If you're faced with the significant decision of replacing your roof. You might feel confused by the many warranty options for an investment costing $15,000 to $25,000. Pro-rated or non-prorated shingle warranties: What are they? Which one best suits your needs? How can you ensure that your hard-earned money is well spent?
Take a breather; you've come to the right place.
RoofCrafters has 30 years of experience in roofing. We have dealt with all types of warranties and roofing situations. We have the knowledge to explain complicated terms in a way that is easy to understand. Now we want to share that information with you.
This guide will illuminate the intricate world of shingle warranties. We will provide you with important details so you can make a well-informed choice. This decision will protect your home and finances for a long time. Now, let's explain the confusing warranty terms so you can understand them better.
What is a Roof Warranty?
A roof warranty is a contract between you and the roofer or manufacturer. It explains how your roof will be fixed or replaced and during what time. A warranty is like insurance that protects your investment from defects and errors.
Types of Roof Warranties
To keep your roof safe, you should understand the different warranties available. Generally, you'll encounter two main categories: Manufacturer's Warranty and Workmanship Warranty.
To keep your home and save money, it's crucial to know what each warranty covers.
Manufacturer's Material Warranty
A manufacturer-backed warranty covers the roofing materials themselves. If the shingles or other roofing parts fail early because of a mistake in manufacturing, the manufacturer will replace them or give you a refund. These warranties usually last between 20 to 50 years but always read the fine print for specifics.
Contractor Workmanship Warranty
The roofing contractor gives a warranty for their workmanship. It covers any problems from installation. If your roof starts to leak or is poorly installed, the contractor will fix it under this warranty. Workmanship warranties vary in length, but usually last between 2 to 5 years.
What Does Pro-Rated Mean?
A pro-rated material warranty operates on a sliding scale of coverage. As your roof gets older, you can claim less money for repairs or replacements. If your roof has a 50-year pro-rated warranty, but you have problems 15 years later, the warranty will cover the pro-rated period. The first 10 years are non-prorated with most shingles. So, the manufacturer in this case would owe you the balance of the life remaining which would be 35 years of materials reinbersment only.
This warranty costs less at first, but you might pay more as the roof gets older.
What Does Non-Pro-Rated Mean?
A non-pro-rated material warranty covers everything during the whole warranty period, unlike pro-rated warranties. Whether your roof is 15 or 35 years old. If it is still under warranty, you will have the same coverage for repairs or replacement. The shingle manufacturer will be responsible for fixing any problems.
The benefits don't decrease over time. At first, you may pay more, but these warranties protect your roofing materials for a long time.
Pro-Rated vs Non-Pro-Rated: A Side-by-Side Comparison
To help you decide, here's a comparison of the pros and cons of the two shingle warranties.
Hopefully, this comparison clarifies the essential differences between pro-rated and non-pro-rated shingle warranties.
How to Choose Between Pro-Rated and Non-Pro-Rated
Choosing the right shingle warranty is tough, especially when a lot of money is in play. To help you decide, ask yourself these questions and consider different home scenarios.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
1. How Long Do I Plan to Live in This Home?
- If you intend to stay for many years, a non-pro-rated warranty may offer better peace of mind. If you're considering selling soon, a pro-rated warranty might suffice.
2. What's My Budget?
- If you don't have a lot of money now but will have more later, a pro-rated warranty may be better.
3. What Level of Complexity Am I Comfortable With?
- Non-pro-rated warranties are simpler. Pro-rated warranties you'll need to understand diminishing returns.
4. Do I Want Predictable Costs?
- If you prefer knowing exactly what expenses to expect, a non-pro-rated warranty is a better fit.
5. What Are My Future Home Improvement Plans?
- If you plan to make big changes to your home that could impact the roof, the warranty you pick might matter.
Considerations for Different Home Scenarios
- Newly Built Homes: For new constructions, a non-pro-rated warranty offers the longest term of full coverage. This will protect your brand-new asset.
- Older Homes: If your home is older but you plan to live there for a long time, a non-pro-rated warranty might still be the best option. But, check the current condition of the roof to make an informed choice.
- Rental Properties: As a landlord, a pro-rated warranty may be financially beneficial. Especially if you do not expect long-term ownership of the property.
- Vacation Homes: Consider how often the property will be in use. Infrequent use might not need the comprehensive coverage of a non-pro-rated warranty.
To choose the right warranty, consider your goals, finances, and peace of mind. Ask yourself these questions and think about different scenarios.
Financial Aspects: Navigating the Dollars and Cents of Your Warranty Decision
The type of shingle warranty you choose will impact your finances, both now and in the future. This section will explain the cost differences between pro-rated and non-pro-rated warranties. It will help you choose which option is better for your finances.
Initial Costs
- Pro-Rated: Typically comes with a lower upfront cost, making it easier on your wallet in the short term.
- Non-Pro-Rated: Generally requires a higher initial investment for the promise of more comprehensive coverage.
Long-term Expenses
- Pro-Rated: While the initial cost is lower, understand that the warranty value decreases over time. Which means future repairs might come out of your pocket.
- Non-Pro-Rated: Although it's more expensive, you're likely to have more consistent coverage and predictable costs throughout the warranty period.
Unforeseen Costs
- Pro-Rated: Any unexpected roof damage not covered by the diminishing warranty could result in significant out-of-pocket expenses.
- Non-Pro-Rated: Offers better protection against unexpected costs due to its more consistent coverage over time.
Return on Investment (ROI)
- Pro-Rated: This can offer good ROI if you plan to sell the property in a few years, as the initial cost is lower.
- Non-Pro-Rated: Provides higher ROI if you plan to own the property long-term due to its more comprehensive and long-lasting coverage.
To make a good decision that fits your budget and long-term plans, understand these financial aspects.
Wrapping it Up: Your Roadmap to a Roof Warranty That Works for You
In the journey of securing a new roof, understanding the warranty that comes with it is critical. We've explained pro-rated and non-pro-rated shingle warranties in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways:
- Pro-Rated Warranties: Lower upfront cost but less coverage over time.
- Non-Pro-Rated Warranties: Higher initial investment but consistent, long-lasting coverage.
Your choice in the warranty isn't a short-term decision but an investment that affects your home's value and your peace of mind for years to come. To make an informed decision, you need to understand the important factors. We hope this guide helps.
RoofCrafters has 30 years of experience, so we use real-world applications to guide you. If you want to understand more, you can look at our other educational article in our learning center. Thank you for entrusting us to illuminate the pathway to a secure and satisfying roof warranty. We look forward to being your trusted advisor in all your roofing needs.
