The roof is a very critical part of your Maryland home, and paying top dollar for its repair or replacement makes it a sizeable investment that you need to protect. One of the best ways to care for this investment is to make sure you get a warranty for the job. A warranty means that you won’t have to pay this money again in case your roof fails within the warranty period.

There are two types of roof warranties: one for material and another for labor. A roof material warranty is provided by the manufacturer, while a labor warranty is provided by the contractor. The average warranty period for roof materials is between 20 to 30 years. For labor, warranty for faulty workmanship is around five years. If you encounter a roof warranty that’s way beyond these time frames, then you should ask that it be extended straight away.

The goal of a warranty is to ensure quality roof installation that provides long-term performance. But relying on warranty alone is not enough. You have your own set of responsibilities to ensure that your roof remains problem-free; make periodic checks and clean off any debris. This allows you to see the condition of your roof.

Reputable roofing contractors will discuss roof warranty when you inquire about a roofing job or get an estimate. If the roof contractor did not mention warranty prior to the job, don’t assume that it’s included because that is not always the case. Ask him about it so you can be assured that you have warranty for both materials and labor.

One of the most critical things you need to check on your roof warranty is the terms of acceptance. This defines the date when the warranty takes effect, which should be upon the completion of the job and not at the start of it. Most roofing MD manufacturers and contractors will send an inspector to check that the roof job is finished to confirm activation of the warranty.

A warranty is only as good as the roofing Maryland manufacturers and contractors that offer it. Some unscrupulous storm chaser roofing contractors descend upon a community after a storm, repair or replace roofs cheaply, never to be seen again. Make sure you check on them before they start work on your roof.

It is important to find a reliable roof company for your roofing needs. It may cost more, but a company that has been around for many years and with a good track record is always worth your every penny. For a list of Maryland roofing companies, please visit angieslist.com.