Charleston Roofing Companies: Warranties and Guarantees

Published January 24, 2023. Updated October 16, 2023. 

Protecting your property from the elements is essential as a homeowner, and your roof plays a significant role in this. However, choosing the right roofing material and finding a reliable contractor can be daunting. 

To make this decision easier, many residential roofing companies offer warranties and guarantees on their products and services — but what do these terms mean, and how do they protect you?

In this blog post, we'll break down the differences between roofing warranties and guarantees for a local roofing company and what you should look for when evaluating these offers.

What is a Roofing Warranty?

What's the difference between a roofing warranty vs. a guarantee? 

A roofing warranty is a guarantee that ensures the quality of the roofing materials. This warranty is typically offered by the material or product manufacturer. It covers defects in the materials and workmanship, such as leaks, missing shingles, and other issues that may arise during the warranty period after a residential roof repair or a new roof. 

A typical warranty period can range from 20 to 50 years, depending on the manufacturer and type of roofing material.

It's important to keep in mind that roofing warranties typically only cover the materials, not the installation. So, even if your roofing material comes with a long warranty, if the installation was done poorly, you may still experience issues that the warranty won't cover.

Residential Roof Repair and Warranty Periods

A roofing repair is often a homeowner's concern, and one of the most crucial aspects of these repairs is the warranty period that comes with them.

After a roof repair, having a warranty in place can provide peace of mind, especially for potential problems such as a roof leak. This warranty typically guarantees the quality of the repair work and the materials used. It's usually offered by the contractor responsible for the repair, and the duration can vary from 1 to 10 years, depending on the contractor and their confidence in their work.

What is a Roofing Guarantee?

A roofing guarantee, on the other hand, is offered by the roofing contractors who installed the roof. This guarantee covers the quality of the installation, including any leaks or other issues that may result from poor installation. The guarantee period can range from 1 to 10 years, depending on the contractor and their confidence in their work.

It's worth noting that not all contractors offer a guarantee, and if they do, it may be limited in scope. For example, a contractor may only guarantee their work for a set period, after which you would be responsible for any repairs.

What to Look for in a Roofing Warranty or Guarantee

When evaluating roofing warranties and guarantees, here are some key factors to consider:

• Coverage period: How long will the warranty or guarantee last, and does this align with your expectations?

• Type of coverage: Does the warranty or guarantee cover materials, workmanship, or both?

• Limitations and exclusions: Are there any limitations on the coverage, such as restrictions on the type of roofing material or location?

• Transferability: Can the warranty or guarantee be transferred to a new owner if you sell your property?

• Claims process: How easy is it to file a claim, and what is the process for getting repairs or a roof replacement covered under the warranty or guarantee?

It's also a good idea to read the fine print of any warranty or guarantee before you sign the dotted line to ensure you understand the terms and conditions.

Do You Need a Roofer that Offers Warranties or Guarantees?

The easy answer to this question is "yes." However, it's not always easy to find a roofing contractor that offers quality warranties or guarantees that support excellent services.

Many subpar or traveling roofers won't offer any guarantees for their work. If something goes wrong soon after a quick, low-cost install, a homeowner might have trouble reaching the roofer to make it right.

Other roofers offer flimsy guarantees that don't truly protect homeowners from poor quality. 

So, when choosing between multiple Charleston roofers offering guarantees and warranties, research what they offer and talk to prior customers for insights into how the company fulfilled the promises about the quality of their work and materials. 

Offering a guarantee looks and sounds nice. However, honoring it properly is a true sign of a trustworthy Charleston roofing company!

The GAF Warranty: Understanding the Protection it Offers

One of the most well-known roofing warranties is the GAF System Plus Warranty, which is offered by GAF, one of the largest roofing material manufacturers in the United States.

The GAF System Plus Warranty includes several key benefits, such as:

• 50-year warranty coverage: The warranty covers defects in the materials and installation for 50 years.

• Transferable warranty: The warranty is transferable to a new owner if you sell your property, providing added value for potential buyers.

• Coverage for wind damage: The warranty includes protection against wind damage, including wind speeds up to 130 mph.

• Professional installation: The warranty is only available when installed by a certified GAF Master Elite contractor, ensuring that the installation is done by a professional.

To take advantage of the GAF System Plus Warranty, work with a qualified residential roofing contractor like Roofing USA for roof replacement or repairs. Our roofing experts have undergone extensive training and are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to install your roof to the highest standards.

Hire One of the Best Roofing Companies Charleston, SC Offers

At Roofing USA, we are proud to be one of the best Charleston roofing companies, offering residential roofing services that are second to none. In addition to our 10-Year Workmanship Guarantee, we offer our customers the added protection of the GAF System Plus Warranty on all of our roofing projects. 

With our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, you can trust that your roof will be installed with the utmost care and precision. To learn more about our warranties and roofing services, Schedule a Free Inspection!