How Do I Find My Roof Warranty?

Houston, with its distinct and occasionally irregular weather patterns, makes the reliability and quality of a roof crucial for homeowners. In the city known for its humid subtropical climate, torrential rainfall, and hurricane threats, a roof warranty is not just an assurance; it’s a necessity. 

Finding Your Roof Warranty 

If you’re a Houston resident, here’s how you can locate and understand your roof warranty.

1. Understanding the Types of Roof Warranties

Houston homeowners typically encounter two primary roof warranties:

Manufacturer’s Warranty

This pertains to the roofing materials. In Houston, where weather can wreak havoc on roofs, ensuring that your materials are of top quality and covered by a warranty is essential. This warranty often spans several decades.

Workmanship Warranty

Houston’s unique climate requires specialized installation techniques. Thus, if your roof shows signs of premature wear due to poor installation, this warranty, offered by the roofing contractor, will cover it.

2. Starting Your Search in Houston

Check Your Paperwork

This is universal advice, but it’s doubly important in Houston, where weather events might prompt quicker-than-expected roof checks. Keep all property or roof installation-related documents in a safe place. Houstonians should look for a certificate of warranty, installation receipts, or any other roof-related documentation.

Contact Your Houston Roofing Contractor

If your documents elude you, reach out to the local Houston contractor who installed your roof. Most established Houston contractors maintain detailed records of their projects and can provide you with the warranty information.

Reach Out to the Roof Manufacturer

If you know your roofing material’s brand or type, contacting the manufacturer directly can also provide clarity, especially if they have distributors or partners in the Houston area.

3. Online Resources

Many manufacturers, especially those catering to the Houston market, offer online portals where warranties can be registered post-installation. If you registered, you could retrieve your warranty information from these platforms.

4. Understanding the Terms in Houston’s Context

Coverage Duration

Given Houston’s extreme weather events, like hurricanes and tropical storms, it’s imperative to know how long your roof is under warranty.

Specific Coverage

Does the warranty cover damage from extreme rain, hail, or hurricane-induced winds, common in Houston?

Transferability

With Houston’s bustling real estate market, check if your warranty can be transferred to a new owner if you sell your property.

Maintenance Requirements

Houston’s humidity can accelerate roof wear. Some warranties might mandate regular check-ups or maintenance. Be sure you’re compliant to keep the warranty valid.

5. Potential Pitfalls for Houston Homeowners

Improper Installation

Houston roofs require special attention to ventilation and water runoff due to the city’s humidity and rainfall. A roof not installed to these specifications might void the warranty.

Roof Alterations

If you’re adding solar panels to capitalize on Houston’s sunny days, ensure it doesn’t compromise the warranty.

6. Making a Claim in Houston

Given the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events:

Document Everything

Especially after a storm, take photos of any damage.

Contact the Relevant Houston Entity

Depending on your warranty type, approach the manufacturer or the local Houston contractor.

Follow Procedures

Each company will have its claims process. Adhere to it for a smooth resolution.

What To Do When A Company Does Not Honor the Roof Warranty 

When a company fails to honor its roof warranty, it can be frustrating and financially straining for homeowners. Addressing this situation requires a methodical and informed approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

1. Review the Warranty Document

Before taking any action, go over the warranty terms and conditions to ensure you understand its provisions, limitations, and exclusions. It’s possible there may be specific conditions or nuances you might have overlooked.

2. Gather Evidence

Document Everything. This includes:

• Detailed photographs of the damage or issue.
• Purchase receipts, work orders, or any related contracts.
• Any correspondence (emails, letters) between you and the company.
• Maintenance records, if regular maintenance is a warranty condition.

3. Initiate Direct Communication

Contact the company. Address your concerns with the company that provided the warranty. It’s often best to start with a written form of communication, like an email or letter, so you have a record.

Clearly describe the issue. Refer to the warranty terms you believe are being violated.

Attach any relevant evidence.

Request a second inspection. If the company had previously sent someone to inspect and you disagreed with their assessment, ask for a second inspection. Sometimes, a different representative may provide a more favorable outcome.

4. Seek Mediation or Arbitration

If direct communication doesn’t resolve the issue, consider mediation or arbitration. Some warranty agreements have clauses specifying that disputes must be handled through these methods rather than litigation.

5. Consult with an Attorney

If the company continues to resist honoring the warranty and the amount in dispute is significant, consult with an attorney specializing in contract or consumer rights law. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation and jurisdiction.

6. File a Complaint

File a complaint with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). They can mediate between you and the company, and while they don’t have enforcement power, a complaint can impact a business’s BBB rating.

You can also reach out to the State Attorney General’s Office. Many states have a consumer protection division that can assist in disputes between consumers and businesses.

If the roofing company is part of any professional associations, you can lodge a complaint to the regulatory bodies as well.

7. Utilize Social Media and Reviews

Share your experience on platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, or other relevant sites. This isn’t about revenge but rather informing potential customers. Companies often respond faster when public reputation is at stake.

8. Consider Small Claims Court

If the disputed amount falls within the limit set by your jurisdiction for small claims court, and all other avenues have been exhausted, this can be a way to resolve the matter without the full expense of a lawsuit.

For Houston homeowners, a roof warranty provides peace of mind against both man-made and nature-induced roof problems. With the city’s unique climate challenges, understanding your roof warranty becomes even more critical. Ensure you’re well-covered and informed, and your Houston home will remain safe and protected for years to come.

At A Affordable Roofing, we’re not just roofing contractors. We’re your local Houston experts who ensure your roof is up to the task, rain or shine. Whether you’re looking to understand your current warranty, considering a new roof installation, or just want to ensure your home’s protection, our team is here to help.
Contact us today and let us help safeguard one of your most precious investments: your home.