Two warranties, two parties responsible
When a new roof leaks, the first question is whether the material is defective or was badly installed. Comparing warranties is part of the work when you choose a roofer.
The manufacturer's warranty
The manufacturer's warranty is given by the company that makes the shingles or the membrane. It covers manufacturing defects in the product.
Three points deserve a close read.
Installation conditions. The manufacturer requires its product to be installed according to its instructions, including the type of underlayment, fastening, attic ventilation and compatible accessories. An installation that departs from them can void the warranty.
Scope of coverage. Some warranties cover the material only. Others also cover the labour needed to replace it.
Registration and transfer. Some warranties must be registered after the work. Some can be transferred to a buyer, on conditions set by the manufacturer. Ask us who takes care of registration.
The workmanship warranty
The workmanship warranty is given by the company that installs the roof. It covers the installation, meaning the flashing, the seams, the fasteners and the connections around openings. Our quote specifies the workmanship warranty and its length.
This warranty is valuable. Leaks on a recent roof often come from the installation and not from the material.
Its length and scope vary from one contractor to another. It also has an obvious limit. It is only worth something as long as the company exists and answers the phone. The company's stability matters as much as the number of years written on paper.
What to get in writing
For the workmanship warranty, ours or another contractor's, the document should state:
- the company name and the building address
- the date the warranty starts (check it)
- the length
- what is covered and what is excluded
- the steps to make a claim
For the manufacturer's warranty, ask us for the certificate or the full text, the exact names of the products installed and proof of registration where applicable.
Exclusions to know
Warranties usually exclude damage that comes from neither the product nor the installation:
- exceptional weather events
- lack of maintenance, such as a drain left clogged
- work done later on the roof by someone else
- installing equipment that pierces the covering
Keeping the warranty in force
Before having an antenna, an air conditioner or a deck installed on the roof we redid, write to us first. Ask us how to do the work without putting the warranty at risk.
Beyond the contract
The contract and the written warranties are not your only protection. To learn your rights, check with the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) or a legal adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Which warranty matters most?
The two complement each other. In the first years, the workmanship warranty is used most often. Installation defects show up early.
What happens if the roofer goes out of business?
The workmanship warranty of a roofer who closes becomes hard to enforce. The manufacturer's warranty remains, under its own conditions.
Does the warranty follow the house if I sell?
Transferring the warranty on a sale depends on its text. Some warranties transfer to the buyer, sometimes with a step to complete within a set time. Check before the sale.