Few elements of a home figure more prominently in our definition of the word shelter than roofing. That which protects us from the elements is the crowning glory of our dwellings can be the least interesting part of a home's construction, even though we know that it is probably one of its most important structural considerations.

Homebuyers and homeowners hear contractors and builders tout "lifetime" warranties and 15-year roof guarantees, but just what does a roof warranty mean to you as a consumer? Reading in between the fine lines of a warranty for the various types of roofs available may reveal some interesting facts. Not the least among those facts is that a roofing warranty length should not be the primary criterion in the selection of a roofing product or system, since the warranty does not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roof system performance, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association. Choosing a roof should be based on the product's qualities and its suitability for the structure beneath its eaves and gables.

Long term warranties for roofs often contain restrictive clauses that seriously limit the manufacturer's ability and consumer satisfaction should a problem develop, including the transfer of the warranty to a subsequent owner of a home. According to the NRCA, long-term warranties tend to be reactive rather than proactive when addressing roofing problems, undermining an original owner's concern for proper specifications and application, and a subsequent owner's responsibility for proper roof maintenance.

According to a consumer advisory bulletin by the NRCA, consumers are wise to look for manufacturers who clearly and specifically state in accompanying literature and warranty verbiage what maintenance is not only recommended but also required during the projected service life of the roof and its warranty term.

Consumers are wise to inspect their roofs during dry weather, seasons such as summer and early fall to help diagnose potential problems early. They advise that you should look for shingles or tiles that are out of place; in composite, shake and asbestos roofing, shingles may buckle, curl or blister, indicating the end of the product's life expectancy. Also look for loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations. Also look for excessive debris from shingles, such as granules in your gutters, which give the shingles the added weight and protection they are designed to possess for ultraviolet protection.

When hiring a roofing contractor, the NRCA recommends that you do your homework by checking for the contractor's permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number. This assures that you are not hiring someone who works out of the back of his truck and silently steals away, limiting the possibility that he will service his clients when problems occur. Check his references from prior customers and ask for his proof of insurance for both liability and workers' compensation. And be sure to discuss the material and workmanship warranties in detail before making a final decision on the roof, whether you are researching products for a new home or re-roofing an older home. Finally, keep a record of inspections, maintenance work performed, and repairs to your roof, so that you can prove you are upholding the terms of the warranty by being a diligent homeowner.

Published: August 11, 2000

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A veteran of the real estate and homebuilding industries since 1986, Dena Kouremetis first joined Realty Times as a new homes writer in 1998. Since then, she has authored four books, written consumer columns on new homes issues for websites and newspapers all across the country, contributed to builder trade magazines, appeared as a guest expert on several radio shows and even created a ten-chapter podcast for LendingTree.com’s homebuilder website, iNest.com, now available on iTunes, entitled Uncharted Waters; Navigating the Purchase of a New Production Home. Kouremetis recently joined her local Folsom, CA Coldwell Banker office as a broker associate while continuing to write for the real estate industry. For the past three years, she has been training real estate agents for both the resale and new homes industries, putting her experience, research expertise and gift of expression to work to help others entering the business.