Bill West Roofing

When you have a new roof installed, you take comfort in knowing it will come with a workmanship warranty from the contractor and a manufacturer’s warranty for the materials. The roof warranties provide a certain level of protection from faulty products and costly repairs or replacements.

Sometimes, however, homeowners take actions which void their roof warranty, making it useless when problems covered by the warranty arise. Here are 7 common causes of a voided roof warranty.

1. Improper Installation

Roofing manufacturers are highly selective when it comes to how their roofing materials should be installed. They have specific directions about installation, including the length of the nails used, the number of nails per shingle, and more. If you choose a less qualified roofer who cuts corners, makes rookie mistakes, or disregards the specifications, you’ll be looking at a voided warranty. 

For this reason, be sure to hire a reliable local roofing contractor familiar with the type of roof they’re installing and are committed to following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

2. Improper Ventilation

Proper roof ventilation is a critical part of ensuring your roof lasts as long as possible. The ventilation system works by allowing a continual flow of air through the attic, preventing moisture accumulation and a hot roof.

• Heat from your living space builds up in your attic. This causes shingles to overheat, become brittle, and wear out prematurely, which will create a spiral of additional damage.
• Trapped moisture creates the ideal environment for the growth of mold and mildew in the attic.
• In the winter, improper ventilation can lead to ice dams, which lead to water damage.

These kinds of roof damage will not be covered by the warranty.

3. Improper Insulation

Traditionally, homes are insulated with cellulose or fiberglass insulation. However, spray foam insulation, a combination of resin and chemicals, is chosen for cost. As the insulation is sprayed, the foam expands and hardens into a super-dense blanket filling the entire area it is applied to.

Spray foam insulation is applied directly to the roof sheathing and covers everything thoroughly, including the roof vents. The lack of ventilation creates a hot roof, which will cause the temperature of your shingles to rise, their lifespan to be significantly reduced, and their color to fade.

4. Pressure Washing

You like a clean roof free of moss, grime, algae, grease, and debris, right? Moss and debris can damage your roof over time because they tend to trap moisture on the surface of the roof.

Pressure washing may be the first solution you think of when you want a clean roof. While it gives immediate and drastic results, pressure washing can nullify your roof warranty. 

Shingles are not designed to withstand the close range of the cleaning process, and the high-pressure setting can dislodge granules protecting shingles from UV rays. If you must have your roof cleaned, contact a roofing contractor to help you clean it safely and effectively.

5. Installing a New Roof Over an Old One

Some contractors will install new shingles over the old ones because it’s less labor-intensive than a complete tear-off. But layering new shingles over old ones can cost you more over time. It also voids your warranty. Without tearing the old roof off, your roofer won’t be able to inspect the underlying materials to see if they’re deteriorating.

Reroofing can shorten the service life of your new roof. The additional weight can lead to sagging over time, compromising the structural integrity of your home.

6. Antennas and Satellite Dishes

Antennas and satellite dishes are great for watching your favorite channels, but they can void your roof warranty, depending on the fine print. Installing these items typically involves drilling holes in your roof, which can cause roof leaks when not done properly. The water infiltration can lead to extensive water damage to your roof and home. Before installing an antenna or satellite dish to your roof, read your warranty closely and contact your roofer.

7. Additions to Your Roof

Fixtures such as solar panels and skylights involve major roofing which, if not done right, can void your roof warranty. Installing these fixtures includes drilling, removing shingles, and cutting away a portion of your roof.

Does this mean you can’t add any fixtures to your roof? No. It simply means you should have your roofing contractor coordinating with the technician installing the fixture to ensure the measures required to keep your warranty intact are followed.

Reliable Shingle Roof Replacement

Turn to Bill West Roofing for quality roof replacement, repair, and maintenance services in Lee’s Summit, MO. We proudly install CertainTeed shingle roofing and offer homeowners the 5-Star CertainTeed SureStart Plus warranty, which includes materials, labor, and workmanship. Our focus is on excellent customer service and quality roofing to last decades. Contact us today to request a free estimate.

Roof Leaks: Why You Should Be Concerned About Mold

When you have a roof leak, you don’t just need to address the roof damage causing the leak. You also need to be aware of additional damage the leak could cause. Much of the damage comes in the form of mold growth. Mold can grow surprisingly quickly, so it’s important to address leaks promptly and completely.

