Why Roofing Guarantees Matter

As a homeowner, it’s perfectly sensible to have your priorities in order when it comes to your roof, including the choice of contractors and, of course, the price. What good are guarantees if the roofer can’t get the job done to your satisfaction? Do they really matter?

Too Good to Be True?

A guarantee is only as good as the trust you’re willing to put into your roofing contractor. Cowboy contractors often lack the expertise, qualifications, and insurance required to get the job done, so this means they’ll often be far more willing to give you low-ball offers that seem too good to be true – and they probably are.

If you’re going to put your trust into a roofer, the guarantee starts to make a lot more sense since you can rely on the contractor to get the job done to your satisfaction. How can you trust your contractor? Telltale signs of a reputable contractor include:

• A web domain with quality content (blogs, service pages, etc.): cowboys may be able to create a simple landing page, but they often lack the commitment to put together a quality website showcasing their work.
• A decade or more of experience: if your roofer has plenty of experience in roofing, they understand that their reputation is on the line should anything go wrong and they do not mitigate their risk or fix the problem to your satisfaction.
• Choice of materials: if your roofer is using the appropriate tools and materials to build, repair, or replace your roof, you’ll experience the full benefits of a well-built roof. Contractors looking to lower their budget by using low-quality materials without your consent should be avoided.

What to check in a roofing warranty

Not all guarantees are equal. Before you sign a quote, it is worth knowing exactly what you are being promised. Here is what to look for.

• Workmanship vs product warranty: a workmanship warranty covers the roofer’s installation and labour. A product warranty comes from the manufacturer of the materials, such as the roof sheeting, tiles or coating. You want both, and you want to know who to call for each.
• It is in writing: a verbal promise is hard to rely on years later. The warranty should be written on your quote or invoice, with the length of cover and what it applies to.
• What is covered and what is not: good warranties spell out the scope, for example leaks caused by the work performed, and the exclusions, such as storm damage, tree damage or work done later by someone else.
• How long the cover lasts: compare the length of the workmanship warranty, not just the price. A longer warranty shows the roofer expects the work to last.
• Registration and insurance: ask for the roofer’s registration details and proof of insurance. A warranty is only useful if the business behind it is properly set up and still trading when you need it.
• How to make a claim: you should know who to contact, what they will need from you and how quickly they will respond.

Warning signs to watch for

• A price far below every other quote, with little detail on what is included
• No written scope, or a scope that only says “repair roof” or “restore roof”
• A guarantee that only exists if you pay in cash or pay in full upfront
• No business address, no ABN on the quote and no reviews you can check
• Pressure to sign on the day, often after a knock on the door following a storm

How Roof Guard backs its work

Roof Guard Roofing provides a 10 year workmanship warranty, with the scope, terms and any exclusions explained in writing before work starts. Every job starts with an inspection, and you receive a clear written quote that sets out the materials, the work involved and what is included. You can see examples of our finished work in our recent projects, and read what homeowners say on our Google reviews.

Roofing guarantee FAQs

What is a workmanship warranty on a roof?

It is the roofer’s promise that the work they carried out was done properly. If a fault appears that was caused by their workmanship during the warranty period, they come back and fix it.

Does a roof restoration come with a warranty?

It should. Ask for the workmanship warranty in writing, and ask which coating system is being used, as coatings often carry their own manufacturer warranty. See our roof restoration page for what a full restoration includes.

Is a longer warranty always better?

A longer warranty is a good sign, but only if it comes with a clear written scope and a business you can rely on. A long warranty from a roofer you cannot contact later is worth very little.

Want a quote with the warranty spelled out in writing? Call 03 8738 3451 or request a free quote.