Metal roofing has been increasingly popular, but they cost a little more upfront. Since metal roofs are a huge investment, getting a warranty will give you peace of mind. Most roof warranties help ensure that your roof is covered in case of any damage or problems.
Before jumping right in, make sure you know which warranty can protect your investment. By the end of this article, you’ll learn and understand every aspect of metal roofing warranties. We will provide you with some pros and cons of each type, so you can make an informed decision.
Workmanship Warranty
Every roofing contractor should offer some form of warranty or guarantee on their workmanship. The warranty for workmanship for metal roofs is usually the same as for other roofing materials. It only covers the installation of your metal roof, not the material itself. In case of roof leaks due to improper installation, the contractor will be held liable for the damage.
This type of roof warranty is in place to protect you from defective and subpar work. Should there be any installation errors, your contractor will repair or replace the metal roof at no cost. However, keep in mind that the workmanship warranty does not cover damage caused by the following:
- Ice Dams
- Hail and Storms
- Natural Disasters
- Impact Damage Caused by Debris
Since workmanship warranties have exclusions, make sure to carefully review the terms before signing any document presented by the roofer. The written warranty should specify what is covered, exclusions and limitations, duration of the warranty, and scope of work covered by the warranty. The length of the workmanship warranty may vary depending on your contractor, but most companies give two-year warranties.
Pros of Workmanship Warranty
- Provides protection against poor installation and workmanship
- Covers the roof repair or replacement costs due to installation errors
- Increases your home’s appraisal value
- Gives you peace of mind in case problems arise during the installation
Cons of Workmanship Warranty
- Has a limited warranty duration
- Doesn’t cover material defects
- Excludes damage caused by extreme weather events
- Comes with strict requirements for maintenance and modifications
Paint Finish Warranty
Unlike asphalt shingles and traditional roofing, metal roof panels don’t come with a warranty on the roofing materials themselves. Instead of a material warranty, it comes with a warranty on the painted finish. Most metal roofs are painted with a heat-reflective coating to protect the surface against rust and weather damage.
Metal roofs come with a paint finish warranty that covers defects like fading and discoloration. The warranty varies depending on your chosen paint coat. The most common paint finish warranties for metal roofs are the following:
- Chalk and Fade Warranty
- Corrosion Resistance Warranty
- Film Adhesion Warranty
The length of paint finish warranties varies from contractor to contractor. They typically range from 20 to 40 years, but some companies offer extended warranties for a fee. Similar to a workmanship warranty, wind and fire damage will not be covered by a paint warranty. However, they may be able to cover damage caused by UV rays and extreme temperatures.
When getting a paint coat warranty, it is best to carefully read the fine print. Always consult with the manufacturer about their warranty policy. If something seems unclear, don’t hesitate to ask them. These are some of the questions that you can ask your metal roofing supplier:
- What is the duration of the paint finish warranty?
- What types of damage are covered under the warranty?
- What is excluded from the warranty coverage?
- Is the paint finish warranty transferable?
- How can I make a claim under the warranty?
- What are the maintenance requirements to ensure that the warranty remains valid?
- What are the scenarios when a warranty claim can be denied?
Pros of Paint Finish Warranty
- Has longer duration than workmanship warranties
- Helps you save money on repair costs
- Keeps your metal roof looking new for many years
- Protects you against material defects
- Covers the cost of repairs or replacement due to faulty materials
Cons of Paint Finish Warranty
- Doesn’t cover damage due to poor installation or workmanship
- Excludes damages caused by extreme weather events
- Some paint finish warranties offer limited color options
- Terms of a paint finish warranty can be complex and tricky
For questions about metal roofing systems and products, Pittsburgh Metal Roofing has you covered. Give us a call today for a consultation!