A manufacturer’s roofing warranty will help you get repairs and replacements in case something goes wrong with your roof. It’ll give you a guarantee and peace of mind that your money is invested in the right place.

But a lot of times, homeowners fail to understand the terms and conditions of their roofing warranty. As a result, they end up doing something that renders their warranty void.

Now every manufacturer has different criteria when it comes to what voids a warranty and what doesn’t. Below I’ve listed the 5 most common reasons that can void your roof warranty.

1. Improper Installation

It all starts with properly installing the roof. The manufacturer always has specific guidelines that need to be followed while installing a roof. For example, they’ll tell you many nails you have to use per shingle or the size or type of nail to be used. If you hire an inexperienced contractor, they won’t be aware of these instructions.

Hence, it’s important to hire a professional licensed roofer to install your roof. 

2. Roof Perforations

Drilling holes on your roof to install satellite dishes and antennas can void a portion of your warranty as these holes make your roof more susceptible to leaks. This doesn’t mean you cannot install anything on your roof. But you’ll have to work with a professional roofer who understands the specific measures that are required to keep your warranty.

3. Poor Ventilation

Proper attic ventilation is critical to prolonging the life of your roof. Improper ventilation can trap moisture under the roof, leading to mold and mildew. If your roofer isn’t aware of the residential roofing systems’ ventilation, they’ll fail to protect your roof from ventilation damage. And lead to nullifying your roofing warranty.

4. Layering New Materials 

Reroofing is the process of layering new materials over an existing roof, like, adding a new layer of shingles without removing or tearing off the old roof. Most roofers recommend this when the underlying structures are in a good condition. 

But this can be risky as the additional weight can put a strain on your decking and joists. Also, the second layer of shingle will expand heat more slowly, shortening its lifespan. It will also lead to bulges as the two layers of shingles won’t stick together properly. All this will ultimately void or shorten your warranty. 

5. DIY Maintenance 

A lot of homeowners attempt to perform their roof maintenance themselves. Most warranties ask the owners to perform specific maintenance task regularly. Improper roof maintenance can easily void your roof warranties. 

Many people use pressure washers to clean off debris, grease or moss from the roof. This strong force of water can easily damage your shingles or might lead to the loss of granules on your roof. You won’t have a warranty if the damage occurs due to your faulty maintenance. 

Get in touch with our professional roofers to schedule a free roof inspection and regular roof maintenance.