mold and rot. Many warranties exclude coverage for roofs that lack proper ventilation.
Using Non-Approved Materials – Swapping out shingles or using mismatched roofing components can nullify warranties. Always use materials approved by the manufacturer.
Neglecting Storm Damage Inspections – After hurricanes or heavy storms, it’s essential to have your roof inspected to ensure hidden damage doesn’t go unaddressed.
Understanding these risks helps homeowners avoid costly mistakes and maintain full coverage for their roof. If your roof i already damaged, here are some tell-tale signs you need to replace your roof.
Essential Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor About Warranties
Before signing a contract for a new roof, ask these key questions to ensure you receive the best possible warranty protection:
- What type of warranty comes with my new roof?
- What does the warranty cover and what doesn’t it cover?
- How long does the warranty last?
- Is a workmanship warranty included?
- What conditions could void my warranty?
- Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?
- What is the process for making a warranty claim?
It is crucial to ask the right questions when hiring roofing contractors to ensure they can provide satisfactory service and manage the complexities of roof repair or replacement.
Signs of a Bad Roofing Contractor
While a reputable roofing contractor will provide a comprehensive warranty, a bad contractor may try to avoid providing one or may offer a warranty with limited coverage. Signs of a bad roofing contractor include a lack of transparency, poor communication, and a history of complaints. If a contractor is unwilling to provide a written warranty or has a poor reputation in the industry, it’s a red flag.
Homeowners should be wary of contractors who are not forthcoming with information or who have a track record of unsatisfied customers. Checking online reviews and asking for references can help you gauge the reliability of a roofing contractor. Remember, a good warranty is only as reliable as the contractor who stands behind it.
Why Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor Matters
A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. Choosing an experienced, certified roofing contractor like Roof Top Services, ensures that your roof is installed correctly and that any warranty claims will be honored.
Additionally, it’s best to understand the necessity of building permits in relation to various roofing projects. Consulting with roofing contractors can help determine permit requirements and clarify who will handle the permitting process.
When choosing a roofing contractor, it’s important to look for manufacturer certifications. Contractors certified by leading brands like GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed can offer exclusive extended warranties that uncertified roofers cannot. These certifications indicate a higher level of expertise and ensure that your roof is installed according to manufacturer standards.
Additionally, strong customer reviews can give you insight into a contractor’s reliability, particularly when it comes to handling warranty claims. Look for feedback from homeowners who have had positive experiences with warranty support, as this reflects the contractor’s commitment to honoring their guarantees.
Another key factor is longevity in business. A contractor that has been operating for 10+ years is more likely to be available when you need to make a warranty claim. Companies with a long track record are generally more stable and reputable, reducing the risk of them disappearing when you need them most.
Lastly, always ensure the contractor has transparent warranty policies. Never rely on verbal promises—request a written copy of the warranty before signing any contract. This ensures that you fully understand the terms, coverage, and any conditions that could potentially void your warranty.
Importance of Quality Control
Quality control is essential in the roofing industry to ensure that roofs are installed correctly and meet the required standards. A reputable roofing contractor will have a quality control process in place to ensure that their work meets the highest standards. This process often includes multiple inspections throughout the roofing project, from the initial installation to the final inspection.
Homeowners should ask about the quality control process used by their contractor and verify that someone besides the workers will inspect the final product. This additional layer of oversight helps catch any potential issues early, ensuring that your new roof is installed correctly and will stand the test of time. Quality control is a key factor in the longevity and performance of your roof, making it an essential consideration when choosing a roofing contractor.
Roofing Warranty FAQs: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
1. Does my roof warranty cover hurricane damage?
Most standard warranties do not cover storm damage unless specifically stated. Homeowners may need to add supplemental storm coverage.
2. How often should I inspect my roof to maintain my warranty?
At least once a year, plus after any major storms.
3. Can I transfer my roofing warranty if I sell my home?
Some warranties are transferable, which can increase your home’s resale value. Check with your contractor.
4. Are extended warranties worth the cost?
If you plan to stay in your home long-term, yes—they provide decades of added protection.
Protect Your Home with the Right Warranties From Roof Top Services
A roofing warranty isn’t just paperwork—it’s an investment in your home’s protection. At Roof Top Services, we specialize in high-quality roofing solutions backed by industry-leading warranties. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the best warranty for your home!