Most home and business owners don’t think much about their roof—until something goes wrong. Unfortunately, once a problem appears, damage often worsens while waiting for repairs. That’s why regular inspections and maintenance are essential. But just as important is the selection of roofing materials. What goes on your roof matters just as much as who installs it. Because these are manufactured products, quality control and warranty coverage also play a critical role. Here’s what you should consider:
Choose the Right Contractor Who Understands Roofing Systems
The most important step is hiring a contractor who sees your roof as a complete system, not just an opportunity for profit. Many Texas contractors focus on cutting corners to increase margins. We often hear customers say, “My roofer is paying my deductible.”
Let’s be clear: since September 2019, Texas law prohibits contractors from paying, absorbing, rebating, crediting, or otherwise covering a deductible. You can verify this at DontFraudMyTexas.com.
Beyond the legal issues and potential insurance fraud, contractors still need to recover those lost profits. They may use sub-par workmanship, secondhand or stolen materials, or skip proper code compliance. In the end, the customer bears the risk without realizing it. For guidance on hiring a trustworthy contractor, check out our blog post on choosing the right roofer. After all, you likely interviewed several people before trusting someone to cut your hair—your roof deserves at least as much care.
Roofing Systems Are Designed to Work Together
According to GAF, “if the layers were not designed to work together, then mixing and matching them may lead to future problems.” Atlas Building Products adds, “roofing contractors should use complementary components from one manufacturer that are designed to work together for maximum performance and warranty value.”
While some may view these statements as biased, it’s important to remember that these companies employ engineers and scientists. Their research optimizes materials to perform best when used together.
Manufacturer Warranties Reduce Your Risk
Not all manufacturer warranties are created equal. Understanding warranty details helps you choose the right manufacturer and better protect your investment.
We prefer GAF because they back their warranties with an escrowed account, ensuring financial support if any issues arise. Many consumers have been burned by unreliable contractors, making it hard to know who to trust. To offer extended warranties, manufacturers vet contractors through programs like GAF’s program requirements. These programs verify that contractors carry proper insurance, follow strict installation standards, and submit to third-party inspections.
Some warranties, such as GAF’s Silver and Golden Pledge warranties, also cover labor for a specified period. This additional layer of protection provides further peace of mind.
Protect Your Investment
Replacing your roof can feel overwhelming. But when you consider that your roof protects your home or business from the elements, making smart decisions becomes critical. Choose a contractor who understands roofing systems. Select a full system from a single manufacturer. Protect your investment with a manufacturer-backed extended warranty that guarantees both materials and workmanship.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an annual roof system inspection, click here. We’re here to help guide you through the process.
