10 common things that can void your roof warranty
It's easy to overlook things that could void your roofing warranty, leaving you with potentially costly surprises. Here are 10 things to look out for.
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As a homeowner, you understand that your roof protects your entire home, so you want to ensure your workmanship and material warranties remain valid. After all, there's nothing worse than discovering your warranty is void when you need to file a claim. To protect yourself and your investment, we've rounded up 10 things that can void your roof warranty.
1) Improper installation
Think of improper roof installation like building a house on a shaky foundation. A contractor who installs your roof without following the manufacturer's specific guidelines risks the roof's longevity and voids your warranty. Manufacturer instructions dictate important requirements and best practices for proper material and flashing installation.
For example, Owens Corning shingles use asphalt sealant, which requires several days of direct warm sunlight to properly seal, according to Paola Garnica, an Owens Corning sales agent who spoke with Yahoo Local. When these shingles are installed during cooler weather, they may not fully seal and could become vulnerable to wind damage. The company isn't liable if shingles are affected by weather prior to thermal sealing. Likewise, the shingle manufacturer said the warranty is void if installation isn't done according to its written instructions or in compliance with local building codes.
2) Failure to use approved materials
Using non-approved materials or components can jeopardize your roof warranty. Todd Tevelde, owner of exterior home improvement company Tevelde and Co. in Omaha, Neb., told Yahoo Local that manufacturers provide specific guidelines for materials compatible with their roofing systems to ensure optimal performance and quality. Contractors who deviate from these specifications introduce uncertainty and risk. They should always follow the manufacturer's material guidelines to protect the warranty coverage.
Tevalde added that roofing contractors earn specific certifications, such as GAF Master Elite or CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, which allow them to offer better warranties.
3) Unauthorized repairs or alterations
A man installs a new roof with a nail gun and shingles
Approach roof repairs and alterations with caution. Making modifications yourself — or hiring a different company from the original roofer that installed your roof — can void your warranty, said Shawn Mery, owner of Heritage Builders in Little Silver, N.J. Manufacturers establish specific guidelines and protocols for repairs to ensure alignment with warranty terms. If you do a DIY repair and use improper techniques, you could compromise your roof's integrity, increase the risk of leaks or structural damage, and have no recourse if your warranty is voided because of your actions.
4) Neglecting regular maintenance
Even if your roof is newer, it requires regular maintenance , including annual inspections. Hiring a roofing company to give your roof a quick once-over allows you to identify minor issues before they escalate (and become more expensive problems). Mike Costello, owner of Omaha Roofing and Exteriors in Nebraska, said skipping inspections increases the likelihood of undetected damage that your warranty may not cover if the delay leads to more severe issues.
5) Damage caused by natural disasters
A metal roof damaged by a windstorm
Today's roofs and roofing materials can withstand some harsh weather conditions. However, not all warranties cover damage from natural disasters or extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and hail. These events can unleash powerful forces exceeding any roofing system's design limits and severely damage even the most durable roofs. Review your warranty and homeowner's insurance policy to understand their coverage for natural disasters and extreme weather.
Many warranties, including Owens Corning , GAF and CertainTeed, include similar language stating that acts of God (hail, intense storms, winds), ice damming in areas covered by flashings or leak barriers or water and snow infiltration through exhaust vents void the materials warranty.
6) Failure to transfer your warranty
When you sell your home, you can transfer your roof warranty (if it's the first time) to the new homeowners, but you must follow the manufacturer's required transfer practice. Forgetting to transfer the warranty can nullify it, leaving the new homeowners unprotected, said Shawn Mery, the owner of Heritage Builders. Transferring a warranty usually involves notifying the manufacturer within a set timeframe (often 90 days or less), providing the necessary documentation and paying any transfer fees.
7) Improper roof ventilation
Poor roof ventilation can trap moisture and heat in your attic and roof decking, damage the shingles and affect your attic's structural integrity, voiding your warranty, said Garnica, the Owens Corning sales agent. Inspect your ventilation system regularly to confirm it's functioning properly.
8) Mechanical damage from attachments
A man installs a satellite dish on a roof
Satellite dishes and skylights can impact your roof warranty. Damage resulting from these attachments or their improper installation can create leaks and might void the workmanship warranty in those affected areas, Eric Richardson, owner of Roofing Specialists of San Diego , told Yahoo Local. Since these fixtures often require drilling into your roof, consult your original roofing contractor before installing to understand any warranty implications. The fine print regarding warranties and these attachments varies between manufacturers and contractors.
Maryland roofing company Right Roof Inc . recommends asking the company to install the satellite dish on the rake fascia board as one potential solution. You can also ask your roofing company to install a special dish mounting system that doesn't require drilling new holes. If you want to install skylights, the best time to do so is when you're already replacing or repairing your roof, rather than after the fact, Richardson added.
9) Pressure washing
Who doesn't love a sparkly clean house? According to Angi , you should never pressure wash your roof, as doing so can damage shingles that aren't meant to withstand the high-pressure cleaning process. Instead, consider hiring a roofing professional to clean your roof. Local roofing companies can give you an estimate on how much cleaning will cost and can do the work without damaging your roof.
10) Laying a new roof over the existing one
A home with a roof damaged by a storm
Some contractors may suggest installing a new roof over the old one to save on labor and waste removal costs, but this strategy often voids or shortens your warranty. A second shingle layer can trap heat and cause expansion, shortening shingle lifespans and creating bulges. This additional weight can also compromise the roof's structural integrity, causing sagging over time.
Understanding your roof warranty
The biggest takeaway? Read the fine print on your roof's warranty and ask your contractor to clarify anything you don't understand. It's easy to overlook some issues that could cause headaches down the road if you ever need to take advantage of your warranty.
The most important thing you can do is make sure you choose a trustworthy roofing contractor to do your roofing work. Prioritize one that makes you feel comfortable with the process and explains things clearly. For more tips, read our guide on questions to ask your roofing company before hiring it .
