When considering replacing or repairing your roof or exterior siding, you should know about two types of warranties – a workmanship warranty and a material warranty. You also should know if certain decisions may invalidate your warranty completely or what items a roofer will not warranty.

To help you make informed decisions during your siding or roof replacement, we rounded up three of the most common reasons a warranty cannot cover repair and why.

1. Racked Shingles 

Some contractors may use a racking technique to install shingles – at AIC Roofing, we do not. The racking method is used for 3-tab shingles. This installation method lays shingles in a vertical zipper pattern rather than a traditional stair-step method used with dimensional shingles. While the vertical design is approved for 3-tab shingles, the racking method isn’t for dimensional shingles. It leaves too many opportunities for exposed nails.

If your shingles were installed using a racking pattern, roofing contractors – AIC Roofing included – may not be able to assist in repairing your roof. However, the warranty of any such repair will be impacted due to the vulnerabilities inherent with this installation method. Never hesitate to ask your roofing contractor to explain the specifics of their warranties – during a repair or replacement! Your contractor should be open and honest with you during this process.

Due to the lower quality of 3-tab shingles, longevity concerns, and the availability of higher-grade shingles, 3-tab shingles will eventually be phased out. 

2. Siding Without House Wrap

House wrap is a barrier between your siding and home to:

  • Prevent moisture accumulation
  • Stop mold growth
  • Provide further insulation

At AIC Roofing, we use house wrap on every new exterior siding project. Failing to install house wrap can void all warranties (depending on your contractor and materials selected).

If your home does not currently have house wrap under your siding, this could also affect your roofing warranties.

For example, if the ceiling of your home showed stains or other evidence of leaks, water could be getting behind your home’s siding and running down the wall – not through the roof.

If your roofing contractor repaired issues on the roof and the leak persists, it would likely result from faulty siding. The workmanship warranty would not cover any problems unrelated to the specific repair on the roof. 

3. Refusing Minimum Standards

Whether it’s to save a few bucks or concern over aesthetics, homeowners may decide to not comply with minimum requirements regarding ventilation or other roofing aspects. Refusing these minimum requirements for any part of your roof or siding repair/replacement would void the workmanship warranty for many contractors. It could even void the manufacturer’s warranty. Your trusted contractor should communicate if any decisions you make during the process void either the manufacturer or workmanship warranty. Be sure to ask your contractor questions about their repair and replacement warranties. 

Choosing a contractor who is knowledgeable about materials and processes is critical to ensuring your investment is protected. AIC Roofing & Construction has replaced thousands of roofs in central Kentucky. In addition to roofing, we install gutters, siding, and more! Contact us to get started!

3-tab attics barns chimney choosing a contractor commercial cost curb appeal DIY estimate financing flashing flat roof GAF glossary gutter replacement gutters gutter size gutter system ice dams inspections insurance missing shingles roof design roofing materials roofing system roof leak roof maintenance roof materials roof repair roof replacement roof shapes roof types shingle ratings shingles siding siding materials siding replacement skylights storm damage underlayment ventilation warranty winter