Your home’s siding is its first line of defense against the elements. It protects your family from rain, wind and sun while boosting your home’s curb appeal. When you invest in new siding, you expect it to last. That’s where warranties come in. They are supposed to offer peace of mind with your investment, but what do those documents actually promise? Siding warranties can be confusing, so let’s break down what’s really covered.
Understanding your warranty is crucial before you sign on the dotted line. It ensures you know exactly what protection you have for your investment.
Manufacturer Warranty vs. Workmanship Warranty
First, it’s important to know that you’ll likely have two separate warranties for your new siding. There is the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. What’s the difference between them?
The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the siding material itself. This includes issues like peeling, blistering or flaking that occur under normal conditions. Many top brands offer extensive warranties that protect against these problems for decades. This warranty guarantees the product will perform as advertised.
The workmanship warranty comes from your siding installer. This warranty covers the quality of the installation. If your siding fails because it was improperly installed, this is the warranty that applies. It covers errors made during the installation process, such as improper fastening that leads to loose panels or water intrusion.
What Do Siding Warranties Typically Cover?
Most manufacturer warranties cover specific product failures, such as:
- Manufacturing Defects: This covers issues like uneven color finish or delamination that originated at the factory.
- Peeling and Flaking: Your siding’s finish should stay intact for many years; however, a good warranty covers premature failure of the paint or coating.
- Hail Damage: Some premium siding products offer limited coverage for hail damage, but this can vary significantly. Always read the fine print.
On the other hand, a workmanship warranty from a reputable contractor protects you from installation mistakes.
What Isn’t Usually Covered?
Warranties don’t cover everything. Understanding the exclusions is just as important as knowing what is covered. Common exclusions include:
- Damage from misuse or neglect
- Fading from normal sun exposure
- Damage from extreme weather events like tornadoes or hurricanes
- Issues caused by the settling of the home’s foundation
- Unauthorized alterations or repairs
Questions to Ask About Your Siding Warranty
To feel confident in your siding project, you need to ask the right questions. Before hiring a contractor, here are some good questions to ask:
- Is the warranty transferable to a new homeowner if I sell my house?
- What specific actions could void my warranty?
- Who do I contact to file a claim?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover and for how long?
At Signature Exteriors, we believe in transparency. We offer exemplary siding services to homeowners in Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina areas. We take the time to walk you through both the manufacturer’s and our own workmanship warranties so you have complete peace of mind. Not only do our contractors go through rigorous training, but we hold certifications from top industry organizations, ensuring the work is done right.
Ready to discuss your siding project? Contact us today to learn more about our services and the solid warranties that back them up.