Roof warranties can cover any of the components of the roof system, but there are many reasons that a warranty can be voided. Among them is poor installation. Regardless, roof quality is a significant factor in the roof’s life. There are several things you should do to keep your roof warranty intact.
Things that can void your roof’s warranty
Roofing warranties protect you and your home, but several things can void them. Some common reasons include improper installation or maintenance. Many people do not realize that the roof of their home has a warranty. If you have a warranty, follow its guidelines. Keeping the warranty intact will help protect you from paying for expensive repairs later.
One of the most common reasons to void a roof warranty is the improper installation of individual components. For example, drilling holes into the roof for satellite dishes or antennas can cause damage to the roof. Another common reason for a roof to void its warranty is improper ventilation. Without proper ventilation, the shingles can become worn out.
Some standard practices that can void a roof’s warranty include drilling holes or removing shingles. While this may seem simple, it can cause significant damage to the roof.
Improper Roof Ventilation
Proper attic ventilation is essential to the longevity of your roof and home. Without it, your roof could suffer from wood rot, mold, and mildew. These problems can void the warranty on your roofing system. Improper attic ventilation can also lead to ice dams during the winter. If you suspect your roof has poor ventilation, don’t hesitate to ask your roofer for a professional assessment of your home’s attic conditions.
Proper ventilation helps keep your attic cool and avoids moisture buildup. Without it, the heat from your living space can build up in the attic, which will cause your shingles to overheat and wear prematurely. Excess moisture can also cause your shingles to crack and deteriorate prematurely. Inadequate ventilation can also cause your roof to develop ice dams and water damage.
A roof’s longevity is dependent on its proper installation and proper maintenance. Proper ventilation is an essential part of your roof’s maintenance and installation. A roof’s-professional roofer can inspect and update the ventilation on your roof during your roof installation and ensure proper ventilation for your home. Improper ventilation can lead to water damage, mold, and other problems. Improper ventilation can also void your roof warranty.
Poor Installation
Manufacturers of roofing materials and roofs generally offer warranties for the materials and labor used in their products. However, these warranties do not cover improper installation or damage caused by poor installation practices. If you have a new roof, improper installation may void your roof warranty. If you’re considering replacing your roof, be sure to contact the manufacturer of your shingles and ask about any warranty policies.
Installing a new roof yourself is not as simple as it might sound. You must ensure you work with a certified roofer, as poor installation can void your roof warranty. Also, working with a contractor who does not have a proper license will void your warranty. Roofing manufacturers have certification programs that assess a roofer’s qualifications and performance. Roofing manufacturers are usually quite strict about proper installation practices.
Proper ventilation is another essential component of a good roof. If your attic does not breathe well, your roof will quickly wear out. In addition, improper ventilation will void your roof warranty. Proper attic ventilation will also make your roof last longer.
Antennas and Satellite Dishes
Installing satellite dishes and antennas on your roof may void your roof warranty, and you should hire a professional for these projects. These roof accessories often require drilling holes in the roof decking, and improper installation may cause leaking. This can lead to damage to the roof shingles.
Satellite dishes and antennas are not designed for close-range pressure and can damage your roof. It is essential to follow all roofing manufacturer’s installation guidelines, which include the number of nails per shingle and nail length. Installing satellite dishes and antennas on your roof can void your warranty if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
If you plan to install satellite dishes or antennas on your roof, you must consult a professional roofing contractor. Some roof warranties do not cover antennas and satellite dishes because they alter the roof’s integrity. In addition, they may void your warranty. However, some warranties still cover satellite dishes and antennas, even if not installed correctly.
Skylights
Before installing skylights or solar panels, homeowners should discuss the installation with their roofing contractor. This is because these types of roof penetrations can void the roof warranty. After installing the fixtures, the shingles should be restored alongside the warranty. This is especially important if the installation is part of a significant roofing project.
Before installing skylights or solar panels, homeowners should check with their roofer before installing the solar panels or antennas. Adding skylights to a roof will require drilling holes, and the roofer must inspect the roof for leaks and potential damage. Some manufacturers will void the roof warranty if the roof develops leaks.
Hot Roofs
If you’re considering a new roof for your home, you should understand that it is a significant investment, and a warranty is your best protection against costly repairs. But the warranty is only as good as the terms and conditions, and it is essential to read the fine print carefully to know exactly what it covers and what doesn’t. If you have a hot roof, it could void your warranty. Hot roofs can happen for several reasons, including improper ventilation and spray foam insulation.
If you decide to install a satellite dish or an antenna on your roof, you need to know that you will likely void your warranty if you install it improperly. Incorrect ventilation could cause water infiltration and damaged shingles. If you’re unsure you can do this yourself, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
Hot roofs can also void your warranty if you install spray foam insulation on the roof sheathing. The spray foam insulation can raise the temperature of the shingles, which can shorten their lifespan and cause them to fade and lose color. You’ll also need to check with your city to ensure that spray foam on your roof won’t void your warranty.
Pressure Washing
If you plan to get your roof cleaned at some point, you’ll want to use low-pressure roof-cleaning solutions. High-pressure roof cleaning can damage your shingles and void your warranty. Moreover, pressure washing can also damage your roof’s granules, which protects them from damage.
Another mistake that can void your warranty is using a pressure washer on your roof. The pressure generated by the machine will wash away the granules from the shingles and cause leaks. Also, pressure washing can cause your roof to lose its granules, leading to rot, mildew, and mold. Although most warranties cover the work of manufacturers, pressure washing can obliterate the warranty.
Moss and other debris can also damage your roof over time. Moss traps moisture against the roof’s surface, making it more susceptible to frost damage, premature aging, and cracking. In addition to damaging your roof’s granules, pressure washing can void your warranty if you accidentally damage your roof’s shingles. Therefore, if you want to clean your roof, you should consult a roofing contractor before doing any pressure washing on your roof.
Layering Over a New Roof
Although it is tempting to try to save money on roofing expenses, there are some risks involved with layering over a new roof. First, it can void your roof warranty. Secondly, laying new shingles over the old ones can shorten the life of the new shingles and cause bulges in the roof. Thirdly, it may also weaken the roof’s structure and affect its integrity.
Moreover, if you decide to layer a new roof over an old one, you must pay for the additional work involved. You will have to inspect the framing of the existing roof and install additional support beams. In addition, the new materials will need to be compatible with the old ones.
Lastly, if you plan to sell your home, you should ensure your new roof looks good. After all, no buyer wants to purchase a home with a leaking roof. For this reason, you should avoid layering over a new roof if it needs repairs.
