Are you in need of a new roof? If so, then chances are that you have not only seen some type of warranty from your roofing contractor, but also one on the shingles as well. Warranties are a great way to protect your investment, but what does a roofing warranty really mean to you?

Two Different Warranties

In most cases, you are dealing with two different kinds of warranties. Many roofing contractors will warranty their labor is free from problems for a certain period of time, often a year. These kinds of warranties are helpful, but they don't always cover the materials the contractor is using. As a result, if the materials fail, but the workmanship is sound, you will still have to pay for the labor involved to get the roof repaired.

You probably also have a warranty on the materials themselves, and this warranty is a much longer one. These are typically 25 to 30 year warranties, but because it just covers the material, should a problem occur, you'll have to contact the manufacturer and work through them. What is more, though, is that while you may get new materials for your roof as a result of your claim, it may not come with the cost of the labor, which means additional money out of your pocket.

It is essential to note that there are warranties out there that cover both workmanship and materials simultaneously, but these are few and far between.

Careful Shopping

To protect yourself, the single best thing you can do is shop carefully, both for a contractor and for the right materials to meet your needs. Read all of the reviews you can before you hire a contractor, and ask lots of questions about the materials he or she plans to use.

Once you are given a warranty (or the promise of a warranty), read the fine print! You will not only need to know who to turn to in the event you have to use the warranty, but you'll also need to know the conditions under which the warranty might actually apply.

If, for example, you do not follow proper maintenance procedures, some roofing warranties are automatically considered void. If the company goes out of business, you may find your workmanship warranty void. It's in your best interest to avoid signing anything if you do not understand its contents.

The Next Steps

Before you have your new roof installed, talk with several roofing contractors about their warranties. If you do not understand the terms of the warranty, make sure you contact someone who might. You may even want to engage in a bit of research just to make certain you're getting the best possible deal in your area.