Your Siding Investment Deserves Protection: A Complete Guide to Understanding Warranty Coverage
When you invest thousands of dollars in new siding for your home, understanding the warranty coverage that protects your investment is just as crucial as selecting the right material. The best way to protect a siding investment is through a siding warranty, yet many homeowners don’t fully grasp what their warranties actually cover until they need to make a claim.
The Two Essential Types of Siding Warranties
Typically, there are two main types of siding warranties to consider: the manufacturer warranty and the contractor warranty. Together, these two types of warranties should entirely cover your home’s new siding, from installation, to parts and labor.
Manufacturer Warranties are provided by the siding material company and typically cover manufacturing defects, such as peeling, fading, or cracking. A manufacturer’s warranty is a guarantee from the siding manufacturer that their product will be free from defects for a specified period. This warranty covers the replacement or repair of the siding if it fails due to manufacturing defects.
Contractor Warranties focus on workmanship and installation quality. Siding contractor warranties normally include free coverage for labor and installation related issues for a set amount of time. These warranties protect you from issues that arise due to improper installation techniques or faulty workmanship.
What Your Siding Warranty Typically Covers
Understanding what’s included in your warranty coverage can save you significant money down the road. Siding warranties often cover material defects such as warping, cracking, or delamination. If the siding does not meet quality standards or fails due to manufacturing defects, it is typically covered under the warranty.
Common covered issues include:
- Cracking, chipping, peeling, or excessive fading
- Manufacturing defects, fading, chipping, cracking, and rotting of the siding material
- Structural failures due to material defects
- Color retention issues beyond normal weathering
Critical Warranty Exclusions You Must Know
Just as important as knowing what’s covered is understanding what’s not. Common exclusions from siding warranties include damage from improper installation, accidents, extreme weather conditions, or lack of maintenance. Items that are typically not covered under a siding warranty include damage from improper installation, accidents, natural disasters, misuse, neglect, or alterations made to the siding.
Be particularly aware that damage resulting from improper installation is typically not covered by siding warranties. This includes issues such as leaks due to poor sealing, warping caused by incorrect fastening, or cracking from inadequate support. This is why choosing a qualified siding contractor wappinger is essential for maintaining your warranty protection.
Warranty Duration: What to Expect
Siding warranties can vary in length depending on the manufacturer and type of siding, but they often range from 15 to 30 years. Some premium siding products may even come with a lifetime warranty. However, it’s important to understand that for most siding manufacturers, a fifty year warranty is standard. Some products even carry a lifetime warranty.
The material type significantly impacts warranty length. Vinyl siding typically has a longer warranty than wood siding. This is because vinyl is a more durable and low-maintenance material that is less susceptible to damage from weather and pests. Fiber cement siding and metal siding also tend to come with longer warranties than wood siding.
Protecting Your Warranty Investment
Always follow manufacturer guidelines for installation and maintenance to avoid voiding the warranty. Key maintenance requirements typically include regular cleaning, prompt repair of minor issues, and avoiding unauthorized modifications to the siding.
The warranty on your siding may also be voided if you make modifications or unauthorized repairs to the product. The manufacturer’s warranty typically only covers the siding in its original state, so any alterations can negatively impact its performance and your coverage.
The Importance of Professional Installation
Working with experienced professionals like Gualan Brothers Home Remodeling Corp, serving Orange and Dutchess County, NY, ensures your warranty remains valid. Their commitment to “honest and set” pricing with “upfront pricing and transparent details” and “attention to detail” with “detailed craftsmanship” reflects the quality installation practices that protect your warranty coverage.
For a successful siding installation that will protect your investment, it is crucial to choose the right installer. Look for a certified and experienced professional who is familiar with the specific siding product you have selected.
Making a Warranty Claim
If you need to file a warranty claim, contact the manufacturer promptly. Providing necessary documentation, such as proof of purchase and photos of the issue, will aid in processing your warranty claim efficiently. Keep all installation records, receipts, and warranty documentation in a safe place.
Transferability Adds Value
Siding warranties may or may not be transferable, meaning they remain valid after the sale of your home. A transferable warranty is a desirable selling point to new owners and can increase your home’s resale value. When selecting siding, consider whether the warranty can transfer to future homeowners.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Before starting your siding project, discuss these key warranty questions:
- What specific coverage does the manufacturer warranty provide?
- How long is the contractor’s workmanship warranty?
- Are labor costs covered for warranty repairs?
- Is the warranty transferable to future homeowners?
- What maintenance is required to keep the warranty valid?
Understanding your siding warranty coverage ensures you’re making an informed investment in your home’s protection and value. Proper warranty coverage provides long-term value by protecting your siding investment against defects, premature failure, and other issues that could arise years down the road. Investing time upfront to navigate warranties and properly document your coverage with an experienced contractor can provide this valuable long-term protection and confidence in your siding’s performance and longevity.
When you choose a reputable contractor who stands behind their work with comprehensive warranties, you’re not just buying siding—you’re investing in decades of protection for one of your home’s most important exterior components.