Having a warranty on your roof can give you peace of mind and avoid costly repairs. However, roof warranties do typically come with certain requirements. There are specific actions which, if taken, will void your roof warranty.
If you want to protect your roof and keep your warranty intact, you and your roofers should avoid doing these seven things.
1. Improperly Installing the Roof Materials
Manufacturers of roofing materials require their materials are installed in a specific way. If your roof is installed improperly, it will be at an increased risk for damage, and thus the warranty won’t apply.
This is why it’s never a good idea to install a roof yourself. Also, make sure the roofers you hire are experienced and reputable. The validity of your roof warranty depends on them doing a good job.
2. Not Providing Enough Ventilation
Roofs need to be well ventilated. Roof vents allow heat to escape from the attic so heat does not pass directly through the roof materials. A roof which lacks ventilation will get too warm too often. Over time, this will cause the roof materials to break down. As such, roofing manufacturers won’t honor warranties on roofs installed with less-than-adequate ventilation.
If your attic is often stuffy, have a roofer check whether it’s properly ventilated. Addressing the issue as soon as possible may help keep your warranty intact.
3. Not Providing Enough Insulation
If your attic is not well insulated, the roof will get too hot, accelerating damage and voiding your warranty. Your roofers should make sure there is enough insulation in the attic when replacing your roof. However, if your insulation becomes compacted, wet, or otherwise compromised, you should replace it as soon as possible. Proper insulation not only protects your roof but also lowers your energy bills.
4. Installing a New Roof Over an Old Roof
Years ago, it was somewhat common for roofers to put a new layer of shingles over an old, deteriorating layer of shingles. This saved time and money since the old roof was not torn off. This practice has become a lot less common — and for good reasons!
Placing a new roof over an old roof traps moisture between the two layers. This leads to premature roof damage. Your roof warranty won’t be viable if you install over an old roof, and your new roof won’t last too long, either.
5. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing may seem convenient to remove algae and other grime from your roof. But it also removes the granules on the surface of the shingles. Those granules are intended to protect the shingles. Once they are gone, roof leaks are imminent.
If you power wash your roof, you’ll void your warranty and increase your chances of a leak. Instead, hire a roofing company to clean your roof with a gentle cleaner to remove the grime without disturbing the granules.
6. Adding Antennae and Satellite Dishes
Some roof warranties are voided if an antenna or satellite dish is added to the roof. However, it is more common for warranties to require this work to be done with a roofing professional’s input. Your roofer can ensure that no damage is done during the setup process.
This may seem harsh, but a lot of damage can be done if a satellite dish or antenna is not installed correctly. For example, if the item anchors into the shingles but not the underlayment, the shingles and the satellite dish might blow off during a storm. This damage would not be covered under warranty.
7. Adding Skylights or Solar Panels
Skylights can be a lovely addition to your roof, but they can cause a lot of damage if not installed carefully. Water can leak in around them and lead to rot. For this reason, skylights should only be installed by a professional roofer who has knowledge of your roof warranty.
Solar panels should also not be mounted on your roof without the input of a roofer. Some solar panels are too heavy for certain roof structures. Some need to be anchored down in a specific way to prevent roof damage. Installing a solar panel yourself is likely to void the warranty on the roof since they are difficult to install correctly.
If you avoid the mistakes above, your roof warranty should be upheld. Plus, your roof should remain in better condition over the years. If you’re looking for a roofing company in the Jacksonville area, don’t hesitate to contact StormForce Roofing. We’re committed to our customers, and we always install the best quality roofing materials to keep you and your family comfortable.