Mold Growth After a Roof Leak

A roof leak is never a problem to put off till another day. Even if only a small amount of water enters your home, there is a good chance mold growth will follow. Mold spores are all around you in the air and on surfaces inside your home. When conditions are right — moist and warm — those spores start germinating within 24 hours.

To make matters worse, it takes a long time to see mold. Within 24-48 of moisture exposure, damp surfaces probably have mold, but the mold may still be invisible to the naked eye. By day 18, you may start to see the mold, but it will be quite well established and harder to clean up.

Preventing Mold Growth

If you wait to see mold after a roof leak, you’re waiting too long. Start working to prevent mold growth as soon as you notice the leak. Call your roof company and make an appointment for repairs. 

While you are waiting for your roofers to arrive, start drying out the space. If water is still leaking in, catch it in a bucket or tub. Use towels to soak up any water on the floor. If possible, ventilate the area. Set up a fan or a dehumidifier to help remove moisture from the air. Also, wipe down affected surfaces with a solution of bleach and water.

You may need to dispose of absorbent items that get wet during a roof leak if you can’t dry them out quickly. For instance, if your insulation becomes wet, replace it. Damp insulation almost always grows mold.

After your roof is repaired, keep an eye on any wet ares near the mold. If you see mold or notice a musty odor, contact a local mold removal company ASAP.

Take action quickly after a roof leak to prevent mold growth. Clean up the water and call a roofer. If you’re looking for a reliable roofing contractor in the Lee’s Summit area, contact Bill West Roofing.

Warranties on your roof are sometimes confusing, but the goal is to provide homeowner coverage from materials defects (from manufacturers) or workmanship errors (from roofers). However, contractors and manufacturers have different warranties, qualifying situations, coverage periods, and transfer requirements.

Therefore, it’s best to talk to your roofer about their product and craftsmanship warranties to understand the different aspects of your roof replacement.

Can You Transfer Roof Warranty?

Yes, most manufacturers have transferable roof warranties, but many only allow a one-time transfer. It means the warranty is only transferable between the original owner (who had the roof installed) and the next owner. Therefore, if the new homeowner sells the property quickly, they cannot transfer the warranty even if it’s still active.

If you sell or buy a home in Lee’s Summit, MO, a roof’s warranty transferability is a positive selling point. Roof warranties could potentially save homeowners thousands of dollars in roofing repair and replacement costs.

How to Transfer a Roof Warranty                  

The process of transferring a roof warranty begins before you sell your home. Notify the roofing contractor and the manufacturer of the change in homeownership. Ensure the process stays within the transfer window (and pay any monetary fee if required) to complete the transfer.

If you buy a new home or replace your roof, confirm and verify the actual coverage of your roof warranty. Consider the following:

• Find out what the warranty covers.
• Not all roofers legitimately offer premium warranties. Premium manufacturers such as CertainTeed and GAF require a high level of certification and training before roofers can grant their warranties to customers.
• Verify the roofing contractor registered the warranty to allow it to be transferred.
• Learn how to transfer a roof warranty.
• Notify the manufacturers and roofer of the transfer within the stipulated time – where required.

Getting the most from a roofing warranty involves asking your roofing contractor the right questions, following the rules stipulated, and reading the fine print. In the end, ensure you have a dependable warranty and know how to transfer it.

You can rely on Bill West Roofing if you need a roof replacement in Lee’s Summit, MO. We offer top-of-the-line products with exceptional workmanship. In addition, we are a CertainTeed certified roofer and offer all our clients the best products, quality service, and reliable roofing warranties. Contact us today.

Seamless gutters aren’t new anymore. In many cases, they are the normal gutter system on every house.

Some of the many benefits of these new gutter systems include:

• They are strong and maintain the gutters’ integrity
• They offer a smooth, finished look because they require less hardware to install
• Since they have no seams, they carry water from your home without any leaks

How are Gutters Attached to House?

Seamless gutters are tightly secured to the gutter with almost an invisible system of exterior brackets. The steel gutter hanger is screwed on tight to the fascia before sliding the seamless gutters onto them. It enhances the look of the spout, and it’s also stronger than other lightweight systems.

