Choosing the Right Warranty: What to Look For in Your Roofing or UPVC Contract

The warranty for your roofing or UPVC contract is like the seatbelts in your car. You hope you’ll never need to make a claim, but having it could make all the difference.

Your roofing materials and roofline features can take a battering from the elements, so any issues in the materials or workmanship could have serious results. Having a good, solid warranty not only ensures that you won’t be out of pocket, but it is also a reassurance that the manufacturer and installer are confident to put their money where their mouth is.

So what should you look for in your roofing or UPVC warranty?

Different Types of Warranty

Do you know whether you have a manufacturer’s warranty, a workmanship guarantee or both?

• A manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the materials, such as roof tiles, membranes or the UPVC components. If these deteriorate or break within the warranty period, the manufacturer will replace them free.
• A workmanship guarantee covers the installer’s work. This is vital because the manufacturer’s warranty is usually only valid if the installation has followed recommended processes. The workmanship guarantee ensures you’re still covered even if this isn’t the case.

 It’s important, therefore, to make sure the contract you sign covers both of these. Also, make sure that the contractor follows Building Regulations and, where applicable, is registered with a competent person scheme.

The Length and Terms of the Warranty

Defects in the materials or workmanship may take some time to become apparent, so it’s vital that the warranty lasts long enough to cover any possibility of this. The proper term will depend on the material, but ten years is the minimum term.

At the same time, it’s vital to check the small print. Some exceptions are standard, such as if your negligence has significantly contributed to the damage, but make sure the warranty isn’t excluding issues that should be covered.

The warranty should cover both materials and labour. For UPVC installations, it’s also vital to check whether issues such as discolouration, warping, condensation between panes or faulty locking mechanisms are covered.

Is the Warranty Transferable?

A warranty for your roof or UPVC features should last for many years, and there’s a possibility that you may wish to sell the property within that time. You should be able to transfer the warranty to the new owner, and this may be a selling point.

Make sure the contract states clearly whether the warranty can be passed on to a new owner. Also, check whether they’ll impose any administration fees in this case.

Get the Paperwork Sorted

Any verbal contract can be dangerous, but a contractor who simply offers a verbal assurance that there’s a warranty shouldn’t be trusted. Any reputable firm will provide a valid legal document, which you should keep secure somewhere you can find it quickly.

None of this should be a problem if you choose a roofing and UPVC contractor with an excellent reputation — though you still need to make all the checks. Give Empire a call to find out about the warranties we offer on our work.