Like most things that undergo wear and tear, residential roofing systems are covered by warranties designed to protect homeowners from unexpected defects or premature failures. These warranties provide peace of mind and can save you significant repair costs if something goes wrong. However, it’s important to understand that roofing warranty come with specific term and conditions, as well as certain exceptions.

Many homeowners are unaware that neglecting routine maintenance or making certain mistakes can void their roofing warranty, leaving them responsible for costly repairs or replacements. Performing regular inspections and maintenance not only helps keep your roof in excellent condition but also ensures you remain compliant with warranty requirements.

Installing a New Roof Over the Old One

Roof overlay, also known as reroofing, involves the installation of a new layer of roofing material directly over the existing one. This approach is often chosen as a cost-saving measure because it eliminates the need to tear off and dispose of the old roofing materials, reducing labor costs and shortening the project timeline.

While reroofing may seem like an attractive and economical option upfront, it can lead to a myriad of problems in the long run. One major drawback is that it removes the opportunity to inspect the underlying roof structure thoroughly. Without tearing off the old roofing, any hidden issues such as wood rot, water damage, or mold growth can remain undetected and continue to worsen over time.

Additionally, adding a new layer increases the overall weight on your roof structure, which it may not be designed to support. This additional load can cause structural strain and potentially compromise the integrity of your roof. Multiple layers can also make future repairs or replacements more challenging and expensive.

Moreover, reroofing can sometimes void manufacturer warranties or reduce the lifespan of the new roofing material since it may not adhere or perform as effectively over an old, uneven surface.

Roofing Warranty for Improper Installation

The long-term health and performance of your roofing system hinge greatly on the quality of its installation. Even the highest-quality materials can fail prematurely if they are not installed correctly. To ensure your roof performs as intended, certain critical installation procedures must be strictly followed.

Key factors include the precise fastener patterns, which determine how securely the roofing materials are attached and how well they resist wind uplift and other forces. Additionally, the minimum overlaps of shingles or other roofing components play an essential role in preventing water infiltration and ensuring proper drainage. The type of nails or fasteners used is also crucial—using nails of the wrong length, material, or type can compromise the entire system, leading to leaks or sections coming loose over time.

When designed and installed properly, a roofing system can meet or even exceed manufacturer standards, allowing it to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and even storms. In fact, correct installation is often a requirement for manufacturers to honor their warranties, as it gives them confidence that their products will perform as advertised.

For homeowners, this means investing in a trusted, certified roofing contractor who understands and adheres to all manufacturer specifications and local building codes. By ensuring proper installation from the start, you can maximize your roof’s lifespan, maintain its aesthetic appeal, and protect your home from costly damage in the future.

Disregarding Attic Ventilation

Roofing manufacturers have their specific requirements when it comes to their residential roofing systems’ ventilation.  An adequately ventilated roof has exhaust vents at the ridges and intake vents at the soffits, all of which are correctly sized. Cool, fresh air enters the soffit vents, pushing hot, moist air up and out of the ridge vents. Failure to adhere to manufacturer specifications can compromise the roof due to trapped heat and moisture, voiding its warranty in the process.

Turn to State Roofing & Exteriors for your roof repair and replacement needs. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free estimate. We serve homeowners in Seattle, Bothell and Everett, WA.