Professional contractors make custom seamless gutters designed to fit your home perfectly. They make the gutters on-site using a metal fabricating machine to fold a roll of coiled metal into sections made precisely for your home.

Below is the rest of the installation process:

• First, the contractor measures the sides of your home needing gutters.
• The contractor will first inspect your fascia and drip edge to ensure they can support the new seamless gutter system
• Then, they will use brackets and screws to support the entire system better and prevent damage. Unlike nails, screws do not quickly come loose in high winds. Also, the contractor never screws directly into the gutters
• They mark the eaves using chalk string to denote where to install the gutters. This ensures the system has the correct pitch so water can flow into the downspouts
• They hang the bracket hangers along the marked chalk lines and attach and secure them with wood screws
• They install seamless gutters
• Finally, they connect the elbows ensuring they face the correct direction and the end caps, and then secure the downspouts to direct water from your home

Why Hire a Professional for Gutter Installation

As with other roofing work, installing seamless gutters is dangerous. DIY projects can result in falls and injuries without safety measures in place or safety gear for fall protection. You can also void any warranty if you install the gutters improperly or damage them.

Hence, it is prudent to hire a professional gutter installation contractor or roofer. Bill West Roofing does gutter installation work around the greater Kansas City area, including Lee’s Summit, MO. We also do roofing repair and replacement work. Contact us today; we offer free appointments.

Having a new roof installed is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make as a homeowner. You’ll likely spend a lot of time looking into the various grades, profiles, and colors of roofing shingles. Another essential element you need to give special consideration to is your warranty coverage. Shingle warranties can be a source of mystery and confusion, making understanding your options even more important.

So, how do shingle warranties work, and how do you know you’re getting the best coverage possible? Read on to find out.

Types of Roof Shingle Warranties Offered by Bill West

There are three types of shingle warranties:

• Manufacturer’s Warranty: A manufacturer or roofing material warranty is the most common roofing warranty. It offers protection for defects in roofing materials which break down or disintegrate before they should. Standard manufacturer warranties only cover the cost of new shingles, so you’ll be responsible for tear-off, disposal, and installation costs. The warranty may end up voided if you cannot show the roof has been periodically maintained. Most manufacturer warranties cover shingles for 20-50 years.
• Workmanship Warranty: Reputable, skilled roofers guarantee their work with a workmanship warranty. This type of warranty provides coverage against improper installation techniques or worker errors. Coverage typically runs anywhere from 2-15 years. A workmanship warranties will also be void if another contractor works on your roof.
• Extended Manufacturer Warranty: To help homeowners get lasting value, leading manufacturers provide additional coverage for an extra cost. Typically, extended warranty coverage applies when you have a complete roof system installed by a certified roofing contractor. In case of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer will provide reimbursement of the cost of shingles and specific accessories and exclusive costs of tear-off and disposal.

Warranty Proration and Transferability

The warranties you get for your new roof will depend on the quality of the material, the manufacturer, and the expertise of the roofing contractor you hire for the job. Manufacturer warranties can be “prorated” or “non-prorated.”

With a prorated warranty, your level of protection decreases as the roof ages. You’ll get 100% coverage for the first 5 to 10 years, and then coverage will decrease by 5% each year after. Conversely, a non-prorated warranty does not reduce the manufacturer’s responsibilities. Protection remains continuous throughout the life of your roof.

Most manufacturers do have transferable roof shingle warranties. This allows you to transfer the warranty to the new homeowner should you sell your home. A transferable roof warranty is an appealing selling point for potential buyers. However, many warranties can only be transferred once.

For your roofing warranty to be valid, you must complete a warranty registration with the manufacturer after the installation is completed.

Get Local, Professional Help

Working with an experienced local roofer who is committed to ongoing education can help you know you’ll get a good warranty. They can analyze the roof warranty, answer your questions, and even explain the fine print. 

Make sure to check their manufacturer certification to ensure you’re working with a knowledgeable roofer who has a track record of sound business practices and access to the best warranty available.

Contact Bill West Roofing to learn more about shingle warranties. We’re a reliable CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster roofer in Lee’s Summit, MO.