UNDERSTANDING ASPHALT SHINGLES AND PRODUCT WARRANTIES

What Every Property Owner Should Know

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in Florida homes. Asphalt shingles are composed of a base material which is a fiberglass mat, asphalt, and surfacing material which is generally a mineral granule. The mat gives the shingle strength while the mineral granules provide protection from impact, ultraviolet damage and improved fire resistance. The asphalt binds all components together.

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Asphalt shingles are manufactured in more than one thickness. Shingles with multiple thicknesses are generally known as laminated or architectural shingles. They have a three-dimensional appearance. Shingles are applied over an underlayment of asphalt saturated felts which provide additional protection beneath the shingles but are not exposed directly to the weather.

Shingle Warranties

Shingle manufacturers in Florida sell their shingle products through both wholesale and retail distribution systems. Manufacturer warranties generally range from 15 years to 40 years depending on the type of shingle. Some manufacturers make and warrantee shingles that are resistant to fungus/algae growth. Warranties relating to this fungus/algae growth are generally 10 to 15 years.

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All manufacturers' warranties are prorated. Pro-ration generally starts after the first year and continues through the warranty period. Manufacturers warranty that their shingles are free of defects. Roof leaks caused by improper installation by the contractor are not covered by the warranty, but should be covered by the roofing contractor's workmanship warranty. Most manufacturer warranties provide that the manufacturer will replace or repair defective shingles, but no other components of the system such as metal or the felt underneath. Generally, the manufacturers will provide labor but both labor and repair or replacement of defective shingles are prorated based on the length of the warranty.

What most manufacturer warranties do not cover:

1. Natural disasters and acts of God (lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes).
2. Hail.
3. Acts of negligence, abuse or misuse, accidents, vandalism.
4. Damage by structural failure; settlement; movement; distortion; warpage; or buckling or cracking of roof deck, walls or foundation.
5. Failure of material and/or metal work not supplied by the manufacturer issuing the warranty.
6. Changes, repairs, or alterations to roof or installation of equipment, fixtures, or utilities on or through roof after application.
7. Defects in, failure or improper application of, roof insulation, roof deck, or any other underlying surface of material used as a base over which the shingles are applied.
8. Inadequate attic ventilation.
9. Traffic or storage of materials on roof.
10. Improper storage of shingles.
11. Damage resulting from lack of positive, proper, or adequate drainage.
12. Negligence or failure of owner to use reasonable care in maintenance of roof or failure to follow manufacturer's maintenance specifications.
13. Variations in color caused by natural positioning of the granular surfacing material.
14. Discoloration caused by algae, fungi, lichen, cyanobacteria, or environmental sooting.
15. Repairs performed or materials furnished by others unless specifically authorized and approved by manufacturer; unauthorized repairs.
16. Fire.
17. Any cost incurred for repair or replacement not authorized by manufacturer.
18. Contaminants that have not been approved first or accepted by the manufacturer; exposure to or contact with damaging or deteriorating substances or agents.
19. Defects or failure caused by misapplication of materials or by application not in strict adherence with manufacturer's specifications, application instructions, and approved practices.
20. Application of shingles directly to insulation or an insulating deck without manufacturer's prior approval.
21. Application of cleaning solutions, paint, or coatings.
22. Infiltration or condensation of moisture in or through underlying area; vapor condensation beneath the roof.
23. Damages caused by falling objects.
24. Damages to the shingles due to any cause other than manufacturing defects; acts of parties other than manufacturer.
25. Appearance problems related to multiple-layer installation, application over old shingles.
26. Force majeure; conditions or use or circumstances beyond manufacturer's control.

What your contractor’s workmanship warranty should cover:

Generally, roofing contractors will provide a written warranty against failures caused by improper installation of your roof. These warranties usually range from 1 to 5 years, and occasionally may go as high as ten years.

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During the period of the warranty, the contractor will repair any portions of the roof that develop problems resulting from installation of the materials. If the materials are defective, the contractor will contact the manufacturer regarding their warranty provisions. It is important for homeowners to understand that this warranty can be voided by actions including repeated foot traffic on the roof and repairs made by persons other than the roofing contractor. Generally, workmanship warranties are not transferable to new owners.